The Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA) Box Sector, comprised of representatives from all Member Associations and Associate Member Associations and the CLA Board of Directors, which is comprised of a director from each Member Association and the CLA Executive, convened over the past two days at the Semi-Annual General Meeting (SAGM) to discuss concerns made by some members about the safety of CSA approved masks used in the Junior and Senior divisions. After hearing the positions and concerns of all Member Associations and Associate Member Associations, an amendment to CLA Policy 12.4.2 has been passed.
Effective immediately, CLA Policy 12.4.2 now states:
12.4.2. For Box and Men's Field Lacrosse, all players are required to wear a helmet which must meet either of the following standards:
12.4.2.2. A Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved for Ice Hockey helmet with the appropriate CSA approved facemask for lacrosse provided that:
a. For the 2013 season, players in the senior age category, defined as “over 21” in CLA Policy 18.2 may use the non-CSA approved facemask that was approved for use in 2012;
b. Only players of senior age may use a non-CSA approved facemask that was approved for use in 2012. Younger players who play on senior teams must use CSA approved facemasks;
c. Should a player use a non-CSA approved facemask that was approved for use in 2012, the player shall do so at his/her own risk and knowing that the CLA recommends that only CSA approved facemasks be used.
With the amendment to the policy, the CLA is committing to the players of the Canadian lacrosse community an action plan moving forward. Information outlining the details of the action plan can be found here.
The CLA’s highest priority is player safety. We have listened to the concerns, addressed them, and we will continue to do so.
