How It All Started:   FSLAX is "Dedicated to the Game"

FSLAX – Frederick Stars Lacrosse Club is the first premier girls lacrosse club in Western Maryland. The FSLAX story began in June 2002 when 25 players and 3 coaches (Robin Abel, Bill Sardella & Mark Snyder) from Frederick County organized a tournament team dedicated to developing players for higher levels of competition. With dedication to each other, determination to play lacrosse the proper way and to break out of the rec league mentality, these girls and coaches were the pioneers of an elite club that has grown to over 100 players on several teams. These players represent the best players in the region from 15+ high schools, 5 counties and 3 states! FSLAX has remained true to its origins and is dedicated to teaching the game, developing lacrosse players and preparing players for all levels of play. Since 2003, over 70 FSLAXers have pursued lacrosse at the collegiate level. FSLAX is recognized by college coaches across the country and actively recruit FSLAX players for Division I, II & III programs.

The purpose of the Club is to develop the skill, knowledge and abilities of Middle School and High School players in a highly competitive atmosphere with superior coaching and guidance, all while encouraging a passion for lacrosse in a challenging and fun environment. FSLAX participates in the best tournaments in the country, including recruiting showcases for college coaches. Players get the opportunity to showcase their skills, compete against top competition; all while developing their individual and team skills and having a great time doing it. Since 2004, FSLAX has been a member of the Galaxy Lacrosse League (www.galaxylacrosse.com) an association of 18 of the best clubs in America. FSLAX rising Seniors and Juniors are eligible for All-Galaxy Honors. (Please see the Galaxy link on the home page for more information)

FSLAX takes a positive and innovative approach to developing its lacrosse players. Winning is not our sole mission, but we do play to win and compete as hard as we possibly can through exceptional effort and determination, all tempered with the expectation to participate in life and enjoy the journey, traits that serve our players and coaches well in their future endeavors on and off the field. FSLAX reminds everyone that lacrosse is a great game to be played and enjoyed by all, we are truly an equal opportunity lacrosse club.

FSLAX is also “Dedicated to the Game” and has been a driving force in the development and creation of youth lacrosse opportunities in Western Maryland. FSLAX has supported many diverse opportunities:

Over $10,000 donated in support of youth lacrosse organizations in Western MD.

Over $1,000 donated in support of US Lacrosse Youth Festival Teams and Clinics.

Over $8,500 donated to US National Women’s and College teams.

Teams:

The Program:

FSLAX is a comprehensive development program that provides high level and experienced coaching not available anywhere else in Western Maryland. FSLAX also provides quality off-season playing opportunities not available from your local high school or recreational programs. No matter who you are or what school you may attend, FSLAX is only concerned about building lacrosse players from the ground up with a heavy emphasis on fundamentals, technical skills, team strategy and team play.

FSLAX is a competitive sports opportunity based on merit. This means that the best players get more of an opportunity to play. The program is a graduated program where the older the team or player, the more selective the players and playing time. For our younger teams (middle school level), the learning and development stages warrant a more equal opportunity to play under the coach’s discretion and other fairness principles regarding attendance, practice, athletic ability, and commitment to the team. For the older teams (high school level), learning and development continues, but under a more challenging and competitive situations that are designed to reward the advanced players who deserve playing time. As players progress and mature, the competitiveness of the players and teams results in players being taught and learning important lessons on the playing fields that ultimately mirror real life, the collegiate level and post collegiate careers. Thus, it is at this point where playing time and positioning on teams are merit and performance based.

FSLAX is an elite full service lacrosse experience. FSLAX administers all aspects of the club, including fields and facilities, team equipment, field preparation and maintenance, tournament deposits and reservations for all teams, uniform procurement and design, sponsorships, website and email listings, on-line registration and credit card payment and processing, team events, recruiting assistance (varies by age), evaluations and discounted travel assistance. By being a full service club, our coaches concentrate solely on coaching and development of our players, players learn and play the game, and the parents support the coaches and players so that all have an enjoyable and special experience with FSLAX. Players join FSLAX for access to elite coaching, tournaments and competition with players, coaches and families who have similar interests in lacrosse.

For the High School player, club lacrosse is essential for those serious about playing lacrosse in college. College coaches from every program look at club programs to recruit players. FSLAX is recognized as a club that provides such exposure to college coaches, skill development to play in college and competition designed to challenge and bring out the best in an athlete while improving that athlete’s skill and playing ability. FSLAX brings together top coaches and players who help each other develop at a higher level and achieve their full potential.

