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.