News

PLAY LACROSSE

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- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -

ONTARIO LACROSSE LAUNCHES PLAYLACROSSE INITIATIVE TO DRIVE GROWTH

TORONTO, ON – March 1st, 2024 – The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA, @ontariolacrosse) is excited to announce the official launch of the Play Lacrosse campaign, which is aimed at promoting Canada’s national summer sport throughout Ontario. This initiative heralds the launch of PlayLacrosse.com, a digital platform that will serve to connect potential players and families with lacrosse programs in their local communities, using the two words that matter most in our collective effort to grow the game: PLAY LACROSSE.

One of the key strengths of PlayLacrosse.com is its collaborative approach. This innovative platform allows Ontario Lacrosse and its member clubs to join forces in promoting participation in lacrosse programs. By directing parents and players to one centralized source for information, we are streamlining the process of discovering lacrosse opportunities across the province.

With the sport’s growing popularity and its return to the Olympic Games in 2028, Play Lacrosse is set to be a valuable resource for parents interested in introducing their children to this fun and fast-paced team sport. Launching today, the platform features an interactive map and offers information on a wide range of programs, equipment guidelines, and Try Lacrosse events, making it easier than ever for newcomers to get involved in the fastest game on two feet.

While we actively encourage and have a significant number of girls participating in our co-ed lacrosse programs, we are deeply committed to achieving gender equity and driving transformative change for women and girls in lacrosse. Underlining our commitment to celebrating and encouraging female participation, PlayLacrosse.com also highlights lacrosse programs specifically for women and girls.

By increasing the visibility of lacrosse and ease of access to OLA programs, we’re not just promoting participation; we’re actively working towards a future where Canada’s national summer sport is integrated into the fabric of every community across Ontario, propelling us towards our strategic goal of extending our reach and creating a more inclusive lacrosse community.

For more information, visit playlacrosse.com.

 

PRESS RELEASE

Update to Coaching Certification for Competitive Introduction Box or Field

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A Message on Behalf of Rick Phillips, OLA VP Coaching:

 

Greetings coaches, and welcome to the 2024 season! An important update has been made to the Coaching Requirements for Competitive Introduction Coaches in Box and Field sectors. Coaches who completed a Competitive Introduction clinic in 2023 (in either box or field) will not be required to complete their coaching workbook as part of their certification.

Coaches who took a Competitive Introduction clinic in 2022 or earlier will have until September 30, 2024 to complete and submit their workbook for evaluation. Failure to meet this deadline will result in loss of Competitive Introduction certification. Coaches who are required to complete their workbook may contact Peter (peter@ontariolacrosse.com) to receive a passcode to complete their workbook online.

Please ensure that coaches within your organization are aware of this change. For questions related to coaching, please reach me at vpcoaching@ontariolacrosse.com.

 

Rick Phillips
OLA VP Coaching

Non-Sanctioned Participation Policy Placed On Hold for 2024

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Earlier today, the OLA’s Board of Directors accepted the following recommendation from a majority of minor lacrosse league governors in response to the revised unsanctioned participation policy:

To fully delay the enactment of the non-sanctioned participation policy for the 2024 season, which will allow for detailed consultation from stakeholders to ensure that policy needs and objectives are met.
APPROVED.

As a result, this policy is formally tabled for further consideration in order to define fairness for all OLA stakeholders. A consultation period has been suggested for amendments and clarifications over the next several months, which allows club presidents and league representatives to gather clear feedback for submission and consideration of all facets. While supportive of the policy’s general objectives, concerns regarding implementation, reporting and extenuating circumstances were accepted as valid foundations for further club participation in this process; including opportunities to amend, revise or enact such decisions in a manner that encourages player development opportunities with reputable organizations. With acceptance of this recommendation, the Board of Directors reaffirmed commitment to serving the long-term goals of the OLA. 

The decision to delay implementation of this policy does not affect Regulation 6.07 or any other membership conditions or restrictions which were approved in 2021 and 2022, but it does narrow the scope to Junior participants only, which has been historically established by special resolution of the membership. Such measures will be applied as impacts are identified.

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