US Lacrosse Announces the Formation of the MCLA

[Sonny]

Here is the official annoucement from US Lacrosse.

There will be a lot of questions to answer in the coming weeks and months. Hopefully, everyone involved will exhibit some patience as this new organization develops.

I have a podcast interview with MCLA President John Paul on this very topic already taped. Hopefully, will get that finished and posted by early next week.

Here is the press release:

US Lacrosse National Headquarters
113 West University Parkway
Baltimore, Maryland 21210-3300
www.uslacrosse.org
tel.410.235.6882

DATE: Aug. 24, 2006
RELEASE: Upon Receipt

BALTIMORE — US Lacrosse announces the formation of the Men’s Collegiate Lacrosse Association (MCLA), which will oversee play and conduct national championships for 187 non-varsity college programs in nine leagues throughout the country. The MCLA is an evolution of the US Lacrosse Men’s Division Intercollegiate Associates (MDIA) Council, which was established in 1999 soon after the founding of US Lacrosse. US Lacrosse established the MDIA and its Women’s Division counterpart, the WDIA, to provide greater structure and support to non-varsity college teams.

"The formation of the MCLA is a natural progression," said US Lacrosse Executive Director Steve Stenersen. "This important constituency will continue to be well represented within our national board, division board and committee structures, and we will actively collaborate with and continue to provide support to this level of play."

"This is not a severing of ties," said John Paul, president of the US Lacrosse MDIA Council. "The MCLA will remain supportive of and engaged in US Lacrosse in whatever capacity possible. We simply feel the establishment of the MCLA provides an additional structure in which we can serve and support our growing constituency."

The structure of the US Lacrosse Women’s Division Intercollegiate Associates (WDIA) Council, a group of more than 170 schools competing in 12 regional leagues, remains unchanged. The 2007 WDIA and MCLA national championships are scheduled to be held in Dallas in May.

US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the national governing body for men's and women's lacrosse. To learn more about the organization, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.

[Sonny]

Linked on the main page as well:
http://www.uslia.com/news.php?action=fullnews&id=791

[Timbalaned]

So are there any changes or is it just a name change? I am confused

[Gregg Pathiakis]

So are there any changes or is it just a name change? I am confused

Think this is a good time to plug Premium membership. We already have a 2-page/23-replies thread going on about this. Basically everything I know about the change, other than the new name, I have learned in this thread.

[gobblerlax05]

they allready have ennough members in the prenium membership group!

[Gvlax]

So are there any changes or is it just a name change? I am confused

I'm a bit confused as well. I'm sure we will hear more later on but right now I am a bit confused.

Think this is a good time to plug Premium membership. We already have a 2-page/23-replies thread going on about this. Basically everything I know about the change, other than the new name, I have learned in this thread.

I will sign up to be a Premium membership when it comes to December, until then us non premium members would like to know a bit more if it's possible.

[Daniel Morris]

I actually agree with the above sentiment Sonny. This thread should be moved to the regular forums. This is too big for just the Premium Members to discuss, it affects everyone.

[SDSULAX]

I believe that the questions should be directed to the cognizant conference directors and the details don't need to be discussed on a public forum.

[murphlaxtx]

I agree with you Craig. That is what we are doing in the LSA. Karl Lynch and Tony Scazzero will be explaining it to the LSA constituency and that is really the way it should be. That way you avoid making a mistake or misrepresentation of the facts.

[Sonny]

My podcast interview with John Paul has just been posted. It should answer many questions and give more insight into the new MCLA organization:
http://www.uslia.com/podcasts.php

[shrekjr]

I agree with you Craig. That is what we are doing in the LSA. Karl Lynch and Tony Scazzero will be explaining it to the LSA constituency and that is really the way it should be. That way you avoid making a mistake or misrepresentation of the facts.

Have to agree to disagree on this. Not everyone involved will be at the conference meetings. And you hope those passing along the information are giving you the correct information (no doubts Karl and Tony will do this for LSA). But I don't see any reason why there can't be something posted somewhere with details or plans that have already been determined. I will listen to JP's comments on the podcast for more details but hope to see something written at some point, maybe later when more details are definite.

[Kevin OBrien]

I believe that the questions should be directed to the cognizant conference directors and the details don't need to be discussed on a public forum.

Seems to me that if the membership isn't going to be consulted before these changes are implemented there is no reason why we should be allowed to ask questions....

[BigheadTodd]

The podcast answered many of my questions. I agree with the move, splitting with the WDIA. They are 2 different constituencies, with very different ideas and plans. i think this will allow the MCLA to put the needs of thier teams first, not having to compromise. $1000 a year really is not that bad for what is provided, I am surprised that it was only $500 up till now. As for the concerns over lack of input from teams, according to JP, the Bylaws need to be ratified by the conferences, and thereby the teams as well. Ultimately, if teams don't like it, they don't have to join. I do wonder if any teams will drop out because of this? Definately a huge step forward in my eyes.

[BigheadTodd]

One insurance question. I know right now, since all people on the field are members of US lacrosse, the refs are covered. Under the MCLA, if only one team, or neither teams are USL members, are the refs still covered?

[LaxRef]

One insurance question. I know right now, since all people on the field are members of US lacrosse, the refs are covered. Under the MCLA, if only one team, or neither teams are USL members, are the refs still covered?

I don't know for sure, but my understanding is that the officials are covered when officiating lacrosse and that it doesn't matter if the players are US Lacrosse members. That would be ridiculous, since there's no way for the official to check that, and in many areas US Lacrosse membership is not required for players (e.g., I don't think they need to be members in most of New England nor for NCAA play). But I'm not an expert on the insurance aspects of the game yet.