TOWSON, Maryland, USA – More than 100 participants took part in the 2022 World Lacrosse General Assembly here over the last two days on the eve of the women’s championship. The meeting marked the first in-person General Assembly since 2019 and included the World Lacrosse board of directors and staff, along with National and Continental Federation delegates and observers.
Highlighting the key actions of the assembly was the election of three open board positions. Steph Migchelsen (NED), who has spent the last nine years as president of the European Lacrosse Federation, was elected vice president and will replace Steve Stenersen (USA) at the end of his term in September, winning the vote by a 22-19 margin. In addition, Board Competition Director Fiona Clark (AUS) and Board Development Director Bob DeMarco (USA) were reelected, Clark for a two-year term and DeMarco for three years.
Beyond the elections, the General Assembly also included numerous presentations addressing some of the most pertinent issues in the sport, and workshops aimed at developing the game and member federations around the world.
World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern said: “It was truly great to continue to get to know our colleagues from all corners of the world during our first in-person gathering since 2019. We all share a strong passion for this sport and a commitment to its continued growth and development, and this collaboration and sharing of best practices allows us to better serve the global lacrosse community.
“I want to congratulate Steph Migchelsen on her election as vice president. She’s incredibly passionate and has been an active member of the lacrosse family for two decades, and we warmly welcome her into this important leadership role on our board of directors. I also want to sincerely thank and commend Steve Stenersen for his immeasurable contributions to our board and the sport on an international level.”
Migchelsen said: “I couldn’t be more excited to take on this new challenge and get to work with many new people around the world. I enjoy being able to help build consensus while representing diverse points of view and look forward to being able to do so at such an important time for our sport.”
In addition, minor proposed changes to the WL Constitution were ratified related to sector voting and the 2023-24 budget was approved.
World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr gave an update on the Olympic vision as well as a report on the state of the sport and the organizational strategic plan. The General Assembly also heard presentations on the 2023 World Lacrosse Men’s Championship in San Diego, and Sixes adoption and implementation.
A set of workshops were held for World Lacrosse and its members to discuss relevant topics such as eligibility criteria, WADA compliance, sponsorship procurement and transgender participation in lacrosse.
Another set of workshops were designed to help members develop the sport, focusing on best practices for recruiting, training and retaining coaches and officials, as well as developing safeguarding and school-based programs.
The 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship begins tomorrow at Towson University, featuring the top 30 women’s teams in the world competing for the world title through July 9.
