Scores of Orillia minor lacrosse players could potentially be suspended by a new participation policy on "non-sanctioned" events.
The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) unveiled its controversial new policy Dec. 22.
It means any players, managers, administrators, coaches, officials and trainers who participate in a "non-sanctioned" event after March 11, through to the end of October 2024, are ineligible to participate or apply for reinstatement to any Ontario Lacrosse-sanctioned program for the remainder of the current season and the entire following season — not including adult recreational leagues or teams, high school and university lacrosse teams.
The new policy says the "OLA has a recognized history of developing many of the world’s best lacrosse players. Despite, or perhaps because of, the OLA’s success in delivering quality programs and leagues throughout the province, other private entities operating outside of the provincial and national governance structure form leagues or host events from time to time that claim to offer various levels of play."
It goes on to say "these non-sanctioned organizations do not support the development of the OLA or its clubs. Furthermore, they operate with limited consideration to the impact that their events have on our organization, but still attempt to utilize resources already developed by Ontario Lacrosse and its members."
"We have no way of ensuring whether these events implement many of the fundamental safeguards that are in place in both OLA leagues/programs and the Lacrosse Canada Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model. They may or may not be using the same rules that are in place to protect player safety or provide adequate insurance coverage for participants," reads the new policy.
"They also cannot claim that the quality of play in these events matches the level advertised, that officials are appropriately trained, or that background screens have been completed, all of which are important safe-guards that exist within the OLA for the benefit of everyone," says the policy.
A change.org petition opposing the new OLA policy had more than 4,200 signatures as of Thursday morning. The petition claims the new policy is "ill-conceived and "short-sighted" and contrary to the objectives of the OLA.
“Simply put, the inevitable result of this rule is that players will play less lacrosse,” the petition reads in part. “It actually suspends those who wish to play more. The solution to our collective problem of declining registration does not lie in limiting the opportunities to play.”
It goes on to say: "For many players, particularly those confined by the residency rules to smaller centers, private club lacrosse provides an opportunity where they can develop their skills and play with other players of their caliber. Or, for players whose only sport is lacrosse, it provides yet another opportunity to play the game they love. For still others, “non-sanctioned” events were the way they were introduced to the sport. There is no possible rationale for putting a stop to that. Doing so does not promote, develop, or foster the game in any way. Imposing such a rule is a dereliction of your primary duty."
The petition also claims the policy is discriminatory and is based on false assumptions.
"The OLA is apparently labouring under a misapprehension that if forced to choose, players will choose OLA over private clubs," it reads. "This is a significant miscalculation on their part. For kids who had to deal with the pandemic, private clubs were a lifeline. When the OLA was not there, they were, providing a necessary outlet and skill development."
The petition asks the OLA to rescind the new policy or delay its implementation until all members can consider and vote at the next annual general meeting.
The Orillia Kings issued the following statement on their Facebook stie.
"We, as an organization, are reviewing the intention and working to get a better understanding of how this policy will effect and be enforced by our members," it reads.
"Until there is better understanding and clarity provided, please know that we are working for you, our members, and will continue to update you all as things become clear."
Barrie Minor Lacrosse Association (BMLA), which has as many as 400 players, responded on Facebook to the new policy.
“Although we are a member association of the OLA and directly accountable to the local participants that this policy applies to, the Barrie Minor Lacrosse Association was neither consulted nor informed in advance of this significant policy update," says the statement.
The BMLA noted that with OLA offices closed until Jan. 3, 2024 it is unable to get answers to questions from its directors and member families.
The OLA did not return an email message seeking comment.
Non-sanctioned programs all operate without being recognized by the provincial government in Ontario or the Canadian government, and are not governed by Lacrosse Canada or World Lacrosse.
The OLA, in a statement on its website, says non-sanctioned organizations don’t support the development of the OLA or its clubs.
“We have no way of ensuring whether these events implement many of the fundamental safeguards that are in place in both OLA leagues/programs and the Lacrosse Canada long-term athlete development model,” the statement reads.
“They may or may not be using the same rules that are in place to protect player safety or provide adequate insurance coverage for participants. They also cannot claim that the quality of play in these events matches the level advertised, that officials are appropriately trained, or that background screens have been completed, all of which are important safe-guards that exist within the OLA for the benefit of everyone,” reads the statement by the OLA, which oversees 66 associations competing in 13 leagues.
To view the petition, click here.
--With files from Bob Bruton
