FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2020
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, USA — Delegates representing the membership of World Lacrosse approved the initial set of Official Playing Rules for the new, 6 v 6 discipline of lacrosse during Day Two of the international federation’s General Assembly, which was held today in a virtual format.
The Official Playing Rules were developed through an extensive trial, consultation and drafting process that involved athletes, coaches, officials and administrators from across the World Lacrosse membership. As this is the first set of Official Playing Rules for the new discipline, ample opportunities will remain for further input and continued refinement of the playing rules throughout 2020-21, including at the 2021 World Lacrosse General Assembly.
The Official Playing Rules will be available on the World Lacrosse website beginning the week of November 16.
The 6 v 6 discipline was developed by the World Lacrosse Blue Skies Working Group, which then turned to the Technical Committee for development and drafting of the Official Playing Rules.
In other major legislative action taken during Day Two of the World Lacrosse General Assembly:
- In response to the ongoing global pandemic, and with the safety and wellbeing of athletes as its highest priority, the General Assembly approved the following changes to the World Lacrosse international event calendar:
- Moving the Men’s Senior-Level World Championship from 2022 to 2023
- Moving the Men’s Box World Championship from 2023 to 2024
- Moving the Women’s U19 World Championship from 2023 to 2024
- In addition, the General Assembly received a report on preparations for the 2021 Men’s U20 World Championship in Limerick, Ireland and 2021 Women’s World Championship in Towson, Maryland, USA. In the last month, World Lacrosse has hosted two virtual Town Hall Meetings for representatives from national teams preparing for those events in order to obtain their feedback on training and logistical preparations for these events, along with ongoing consultation with the event hosts. The World Lacrosse Board of Directors will make a decision on the status of both events during its December meeting.
- Approval was given to raise the upper age of eligibility for the two World Lacrosse age-group championships to Men’s U20 and Women’s U20. In addition, the membership agreed there would be no restrictions on the number of national teams permitted to compete in the U20 World Championships and 6 v 6 World Championships. The membership also agreed that World Championship events would not exceed 10 days in duration.
- The membership approved a series of changes to the World Lacrosse Event Hosting and Competition Manual intended to deliver greater consistency and harmonization in the planning and delivery of Women’s and Men’s World Championships conducted by World Lacrosse.
- Approval was given to the World Lacrosse Operating Budget for 2021-22.World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern led a special tribute from the membership to Ron Balls, who was completing his service on the Board of Directors as Secretary General. By unanimous vote, the Board of Directors is awarding the organization’s highest honor, the Lifetime Achiever Award, to the outgoing Secretary General. (see accompanying press release). President Redfern also expressed appreciation on behalf of the organization to former Board of Directors members Howard Borkan and Peter Guber.
Media Contact: Darryl Seibel
Phone: 719-374-5546
Email: dseibel@worldlacrosse.sport
##www.worldlacrosse.sport##
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.