Tryouts are required of all players each and every year. The Tryout Fee is non-refundable. Potential FSLAX players will participate in a tryout organized by age groups, even if the player may have played out of that age group in a previous season, which will result in possible selection and invitation to join an FSLAX team. All team placements are final and are decided upon by FSLAX. FSLAX may also select players By Invitation Only, this means a player is invited to a closed tryout or is invited to play without a traditional tryout or be added to an FSLAX team at the sole discretion of the Director of Lacrosse. Once a player is selected and invited to join an FSLAX team, the player must accept the invitation by paying all required fees in full and committing to play all required tournaments. All players are expected to play in both the summer and fall tournament seasons. Players who intend to play only the summer season or only the fall season are not recommended to tryout for the club. Players who play in the summer season and do not play in the fall season may be removed from the club. (See the Tryout menu link for more details on times and locations)

Player & Family Commitment:

Players and Parents can only get the most out of the Club by making a full and fair commitment to themselves, the team and the fellow players and parents who are investing time and money for the benefits of the Club. As a result, all players are required to attend all scheduled practices, mini-camps and tournaments to continue participation with the Club. A failure to secure approval from your coach to miss an event, to make the full commitment to your team or not attending required events will jeopardize your continued participation in the Club and forfeiture of fees paid (see also “Refund Policy”) and severely impact your lacrosse development, team chemistry and playing time. FSLAX is a commitment and not a recreational or school program; it is a serious lacrosse development program for the serious player.

Coaches:

FSLAX provides its players with the best lacrosse instruction by seeking quality coaches with extensive training and experience in the game. Our coaches possess a passion for the players and the game and are highly qualified, certified and trained by the nation’s best coaching programs and clinics. Many of our coaches are current or former collegiate players. Coaches hold qualifications and training by US Lacrosse, Positive Coaching Alliance, National Conventions, World Team Clinics and through elite programs designed by college coaches and experts in the game. FSLAX coaches spend considerable time staying current and educating themselves in leading techniques and strategies of the game, and therefore, FSLAX provides coaching stipends to coaches commensurate with each coach’s experience, qualifications and commitment to their assigned teams.

Coaching assignments may vary each year and are determined by the Director of Lacrosse after tryouts, player selection and team age groups are completed. Coaches are assigned on a seasonal basis and every assignment is decided upon with the overriding principle of what is in the best interest of the team and its players for their future development. This means coaches may rotate in different seasons or remain the same. Additional benefits can be derived from a player’s exposure to various coaching styles and methods throughout participation in the Club. FSLAX also offers guest coaching and instruction by current and former collegiate players as well as instruction from college coaches and elite high school coaches at the top of their games. FSLAX also has dedicated and knowledgeable Goalkeeper Coaches.

Calendar of Events:

The FSLAX Program runs from February – November each year and offers some of the following activities. All events are designed to fit the multi-sport athlete during traditional high school seasons.

February – May: Limited training sessions and special events including; required player/parent club orientation, recruiting seminar, required pre-tournament practices sessions & President's Day Team Day at a selected indoor facility.

May – July: Team practices, Mini Camps and 4-5 Elite Tournaments. Summer tournaments are required and critical for rising seniors and juniors to be seen by college coaches.

August: No other tournaments or practices - Go on Vacation!

September – November: 2-3 Tournaments, HS & MS Fall Ball Leagues and limited practice/skills sessions. 

Tournaments/Leagues & Playing Time:

Please see the Teams , Forms or Calendar pages for Tournament dates and locations. All players are expected to make FSLAX their 1^st priority in lacrosse and attend all tournaments and leagues. Players are required to provide all of their own equipment and bring all uniforms, practice pinnie and proper gear, all in clean and good condition, to all tournaments and leagues. All undergarments and athletic accessories worn in competition must be team colors. All players report 1 hour prior to their first game of the day for each and every tournament.

The amount of playing time in tournaments and leagues will be determined by the coach. Positioning, strategy and all other playing decisions will be determined by the coach. All athletes will get a fair opportunity to compete, which may not mean equal playing time. (Please also refer to the Program description stated above)

More Club Policies:

Can FSLAX players play for more than one club team? No. FSLAX and its coaches and players feel that when you make a commitment to play for FSLAX, it should be to this lacrosse club only. If you choose to play for another program, FSLAX prefers that you not accept a roster spot so that we may offer that spot to another talented lacrosse player willing to make the required commitment. For further clarification, when FSLAX enters a tournament or league, the player’s commitment is to play for her FSLAX team and no other lacrosse team, including your HS team, if entered. 

Use of the FSLAX or Frederick Stars names or uniforms in leagues or tournaments, where FSLAX is not entered, is strictly prohibited without the express permission of FSLAX and may result in dismissal from the Club.

