master's league

[newbielaxer]

hi would like to hear from some people that are playing in the master's league in alberta have checked out ( albeit briefly) the rules and requirements for it and may be interested in playing next year after i play some more pickup and get some idea and maybe some semblance of skills in my game.......lol....
but would really like to hear from some guys that are playing

[RockStar]

Newbie,

Go for it.

I've been playing men's and mixed masters lacrosse for a few years now in various leagues in and around Toronto. I can't speak for a specific league in Alberta, but our leagues are typically safe, clean, and mostly free of troublemakers.

[Lax4Ever]

I don't think you should wait another year if you don't have to. The more you play, the better you'll get and I'm sure a lot of them would be more then happy to help you out. Even if you decide to play something like every second shift, it's definatly worth it to be playing as much as you can. The more you keep your stick in your hands, the better and the better you get, the more you'll love the game. Have fun, good luck and check out that league!!

[newbielaxer]

ok thanks guys appreciate the encouraging words the league has already started but will go the odd game to check it out but will be playing next year i think for sure maybe i can even join this year (late like) but maybe they will let me

[RockStar]

Masters is growing like crazy in Southern Ontario lately. It seems there's a new houseleague every year, and/or an existing league going from 4 teams to 6, 6 to 8, 8 to 10, etc. The number of club teams for tournament play is growing quickly too.

[Lax4Ever]

I really like to hear that. The sport is growing a lot faster then I thought it would and I can't wait to see where it is in a few years.

I wouldn't be suprised if they let you join late. You can't be that late and I'm sure they'd be glad to have you as long as they can get the insurance for you. Which they will be able to do since it's so early in the year.

[RockStar]

Late joining depends on whether there's room.

Most leagues, they're 45 minute games, three periods, running time except for the last three minutes if the score is close.

Typical system is to put 13 runners on each team. That way you typically have 10 show up for each game, so you have two lines. That's perfect for quick changes and making sure everyone has enough floor time for a good run.

[boxlaxman]

Whats masters tournaments are available to an American box team?? Also, what is your masters age??

It is usually 33-35 here in the US but we don't use the same terminology that you do up north...

[RockStar]

Whats masters tournaments are available to an American box team?? Also, what is your masters age??

It is usually 33-35 here in the US but we don't use the same terminology that you do up north...

For Ontario, you'd have to register your team with the OLA to enter tournaments. I'm not sure if a US-based team can do this due to insurance issues. I'm not even sure if a US-citizen player can affiliate with an Ontario club.

I'd surf on over to www.ontariolacrosse.com, find out who's in charge of Masters laX for this year and call or e-mail them.

Few facts

- Masters lacrosse is totally "non-contact", designed for "retired" box players and inexperienced adult players. Junior Masters division is 21 and up, Senior Masters is 35 and up. A Grand Masters division of 45 and up is in the works. The game plays sort of like basketball in terms of level of contact.

-I understand this version surfaced about 10 years ago. Designed to keep the old guys going after they were done playing Senior lacrosse. Most adult rec leauges have changed over to masters rules because registration numbers in recreational box leagues had dwindled severely (down to four teams, lucky to get 7 or so runners to show up by end of year).

-It's not as good as real lacrosse, but it's actually lots of fun - opportunity to run pass and shoot without being clobbered. Especially good for those who have wracked up a career worth of injuries from Junior and Senior box. Keeps many of them running and playing into their 50s.

[TRITON]

Dont worry about waiting to get into masters lacrosse, its there for beginners and guys or girls who have played for yrs.

You should be able to get in depending on the numbers they already have. Our league here has grown every yr for the past 5 yrs. Last yr we had 8 teams and with that we have a SR & JR travel team.

You will love it as soon as you step onto the floor.

[RockStar]

.........Our league here has grown every yr for the past 5 yrs. Last yr we had 8 teams and with that we have a SR & JR travel team.....
What centre do you play out of?

[KnightsLAXDad]

Along with my son playing, that's how I've come to be part of lacrosse just 2 years ago. Never played as a kid outside of a couple of misguided attempts in HS gym class. Around here, we don't play a league, more like shinny hockey. Split the guys who show up into whites and darks and play. The guys (I haven't joined in yet) play a tournament or two in order to qualify for the provincials.

A couple of things to add to RockStar's list, at least in OLA "official" masters:

- can only hold the ball for 5s
- no contact, no stick checking
- cannot pass (dodge, run past, beat etc) past two people
- no shooting though a crowd (dangerous)

It's sounds kind of dull, but it is to have people use their skills not their speed. It's a lot of fun to play. I highly enocurage it!

KLD

[TRITON]

Rockstar i tried to PM you but your inbox is full. Clear some of it out lol so i can send you this pm

[RockStar]

Rockstar i tried to PM you but your inbox is full. Clear some of it out lol so i can send you this pm
Done, sorry.

Your first PM put it over the top!

Anyway, I only play in two houseleagues, but will probably join a tournament team once I hit Sr. Masters age.

[Hackstall]

I play Master's houseleague and play for a Junior tournament team. The tournament play is a lot more competitive than houseleague because there is quite a bit more contact (a litle crosschecking goes uncalled) and the teams play pretty good defence. Once you play tournament, you will find that in houseleague you just seem to have a lot more room.

Newbielaxer, I would encourage you to start playing ASAP. I have only played for 2 seasons but I found my skill increased immensely in that time. The first few games of my first season I was pretty nervous and didn't really want the ball....now I want it all the time!

[Iamodie]

What part of Alberta? I look after the Master's group in Red Deer and I could put you in touch with organizers from the other groups.

[newbielaxer]

in ednonton area but i have already spoke to well e-mailed helen brooks and she has said that i can play as soon as i register

but thx for the offer of the help thats great of you

[Iamodie]

no problem. It sounds like Edmonton has quite a bit of growth this year. Hope you enjoy yourself.

[newbielaxer]

been playing now for nine or so weeks and am loving it and the guys are great always helping with tips and stuff and they are fun to play with good sense of humors and stuff like that i recommend the league wholeheartedly

[Lax4Ever]

Good to hear you are enjoying it. Most times, you'll find the masters to be a great group. They are usually just there because they like to have fun with the game and love it when new people join because they are seeing growth in their sport.
Are you feeling more comfortable with the ball and the game itself??

[Iamodie]

Did you get to go to the Calgary Tourny with them? The Red Deer guys said they had a blast.

[newbielaxer]

both but i still have a ways to go yet no goals and no assists yet but it will come at least i can cradle and move and pass some now am seeing improvement in my game