2024 JUCO KICKOFF CLASSIC & SHOWCASE IN FLORIDA

The 2024 JUCO Kickoff Classic and Showcase will be held in Clearwater Florida on January 26 - 28, 2024. This will be the 15th Anniversary of this very successful Junior College showcase tournament. The event is hosted and managed by Fastpitch Headquarters. The managing personnel of our organization have over 4 decades of experience in running reputable tournaments and recruiting events. Our goal is to make the JUCO Kickoff Classic a great start to your team's season.

This tournament will be held at Eddie C. Moore Park in Clearwater, Florida, only 20 minutes from Tampa International Airport or 10 minutes from the Clearwater/St Petersburg International Airport.
 
This Kickoff Tournament will attract JUCO teams from across Florida and from around the country. This event is designed specifically for all divisions of JUCO teams. The format is totally customizable. Teams can select the number of games they want to play, and what days they want to play.
 
The entry fee is $130 per game (minimum 2 games), with the total fee based on the number of games requested. We are determined to make this event the best JUCO Kickoff event in the country. Just let us know what you want to play.

TOURNAMENT FEATURES:

  • All games at one park
  • JUCOs tell us how many games they want to play, and the entry fee is prorated
  • Tournament is heavily marketed as a recruiting event to 4 year college coaches
  • Player Profile Showcase book provided to recruiters
  • Old fashioned customer service with high tech innovation
  • ALL GAMES will be LIVE streamed by AthletesGoLIVE!
  • Schools recruiting will be posted the week of the event. See List of Recruiting College Coaches for the updates.

    If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to call Patti Shotwell at 954-540-7850 (cell) or Linda Derk at 561-632-0511 (cell). You can also email Patti at fastpitchheadquarters@gmail.com.

    Teams - click ENTER THE EVENT

    Individual Recruiters - To RSVP please email fastpitchheadquarters@gmail.com
    with your name, school, email and cell.



    LOCATION

    Eddie C Moore Park, Clearwater, Florida. Directions, Bus Parking & Video of Park Available Here.

    DATE

    January 26 - 28, 2024. Friday - Sunday. You can play one or more days.

    ATTENDING TEAMS

    Attending teams will be posted HERE. We plan to have up to 30-34 teams in 2024. Entries will be accepted soon. 

    FORMAT

    JUCO teams select the number of games they want to play (minimum 2 games). Weather permitting, all games will be played. Teams can opt to play on one, two or all three days. However, due to increased demand from teams, we may need to restrict one day play to Friday or Sunday. We appreciate teams that can be flexible with their schedule request. We will do everything we can to accommodate your special requests. Don't be afraid to ask.

    GAME SCHEDULE

    Game schedule will be completed around Thanksgiving and will posted HERE. 

    ENTRY FEE

    Entry fee is $130 per game (minimum 2 games). You will receive an invoice for total entry fee based on the number of games you want to play. Umpires are included. Teams provide game balls each game. Full payment is due upon receipt of fee invoice/notice, but no later than October 1st. You should mail it to the address below.

    MAIL TO:

    Mail your entry fee, payable to Fastpitch Headquarters, to: Fastpitch Headquarters, 5711 SW 117 Terrace, Cooper City, FL 33330. Be sure to include team name, contact information, and tournament name.

    HOUSING INFO

    For all out-of-area teams, you will be able to reserve your housing through our website after you setup your account and register for the event. We are again using EventConnect as our housing authority this year. The list of approved facilities will display after registration and you can come back to your account to reserve rooms later if you need more time. It is MANDATORY that you book at one of the designated approved facilities on the list. We offer a variety of facilities that are either close to the park, close to airport, or close to the beach. They offer negotiated group rates, have good ratings from past attendees, and will be within 10-20 minutes of the park. A Housing Agreement with more information will be emailed to you after you enter. If you have any problems selecting a hotel, please contact our Housing Coordinator at EventConnect @ 888-723-2064 M-F 8am-8pm or on weekend leave message and they will get back with you. DO NOT BOOK A NON-APPROVED FACILITY.

    RULES & TOURNAMENT INFO

    Our Tournament Rules & Information have been posted HERE. Get cancellation and refund information and learn more about aspects of the tournament. 