The Practice Commitment:

FSLAX requires all players to attend all scheduled practice sessions and each player should make the club its first priority during this time. Mini Camps and all practice sessions are required to prepare our players and teams for successful and competitive tournament/league play. Scheduled practices are critical for the player’s development, reinforces skills and fundamentals and team strategies. Practices will also develop team chemistry, scrimmage experience and assist the player in understanding playing expectations and coaching philosophies. Failure to gain these experiences through mini camps and practice will slow a player’s development and impact playing time.

Practices are scheduled in advance and FSLAX will practice in all types of weather except for thunder and lightning. Parents should exercise good judgment in being available for their child in the event practice is shortened due to weather.

Practice cancellations will generally be posted on www.frederickstarslax.com and/or on the FSLAX Hotline (301-874-8437) about one hour prior to practice. Again, parents and players should use their best judgment in the event they can not determine if practice is cancelled. Arriving late to practice is acceptable in these weather related situations.

All practices times and dates can be found on the "Calendar”. Players are expected to be on time, in the proper uniform, and fully prepared to start practice at the start time. Parents and family members attending practice should follow the example of those parents that have been with the club in prior years. Do not interfere or distract the coaches or club administrators during practice so that they can conduct team business that impacts your child’s development. Please see all coaches or administrators after they have released their teams. Parents should not coach their child from the sidelines or distract players and coaches in any manner during practices, tournaments or leagues. Parents and family members must keep a safe distance from the playing areas for their own safety and to support the coaches’ authority with the players. During tournament and/or league play, parents should not be in the team bench area or the team bench side of the field. At no time should parents approach FSLAX coaches to discuss playing time or playing strategy.

FSLAX adheres to the principles of letting the Coaches Coach, Players Play and Parents Cheer and Support the Team and All Players.

Club Administration and Communication:

FSLAX administers the club through its website www.FrederickStarsLax.com and by periodic informational or reminder email. As a result, all players and parents should have an accurate and up to date email on file with the Club and should frequently check the website and email for club news and information. All registration information and fees are completed online. The online registration information you enter must be accurate as it is the data and information entered into tournament rosters, email listings and player profiles provided to college coaches and FSLAX administrators.

The Director of Lacrosse maintains the exclusive decision making authority over all FSLAX activities and operations, including but not limited to, coaching appointments, roster selections, league & tournament placement, public relations, uniforms, finances and player/family member conduct, behavior and disciplinary action.

Player & Family Conduct:

FSLAX is dedicated to excellence in lacrosse, sportsmanship and citizenship and expects all players and family members to conduct themselves accordingly and as examples to all others. Players or family members not conducting themselves properly will be dismissed from the club at the sole discretion of FSLAX. Dismissal from the club, at any time, will result in forfeiture of all fees paid. Family members violating this conduct policy will affect the player’s participation with FSLAX and may result in being dismissed from the club.

Tryouts (non-refundable)  ………$45

*All fees are subject to change, late fees and are per player.

Player fees include supplemental insurance, team supplies, fields & facilities expenses, selected team or club events, girls recruiting assistance/seminars, tournament & leagues advanced reservation fees, coaching stipends, website and other club operational expenses.

Additional Fees:

All player and family tournament/league fees, food, travel, parking, admissions and lodging are the sole responsibility of the player or family and are in addition to the fees charged by FSLAX.

Fees Payment Policy:

All fees are payable on-line through the FSLAX website unless otherwise directed. You should not pay any fees to any coaches unless approved and directed by FSLAX’s Director of Lacrosse.

There will be a $35 charge for returned checks or insufficient funds.

There will be a late payment assessed for registrations after published deadlines.

Late fees may range from $20 to $45.

If payment is not made within the published deadlines, the player will not be eligible to participate in any team activities.

REFUND POLICY:               FSLAX does not give refunds once paid.

FSLAX may consider refund requests only if presented in writing and mailed by US Postal Service to: FSLAX, c/o Director of Lacrosse, 6371 Meandering Woods Court, Frederick, MD 21701.

FSLAX tournament, league, facility and operating expenses are pre-paid in advance and there is no guarantee that any refunds will or can be issued. In the event a tournament or league or event is cancelled and the tournament organizers authorize refunds or a percentage thereof back to FSLAX, FSLAX policy is not to issue any refunds due to related administrative and operating expenses not recoverable. In the event FSLAX approves a written request for a refund, and only upon approval at the sole discretion of FSLAX, an administrative fee of no less than $75 or 50% of the fee is non-refundable, whichever is greater.