Canada’s lacrosse title defence in jeopardy
Labour impasse threatens country’s participation in July
A labour dispute between the Canadian Lacrosse Association and national team players threatens the country’s participation in a prestigious world championship.
The Canadian men’s field lacrosse squad should already be preparing to defend its 2014 world title at the upcoming tournament, set for Israel in July.
Instead, every member of the top-34 player pool has refused to sign on for the tournament and the CLA is attempting to recruit replacements, which has rankled the newly formed National Lacrosse Team Players Association leadership and pool members.
“I am disappointed that the CLA has decided to go in this direction,” said pool member Brodie Merrill. “In my opinion, trying to solicit replacement players is a waste of time. There is a deep connection that Canadian lacrosse players share at all levels, male and female. The CLA not recognizing this surprises me and further delays a resolution. We are willing and anxious to work alongside the CLA to come up with a fair and equitable agreement we can all be proud of. Until then, Canadian lacrosse players across the country will stand united.”
Above all, national team players want the CLA to formally recognize the NLTPA. They also have monetary and insurance concerns and are looking to increase their influence as a stakeholder by proposing changes to the CLA board and organizational structure. The CLA also lost its status as a charitable organization in 2010 due to participation in a tax-shelter donation program. The loss of status affects fundraising efforts, which in turn hits the players’ pocketbooks, so the NLTPA is pressing the CLA to regain status.
The CLA, which did not immediately provide a spokesperson or answers to Postmedia’s emailed questions Monday, said on its website it has addressed some of the players’ monetary and insurance issues and has begun the process of reapplying for charitable status, but has concerns with other NLTPA proposals.
“The CLA has informed the NLTPA that it needs more time to properly consider some of the additional proposals put forward including recognizing the NLTPA and implementing changes to the operating structure of the organization. Many of these changes need to be brought forward at the meeting of the members in November.”
NLTPA lawyer Richard Furlong believes there is a more immediate solution, provided the CLA is willing to negotiate a four-year deal.
“We prefer (formal recognition) be done now. But I think by simply entering into a contract with us that included the proper funding for the teams, in essence they’d be recognizing us as somebody who speaks for the players.”