    TOURNAMENT CONTACTS

    Contact Patti Shotwell at fastpitchheadquarters@gmail.com via email with tournament questions or call her at 954-540-7850 (cell).
     
    You can also contact Linda Derk at laderk24@gmail.com or call her at 561-632-0511 (cell).
     
    For questions or issues with hotel accommodations, you MUST contact our Housing Coordinator at EventConnect @ 888-723-2064 M-F 8am-8pm or on weekend leave message and they will get back with you.

    COMMENTS

    Communications with teams will be conducted via email and via FPAlerts text messaging system (last minute and urgent communications). All teams must sign up for the FREE FPAlerts service. Click HERE for more information on FPAlerts. We also will use Twitter, Facebook and Instagram during the event for tournament information.


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    LIST OF PARTICIPATING TEAMS



    Teams are listed below.
    As of 1/7/2024.

     
    College of Central Florida (FL)
    Eastern Florida State College (FL)
    Florida Southwestern State College (FL)
    Georgia Military College (GA)
    Gulf Coast State College (FL)
    Hillsborough Community College (FL)
    Indian River State College (FL)
    Northwest Florida State College (FL)
    Parkland College (IL)
    Pasco-Hernando State College (FL)
    Patrick & Henry Community College (VA)
    Pensacola State College (FL)
    Polk State College (FL)
    Santa Fe College (FL)
    Seminole State College (FL)
    St Johns River State College (FL)
    St Petersburg College (FL)
    State College of Florida-Manatee/Sarasota (FL)
    Tallahassee Community College (FL)
    Univ of SC Union (SC)
    USAF Academy (CO)

     

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    TOURNAMENT GAME SCHEDULE


    The MOST CURRENT UPDATED Game Schedule is posted here, version 1.7.24.
     
    GAME SCHEDULE
     
    For a printable pdf copy of the "Updated Game Schedule Grid", click HERE.
     
    GAME SCHEDULE
     
    For a printable pdf copy of the "Updated Schedule by Team", click HERE.
     

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    LIST OF 4 YEAR SCHOOLS RECRUITING


    List of Attending Schools
    Schools who have submitted RSVP will be listed here the week of the event.
     
    We anticipate about 80 in-person recruiters to attend, as well as many watching at home via LIVE streaming. We recommend that players contact any schools that they are interested in attending as they probably are coming or may come if they know you are interested in them. To see a list of past attendees, go to Past Events.
     
    IN-PERSON

    Seton Hill University (PA)
    Warner University (FL)
    Webber International University (FL)
    Coastal Georgia, College of (GA)
    St Leo University (FL)
    Delaware, University of (DE)

     
    WATCHING VIA STREAMING

    Southern Arkansas University (AR)
    Appalachian State University (NC)
    West Florida, University of (FL)
    Bay Path University (MA)
    North Dakota, University of (ND)


     
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    TOURNAMENT RULES AND INFORMATION FOR TEAMS AND SPECTATORS

    Updated: 1/9/2024


    1. Check In - All teams must check-in at the Tournament Desk prior to their first game.

    2. Game Balls -Teams must provide 2 game balls for all of their games.

    3. During the game, each team MUST have someone retrieve game balls that are hit out of play.

    4. Lineup Cards - You must submit a lineup card at the beginning of the game to the plate umpire, to the other team, and to the game announcer.

    5. Dugouts - The team listed first on the schedule will have the 1st base dugout. You will not have to change dugouts if you have back-to-back games. Please clean up your dugout when you leave so it is ready for the next team. Please do not leave any trash or cups.

    6. Home Team - Home team will be determined by coin toss at the beginning of the game.

    7. The designated home team will need to have a player or fan operate the scoreboard during the game, if necessary.

    8. Bat List - All teams MUST have the most current Bat List available for the Umpire in Chief at the beginning of the tournament. All bats are to be presented at Initial Bat Check. The UIC will pressure check bats and certify them for the day. Please make sure that your bat list is completed prior to seeing the UIC. The most current Bat List will be advised prior to the tournament. Each day upon arrival at park, the Daily Bat Check will be performed.

    9. Bat Check - Upon entering your dugout prior to your game, please immediately place ALL bats outside the dugout for Game Bat Check by umpires.

