Supplied by Jeff Gard/jgsportsmedia.com
Northumberland Minor Lacrosse players will have to wait until next year for regular play to resume.
The Ontario Lacrosse Association has announced the cancellation of the box lacrosse season for 2020.
“We have held out hope until now because that’s what we believe our members would expect of us,” OLA president Marion Ladouceur said in a statement. “In prioritizing the health and safety of our members, we recognize that it is unlikely that box lacrosse can be played in what we have traditionally known as our regular season. We regret that the players, coaches, officials, parents and fans won’t get to enjoy what was certain to be an exciting season of action, but it is important for us to be realistic.”
Ladouceur added it’s time for the OLA to shift focus towards outdoor opportunities and alternative program formats with recommendations from their Return to Activity/Return to Play Committee.
“We look forward to sharing the results of these discussions with everyone when it is appropriate to do so. Keep those sticks in your hands.”
Cathy Williams, president of Northumberland Minor Lacrosse, hopes the opportunity will arise to run an outdoor skills and drills program.
In the meantime, there are several options available to parents of registered players: you can get a full refund of fees; a full refund minus a $25 donation to help cover costs associated with registration; a full refund minus a donation amount of your choice; or carry over fees towards the 2021 season (if there is an increase of fees, you won’t be required to pay it).
Donations are required, but the association appreciates any it receives as costs have already been incurred, such as trying to grow the game by paying for Nationwide Lacrosse to introduce the sport at area schools, advertising, bank/credit card fees and equipment purchases.
As previously reported, anyone who received a free stick with registration does not have to return them as Dan Brobbin of S & D Property Maintenance has offered to cover the cost of those sticks.
“I am so overwhelmed by the support the community has given us, from our players, coaches all the way to our sponsors, we couldn’t do this without them,” Williams said.
Author: Pete Fisher
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