The board of the Hillsborough County Lacrosse Alliance (HALAX) announced today that control of the lacrosse programs within the Hillsborough school district will now reside with the Hillsborough County School Board.
The announcement was made via email in a supportive and celebratory manner by the HALAX board of directors. The board cited HALAX’s success in growing lacrosse from a club sport into an FHSAA sanctioned varsity sport as well as their hope that the county will continue to move the sport forward while reducing the costs for players to participate.
The entire email is as follows:
The HALAX Board of Directors would like to share the good news with you regarding the continued progression of lacrosse in Hillsborough County public schools and the future role of the HALAX organization. Over the summer, the Hillsborough County School Board voted to take over all responsibility for the development and implementation of the high school lacrosse program. This was a very positive next step after a successful 4-year, pilot program. We thank all of you – players, parents, coaches, and volunteers – who have helped to make this program such a huge success. With the time and effort of many, and working with a supportive school board and district, together we have given thousands of student-athletes the opportunity to play lacrosse as an FHSAA-sanctioned, school sport. Congratulations to all!
So what does this mean going forward? In a nutshell, the school district will be in charge of all aspects of the lacrosse program (much like in the past but now also to include payment & registration, purchasing, operations, and communication). Lacrosse will continue to be “pay-to-play”; however, the fee will be determined by the school district instead of by HALAX. It is our hope that the district will continue our efforts to reduce the player fee each year.
We encourage your continued involvement with your teams. Best wishes for a great season, and let’s keep growing the game!