ULAX Lacrosse League - Qualifier

Qualifier

How to Qualify for the National Championship


University Lacrosse, LLC (ULAX) provides an evolved competition format and pathway for its National Championship. The qualifier pathway allows the very best teams throughout North America to come together in a common, unified event.

“We cannot wait for the players and teams to experience the excitement and competitive atmosphere that comes with the enhanced competition provided at our national tournament,” said Tim Leonard, ULAX Co-Founder. “This has been the vision all along when developing the national framework, to bring together North America's elite clubs to compete and crown the very best."

Under the national framework the league provides several benefits that enhance the overall player experience:

  • Any time a team travels to a regional or national event, they are guaranteed to play meaningful games.
  • Based on performances at the regional and national events, teams can boost their national ranking.
  • At nationals, teams will have the opportunity to compete against players throughout North America as they advance in the single elimination bracket.
All participating teams must be active ULAX members to be eligible.

Below is a breakdown of the qualification pathway.

Local Championship

There are ~60 locations to join nationwide, each culminating in a playoff tournament. The local champion receives an automatic bid.

Regional Championship

Each regional tournament champion receives an automatic bid. For local teams participating, Regional Tournaments are a great opportunity to compete against other qualifiers, potentially strengthening their resume and boosting their national ranking.

At-Large Bids

The remaining teams to qualify are selected by the Ranking Committee. These are teams that did not win a championship, but have a compelling resume.

Committee Evaluates:


  • Overall record (number of points)
  • Strength of Schedule / Local Division
  • Quality Wins (head-to-head results, Wins vs. Top Teams)
  • Results versus common opponents
"Beating elite teams is the single best resume booster outside of winning a championship" - Committee Member

Teams that qualify for the National Championship are announced at the end of each season and sent an invitation.

How Selections are Made:


  • Teams are grouped based on Committee Evaluations
  • Committee compares team resumes
  • Committee reviews teams' results and opponents
  • Votes are taken
  • Close calls come down to:
    • quality wins
    • head-to-head
    • strength of schedule
    • roster strength and depth
For more details on the National Championship Lacrosse Tournament