Frequently Asked Questions (and Their Answers)
What are fall practices?
Our fall and winter workout program that shapes, sharpens, and strengthens players into Wildcats. While not mandatory, participation is highly recommended as preparation for the season and conditioning. For those new to Millbrook, it is an ideal opportunity to get to know the coaches and for them to get to know you. Participation is not required, but is encouraged especially for players new to the sport of lacrosse. Participants must have an updated physical form, along with all other participation and eligibility paperwork, on file to take part in practices. The full package of participation forms is available here.
What do players need for practices?
Players are allowed to wear Millbrook Lacrosse or basic athletic attire that include shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. Players should also bring cleats and all lacrosse equipment such as a stick, helmet, gloves, elbow pads, chest protector, mouthpiece. Players should bring their own water bottles. All items should be brought each day.
If I am new to lacrosse and do not have equipment can I still attend Maniacs LC practices?
Yes. All new players who are interested in being a member of the Millbrook Men's Lacrosse Program can still attend practices in the fell Players are allowed to wear Millbrook Lacrosse or basic athletic attire that include shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. Players should also bring cleats and all lacrosse equipment such as a stick, helmet, gloves, elbow pads, chest protector, mouthpiece. Players should bring their own water bottles. All items should be brought each day.
Is there a fee for fall and/or winter workouts?
Yes if your child plans to play in the fall league and participate in travel tournaments there is a $145 fee. This fee includes entry into all tournaments, insurance, practices, uniforms and any cost from extra games. However if your child is not playing in any of the games during the fall season there is not a fee.
Tryouts & Making the Team
How does a student become a Wildcat lacrosse player?
Tryouts take place in February. Prospective players must attend on all tryout dates. To be considered for a position on the roster, players may not have been prohibited from participation or considered ineligible due to parent or player behavior, misconduct, rules infractions, or academics. Strong work ethic, dedication, academic excellence, commitment, positive attitude, and being coachable are among the traits found in those selected as Wildcats. Prospective players must have an updated physical form, along with all other participation and eligibility paperwork, on file to take part in the tryout process. The full package of participation forms is available here.
Does my player need lacrosse experience?
Experience is not necessary. Our coaches are skilled and experienced. They know how to develop all levels of talent and foster their enthusiasm, athletic ability, and acumen of the game. Lacrosse is similar to many sports such as basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. Even wrestlers, tennis and baseball players can transition to the sport of lacrosse. The transition for players who have a background in these sports is easier as lacrosse has so many overlapping principles that players are taught in these sports. Millbrook has a variety of players from those who started playing in elementary school to those experiencing the game for the first time in high school.
When do tryouts start and how long do they last?
Tryouts for the 2022 season are TBA.
Who is eligible to tryout?
Please see the NCHSAA Handbook for NC eligibility rules. In addition, our coaches have high academic expectations for all players throughout the year.
If I am participating in a fall or winter sport for Millbrook does it affect my opportunity to make the team?
No. Lacrosse is such a dynamic sport where multi-sport athletes typically succeed. If you are participating in other sports the staff does ask you to practice stick work 15-20 minutes per day as your other sport should help with the conditioning aspect of lacrosse gameplay. If you are not participating in other sports, but have aspirations to be a member of the team you are strongly encouraged to attend all out of season activities.
Are there size (weight, etc.) limits for players?
No.
What if my player doesn't have a current physical completed?
Players may not participate in any workouts, practice or games without a current physical and all other paperwork on file. Many area medical practices, urgent care centers, and pharmacies offer sports physicals. OrthoNC in Wakefield offers $10 physicals no appointment is needed. Additionally they generously return the $10 to our athletic department as a donation. All current and prospective (including rising Freshmen) players are encouraged to get a physical through OrthoNC. Please use this packet of forms (which includes authorizations specific to OrthoNC) to take advantage of this exam opportunity.
Can a player start the season on JV and end up on Varsity?
This is possible depending on skill development during the season, but not the norm.
When and how do you find out if a student made the team?
Coaches will notify players at the conclusion of tryouts if they made the team. An email will be sent to the entire family as well. Finalized rosters will be posted to our website approximately one week after the conclusion of tryouts.
What if a student doesn't make the team?
Coaches will provide feedback directly to individual players at the conclusion of tryouts. Players who do not make the team may wish to volunteer for a team manager position, and they can always tryout again next season.
Can my player use his own equipment?
Yes. Players are encouraged to purchase helmets, sticks, gloves, elbow pads, and chest protectors on their own. However, they must meet safety guidelines and have all current certifications. Helmets must match the color of our school-provided helmets. We will provide logo stickers and numbers that must be affixed to helmets per league rules. MHS, its coaching staff, or the school administration assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property used while participating in our organization.
What equipment do I need to purchase if I plan to buy my own?
When choosing a stick what kind should I select?
In lacrosse you will usually see three types of stick shafts. A short stick (usually for offensive players), a long stick (usually for defensive players), or a goalie stick (stick with the widest head). The stick you select typically depends on the position you plan to play. All players are encouraged to have a short stick to help develop stick skill; to have extra sticks in case the stick breaks during practice or a game.
