How does the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament work. What are the divisions and eligibility requirements for tryouts. How can players prepare for the regional tryouts and main event in Baltimore.
Understanding the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament
The All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament is a prestigious event that showcases the top young lacrosse talent across the United States. This tournament provides a platform for high school players to demonstrate their skills in front of college coaches and potentially earn a spot on the All-America team.
Tournament Structure and Divisions
The 2023 Tournament features three divisions in each region:
- Command Division (2026 & 2027 graduation years)
- Burn Division (2025 graduation year)
- Highlight Division (2024 graduation year)
Each division competes within itself during both the tryouts and the main event. This structure ensures fair competition among players of similar age and experience levels.
Regional Tryouts: The Path to Baltimore
Regional tryouts are held during the summer to select teams for the main event. These tryouts are crucial for players looking to showcase their skills and earn a spot on their regional team.
Tryout Eligibility
Who can participate in the tryouts? Players who, in July 2023, will have just completed their:
- 8th grade (graduation year 2027)
- Freshman year (graduation year 2026)
- Sophomore year (graduation year 2025)
- Junior year (graduation year 2024)
Tryouts are open to all players, and no recommendation is required to participate.
Tryout Process and Team Selection
During the tryouts, players are evaluated by a panel of coaching experts from their region. Each regional team will consist of a maximum of 23 players, chosen based on their position and performance at the tryout. Team announcements are made within 72 hours after the tryout.
To ensure fairness and inclusivity, players are randomly assigned jersey numbers and teams for the tryout. This approach allows evaluators to focus solely on player performance without bias towards school, state, or club team affiliations.
The Main Event: Competing in Baltimore
Once selected, the Underclass teams travel to Baltimore, Maryland, to compete in the All America Underclass Tournament. This event is the culmination of the tryout process and provides an opportunity for players to showcase their skills on a national stage.
Tournament Format
How is the main event structured? The tournament follows a pool play format, with teams battling it out to be crowned the Nation’s Elite. This competitive environment allows players to test their skills against top talent from across the country.
College Coach Attendance
One of the primary benefits of participating in the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament is exposure to college coaches. Coaches from NCAA Division I, II, and III lacrosse programs are invited to attend both the regional tryouts and the games in Baltimore. This exposure can be invaluable for players looking to continue their lacrosse careers at the collegiate level.
Benefits of Participation
Participating in the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament offers several advantages for young lacrosse players:
- Exposure to college coaches from various divisions
- Opportunity to compete against elite talent from across the country
- Potential pathway to being selected for the All-America team in their senior year
- Event t-shirt and tryout pinnie for all participants
- Custom All-America event gear package for players who make the final rosters
- Ticket to the All-America Senior Games for selected players
Video Packages and Filming Policies
First Scout Productions is the exclusive video company allowed on-site for the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament. They offer various film packages for players and families interested in capturing the tryout experience.
Video Refund Policy
What happens if a player can’t participate due to injury? The tournament organizers have a strict no-refund policy for tryout video packages, with one exception:
- Players who are injured and cannot fully participate in the tryout may be eligible for a refund
- A doctor’s note and confirmation receipt of registration are required
- Refund requests must be mailed to First Scout Productions within 7 days of the tryout
- Refunds are processed within 30 days, less a $10.00 processing fee
It’s important to note that First Scout will film all regularly scheduled, full-field games at the tryout. However, they do not guarantee filming of half-field breakout games, skills sessions, or drills.
Tryout Refund and Deferral Policies
The All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament has specific policies in place for refunds and deferrals related to tryout registrations.
Refund Policy for Rising Seniors
For rising senior players who are injured and cannot fully participate in the tryout or tournament, the following process applies:
- A refund request, doctor’s note, and registration confirmation must be mailed to Corrigan Sports Enterprises
- Refunds are processed within 60 days, less a $20.00 processing fee
- Requests received more than 5 days after the tryout will not be honored
Deferral Policy for Underclass Players
Injured underclass players (rising juniors, sophomores, or freshmen) have the option to defer their registration to the 2024 tryouts:
- Deferral requests must be mailed with a doctor’s note and registration receipt
- The deferral process is completed within 60 days
- Players are automatically signed up for the 2024 tryouts in the same region and appropriate division
- Requests received more than 5 days after the tryout will not be honored
Preparing for the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tryouts
Successfully navigating the All America Lacrosse Underclass tryouts requires preparation and dedication. Here are some tips to help players make the most of this opportunity:
Physical Preparation
How can players ensure they’re in top physical condition for the tryouts?
