Bulletin B103-1: Nine National Championships Cancelled

Hello ALA Members,

COVID has stuck another blow to the 2021 lacrosse season as Lacrosse Canada has officially announced the cancellation of nine (9) national championships (https://www.lacrosse.ca/article/65441).

As of May 7, 2021 the Minor box lacrosse nationals for the 12U, 14U, and 17U boys have been cancelled, as well as the 14U and 17U girls National Championships.

In addition, the Founders’ Cup Junior B National Championship has been cancelled as well as the field lacrosse nationals, including the U15 boys' field, U18 men’s field, and the senior men’s field National Championships.

A decision on the U19 women’s field National Championship has been deferred to June 1, 2021 and further communication regarding the Mann Cup, Minto Cup, and Presidents’ Cup National Championships will be released at a later date by Lacrosse Canada.

This difficult decision to cancel many of the National Championships for a second year was made with the support of the box lacrosse and field lacrosse sectors, and in consultation with the Lacrosse Canada’s Member Associations. Health and safety concerns, travel restrictions, mandatory quarantine measures in some areas, and many other factors were taken into consideration.

“After a year of limited lacrosse opportunities, we realize this decision will be difficult to hear for many in our lacrosse community,” said Shawn Williams, Lacrosse Canada President. “The health and safety of our players and everyone involved in lacrosse remain our top priorities. We look forward to 2022 when our lacrosse family can safely be united from across the country for National Championships.”

Lacrosse Canada would like to clarify that this decision is not a cancellation of the lacrosse season in Canada. With return-to-play or return-to-activity at different stages across the country, Lacrosse Canada’s member association will decide the 2021 lacrosse opportunities based on provincial and health authority guidance.

Lacrosse Canada encourages everyone to continue following the health and safety guidelines in their provinces or territories. With everyone doing their part, Lacrosse Canada is looking forward to when lacrosse is able to safely resume across the country.

Sincerely,

ALA Board of Directors