The Ontario Jr A Lacrosse League has announced that it plans to return to the floor this summer, although exactly what that will look like is still up in the air.
In a release sent out, new commissioner Mark Grimes lauded the work done by a committee headed by Bill Greer and including Cody Jamieson and Bruce Codd in preparing the plan.
The release mentions events that will include camps, a combine and a pro showcase, but does not give any details about what league play will look like if it is able to happen. The registration page, however, does refer to a “modified season”, which is encouraging.
As Grimes notes, “There is no playbook for these uncertain times,” so the league will have to be flexible to adapt to what is possible.
“There is no playbook for these uncertain times, but over the past number of weeks, our league has worked tirelessly on a plan that we believe is in the best interest of our players,” said OJALL Commissioner Mark Grimes. “We have some of the best minds in lacrosse working together to get our players back on the floor safely, and I want to thank everyone who has stepped up to help our teams navigate this pandemic, and most importantly move the league forward.”
The OJALL Return to Play plan is spearheaded by Bill Greer (Burlington Chiefs), who is working alongside Cody Jamieson (Six Nations Arrows) and Bruce Codd (Orangeville Northmen) to ensure the league delivers the best possible product in 2021.
“The 2021 season will debut a suite of premiere events aimed at boosting the profile of junior players and National Lacrosse League (NLL) prospects. Registration for the league’s return to play is live at this link, and is open to returning players born from 2003 to 1999, and OJALL hopefuls born as early as 2004 and 2005. Players registered with the league will have access to these events, and more.
Details about the 2021 entry draft, player training camps, junior combine, pro showcase, and other league information will be coming in the next few weeks.”
The last proposed list of changes to gameplay were listed as follows: four second count (vacate the crease), eight second count (advance the ball past half court), face off exe-cution (non face-off players on restraining lines), back court violations (possession remains in the offensive zone), too many players (any violation results in a penalty), goalie stick dimensions (uniform regulations), delayed penalty mechanics (play continues until the defensive team gains possession regardless of shots on goal), loose ball in the crease (ball can be scooped out by an offensive player but not batted into the net) and fast restarts (violations result in the ball being put down immediate and blown in upon the non-violating team gaining possession).