- Maintain a consistent training regimen focusing on strength, speed, and endurance
- Practice lacrosse-specific drills to sharpen skills and improve technique
- Ensure proper nutrition and hydration in the weeks leading up to the tryout
- Get adequate rest to allow for peak performance on tryout day
Mental Preparation
What mental strategies can players employ to perform their best during tryouts?
- Visualize success and positive outcomes
- Develop a pre-tryout routine to calm nerves and focus the mind
- Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present during the tryout
- Prepare for various scenarios that may arise during the evaluation process
Equipment Check
Ensuring all equipment is in proper working order is crucial for a successful tryout. Players should:
- Check and replace worn strings or mesh on their stick
- Ensure their protective gear fits properly and is in good condition
- Break in new cleats before the tryout to avoid discomfort
- Pack extra essentials like mouth guards and shoelaces
Maximizing Exposure During the Tournament
For players who make it to the main event in Baltimore, maximizing exposure to college coaches is key. Here are some strategies to stand out:
On-Field Performance
How can players catch the eye of college coaches during games?
- Demonstrate a high lacrosse IQ through smart decision-making
- Show versatility by excelling in multiple aspects of the game
- Display good sportsmanship and leadership qualities
- Maintain a high level of intensity and effort throughout the tournament
Off-Field Behavior
What off-field actions can improve a player’s prospects?
- Engage respectfully with coaches, officials, and other players
- Demonstrate maturity and responsibility in all tournament activities
- Show enthusiasm and a willingness to learn
- Be punctual and well-prepared for all games and team events
By focusing on both on-field performance and off-field behavior, players can make a lasting impression on college coaches and improve their chances of advancing their lacrosse careers.
The Impact of All America Lacrosse on Player Development
Participating in the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament can have a significant impact on a player’s development and future prospects in the sport.
Skill Improvement
How does competing against top-tier talent benefit players?
- Exposes players to diverse playing styles and strategies
- Pushes athletes to elevate their game to match high-level competition
- Provides a benchmark for personal skill assessment and goal-setting
- Offers opportunities to learn from experienced coaches and evaluators
Networking Opportunities
Beyond skill development, the tournament offers valuable networking chances:
- Connections with players from different regions who may become future teammates or competitors
- Interactions with college coaches that could lead to recruitment opportunities
- Exposure to lacrosse industry professionals and potential mentors
College Recruitment Pathway
For many players, the All America Lacrosse Underclass Tournament serves as a crucial step in the college recruitment process:
- Provides a platform to showcase skills directly to college coaches
- Offers insights into the level of play required for collegiate lacrosse
- Helps players gain recognition that can lead to further recruitment opportunities
- Allows athletes to compare themselves to other top prospects in their graduation year
By leveraging these development opportunities, players can significantly enhance their lacrosse skills, expand their network within the sport, and potentially open doors to collegiate playing opportunities.
All America Lacrosse » Philadelphia
All America Lacrosse » Philadelphia
The tournament
The tournament
The 2023 Tournament features three divisions in each region- the Command Division (2026 & 2027), the Burn Division (2025) and Highlight Division (2024). Each division will compete within itself at the tryouts and main event.
The regional teams are selected via tryouts during the summer. Once selected, the Underclass teams will travel to Baltimore, MD and compete in the All America Underclass Tournament. Each team will battle it out in a pool play tournament during the Main Event Weekend to be crowned the Nations’ Elite.
College Coaches from DI, DII & DIII lacrosse programs will be invited to attend both the regional tryouts as well as the games in Baltimore. Participants who play in the Underclass Tournament will have the inside track to being exposed to the selection committee of the All-America team which they will be eligible for once they are seniors.
All participants will receive an event t-shirt and tryout pinnie at check-in. Players that make the final rosters will receive a custom All-America event gear package and a ticket to the All-America Senior Games.
VIEW FILM PACKAGES
* Please note, First Scout will be the only video company allowed on-site.
VIDEO REFUND POLICY: We have a strict “no-refund policy” for tryout video packages (Game and/or Highlight) with the only exception being for a player who is injured and cannot fully participate in the tryout.
1. Doctor’s note and confirmation receipt of registration required for refund.
2. Request must be mailed along with doctor’s note and receipt of registration to: First Scout Productions, Attn: All-America Video Package Refund, 30 Riverside Dr. Greenland, NH 03801.
