Elite Teams
Rangers Elite was created several years ago as a program within FLAFA for those that wish to compete at a higher level. Elite will run year-round and teams will stay together for a full year, starting in the fall and running through the next summer season. As the elite program grows, the goal is to create a club like feel without the club price tag. This program is designed for those that are able to commit to a highly competitive team.
Girls’ fast pitch players that are eligible to play 14-Under may play for ANY 14-Under A, 16-Under Gold or A, 18-Under Gold or A team. FLAFA will take on 3 players from "out of area" per team if needed.
Ages
The Elite program will attempt to field a team at each age level, depending on numbers, beginning at 10u.
All sanctioning bodies have now aligned and your child will be eligible for the same age level with all Forest Lake Fastpitch teams.
When
Est 2024: Elite teams will try out in the Fall and remain as a team through the next summer season.
Where
Location will be at the coaches discretion. Once teams are formed and coaches are set, communication with your teams coach will be key.
Practices
This will be at the coaches discretion, practices for elite level teams will run throughout the year. Participation at the elite level will be more involved than our other teams. FLAFA encourages multi-sport athletes, and our coaches work with those schedules as they arise.
Games
Elite level teams may not follow the regular Tri-County Schedule, teams may participate in higher level tournaments and play friendlies over the seasons. Again, this will be up to the coach and planned in advance.
Jerseys
Uniforms will be provided, as they are for all other teams, and are included in your registration fees.
Extra Costs
Elite level teams will have much higher costs, as the tournaments at this level are much more expensive. There may be additional fundraising opportunities as well. Expect to pay between 800-1400 dollars at the elite level.
TRY OUTS.. please read carefully!
Tryouts will be held on August 4th, 2025. You must try out for all levels you are eligible at, that you would like to be considered for.
Example: Your player is eligible to play 12u elite ball, but she would like to play 14u Elite. If she tries out for 14u she will only be considered for 14u elite, she will not have a chance to make 12u elite if she does not try out at both levels. We suggest that you try out at both the age you qualify for AND the age you would like to play. (Please email a board member with questions)
Girls’ fast pitch players that are eligible to play 14-Under may play for ANY 14-Under A, 16-Under Gold or A, 18-Under Gold or A team. FLAFA will take on 3 players from "out of area" per team if needed. Meaning, if the 14/16/18U Elite teams need players from another association to fill player positions, the team can take on up to 3 players from outside our organization.
ELITE TRY OUT SCHEDULE
If you are interested in trying out for an Elite team, please make sure you attend your actual age try out and the age level you wish to play "up" to. Registrations for the Elite teams will close on August 2nd so please register before this date.
*Please take a minute to read through the elite teams informational located under the "Programs" tab for a full understanding of the Elite program. Once Rostered, these teams will stay together for a full year. Costs will be higher and a greater level of commitment will be required.
Any questions can be emailed to board@flafa.org
2025 TRYOUT TIMES
If you are planning on trying out for your own age level as well as playing up, please come at the beginning of the session so we can get you in one of the first groups. Players will go through the stations, then check in again and go through for the age they'd like to play up to.
Tryout times are as follows on Monday August 4th, 2025
10u & 12u Players
4:45 - 5:15 Check in/Warm Up
5:15- 6:30 Try Outs
6:15 - 7:00 Pitcher/Catcher Try Outs
14u & 16u Players
6:15 - 6:45 Check In/Warm Up
6:45 - 8:15 Try Outs
8:00 - 8:30 Pitcher/Catcher Try Outs
Please ensure you have all your equipment; if you're trying out to be a catcher, don't forget to bring your gear!
Frequently Asked Questions
How are teams formed?
Tryouts will be held annually in/around early August. Paid evaluators are on site to score players as they complete different try out stations. Scores are compiled and viewed by board members. Top 6-7 scores will lock on a team (depending on team size) and 4-5 coach picks will round out the team.
How Many players are on an elite team?
Rosters will be kept around 10-12 players.
When will I know if my child made an elite team?
Players will be notified asap after tryouts, you will have 24 hours to accept your place on said elite team, after which the offer will be null and void, and an offer will go to the next player in line.
What if my child plays multiple sports year round?
FLAFA will always encourage multi-sport athletes. It is recommended that you have time for multiple sports before accepting a spot on a roster, and always communicate with your coach about prior commitments.
How do I know what age my child should play at?
Elite teams ages 12u and up will follow the USSSA age rules. USSSA age calendar is the "old way" and runs January-December instead of the Sept-Aug age rules that we use with Tri-County, MN Softball and USA Softball. See Chart below, or visit USSSA's age calculator for more information.
What if my child does not roster on an elite team following elite try outs?
This is important! If you either are not offered a place on an elite team or turn it down you will HAVE to return for fall tryouts on August 11th! Elite scores will not be used in consideration for our tri-county fall ball (or summer) teams. This is a separate registration and a separate tryout! We know that this may mean many tryouts for some kids, but this is necessary to keep things consistent across all players.
Elite 2025-2026
The FLAFA Elite program was established with the purpose of allowing Forest Lake area athletes to play together at a high level of competition. Elite teams have the option to compete at the 10U, 12U and 14U levels, depending upon the numbers of players and overall skill. The number of Elite teams each season will be determined at the discretion of the FLAFA board. 10u, 12u, 14u and 16u teams at the Elite level are referred to as “Ranger Elite.”
PLEASE NOTE Changes to the USSSA birthday rule! USSSA has aligned with other sanctioning bodies to form teams using the September- August birthday cut off. A chart is available on our website. This change is in an effort to keep kids playing with same school aged kids. If your child started early or started late in school for their grade they may be in a different age group for softball.