!Dec. 7–8, 2024
Schedule is Live here
The burning Flower is a girls lacrosse tournament for Elementary through High School teams held at Zube Park in Hockley, Texas.
The tournament is held in honor of 13-year-old Julia Marie Briggs, a former Iron Maiden player who suddenly and very unexpectedly passed away from a very rare and aggressive cancer, Mediastinal Lymphoma. To support Julia’s efforts that she began prior to her passing, new stuffed animals are collected for donation to police departments to give to children to hold for comfort in times of crisis.
Three games are guaranteed with addition games possible in the playoffs.
Championship Division: Higher caliber teams that will play for a tournament championship. Each team in this division will play in at least 3 pool play games. Winners of pool play will advance to a championship bracket.
Price Per team
Mini Laxers (2nd-4th)
Early Bird (ends 10/30/24) $700
Base $800
All divisions (5-12th)
Early Bird (ends 10/30/24) $1,000
Base $ 1,100
Final payments due November 30th
Burning Flower Registration
Registrations (including payment) are accepted on first come first serve basis and will be cut off at 48 teams. The deadline for entries is November 30th or once 48 teams have registered (whichever comes first). Registrations above 48th team will placed on wait list. (To be placed on a wait list CONTACT US with team details, division and your contact information.)
Divisions include (maximum 12 Teams each):
High School Varsity
High School Junior Varsity
Middle School 7th/8th (U13-14)
Middle School 5th/6th (U11-U12)
Mini Laxers (2nd-4th)
Tournament Rules
The assigned referees per game will have final word. Ultimately, the referee will make calls that keeps the safety of the players and the rules of USA Lacrosse in mind.
All games are run by central clock. There will be a 2-horn blast 2 minutes prior to start of each game and 2 minutes prior to the end of each half. A single horn blast will announce the start and end of each half. Best effort will be applied to schedule no team plays back-to-back games; therefore, teams should be on the field ready to play when the horn sounds the start of the games. A delay penalty may be awarded for late arrivals.
All pool play games will be 20-minute running halves with a 5-minute halftime and 15 minutes between games. In pool play, if the game ends (2nd half only) in a tie while a play is stopped to set up a Free Position Shot (FPS), the FPS will be set up and allowed to be played. Player must make shot attempt, or play is called dead and the game ends in a tie. If the defense commits another foul resulting in another FPS, a goal will be awarded and the game ends. Pool play games may end in a tie.
Tie Breakers* will be based on, in order:
- Win %
- Head-To-Head
- Fewest Goals Allowed
- Goal Differential for Tied teams only
- Fewest total penalty points (Y/C=1, R/C=2)
- Coin Toss.
Coaches and Referees must sign official score sheets. Score sheets will be collected following each game and turned into Tournament Director. Once score sheet has been turned in, nothing recorded on it may be challenged.
(*Divisions with an uneven number of teams will have one team that will play a fourth game. For that team, the game will be considered “exhibition”, and the results and stats will not count for or against the team in any way. For the opposing team in that game, it will be their third game, and the results and stats will count for or against them. Tournament Directors will determine which game counts as the exhibition game prior to the start of the tournament.)
Division Semi-Finals – All semi-final games will be run under same rules as pool play. If the semi-final game ends (2nd half only) in a tie while a play is stopped to set up a Free Position Shot (FPS), the FPS will be set up and allowed to be played. Player must make shot attempt, or play is called dead and the game ends in a tie. If the defense commits another foul resulting in another FPS, a goal will be awarded and the game ends. If there is no winner after regulation, there will be a 3-minute sudden death overtime. If the sudden death is then played and no goal is scored, winner will be determined by 1) fewest penalty points in that game (Y/C=1, R/C=2) , then 2) coin flip.
Division Finals – Game length will be same as pool play, but time will be kept on the field. Each team is allowed one two-minute timeout per half. Clock will stop on 1) timeouts, and 2) any whistle inside the final two minutes of each half. If any final game ends in a tie, there will be a 3-minute sudden death overtime. If the sudden death is then played and no goal is scored, winner will be determined by 1) fewest penalty points in that game (Y/C=1, R/C=2) , then 2) coin flip.
Except as noted, upcoming season USA Lacrosse rules are in effect.
The Tournament Committee reserves the right to disqualify ANY participant or spectator for Un-sportsmanlike Conduct.
All waivers must be completed prior to team’s first game.
Absolutely NO alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park. Teams found with alcohol will be ejected from the tournament.
No open fire cooking, except for those covered by permit (on-site concessions), will be allowed during the tournament
In the event of adverse weather or un-playable field conditions, the Tournament Committee with the advice of the Parks Department will determine if the tournament can be played. The Burning Flower Tournament Directors reserve the right to:
- Reduce game times in order to catch up with the schedule.
- Finish games before inclement weather arrives or to preserve field
- Do everything in its power to complete all games.
In the event of inclement weather, every attempt will be made to post updates or cancellations on our website. We will utilize cell phone numbers provided during team registration for Primary and/or Secondary team contacts to communicate tournament updates.
Since weather conditions can change quickly, we ask all teams to be prepared to play as soon as possible as weather clears and fields are playable.
Under no circumstances will teams receive a full refund of the entry fee for weather related disruptions or cancellations.
Stuffed Animal Collection
As in previous years, we will be collecting stuffed animals in memory of The Burning Flower, Julia Briggs (13-year old Iron Maiden player that passed away in 2009 – See Julia’s Quest), to be donated to the Houston Police Department, Child Advocates, and other are law enforcement agencies to benefit children impacted by crime.
We ask all that are able and willing, to donate to this worthy cause. The Burning Flower Foundation which was created by Julia’s parents in her memory, will be collecting the stuffed animals throughout the tournament and will have an award for the team (non Cy-Fair) that donates the largest number. If you are unable to attend the tournament but would still like to donate stuffed animals, please contact us for instructions.
Burning Flower Symbolism
13 whole petals for Julia’s 13 full years of life
1 small petal for Julia’s last partial year of life
3 leaves for her three family members that supported her and filled her with energy and love
Seeds in the center represent the part of Julia that her friends and family still carry around with them
