Juan de Fuca (JDF), Peninsula, Saanich and Victoria - Esquimalt (VELA) worked together in developing a model to address current challenges related to game play. This proposed model would apply only to the Pee Wee, Bantam and 16U divisions. No change is being proposed for the Mini-Tyke, Tyke and Novice division. As such the younger divisions would continue to play under their catchment associations.

This model is a fundamental shift from the traditional box lacrosse season. 2020 and 2021 have forced the lacrosse community to focus on the importance of players’ participating in sport. The principles for the 2021 season are:

• Keeping players healthy and active
• Building players’ love for having a lax stick in their hand
• Finding the silver lining in the current situation

Difficult decisions made in response to ongoing uncertainty around COVID-19 restrictions:

Restrictions within provincial health orders are creating barriers to game play. Governing bodies have been forced to make tough decisions as a result.

• The BC Lacrosse Association (BCLA) is voting on cancelling all tournaments and Provincial
Championships.
• The Vancouver Island Minor Lacrosse Commission (VIMLC) cancelled normally scheduled league play for all
island associations.

Adversity creates space for regional innovation leading to alternative game play model. The proposed model is one way to achieve game play regionally. This model has been presented to the VIMLC and BCLA as a potential option. Though the VIMLC and BCLA are encouraged by the innovation, this model is not yet approved or adopted.

Implementation of the model cannot occur before:

• ViaSport re-introduces Phase 2.5 or 3 allowing game play
• VIMLC & BCLA approval is granted

Regional model offers appropriate developmental experience for all players at their level
The regional model would see players from all four associations pooled together to form teams. The model is designed primarily to allow players to grow in lacrosse with peers of similar skill.

Divisions will

• Be divided into two categories: recreational & competitive
• Be about 6 teams of 17-20 players based on current registration

Teams will
• Be composed of players from all four associations.
• Be determined through 'blind' draft led by the coaches group
• Be assigned coaches after the teams are determined
(Coaches will not know which team they are assigned to until after teams are set)
• Association executive members would oversee the blind draft to ensure fairness and transparency
• Select their own name, "Badgers" or "Raptors" etc.
• Teams and names will not be based geographically
• Decide whether to buy inexpensive pinnies or play in one of the four association colours

Associations will
• Nominate coaches to lead teams
• Provide a paper-based evaluation of players
• Identify each player in the recreation or competitive category

All the games would be held at JDF, Archie Browning or Panorama arenas. The practices would attempt to be on a rotational model at the outdoor boxes in the region.