Release Requests (Strathroy Minor Lacrosse)

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RELEASE REQUESTS

Releases only apply to Representative Lacrosse.  

The Strathroy Minor Lacrosse Association (SMLA) is committed to fostering the growth and development of lacrosse within the Strathroy community. In line with the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s (OLA) long-standing philosophy that "kids play where they live," the SMLA prioritizes keeping players within their home association to support local community engagement and ensure the development of lacrosse at the grassroots level. 

However, under special circumstances, as determined by the SMLA executive, player movement may be permitted, provided it complies with the relevant OLA and SMLA Constitution, By-Laws, Policies, and Rules and Regulations.

 

Before You Apply

Here are the key things you need to know before submitting a release request:

  • We Don’t Consider Skill Level
    • The caliber of the player, team, or centre shall not be considered in the decision to grant a release. (OLA Rule MR3.06)
     
  • Players Must Be Registered
    • To apply for a release, players must be fully registered with the SMLA for the current season. This includes payment and OLA approval.
  • Important Deadlines
    • Release requests cannot be accepted until the following dates:
      • Box Lacrosse: February 15 
    • Release requests must be submitted by these dates:
      • Box Lacrosse: April 15
  • Releases Are Limited
    • A player can apply for a release from their home association (e.g., SMLA) to play in another association. However, once that release is granted, the player cannot request another release from the association they move to within the same season. 
  • Boundary Rules Apply
    • If your release is approved, you can only try out with the next closest lacrosse centre, as defined by OLA club boundaries.

 

How To Apply For A Release

  • Register First
    • Make sure the player is fully registered (including payment) with the SMLA for the current season.
  • Complete the OLA Release Request Form
    • Complete Section 1 of the OLA Release Request Form (provided below) thoroughly and accurately. Only the information provided in this section will be considered when assessing the release request and during any potential appeal. Additional reasons cannot be introduced at a later stage.
  • Submit Your Application
    • Email the completed form and proof of the $100.00 non-refundable administration fee to the SMLA President @ [email protected] 

What Happens Next?

  • Acknowledgment
    • You’ll receive a confirmation email within 72 hours of submitting your request.
  • Hearing Scheduled
    • A hearing date, time, and location will be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe to allow the applicant to formally present their request.
  • The Hearing
    • Hearings are held in person or virtually (if all parties agree). All relevant parties will be invited to attend. If you cannot attend, the hearing will proceed without you.
  • The Decision
    • You’ll receive a decision within 5 business days of the hearing:
      • If Approved: You’ll receive an approved release form.
      • If Denied: You’ll receive written reasons for the denial, along with instructions on how to appeal.

 

Important Note

Release requests cannot be submitted before February 15th  of the current year for Box . This date is set by the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) and applies to all associations. The SMLA will not accept any release requests prior to this date.

 

If Your Request Is Denied

If a release request is denied, the applicant has the right to appeal through the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) process. The steps are as follows:

  • Level 1 Appeal – Merit Review

o   Pending the decision of the club, a written appeal may be submitted by either party. An appeal of the club’s decision must be made within five business days of the receipt of the decision of the club to the Ontario Lacrosse Association Case Manager ([email protected]). A non-refundable appeal fee of $100 must be enclosed along with all documentation completed by the hearing chairperson at the club level. A determination of merit will be made based on the written appeal request as submitted. If an appeal is granted, each party will receive an invitation to attend a scheduled hearing and given the opportunity to present their cases. If an appeal is not granted, the decision is final and no hearing will be scheduled. A written decision will be forwarded to the attendees by the OLA hearing chairperson within five business days.

 

·       Level 2 Appeal – OLA Appeals Board (Final Level)

o   Pending the decision of the OLA, a written appeal must be submitted within five business days of receipt of the OLA Hearing decision to the Ontario Lacrosse Association Case Manager ([email protected]). A non-refundable appeal fee of $300 must be enclosed along with all documentation, completed by the hearing chairperson of the Ontario Lacrosse Association. At this appeal hearing, each party will be given the opportunity to present their cases and a written decision will be forwarded to the attendees by the OLA hearing chairperson within five business days.

 

·       If All Appeals Are Denied: 

    • Members may continue playing with SMLA and work to resolve any concerns.

  • You can request a refund, subject to the SMLA refund policy: Refunds (Strathroy Minor Lacrosse)

Ready to Apply for a Release?

Before submitting a release request, please review the information provided by the SMLA to ensure you meet all requirements. If you are prepared to proceed, you can access the appropriate application below:

OLA Release Request