Tryouts and Season Startup

2026 SEASON START-UP and TRYOUT INFORMATION

Knowing what to expect during the tryout process helps make the experience positive for players, parents, and supporters. Please review the information below carefully. All updates and relevant tryout/balancing information will be posted on our website. Players and families should be checking the website regularly for updates.

FLOOR TIMES & AGE GROUPS
Floor times will be updated on the website as they become available. The regular season for MMLL is going to run from May 2 through July 26th. Balancing and tryout sessions will commence in early April.

• U9 Banditos
  • This introductory level focuses on building comfort with the game, stick handling, and basic skill development through drills and instruction. 
• U11 Coed
  • Balancing will take place in April.
• U13 Coed
  • Balancing/Tryouts will be based on registration and MMLL division composition and will take place in April.
• U15 Coed
  • Balancing/Tryouts will be based on registration and MMLL division composition and will take place in April.
• U11 Female, U13 Female, U15 Female
  • Balancing/Tryouts will be based on registration and MMLL division composition and will take place in April.
• U17 Coed & U17 Female
  Tryouts will be based on registration and MMLL division composition and will take place in April.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

• All players must be fully registered before the first tryout or balancing session.
• Fees must be paid in full or an auto-payment scheduled before tryouts/balancing.
• Players will not be permitted on the floor until registration requirements are met.
• Tryout fees for minor/club teams are included with registration. Junior tryout fees may apply. All players are expected to attend scheduled tryout sessions.
• If a player cannot attend, refer to the Team Selection section below.
• Registration questions should be directed to registrar@dartmouthbandits.com
• Fee-related questions should be directed to president@dartmouthbandits.com

WHAT TO EXPECT AT TRYOUTS
(Players, Parents & Supporters)

• Arrive 30 minutes early to allow time for check-in.
• Players must sign in and will receive a numbered pinnie. Pinnies must not be exchanged.
• No parents are permitted in the dressing room except for U11, where one adult may be permitted per player if assistance is required. Certified coaches will be in each dressing room following our two-deep rule.
• For all co-ed tryouts, female players are required to dress in a designated female room. After teams are determined, the Bandits Dressing Room Policy will apply to all co-ed teams.
• Players must be dressed in full equipment for all tryouts/balancing sessions - INCLUDING MOUTHGUARDS. Please refer to the equipment guidelines on our website for details.
• Only players, coaches, and evaluators are permitted on the floor or bench.
• Parents/supporters may watch from the stands only.
• Pinnies must be returned to the registration table after each session.
• Coaches will not answer questions on tryout days. All inquiries should be emailed to our Tryout Coordinator at tryouts@dartmouthbandits.com.
• Players are expected to listen carefully, follow instructions, and respect others.
• Come rested, ready to work hard, and give your best effort.
• Most importantly — have fun.

IMPORTANT REMINDER
All board members, coaches, tryout support staff, and floor helpers are volunteers.

Disrespectful behaviour, derogatory language, or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated. Any issues relating to this could result in being asked to leave and not being permitted on future floor times.

The Bandits' Social Media Policy applies to all registered players and parents, so please be mindful and respectful with regards to comments and posts. Any inappropriate or derogatory comments regarding tryouts, evaluation, or player performance will be deleted or asked to be removed
removed.

All questions or concerns must be directed to: tryouts@dartmouthbandits.com. To ensure accurate and timely responses, please do not use social media for tryout inquiries.

EVALUATION CRITERIA

In addition to lacrosse skills, coaches may evaluate:

• Ability to listen and follow directions
• Focus during drills and transitions
• Hustle and positional awareness
• Communication on the floor
• Commitment to sessions and the team
• Positive attitude and sportsmanship

TEAM SELECTION

• Team rosters will be posted after all tryout sessions are complete.
• Players not selected for an A (Tier 1) team will be assigned to a B (Tier 2) team. Per MMLL rules, players who do not make the A team are not permitted to go to another association to try out for an A team.
• Players unable to attend all tryout sessions will be allocated to a B team unless an exception has been granted by the Tryout Coordinator.
• Players changing positions (runner/goalie) who cannot attend tryouts will be allocated to a B team.
• Coaches reserve the right to roster 12 players, with up to 2 flexible spots determined after B-team balancing.
• Any player coming in from another association to try out for an A (Tier 1) team must be:
  • Runners
    • Must score in the top 4 left runners
    • Must score in the top 4 right runners
  • Goalies
    • Must score as the top goalie in the age group
• Medical exceptions (with documentation):
  • Returning players will be evaluated based on the previous season.
  • First-year players will be placed on a B (Tier 2) team.

The Board reserves the right to allow changes and movement to team composition and rosters up to two weeks post-season start. All team selection inquiries must be sent to tryouts@dartmouthbandits.com.

CHECKING CLINICS/UPDATES

** NEW FOR 2026 SEASON **  

Lacrosse Canada has made some changes to pre-season instruction for all U9, U11 & U13 levels. Players must complete proper instruction (either in a clinic or a practice session) where "on-ball -  checking/off-ball - arms extended shadowing” is allowed (also known as pushing to direct or push and place). There are no off-ball forceful crosschecks at these levels. 

All U15 Coed + players who have not previously completed a checking clinic.  U15+ checking is based on the Equal Pressure Concept. Once equal pressure is met, the defender can cross-check to direct the opponent and re-establish defensive positioning. 

 **NEW FOR 2026 SEASON**

Defender is not permitted to repeatedly cross-check or slash an attacker off-ball once defensive positioning is established.  Checking must be directed at the elbow. Coaches will be reviewing these changes with players at the beginning of the season.

SOURCE: LACROSSE CANADA Age & Stage Appropriate Modifications

If you have been unable to attend one of our pre-season checking clinics, please contact tryouts@dartmouthbandits.com.