Exceptional Player Status / Request to "Move-Up" (Strathroy Minor Lacrosse)

PrintExceptional Player Status / Request to "Move-Up"

Exceptional Player Status / Request to "Move Up" Policy

The purpose of the Exceptional Player Status or "Move Up" request is to provide an opportunity for players who demonstrate extraordinary skill and elite-level abilities to play in an older age group, provided they meet specific requirements. This is the only approved process for a player to move up an age group within the Strathroy Minor Lacrosse Association (SMLA).

Eligibility Criteria:

To be considered for a "Move Up" request, the following requirements must be met:

  1. Registration Requirement:

    • The player must be properly registered with SMLA in their designated age group before the first scheduled practice or tryout session.

  2. Residency Requirement:

    • The player must be eligible by residence, as defined by Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) boundaries for SMLA.

  3. Formal Request Submission:

    • A written request to "Move Up" must be submitted to the Association President at least one week (7 days) prior to the first scheduled practice or tryout. This ensures adequate time for the review process.

Evaluation Process:

Once the request is received, the following process will be followed:

  1. Committee Review:

    • The request will be reviewed by a SMLA Committee, consisting of SMLA board members in consultation with the coaches from each affected team.
    • The Committee will assess the application after the registration period has closed and before the first scheduled practice or tryout.

  2. Decision and Notification:

    • The Committee will make the final decision to approve or deny the "Move Up" request. The applicant will be notified of the decision in writing.

  3. Timing of Decisions:

    • The Committee will not consider any requests until the registration is fully closed. This allows the Committee to evaluate team composition and the overall needs of the association.

Factors for Consideration:

The decision to approve or deny a "Move Up" request is based on several key factors, which may vary from year to year. The most critical considerations include:

  1. Skill Level:

    • The underage player must be assessed as a top-level talent in their position. Specifically:
      • For goalies: The player must be the top goalie on the older age group team.
      • For positional players: The player must rank as one of the top 4 players in their position on the older age group team.
      • If these criteria are not met, the request will be denied.

  2. Operational Needs:

    • The overall operational needs of the association and the teams involved take precedence over individual player requests.
    • Situations such as team size, player distribution, and developmental priorities of the age group will be considered.
    • Requests based on quality of coaching or quality of play are not valid reasons for approval.

Important Notes:

  • The primary goal of this policy is to ensure that player development and team needs are balanced in the best interests of the SMLA community.
  • Decisions are made with a focus on maintaining fair and competitive teams across all age groups.

If you have any questions about this policy or the process, please contact the SMLA President for further information.