Junior B

Frequently Asked Questions about Junior

The transition from minor lacrosse (GELC) to major lacrosse (RMLL) can be difficult to navigate for both players and parents.  This page is devoted to helping answer questions you may have and hopefully give our members the confidence to keep playing lacrosse into their 20's and beyond!

First time Junior players

The Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League (RMLL) is the governing body for all Major lacrosse in Alberta.  Major lacrosse has two levels, Junior & Senior.  Within Junior there are three skill levels:  Junior A, Junior B Tier I, Junior B Tier II as well as a Junior Ladies division. 

Q.  Where can I find out more information about the league?

RMLL website - https://rockymountainlax.com 

TIP:  Look for the annual welcome letter to minor players, found under the [PLAYERS & COACHES] dropdown menu, then select [NEW PLAYER INFO] New Player Info (rockymountainlax.com).

MUST DO:  Attend the new player info night.

** The in-person player info night in 2022 will not take place due to COVID-19.  Players/Parents are invited to attend an online Zoom version of this meeting Friday, January 14th at 7:00 pm.

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88512664890?pwd=ZHJ5SlIyZDdrQnhxMGxQOHhZY3JkZz09 

Meeting ID: 885 1266 4890 

Passcode: 808290 

Q.  Is there a draft for Junior and what do I need to do to be eligible?

There is a Junior A draft, where the one Edmonton area team (St. Albert Miners) makes selections from the graduating 16U players, and a second draft for Junior B Tier I where four greater Edmonton teams pick from all graduating 16U players.  The GELC provides the RMLL with this list of registered players.  For the 2022 draft, all registered players with a 2005 birth year who last played in 2019 were shared.

Q.  Can I be drafted to both Junior A and Junior B Tier I?

A small number of players may experience this.  You will then get invites to both teams training camps and to earn a spot on their roster.  You can only be a registered player on one team, but can affiliate an unlimited number of games to a team in the division above you.

Q.  What if I don't get drafted, or just want to play for the Posse?

If you go undrafted, you are free to attend any Tier I drop in-floor time and earn an invitation to their training camp.  If you just want to play for the Posse, complete registration and begin attending our posted floor times.

Q.  I've heard something about a Junior Combine, what is that?

Towards the end of January the RMLL hosts a combine where any graduating 16U player, or unprotected free agent player can register for a fee and attend.  The combine in many cases, is a player's first exposure to Junior coaches and through a series of drills and scrimmages, players are scouted by the local Junior B Tier I teams.  It is usually a 4-hour time slot during the weekend with lunch provided.  At the conclusion of the floor time, coaches/scouts for the Junior teams are permitted to come on the floor and have informal conversation with the players.  If your desire is only to play for the Posse, then there is no need for you to attend.  If you want to improve your chances of being drafted, we highly recommend you register and attend this event.  Details for the combine can be found at this RMLL link: Combines (rockymountainlax.com)

Q.  When do training camps begin?

All teams in all divisions of play usually start training camp in March, but almost all of them require you to register and pay a fee for the floor time.  The clubs will use this time to evaluate players and make cuts prior to the season.

Q.  When does the regular season begin and end?

Play in Junior B usually begins around mid-April.  Junior-A usually begins second week of May.  Player movement i.e. cuts can continue to happen right up until the last game of the regular season.  Playoffs and Provincials for Junior B are wrapped up by 3rd week of July.  Junior A by end of July with National Championships in Junior B Tier I and Junior typically mid-August.

Q.  What if I don't have a lot of time between post-secondary and work?

This is what is great about Junior lacrosse, but especially the Posse.  We expect that, and we carry a big enough roster so that players can miss whenever they need to without feeling guilty or like their letting the team down.  Don't let that stop you from coming out for the team.

Q.  I have heard you have to register with the RMLL and your local Tier 2 team, even if I plan to tryout and play A or Tier I?

All players must complete their registration with the RMLL Intent to Play (rockymountainlax.com).  This registration fee of approximately $60 covers league administration costs and insurance.  A player is not permitted to take the floor with any Junior team without this completed.  All first year junior players are told to register with their home association if they offer a Junior B Tier II as a first step.  If you go on to make a team in a higher division the Posse will refund or transfer your fees to the club of your choosing.  If you were registered with a Junior A or Junior B Tier I team in the past you do not need to register with a Tier II team.  The chart below shows where you should be registering if you are a first year Junior player:

Important for Players

• Major lacrosse is not like Minor. You may not always play.  Roster sizes consist of 25 players, but a team can only dress 18 runners and two goalies.  Many players have work, school and life commitments that cause them to miss time.  It's rare to see very many healthy scratches but it is possible.
• Registration fees will vary anywhere from $500 to $1500 depending on the level of play. Make sure you clearly understand what your fees cover i.e. travel, hotels, meals etc.
• The league is structured so that Tier 2 teams play on different week nights than Tier 1 teams to promote affiliations and the ability to be "called up" without conflict.  If you are a player that might not see a lot of playing time in Tier 1, you should absolutely play a season of Tier 2 to further develop your skills.
• Players can be fined by the RMLL for major penalties that result in a misconduct or ejection. Fines are the responsibility of the player, not the franchise.
• The RMLL will communicate directly with the players via email. If you do not currently have or use email, create one.
• Most Junior teams charge admission to their games.
• Currently the only playing option for someone born 2005 or earlier is Junior lacrosse within the RMLL. Trust your skills and keep playing.  Junior B Tier II has players of all skill levels that played 16U - A, 16U - B as well as players that have not played in years.  It is a great league, with great development and competition.

What is the Posse doing for the 2022 Junior B Tier II Season?

• Registration is now open for $700. Parkland Posse Lacrosse Association : Website by RAMP InterActive
• $100 of your fee will be retained for costs associated with training camp should you be cut or make the roster of a higher tier team. The Posse will transfer the balance of your registration to the higher tiered team.
• We are proceeding with preparing for a full 18-game season + playoffs.  
• Home games will likely be played out of the Glenn Hall only until the Grant Fuhr becomes available at the conclusion of the Junior A Saints Hockey club season.
• Under current facility restrictions, all players must be able to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19.
• For further details on our program please visit our Junior B homepage: Junior B - Parkland Posse Lacrosse Association : Website by RAMP InterActive

Miscellaneous

Junior A league has their own website:  Home - Alberta Junior A Lacrosse League (abjralacrosse.com)

• Provincial champion earns the right to represent Alberta at the National Championship - Minto Cup.
• Junior A protected list as of March 7, 2020: A Protected List (rockymountainlax.com)

Junior B Tier I has their own page on the RMLL website:  Junior B Tier I (rockymountainlax.com)

• Provincial Championship teams apply to compete for the National Junior B Championship - Founder's Cup.
• Junior B Tier I protected list as of January 12, 2021: B Tier I Protected List (rockymountainlax.com)

Junior B Tier II has two conferences.  The Posse plays in the Jim Andrews conference and have a page on the RMLL website:  Junior B-Tier II-Jim Andrews (rockymountainlax.com)

• Provincial Championship contested by the top 2 teams in both conferences.

We hope that answers a bunch of questions and has you excited about the potential of wearing Posse colours in the upcoming season.  We look forward to seeing you in March.

Be well,

Mike Sim

VP-Major 

Parkland Posse Lacrosse Association