BearLax Lacrosse Club Policies

BearLax is a premier Lacrosse Club that will provide for its members premier coaching; opportunities to play with and against the best players in the West Coast and throughout the United States; and guidance in the college recruiting process.  The BearLax mission is to help grow the sport of lacrosse in Northern California and also to develop athletes who can move on and play at the collegiate level-whether it’s Division I, II, III, or club.  To become a member you must undergo a try-out on a yearly basis. Payment will ensure membership with the club until January of 2010.

•   BearLax will provide players with elite skill-building tools, as well as game-related strategies and concepts.  Training will be conducted throughout the fall, January, and the summer so that players have the necessary preparation to compete in national recruiting events.    
•   In order to ensure that each player will receive the individual attention that they deserve, we will have teams grouped by age and skill levels. These levels will be determined by the coaching staff’s assessment of each player’s abilities. While such levels could be subject to change, it is important that the players and the parents understand and respect the coaches’ decisions. All groups will be provided with the same training opportunities, and high level coaching.
•    All players are expected to attend all practices for their age group. If a player cannot make a practice for a certain reason, contact must be made to their coach at least one day prior. Missing multiple practices without a legitimate excuse could affect a player’s ability to enter into certain tournaments.
•   BearLax will endeavor to teach players skills which will help them navigate through life in addition to the game of lacrosse.  The importance of teamwork, accountability, and initiative will be strongly emphasized.   In order to make this growth possible, we strongly encourage that the players discuss concerns with their coaches directly(rather than parents).  Each player will be held accountable for her actions as well as the decisions that she makes.

TOURNAMENT POLICIES

• Players that attend practices and sign-up in a timely manner will have a greater chance of getting onto tournament rosters.
• BearLax will organize hotel accommodations (blocks) to the tournaments so that we can stay as a group. It is our goal to have a more cohesive club dynamic.
• Information regarding hotels, tournaments and player waivers will either be put up on the website or emailed to you directly.
• Even though we will try to maintain team chemistry, players and parents must understand that certain tournaments will require roster adjustments according to who can attend each event.  This may mean grade pure rosters, and it may mean a mixture of ages. As much as we want to keep the teams together, we also want to give those individuals dedicated to competing and improving a chance to do so as much as possible.
• All players will be given an opportunity to play close to the same amount. This time will be given out at the discretion of the coach. If a player thinks that they are not being played as much as the others, it is her responsibility to communicate these feelings to the coaching staff.
• We strongly discourage players from participating in or joining other club lacrosse programs that will take away from their commitment to BearLax . We do not want to have to compete against our own players.

FEES AND REFUND POLICY

• If you have paid your yearly membership in full and have a sudden conflict - if we are notified by June 1, 2008 we will refund in full.
• Tournament fees and travel expenses are separate from the annual membership fee. However, certain tournaments will be required for the girls to sign up and pay for by January 1. This policy has been put forth to ensure that those individuals who commit to BearLax are willing to attend at least one tournament in the summer.  Tournaments include: Champions Cup (early June), The Capital Cup (end of June), The National Draw (mid-June), All Star Express (mid July).
• The amount for each tournament will vary. They will be based on the requirements given by the tournament directors.
• Once an entry fee into a tournament has been paid it will not be refunded, or used as a credit to the next tournament. In the rare occasion that a tournament is cancelled in advance, the entry fees will be reimbursed. However, those tournaments cancelled during the event will not be refundable.
• $50 fine will be enforced for those individuals who sign up for a tournament and then fail to attend without due notice. These players will also risk losing their right to participate in future tournaments.

CREDIT / CANCELLATIONS / REFUNDS

• BearLax will keep records of all transactions. However, parents are encouraged to do so as well.
  GEAR: Players are required to bring all necessary gear to every event. If gear is stolen or lost there will be a minimum of a $25 fine in addition to the cost of the gear, and may take up to 3 weeks to be replaced.

PARENTS

• Parents are required to defer to the BearLax staff for all decisions regarding the players, and how they are to be coached. Those parents who wish to become more involved in the program, please don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know.