How much time will a player get on the field?
Players are not guaranteed any minimum number of plays or playing time. Playing time is at the discretion of the coaches. If your player does not feel that he is getting enough playing time, he should discuss his concerns with the coach.
When are practices?
Once a student has made the team, practices are held after school from 2:45 pm-5:15 pm each day we do not have a game(except Sunday).
Is a player expected to be at every practice?
Practice is important. Lacrosse is a strenuous, physical sport. High school lacrosse involves complex plays, and players master them through repetition. Regular conditioning is important. Missing all or part of practice can become a safety issue for your player and others on the team. A coach can keep a player out of a game for missed practices or disciplinary reasons. Safety is our top concern, and we respect the team dynamic. Players not exhibiting a solid commitment to the team by coming to practice on time and respecting the commitment of other players and coaches may be restricted from play or removed from the team. Let your player be responsible for managing his participation, and he should let the coach know in advance if he will not be at practice.
Where are practices?
Practices are held at Millbrook High School. Players must be on time. "On time" means early, so arrive accordingly and with time to check-in.
Can a parent/guardian watch practices?
Yes. Parents/guardians may watch from the stands, but they may not not come onto the field or the sidelines. Parental coaching from the sidelines is not permitted. Practice is the time for the coaches to work with the players. If you have feedback for your player, please provide it constructively, at home.
When and where are the games?
Games are usually Tuesdays and Fridays during the week. At times games may be on other days.
JV games are played before Varsity typically with a start time of 4:30; Varsity typically starts at 6:30 PM. Both teams play at the same location. The schedule may change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. JV games may not always be made-up if canceled due to rain/other circumstances.
Is there a charge to get into the game?
Yes there is a fee to get in all games, home and away. Most facilities ONLY take cash. If you pay at the gate for home games, MHS does not keep all of those funds. You can help MHS retain all fees, however, by Purchasing a Wildcat Booster Club membership (which provides a pass for all HOME games for ALL regular season sports, depending on membership level). A family membership is a great deal and the perfect way to show your commitment to the Wildcats all year.
How do players get to away games?
Players ride the team bus to AND from away games. ALL players MUST ride the team bus back to the school after away games. JV players are permitted to ride back with a parent or guardian after staying for the first half of the Varsity game and checking in with the coaching staff.
Our fall and winter workout program that shapes, sharpens, and strengthens players into Wildcats. While not mandatory, participation is highly recommended as preparation for the season and conditioning. For those new to Millbrook, it is an ideal opportunity to get to know the coaches and for them to get to know you. Participation is not required, but is encouraged especially for players new to the sport of lacrosse. Participants must have an updated physical form, along with all other participation and eligibility paperwork, on file to take part in practices. The full package of participation forms is available here.
What do players need for practices?
Players are allowed to wear Millbrook Lacrosse or basic athletic attire that include shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. Players should also bring cleats and all lacrosse equipment such as a stick, helmet, gloves, elbow pads, chest protector, mouthpiece. Players should bring their own water bottles. All items should be brought each day.
If I am new to lacrosse and do not have equipment can I still attend Maniacs LC practices?
Yes. All new players who are interested in being a member of the Millbrook Men's Lacrosse Program can still attend practices in the fell Players are allowed to wear Millbrook Lacrosse or basic athletic attire that include shorts, t-shirts, and sneakers. Players should also bring cleats and all lacrosse equipment such as a stick, helmet, gloves, elbow pads, chest protector, mouthpiece. Players should bring their own water bottles. All items should be brought each day.
Is there a fee for fall and/or winter workouts?
Yes if your child plans to play in the fall league and participate in travel tournaments there is a $145 fee. This fee includes entry into all tournaments, insurance, practices, uniforms and any cost from extra games. However if your child is not playing in any of the games during the fall season there is not a fee.
Tryouts & Making the Team
How does a student become a Wildcat lacrosse player?
Tryouts take place in February. Prospective players must attend on all tryout dates. To be considered for a position on the roster, players may not have been prohibited from participation or considered ineligible due to parent or player behavior, misconduct, rules infractions, or academics. Strong work ethic, dedication, academic excellence, commitment, positive attitude, and being coachable are among the traits found in those selected as Wildcats. Prospective players must have an updated physical form, along with all other participation and eligibility paperwork, on file to take part in the tryout process. The full package of participation forms is available here.
Does my player need lacrosse experience?
Experience is not necessary. Our coaches are skilled and experienced. They know how to develop all levels of talent and foster their enthusiasm, athletic ability, and acumen of the game. Lacrosse is similar to many sports such as basketball, football, hockey, and soccer. Even wrestlers, tennis and baseball players can transition to the sport of lacrosse. The transition for players who have a background in these sports is easier as lacrosse has so many overlapping principles that players are taught in these sports. Millbrook has a variety of players from those who started playing in elementary school to those experiencing the game for the first time in high school.
When do tryouts start and how long do they last?
Tryouts for the 2022 season are TBA.
Who is eligible to tryout?
