Ft. Lauderdale Fighting Squids

UPDATE: Click here for the full info packet in adobe PDF format (8Mb)

You have asked, you have wondered and finally we are updating. The spring invitational is less then 2 weeks away and the info is here. Here's the latest info for all those traveling:

When is it: April 11-13th
Where is it: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl (Stadium is in Lauderhill, FL) at Broward Central Regional Park
What hotel should I book: tourney.fightingsquids.com If you need an alternative hotel please let us know
Who's In: Currently there are 6 teams slated to play with invitations out to 4 more.
Calendar of Events:
-Friday the 11th: Social and drawing for thematch lineup. (Time and location coming)
-Saturday the 12th: The Tournament Commences from 10am-8pm.
Major Sponsored Social event 9pm-???
-Sunday the 13th: Final Match/es, and more. Last match and events should be finalized by 3pm on Sunday

So those are the basics, now for the Questions. Click on read more to see over 20 common questions about the tournament answered. If you have your own questions to add to the list email us here...

1. If my team can't/isn't coming may I still come and play?  YES, please do.
2. I'm retired/Older/lazy; can I play in a match? YES, we will have a "Old Stars" match.
3. How much is it and what does that get me? $300 per club or $15 per player (see question 1) which  gets us field rental and fee's paid for the weekend, and will include extras such as raffles and trophies, etc.
4. Is this event put on by the USAFL? NO, this event is hosted and run by the Ft. Lauderdale Fighting Squids. The USAFL is assisting in some concerns, but not financially at this point.
5. Is this as serious as nationals? Well, no; for us down south our season started in January, for many other squads this will be les then a month into their season. While we are playing a competitive tournament, the idea is to have some fun in the sun.
6. Are there point requirements like for nationals? No, there are no point qualifications
7. What about the 50/50 rule? The 50/50 rule will be enforced unless agreed to by both teams, remember this is a fun tournament and is not currently slated to affect your national rankings.
8. My team is coming, and I'm a Revo Player who do I play for/ do I have to pay twice? You only pay once.  The Revo's will want you to play with the Revo's if your club has sufficient numbers.  However, the Revo's will not force a club to play short sided at the expense of playing for the Revo's.  Revo players will will be expected to play with the Revo's when their team is on a break and as the schedule allows.  If you have specific questions on this contact Matt Jagger at secretary@usfooty.com.
9. How much is the official hotel? Its $169 a night for up to 4 people; its less then 2 miles from the beach, 5 miles from the stadium, 1 mile from downtown Ft. Lauderdale. Don't forget there is a HUGE breakfast each morning and open bar, yes OPEN BAR from 5-7 each night, so split between four players that’s a pretty sweet deal mates.
10. I'm an umpire do you guys need help? YES PLEASE, we are working on some special things for our umpires and even in discussion with the USAFL to host an Umpire clinic, so if you’re interested please let us know ASAP...
11. Do we get to play at night? What’s the agenda? Yes there will be twilight and night matches on Saturday evening, plan on playing 2 matches on Saturday and there will be one or two final matches on Sunday.
12. What’s the game breakdown? You'll play ~2 matches on Saturday consisting of 20 minute Halves, the two matches on Sunday will be 20 minute halves as well
13. What Social events will there be? Friday night the 11th will be a Welcome Bash, and Saturday night will be a big celebration as well.
14. Are families welcome? YES PLEASE, we love families and the Stadium park features basketball, netball, a water park, playgrounds and much much more.  Please note that family Members are required to pay $1.50 per person per day as per county park rules.
15. Will there be stuff? Yes that’s a question we got, there will be shirts, Boots, food vendors, and other sponsors.
16. My company is looking to sponsor a tax deductible event? That’s great we're looking for a sponsor contact us.. for more info.
17. How do I get from the hotel to the stadium? Rental car, Taxi, Bum a ride, and we hope to have a shuttle van running as well but it is not yet confirmed.
18. Is this going to be an annual tournament? Yes and those teams that come this year will always have a return invitation. If your team couldn't make it this year pencil it in for next!!!!
19. Is a match schedule already been created? No, one of the things we are trying to do is match up teams that don't normally have the chance to play each other throughout the year, and until we get final commitments we won't be setting up the actual match schedule.
20. What are we responsible for? You/ your team is responsible for paying fees, cleaning up after yourselves, playing fair, and representing your team and the USAFL. We do plan on having a tribunal ready but hope not to have to use it.