Due to a nearly 100% return rate for existing players and the fast growing popularity of the sport and the Firehawks lacrosse club, we have only a few spots available for 2009 registration. Please contact Doug Appleton (doug@talonlacrosse.com, 650-218-1228) for information about registration and space availability.
As an all-inclusive club, we do not have formal tryouts or cuts for younger players (U-9, U-11 and U-13). Instead, we limit registration on each team to 20 players and registration will close when the teams are full. Most of the 2009 teams are already full. In the fall and for the first week of practice in February, we will evaluate the players and place them on either the A or B team at each age group based on skill and commitment level.
For the U-15 teams, we will have tryouts in October where we expect to have to make cuts in order to keep the size of the teams to 20 players on each team. We will determine this early enough in the fall so a U-15 player will have time to register on another area team in the event he doesn't make the Firehawks.
What you should know before you register:
Fees: Firehawks registration fees will likely remain at $350 for the 2009 season for U-9, U-11, U-13 and U-15, but could increase. The fee for the girls team is expected to remain at $275, and the fee for the Firestarters is $150. Fees pay for field expenses, equipment, insurance, NCJLA registration fees and referee fees. In addition, non-parent coaches receive a coaching stipend.
Practices and Games: Teams practice twice a week for 90 minutes each at Sequoia High School in Redwood City. Our home field for games is Sequoia High School's stadium field. Most games are held on Saturday with a few Sunday exceptions. There are some weekends where two games are played. While the best effort is made to schedule teams for local games, the older teams do travel to games as far away as Petaluma and Danville. At the end of the season there is a league-wide jamboree held near Sacramento.
Commitment: All players must fully commit to the goals and high standards of the Firehawks organization, including signing a Code of Conduct and Parent Pledge. All players must commit to playing lacrosse and attending all practices and games. Players are permitted to play other sports, but must treat lacrosse as a priority in the event of a conflict.
Code of Conduct: Every player, coach and parent commits to honoring Firehawks Code of Conduct, which among other things requires a commitment to "be the best" in terms of effort, attitude and sportsmanship, both on and off the field. This includes in the classroom and at home. These clear expectations guide and excite us as we grow together as a team to become great lacrosse players and citizens.
Fair Play Policy. All Firehawk teams, except the teams designated as "A" by the NCJLA, follow the Fair Play Policy, which provides that all players will receive equal playing time relative to other players in their position.
Parent Pledge. All Firehawks parents sign a pledge whereby they promise to show respect for all involved in the game including coaches, players, opponents, opposing fans and officials. This includes limiting their involvement to cheering in a positive way for players (for both teams), and leaving the coaching to the coaches.
Community Service: All players are asked to participate in a community service project so we can teach our youth the importance of giving back. In 2007, over 100 Firehawk players and parents participated in an Earth Day clean up project, and planted a redwood tree. In 2008 each Firehawk family adopted a family in need from the Shelter Network and provide gifts and comfort during the holidays.
Volunteer Commitment: Each family is expected to volunteer to keep the club financially solvent, and more importantly to experience the rewards of commitment and connection.
