2023 Season Update

REGISTRATION and FEES

We know that families have a lot of uncertainty about the future of the season so registration will work a little differently than it has in the past. Here is what families can expect. 

-Upon registration, each registrant will be asked to pay a non-refundable deposit. That amount will be 25% of the total registration fee by March 1, 2023.  This deposit will let us determine how many players we have enrolled and will also guarantee your player a spot in a program this season. 

Why is this deposit non-refundable?

The short answer is that operating a minor lacrosse club does have ongoing expenses that need to be paid regardless of what participation looks like. Things like websites, insurance, administrative staff (we haven't paid any staff directly in High River, but we benefit from and share the costs of CDLA and ALA staff), and administrative fees all continue to have to be paid. Last season HRLA chose to refund 100% of all registrants' money and paid funds to ALA and CDLA for their continued operations out of funds that we had saved from prior operations. This is not sustainable over the long term, especially if we face another season of expenses for websites, insurance, or coaching certification without registration income. The HRLA, ALA, and CDLA will need funds to ensure the long-term viability of minor lacrosse in High River and Alberta. 

-As the season unfolds we anticipate collecting additional fees at 3 other points throughout the season. When and how much those fees will be will depend on how much lacrosse activity takes place. We believe this is the fairest means of recovering the costs for the actual lacrosse players get to enjoy while minimizing the chances of having families waiting on significant refunds. 

COST

 Fees can be split into 4 payments - 1st payment due on registration - is April 1st, May 1st, & June 1st. 

In the event that we are able to carry out our season in accordance with the plan set out below, this is the maximum total fee. In the event that programming is curtailed or canceled, the fees will be reduced and charged in order to recover the costs of the programming that is delivered. 

 For example, a 11U player could be looking at paying an $80 non-refundable deposit on registration and then $80 on each of April 1, May 1, and June 1 if the season unfolded in a perfect scenario. Other groups' deposits and fees would look comparable to this.

 HOW CAN YOU HELP?

 If you would like to support the return of minor lacrosse we encourage you to do the following

1. Register! Registering as soon as registration opens will allow us to have the best information to plan for the season and that you support the model that HRLA and other CDLA clubs are working towards. (As in past years if you need to make alternate payment arrangements, HRLA will absolutely take that into consideration and work with families to ensure your child is able to play.)
2. Volunteer! We will need coaches, managers, and trainers, let us know if you are interested.
3. Spread the Word! If your players love lacrosse tell other families and get them to participate too. Our ability to provide programs our players love is directly impacted by the number of players involved. This year has been tough for everyone and losing a season sucks, but if we can come back with at least as many and maybe even more players than before, lacrosse will be better for everyone.

We can't wait to see you all at the Fieldhouse!