Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is an "elite" lacrosse team?
Elite lacrosse teams compete in the off-season period, typically between May and November. Elite lacrosse teams primarily focus on player development rather than tournament wins and losses (W/L) as the overall objective.
Are all teams that compete during the off-season elite teams?
No, in fact, there are a number of varieties of teams that compete during the off-season. In general, there are four types of off-season teams: 1) "one-off" tournament teams that are selected by a coach(es) for the express purpose of W/L's at a specific tournament; 2) Off-season tournament teams that play in multiple tournaments with the organizational structure and emphasis on W/L's; 3) High school-based off-season tournament teams that emphasize the objectives of the high-school team with a focus on W/L's; and 4) elite teams, which are player-development focused and attend recruiting-oriented tournaments to advance player capabilities and showcase player skills and knowledge. Elite teams are the only off-season variety truly organized to implement a comprehensive player development system capable of synchronizing academic and athletic goals and objectives.
How many elite teams compete in the West Florida region?
There is only one true elite team in West Florida - the Tampa Bay Fire. As the Tampa Bay Fire enters its fifth season as an elite-level lacrosse club, the Fire has assisted almost 30 players with earning a spot on college lacrosse teams. Other than the Fire, no other program in this part of Florida has had any degree of success with developing players and assisting them with their collegiate athletic and academic aspirations. In fact, most leading players in the Greater Tampa Bay region have had direct training and development relationships with the Fire. Indisputably, the Fire's performance is unmatched in this region of the state and it's favorable reputation is growing nationally.
What is the team practice and tournament commitment?
The Tampa Bay Fire expects that players will participate in virtually all scheduled practices and tournaments. The team recognizes that while most of our athletes play several sports, participate in myriad extracurricular activities, are honor roll students, and have family commitments, participation on the Tampa Bay Fire must be balanced as an athletic priority during the competitive season. Athletes that consistently attend practice, compete hard during tournaments, and take a serious approach to their lacrosse development, typically achieve the most results from the program. Players who cannot make such a commitment are discouraged from trying out for the team.
How many practices and tournaments are scheduled?
While there is typically no set number of practices or tournaments, the team typically plays 30-40 games per season (7-10 tournaments) and holds 20-25 practices. During periods when tournaments are scheduled, the team will practice more intensively, while practices and games may be less frequent when the school sports season resumes in the Fall and Winter.
Can I play on more than one elite-level team?
It is the Tampa Bay Fire’s policy that any player accepting membership on any Tampa Bay Fire team MAY NOT tryout, play for, guest on, or otherwise participate in the competitive programs and activities of another elite-level lacrosse team. This policy is binding and will not be waived for any player associated with the Tampa Bay Fire. Any player attempting to circumvent this policy will be terminated from club membership without refund. Players are eligible to participate in their in-season and off-season league sanctioned middle school or high school competitive, recreational, and/or conditioning programs and activities.
Can I tryout for and play for Team Florida, if selected?
Team Florida is a competitive state-wide all-star lacrosse program that selects among elite lacrosse players in Florida to participate in national recruiting tournaments against similarly selected teams. Their mission is to support and promote the growth of Florida lacrosse players. Team Florida has a direct relationship with the Tampa Bay Fire which ensures the proactive coordination of tournaments and events. The Tampa Bay Fire authorizes and exception for players to participate in Team Florida events and activities. This exception does not extend implicitly or explicitly to any other off-season elite-level team, club, organization, etc. Moreover, this exception does not set, establish, or indicate a precedent or comparative interprettion that permits or implies other exceptions.
What does the Tampa Bay Fire annual fee cover?
The annual fee covers a variety of costs associated with fielding a competitive lacrosse team. Direct team-based costs such as tournament fees, coaches stipends, coaches travel, uniforms, insurance, practice field rental costs, referee fees, field equipment, and player support materials are covered by the fee. Other indirect costs such as internet marketing, player recruitment materials, and assorted administrative costs necessary to operate the club are also covered. Player travel costs are not included in the annual fee. The team is engaged in an active, on-going effort to strengthen sponsorships and affiliations with individuals and organizations interested in supporting the mission of the team. Sponsorship funds will be used to defray some of the direct and indirect costs through scholarships and offsetting payments. Fundraising events may also be scheduled throughout the season as a means of further reducing costs.
Are Tournament fees additional?
No. As of the 2009 season, tournament fees are included in the annual fee.
What is the team's refund policy for the annual fee?
As part of the process of accepting the offer to play for the Tampa Bay Fire, all players and their parents agree to the refund policy. Our refund policy is designed to minimize the impact to both parties in the event of a cancellation. Our program incurs many expenses for each participant very early in the registration process including uniforms, team equipment, mailing costs, processing fees, insurance, and facility use fees. Shortly thereafter, expenses increase as the program contracts services for its staff. Due to expenses incurred at the time of registration, 50% of the annual fee is non-refundable (regardless of the reason for cancellation). After 30 days of accepting the invitation to play for the Tampa Bay Fire, the entire annual fee is non-refundable (regardless of the reason for cancellation).
Does the team provide college recruiting support?
With the understanding that college is a typical goal and objective for most of our players, the Tampa Bay Fire is actively involved with many facets of the recruiting process. From regular conversations with college coaches and officials, to personal invitations to college coaches to attend practices, clinics, and tournaments, through targeted personal correspondence on behalf of each player, the team facilitates numerous opportunities for players to interface directly and indirectly with leading colleges and universities.
That said, many college coaches prefer direct one-on-one recruiting conversations with the athlete, not their parents or coach. Many prefer this approach simply because they like to get to know the individual on a personal level. Using any combination of personal interviews, e-mail exchanges, or phone conversations, and coupled with video presentations and actual game evaluation, college coaches seek to gain a strong feel about a player to determine if there is a “fit” and whether the player has the capacity to withstand the rigors and pressures of college academics and competitive athletics.
Regardless of the individual preferences of the multitude of college coaches, we take recruiting seriously. While it is not uncommon for other club coaches to falsely inflate an athlete for the advancement of the club, the Tampa Bay Fire coaching staff intuitively understands that it is ultimately the player’s responsibility to consistently, day-in and day-out, prove himself on and off the field. As coaches, we reinforce and instill the discipline necessary to position the player for college-level success while facilitating introductions and conversations, and lending our knowledge and network to the endeavor of finding the right college opportunity for each player.
For a more in-depth look at the recruiting process, please refer to the "Recruiting Services" section under "Key Information" section.
