FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, USA — The World Lacrosse (WL) Board of Directors met today in special session, via teleconference, for an update from the WL COVID-19 Task Force and to continue its detailed review of the impacts and alternatives for international lacrosse events as a result of the global outbreak of the COVID-19 virus.
World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern appointed the WL COVID-19 Task Force earlier this month to gather the latest information and resources from leading public health authorities around the world and to assist World Lacrosse member-National Governing Bodies and Continental Federations, as requested, with information and guidance. The Task Force is led by World Lacrosse Chief Medical Officer Dr. Karen Sutton.
During its teleconference today, the World Lacrosse Board of Directors took the following action:
1) The Board reaffirmed its position that the highest priority for any international lacrosse event affiliated with World Lacrosse is to protect and preserve the health and safety of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers and spectators.
2) The Board reviewed a status update and accepted a recommendation from Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr that it make a determination in April regarding the status of the 2020 World Lacrosse Men’s U19 World Championship and 2020 World Lacrosse General Assembly. Both events are currently scheduled to be held in Limerick, Ireland in July 2020. Scherr will work with the COVID-19 Task Force, Local Organizing Committee Chair Michael Kennedy of Ireland, members of the World Lacrosse Management Team and World Lacrosse member-National Governing Bodies in order to prepare a recommendation for the Board’s consideration.
3) The Board approved a recommendation from Scherr to implement a temporary freeze on hiring and to delay certain expenditures, all of which will be reevaluated in April. Last week, World Lacrosse made the decision for its staff to work remotely and to suspend all nonessential travel.
4) The Board expressed its profound gratitude to medical professionals, crisis response personnel and volunteers around the world who are working, day and night, to provide critical care to those afflicted, and its solidarity with the global community of sport to play our part in combatting this global pandemic.
Media Contact: Darryl Seibel
Email: dseibel@worldlacrosse.sport
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About World Lacrosse
World Lacrosse is the international federation for men’s and women’s lacrosse, responsible for providing effective leadership and governance of the sport internationally while supporting the continued growth of lacrosse worldwide. In November 2018, World Lacrosse was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. The President of World Lacrosse is Sue Redfern of England.
