FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What is the Winter Thaw Lacrosse PlayDay?
A: The Winter Thaw is a preseason lacrosse playday designed to help teams prepare for the upcoming spring season. It began during the COVID era to provide meaningful game play after extended downtime and has since become a trusted final tune-up before the regular season begins. Teams use the event to evaluate lineups, build chemistry, and get live reps outdoors.
Q: Who can participate in the event?
A: The Winter Thaw is open exclusively to Varsity teams. Players who are strong Varsity candidates for the upcoming season may participate only if invited by their team’s head coach or team manager.
Q: How do coaches reserve a team spot?
A: Coaches reserve a team spot by submitting a $100 non-refundable deposit.
- Team spots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis
- Coaches should confirm approval with their school’s head coach or athletic department before reserving
- Coaches are responsible for confirming sufficient player interest before placing a deposit
- Once the deposit is received, the team is officially held in the event
Q: What are the roster requirements?
A:
- Minimum roster: 15 players
- Maximum roster: 24 players
- Teams that do not meet the 15-player minimum may not be eligible to participate
- Coaches are responsible for managing roster size and player commitment prior to registration
Q: How does player registration work?
A: Player registration opens after a team spot is reserved.
- Each coach is issued a unique registration code
- Only players who receive that code from the coach will be able to register
- This ensures that only coach-approved players participate
- Individual player registration and payment are completed separately from the team deposit
Q: Is there a championship game or tournament winner?
A: No. The Winter Thaw is not a tournament and does not award a championship. The focus is on preparation, evaluation, and readiness for the spring season—not standings or titles.
Q: What type of jerseys are provided?
A: Participants receive custom Winter Thaw tank tops, designed for use beyond the event—on campus, in training, or casually—helping promote the event throughout the lacrosse community.
Q: Why is the event limited to Varsity-level play?
A: The Winter Thaw is played at a high competitive intensity and is intended for experienced players preparing for Varsity competition. It is not a developmental or instructional event.
Q: What is the refund policy?
A:
- Team Reservation refunds are made after the event
- Refund eligibility requires that the team:
- Meets the 15-player minimum roster, and
- Does not forfeit any scheduled games at the event
- Teams that forfeit a game or fail to meet minimum roster requirements are not eligible for refunds
