My son, who is now a Varsity player, started playing PAL Lax in 3rd grade and played thru 6th in Nassau. Never kept standings and never got a " participation trophy". What he did get was the following:
1 introduction to a game he had never even thought about before PAL and which he now loves and enjoys
2. A weekend morning hanging with dad
3. Chance for him ( and me as well) to make new friends, some of whom he is still playing with today in HS

Let ur son enjoy his pre MS lacrosse days and have fun. if you want him in serious competition at 9 years go with a travel team.