ONTARIO LACROSSE ASSOCIATION
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The following is a statement from Marion Ladouceur, president of the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA).
Despite our best efforts, the OLA Board of Directors has determined that it is unrealistic for our leagues and clubs to operate their regularly-scheduled minor box programming in Ontario, including league, tournament and provincial competition, for this summer.
Reaching the decision to abandon plans for the traditional minor box lacrosse season was not easy; as a group, we have discussed in detail the impact that this situation will have over the last several weeks.
As we met again late last night, it was ultimately determined that the best course of action will be to transfer our efforts to focusing on the potential for alternative lacrosse formats and outdoor lacrosse opportunities throughout the summer, which we unanimously agree have a better chance of taking place as the Province of Ontario continues its phased reopening.
After weighing all of the factors, the ultimate decision was reduced to our guiding principle: to prioritize the health of all participants and personnel involved in leading and participating in our box lacrosse programs.
Without the ability of the medical community to ensure the safety of everyone involved, we were left with no choice but to accept that our traditional and full schedule of box lacrosse events will not be possible this summer.
We understand that this is a difficult conclusion for our players, team personnel, officials, parents and fans.
Lacrosse has been played throughout the regions of Ontario for generations, and indoor (box) lacrosse competition has taken place each year throughout the province since 1931. This is a sport that is played for many social and cultural reasons, but it originated as the Creator’s Game and we would be remiss not to acknowledge the first nations and indigenous peoples throughout Ontario for their stewardship of the game over the many centuries in which it has been played and enjoyed each summer.
Historical records attest to the fact that there has not been a single summer in Ontario since the founding of the OLA in 1897 where competition was not held at some level until this year.
The bottom line is that this sport is a fundamental part of our heritage as residents of Ontario, and we look forward to the day when we can all join together again to play and watch lacrosse.
In the meantime, our Return to Activity (RTA) / Return to Play (RTP) Committee has begun to prepare for the next lacrosse opportunity in which we can all safely participate.
This RTA/RTP committee, comprised of medical experts, technical partners, staff representatives and respected OLA members, has been tasked with preparing recommendations for the safe participation in fundamental skills, drills and local outdoor lacrosse opportunities (including alternative program schedules and formats when municipal restrictions are further eased) for communities throughout Ontario this summer, as well as our minor field lacrosse and women’s field lacrosse fall programs, which we remain hopeful may become available sooner than they normally have in the past.
This type of planning takes a tremendous amount of time and energy, and we look forward to sharing the results of our efforts with you once they have been finalized and approved. In all of our planning, we continue to closely follow the direction of the Ontario Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Culture and Tourism Industries, the Province of Ontario, the Ontario Ministry of Health, and the Public Health Agency of Canada.
We are highly appreciative of the dedication that everyone has demonstrated in preparing for this year, and we are determined to carry your energy for Canada’s National Summer Sport forward in the coming weeks and months.
For the latest updates on where we stand and how we’re preparing, please visit www.ontariolacrosse.com.
Until we can gather together again, the Ontario Lacrosse Association reminds everyone to consider good hygienic practices and safe contact in order to maintain a healthy environment. We are thankful for your understanding and for your shared love of lacrosse.
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