3. Email or phone requests will not be accepted
4. Refunds will be processed in 30 days (or less) post event.
5. Any refund request received 7 days after their respective tryout will not be honored.
6. Refunds will be processed less a $10.00 processing fee.
7. First Scout will film all regularly scheduled, full field games at the tryout and does not guarantee filming of half field breakout games, skills sessions or drills.
Boys and girls who, in July 2023, will have just completed their 8th grade (grad. year 2027), freshmen (grad. year 2026), sophomore (grad year 2025) or junior (grad year 2024) high school season.
Each tryout will be split into the Command (2026 and 2027), Burn (2025) and Highlight (2024 and 2025) divisions
Tryouts are open to any players, no recommendation is needed.
TRYOUT REFUND POLICY: We have a strict “no-refund policy” for all of the tryouts. The only exception is for a rising Sr. player who is injured and cannot fully participate in the tryout / tournament.
Injured Rising Sr. Process for redeeming refund will be as follows:
1) Request with Doctor’s note (notes will be verified) and confirmation receipt of registration must be mailed to: Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Attn: All America Lacrosse Refund, 6725 Santa Barbara Ct Ste 114 Elkridge MD 21075
2) Email requests will not be accepted
3) Refunds will be processed in 60 days (or less) post event
4) Any refund request received 5 days after their respective tryout will not be honored
5) Refunds will be processed less a $20.
00 processing fee
All Injured Underclass players (Rising Jr, Soph or Freshman) registrations will be deferred to the 2024 Tryouts
Injured Underclassman Process for deferrals will be as follows:
1) Request must be mailed along with doctor’s note (Will be verified) and receipt of registration to: Corrigan Sports Enterprises, Attn: All America Lacrosse Deferral, 6725 Santa Barbara Ct Ste 114 Elkridge MD 21075
2) Email requests will not be accepted
3) Deferral process will be processed in 60 days (or less) post event and you will be automatically signed up for the 2024 Tryouts in the same region and the appropriate division
4) Any deferral request received 5 days after their respective tryout will not be honored
Refunds on double registrations will be refunded less a $20.00 processing fee
Players will be judged by a panel of evaluates including coaching experts from that region.
Each team will consist of a maximum of 23 players and will be chosen based on position and their performance at that day’s tryout. Teams will be announced 72 hours after the tryout.
In an effort to continue the highly successful concept of the All-America Underclass Tournament and Tryouts we have created a set of guidelines and procedures that will help foster an environment of inclusion and fairness for all players. The tryout is intended to select the top 23 players regardless of what school, state, or club team affiliation.
Tryout Structure
- Players are randomly assigned jersey numbers and teams for the tryout
- Teams will rotate equally through all the fields
- Each team will be assigned an evaluator to coach a particular team. Along with the floating evaluators, all players will be evaluated based on certain criteria.
- Each evaluator will be provided an evaluation sheet that consists of tryout numbers and position ONLY.
No player data will be expressed on the evaluator sheets. - At the end of the first session or night, all evaluators and coaches will meet and establish a ‘watch list’ of the top 50-75 players depending on the total number of participants
- No player is locked in to the ‘watch list’ and can be bumped in or out depending on their performance at the second session/night.
- Towards the end of the tryout the final top 50/75 will be posted or called out. At that time a final top 50/75 game(s) will be played
No player data will be expressed on the evaluator sheets.Selection Process
- At the end of the tryout all evaluators will meet to discuss all players and select the final 23 players.
- A Corrigan Sports representative will lead the discussion and put players ‘on the board’
- No coach (high school or club) may mention one of their own players
- Players will be evaluated on their performance at the tryout
- The final 23 player roster must have two (2) goalies, but can be comprised of any other combination of Attack, Midfield, and Defense. (ex/ 6 Att, 8 Mid, 6 Def)
- Once the final roster is selected the 2022 Spotlight players will be selected
- The final roster will be posted within 72 hours of the team being selected, and invitation emails will be sent out.
- Players selected to the 23 player roster must have registered and checked in on the first day of the tryout. No exceptions.
(ex/ 6 Att, 8 Mid, 6 Def)If you wish to tryout for multiple regions, you may, but you can only have a spot on one region.
*These are recommended locations. The athlete has the choice to tryout for any region, which is most convenient for their schedule. For instance – If you go to school in a different State then your hometown, you may tryout in either location. However, whatever region you tryout for, is the Region you will represent if you make the team.