    10. Coolers - Tournament will NOT provide coolers during this event. Teams should bring their own coolers with bottled waters. No spigot coolers allowed. No spectator coolers allowed.

    11. Base coaches MUST wear helmets. This is a Florida JUCO rule and ALL teams MUST follow this rule.

    12. Injury Ice & Trainers - Tournament Desk will have ice available for injuries and icing after games. Teams should bring their own plastic bags. The tournament does NOT provide trainers on site.

    13. FPAlerts - All teams must sign up for the FREE FPAlerts text messaging service.

    14. Cancellation Policy - Once you are accepted in the tournament, and the game schedule has been finalized, if you cancel you will have a 100% cancellation fee.

    15. Forfeits - Forfeits are not allowed. Teams should be prepared to play all games scheduled. If you forfeit a game, you will be charged a fee not to exceed $200 in order to cover the game fee for the other team and any costs incurred.

    16. The tournament reserves the right to remove any individual (player, fan or coach) or team from competition at any time due to conduct considered detrimental or harmful to the ideals or spirit of the tournament, its staff, volunteers, officials, fans, or other participants.

    17. Hotel Requirement - All out of area teams are required to stay at one of our Tournament Approved Hotels for their hotel reservations. If you are using alternative housing, you will be required to pay a housing fee. Teams will receive a Housing Agreement with more information when they submit their entry.

    18. Player Profiles - each team should designate one person on their staff to submit the player profile information for all players. We will provide you with the database template to submit. You will receive additional information regarding this requirement with the deadlines for compliance. Teams are encouraged to provide as much information about players as possible for the use of college recruiters.

    19. When your game is complete, team must exit dugout immediately and hold any post game discussions off the field. If you have a back to back game, you must clear the infield area so maintenance staff can prep field for next game.

    20. Park Rules: Park is a non-smoking facility. No pets. No alcoholic beverages.

    21. Gate Fee & Parking Fee: The gate fee for spectators is $20 per day (over 10 years of age). There is no parking fee. There is no gate fee for team personnel or for college recruiters. All spectators must enter and exit park at main entrance at each complex. At complex 1, only team members, recruiters and tournament staff are allowed to use the team entrance.

    22. Team Bus Parking - Team buses must park in designated areas and buses are not allowed to enter some areas of the parking lots. More information on this will be provided prior to event.

    23. Rain Outs - We will do whatever we can, within reason, to play all of the games in the tournament. This could include shortening the games, changing your opponent, changing your time/day/field, or cancelling games. If weather disrupts the event, we will not refund lost games.

    24. Refunds (This is from our Competition Agreement and is our stated policy) – No refunds will be made to any team that withdraws after game schedule is finalized. No refunds (whole or partial) will be given for weather disruptions. Since this is an important showcase opportunity for your players, all efforts will be made to play all or most games. At tournament discretion, a partial future credit may be given if entirety, or most, of the tournament is rained out. Teams need to be able to play if/when games are rescheduled anytime during the tournament from Fri - Sun.

    25. Tie Games: Games are a full 7 innings. If tied at the end of 7 innings, tiebreaker will begin in the 8th inning with runner on 2nd base.

     

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    DIRECTIONS TO EDDIE C MOORE PARK
    For a printable pdf copy of the directions, map, and bus parking, click HERE.
     


    VIDEO OF PARK

    GPS Address for Park:

    Fields 1, 2, 3, 4 : 3060 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33759-3001
    Fields 5, 6, 7 : 2900 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33759-3001
    Fields 8, 9 : 2780 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL 33759-3001

    Via I-75 From the South:

    Take I-75 north.
    Merge onto I-275 N via EXIT 228 toward ST PETERSBURG (Portions toll). (29.4 miles)
    Take the SR-686/ROOSEVELT BLVD exit, EXIT 30, toward LARGO. (0.1 miles)
    Merge onto FL-686 W toward LARGO-CLEARWATER/ST PETE-CLWTR INT'L AIRPORT. (2.9 miles)
    Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto ROOSEVELT BLVD/FL-686 W. (1.3 miles)
    Merge onto CR-611 N. (4.1 miles)
    Turn LEFT onto DREW ST.
    Park is on the right. See Park Map for field location.

