TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATIONS
NATIONAL PUMA TEAM
(Out-of-State & National Exposure Events)
Lodging & Accommodations (Stay-to-Play Policy)
The National Puma Team is subject to a mandatory Stay-to-Play policy for select events. This requires all teams to book lodging through the tournament’s approved hotel network. Failure to stay within the approved hotel block may result in financial penalties or fines imposed by the event organizer.
Lodging selection is based on:
- Tournament-approved hotel network requirements
- Proximity to competition venues
- Safety and supervision standards
- Cleanliness and quality
- Team floor or same-hotel placement (when available and permitted by the Stay-to-Play provider)
Each trip will include:
- Official hotel assignment through the Stay-to-Play provider
- Rooming assignments and supervision plan
- Curfew and team conduct guidelines
- Emergency contact and location sharing
- Clear check-in and check-out procedures
Air Travel & Ground Transportation
- Team flight coordination and recommended travel windows
- Airport arrival and departure itineraries
- Baggage and equipment travel planning
- Ground transportation provided via rented team van or charter bus for travel between airport, hotel, and tournament venues
- Emergency transportation and contingency planning
Flights and ground transportation (van or bus rentals) are organized and covered by the program and/or families as part of the National Team travel commitment.
Meals & Nutrition (Team Meal Plan)
To ensure every athlete is properly fueled throughout the tournament, families will contribute $50 per athlete toward the team meal and hydration plan for each travel event.
This includes:
- Team Breakfast at the Hotel each morning as a group to start the day properly fueled and on schedule
- Daily Team-Catered Meals from Quality Restaurants (such as Olive Garden or similar), not fast food, providing balanced portions and leftovers when possible
- Hydration & Recovery Station stocked with bottled water, Gatorade/electrolytes, and fresh fruit
This plan is designed to:
- Guarantee each athlete has consistent, quality nutrition each day
- Eliminate reliance on overpriced concession food
- Prevent players from running out of money during long tournament days
- Support proper fueling and recovery before, during, and between games
Tournament venues often charge:
- Candy: $6+
- Water: $5
- Hot dogs: $7
By the evening, many athletes have exhausted their personal spending money. The team-managed breakfast, meals, and hydration plan ensures no athlete goes without food, water, or energy during competition.
Tournament & Exposure Operations
- National event registration and check-in
- Coach credentials and player access
- Game schedules and court assignments
- College coach viewing and exposure support
- Game film, evaluations, and highlight distribution
Communication & Safety
- Central travel hub with full itineraries and schedules
- Daily updates and real-time communication
- Supervision, curfew enforcement, and room monitoring
- 24/7 emergency contact during all out-of-state travel