Please see the NCHSAA Handbook for NC eligibility rules. In addition, our coaches have high academic expectations for all players throughout the year.
If I am participating in a fall or winter sport for Millbrook does it affect my opportunity to make the team?
No. Lacrosse is such a dynamic sport where multi-sport athletes typically succeed. If you are participating in other sports the staff does ask you to practice stick work 15-20 minutes per day as your other sport should help with the conditioning aspect of lacrosse gameplay. If you are not participating in other sports, but have aspirations to be a member of the team you are strongly encouraged to attend all out of season activities.
Are there size (weight, etc.) limits for players?
No.
What if my player doesn't have a current physical completed?
Players may not participate in any workouts, practice or games without a current physical and all other paperwork on file. Many area medical practices, urgent care centers, and pharmacies offer sports physicals. OrthoNC in Wakefield offers $10 physicals no appointment is needed. Additionally they generously return the $10 to our athletic department as a donation. All current and prospective (including rising Freshmen) players are encouraged to get a physical through OrthoNC. Please use this packet of forms (which includes authorizations specific to OrthoNC) to take advantage of this exam opportunity.
Can a player start the season on JV and end up on Varsity?
This is possible depending on skill development during the season, but not the norm.
When and how do you find out if a student made the team?
Coaches will notify players at the conclusion of tryouts if they made the team. An email will be sent to the entire family as well. Finalized rosters will be posted to our website approximately one week after the conclusion of tryouts.
What if a student doesn't make the team?
Coaches will provide feedback directly to individual players at the conclusion of tryouts. Players who do not make the team may wish to volunteer for a team manager position, and they can always tryout again next season.
Can my player use his own equipment?
Yes. Players are encouraged to purchase helmets, sticks, gloves, elbow pads, and chest protectors on their own. However, they must meet safety guidelines and have all current certifications. Helmets must match the color of our school-provided helmets. We will provide logo stickers and numbers that must be affixed to helmets per league rules. MHS, its coaching staff, or the school administration assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to personal property used while participating in our organization.
What equipment do I need to purchase if I plan to buy my own?
- Helmet
- Mouthpiece
- Chest protector
- Elbow pads
- Gloves
- Protective cup (recommended, but not required)
- Cleats (football cleats are suggested, but soccer or lacrosse cleats can be wore; it's up to the comfort level of the player)
When choosing a stick what kind should I select?
In lacrosse you will usually see three types of stick shafts. A short stick (usually for offensive players), a long stick (usually for defensive players), or a goalie stick (stick with the widest head). The stick you select typically depends on the position you plan to play. All players are encouraged to have a short stick to help develop stick skill; to have extra sticks in case the stick breaks during practice or a game.
How much time will a player get on the field?
Players are not guaranteed any minimum number of plays or playing time. Playing time is at the discretion of the coaches. If your player does not feel that he is getting enough playing time, he should discuss his concerns with the coach.
When are practices?
Once a student has made the team, practices are held after school from 2:45 pm-5:15 pm each day we do not have a game(except Sunday).
Is a player expected to be at every practice?
Practice is important. Lacrosse is a strenuous, physical sport. High school lacrosse involves complex plays, and players master them through repetition. Regular conditioning is important. Missing all or part of practice can become a safety issue for your player and others on the team. A coach can keep a player out of a game for missed practices or disciplinary reasons. Safety is our top concern, and we respect the team dynamic. Players not exhibiting a solid commitment to the team by coming to practice on time and respecting the commitment of other players and coaches may be restricted from play or removed from the team. Let your player be responsible for managing his participation, and he should let the coach know in advance if he will not be at practice.
Where are practices?
Practices are held at Millbrook High School. Players must be on time. "On time" means early, so arrive accordingly and with time to check-in.
- Tryouts and Season Practice: Most practices are held on the practice field (behind the baseball field)
- Walk-Throughs: Pre-game walk-throughs are held on the game field in the stadium
Can a parent/guardian watch practices?
Yes. Parents/guardians may watch from the stands, but they may not not come onto the field or the sidelines. Parental coaching from the sidelines is not permitted. Practice is the time for the coaches to work with the players. If you have feedback for your player, please provide it constructively, at home.
When and where are the games?
Games are usually Tuesdays and Fridays during the week. At times games may be on other days.
JV games are played before Varsity typically with a start time of 4:30; Varsity typically starts at 6:30 PM. Both teams play at the same location. The schedule may change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances. JV games may not always be made-up if canceled due to rain/other circumstances.
Is there a charge to get into the game?
Yes there is a fee to get in all games, home and away. Most facilities ONLY take cash. If you pay at the gate for home games, MHS does not keep all of those funds. You can help MHS retain all fees, however, by Purchasing a Wildcat Booster Club membership (which provides a pass for all HOME games for ALL regular season sports, depending on membership level). A family membership is a great deal and the perfect way to show your commitment to the Wildcats all year.
How do players get to away games?
Players ride the team bus to AND from away games. ALL players MUST ride the team bus back to the school after away games. JV players are permitted to ride back with a parent or guardian after staying for the first half of the Varsity game and checking in with the coaching staff.