Zone 8 Lacrosse is home to 10 Minor Associations boasting 90 teams per season, ranging from Paperweight to Intermediate for boys and girls.
Zone 8 Executive, along with all club Presidents, have made the difficult decision that the 2020 Minor Box Regular Season has been cancelled for all Zone 8 Associations, including tournaments.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed many people in uncharted waters. Many are now working from home to reduce exposure, or not working at all as businesses are closed and many people have been laid off. Many of our clubs will not have access to any floor time until July at the earliest, and we also have arenas that have been transformed into hospitals or testing centres. From what we understand, they may not be available at all
for summer use.
This was a very tough decision for us. As volunteers we put in countless hours for the love of the game and the look of joy on every child's face that hits the floor for the season. We want what's best for our players, their families and our communities! As a Zone we are not comfortable having the kids back in the dressing rooms or on the
floor, nor do we want the parents, siblings and grandparents to possibly be exposed while watching the game. It would be irresponsible of us to think we could have a season with all the risks at hand.
The sports community has been deeply impacted by this pandemic from coast to coast – not just by the effect on sports but it has affected family dynamics by the loss of loved ones, family finances by the loss of one or two jobs, and the list goes on.
Unfortunately, a 2020 season is just not realistic. We need to put the health of our players, coaches, officials and fans first. At the end of the day Zone 8 cannot offer what parents and players have registered and paid for. And that is a normal lacrosse season and a safe lacrosse season.
Zone 8 will continue to work closely with the Ontario Lacrosse Association regarding the 2021 season. Please keep your sticks in your hands, as we continue to work with all clubs on alternative programming for box lacrosse in 2020 once it is safe to do so, also follow Zone 8 on Facebook and Twitter for updates or go to our website
www.zone8lacrosse.ca
Yours in Lacrosse,
Steve Kelly
Zone 8 Director