    Via I-75 From the North:

    Take I-75 south.
    Merge onto I-275 S via EXIT 274 toward AIRPORT/TAMPA/ST PETERSBURG (Portions toll). (21.0 miles)
    Merge onto MEMORIAL HWY/FL-60 W via EXIT 39 toward TAMPA AIRPORT/CLEARWATER. (1.8 miles)
    Take the SR-60 W exit on the LEFT toward CLEARWATER. (0.4 miles)
    Stay STRAIGHT to go onto W COURTNEY CAMPBELL CSWY/FL-60 W. Continue to follow FL-60 W. (9.7 miles)
    Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto S MCMULLEN BOOTH RD. (0.6 miles)
    Turn LEFT onto DREW ST.
    Park is on the right. See Park Map for field location.

    Via I-4 From the East:

    Take I-4 west toward TAMPA.
    Merge onto I-275 S via the exit on the LEFT toward TAMPA INTL ARPT/ST PETERSBURG (Portions toll). (5.2 miles)
    Merge onto MEMORIAL HWY/FL-60 W via EXIT 39 toward TAMPA AIRPORT/CLEARWATER. (1.8 miles)
    Take the SR-60 W exit on the LEFT toward CLEARWATER. (0.1 miles)
    Keep LEFT at the fork in the ramp. (0.3 miles)
    Stay STRAIGHT to go onto W COURTNEY CAMPBELL CSWY/FL-60 W. Continue to follow FL-60 W. (9.7 miles)
    Turn SLIGHT RIGHT onto S MCMULLEN BOOTH RD. (0.6 miles)
    Turn LEFT onto DREW ST.
    Park is on the right. See Park Map for field location.
     
    Eddie C Moore Park

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    SIGN UP TO RECEIVE TOURNAMENT FPALERTS


    ALL team coaches MUST register their email addresses and their cell phone numbers in order to receive text/email communications during the tournament. We will not be able to make individual phone calls when we have last minute or late game changes due to weather or team cancellation. We will only be using this service. We highly encourage all teams to have their players and their parents register for this service as it will facilitate quick communications.

    To sign up:

    Go to http://fastpitch.ealert.com click on "Signup" in the top menu. Set up your account with an email address and a password. On the next page, select "Add Cell or Email". You can subscribe either email addresses or cell numbers. If your cell phone carrier is listed then enter it using the Cell/SMS button, but if your cell phone carrier is not listed, you will need to enter your cell phone as an email address (see information below on how to convert your cell number to an email address). After entering your email or cell number, you need to open the Subscription Category of "College Tournaments" by clicking it to open and select "College Tournament (FL) - JUCO Kickoff Classic" listed. You can also select any other groups from any category that you want to receive alerts or have previous subscribed to. You can register as many email addresses and cell phone numbers as you want.

    Once you register an email address or cell number, you will receive a confirmation text message or email right away with a verification code. Click on Modify Alerts on the Account Management page to enter the verification code and you are all set up. If you do not receive the confirmation message within a few minutes, you did not enter your email or cell number properly so check them for accuracy and try again.

    If you receive text messages only on your phone, we highly recommend that you subscribe your cell phone number in addition to your email address. You need to be able to receive these communications while away from your home computer. But if you receive emails on your phone then either or both addresses are good.

    To unsubscribe:

    If you no longer want to receive FPAlert texts or emails, you can easily unsubscribe by going to http://fastpitch.ealert.com, login to your account and cancel your subscriptions. Or when you receive a text or email, you can opt-out to no longer receive alerts.

    If you have any problems or questions, please contact Patti Shotwell at 954-540-7850.


    For a print-ready pdf of the instructions, go to FPAlerts Instructions.

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    JUCO Kickoff Tournament

    Email fastpitchheadquarters@gmail.com to RSVP

    AthletesGoLIVE


    Eddie C Moore Park


    Important Links
    Teams Attending
    Coaches Attending
    Game Schedule
    Sign Up for FPAlerts
    Tournament Rules
    Directions to Park



    JUCO Kickoff Tournament


    Latest News
    Tournament will open soon for entries.


    St Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission

    Destination Clearwater - MyClearwater.com

    FPAlerts
    All of our tournaments and events use our FPAlerts service to facilitate urgent or last minute communications. Please be sure to register your cell number and/or email address to receive text messages.


    Twitter Username: FPHQ

    TWITTER NEWS:
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