Canadian Lacrosse Association – May 10, 2018 –  The Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) Board of Directors is updating membership and stakeholders on Canada’s participation at the 2018 FIL Men’s Lacrosse World Championship. Our intent is to share the approach we have taken with a view of continuing to manage the situation in a fair, transparent and forward-looking manner. 

Based on recent communications with the NLTPA, it is our understanding that there is a desire on both parties to work towards a mutually agreeable solution. The CLA believes that these kinds of conversations take time and we want to fully understand what is being proposed. While the CLA would prefer that the players identified in the Top 34 player pool be the ones to represent Canada in Israel this summer, we need to be conscious of timelines, deadlines and be prepared for all other scenarios.  To ensure that we are meeting the needs of our membership, we will explore other options to field a team at Worlds this year while continuing to understand and work through the proposals being put forward by the NLTPA. Our short term priority is ensuring that we have a Canadian team representing our country at the Worlds. 

Below we have identified the measures we have taken regarding the recent proposals brought forth by the NLTPA. The CLA will continue to keep the CLA Membership updated as things unfold and trust that you believe we are making every effort to fulfill our mission, in a way that is guided by our values.  We are open to moving forward in a reasonable manner and in a way that meets the expectations of a federally funded National Sport Federation.  

Below is a summary of the issues that the CLA has addressed:

• The CLA has agreed to cover ALL costs associated with national team athletes attending the World Championship in Israel this year.
• The CLA has upgraded the sport accident insurance coverage provided to its national team athletes and outlined these improvements in the Athlete Agreement.
• The CLA has provided details on the travel insurance national team athletes attending the World Championship in Israel would receive in the Athlete Agreement.
• The CLA has started the process of reapplying for its Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Association (RCAAA) charitable status and is committed to keeping its members informed.
• The CLA has informed the NLTPA that it needs more time to properly consider some of the additional proposals put forward including recognizing the NLTPA and implementing changes to the operating structure of the organization. Many of these changes need to be brought forward by the Members at the Meeting of the Members in November. We have offered to guide them through the process should they request to bring this forward.
• The CLA has provided the NLTPA with the process to apply for membership to be recognized within the CLA.
• The CLA provided an opportunity for players to address their concerns through a call-in session and reached out to speak with each of them individually. 

There are several risks that could negatively impact the future of lacrosse in Canada should we fail to send a team to the 2018 Worlds Championships. We are working very hard to mitigate these risks for the short and longer term viability of the organization. We remain committed to fielding a team that will safeguard the future of the national team program, and continue to serve our 60,000 athletes, coaches and officials across the country.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions. All questions should be directed to Jane Clapham, Executive Director, via email (jane@lacrosse.ca).