Hello Burlington families,
It has been far too long since we have issued communications to the membership so we have something to catch up on.
First, we hope that this message finds everyone safe and healthy in light of the last 14 months of stress, constantly changing rules and regulations, and overall concern about COVID-19, our kids, our parents and ourselves. This has been a once in a lifetime event but the kind that will turn into a fond, cherished memory. The most recent unfortunate side to the pandemic is, it is still affecting the way we can operate today and for the foreseeable future. I wish I could accurately express how tired we all are to hear about 'fluid' situations and how plans are only as good as the provincial directives are for the next week, but it is the truth and the environment in which we have been forced to make plans for 2021 under.
Restrictions:
Provincial Health Zone Code and play type
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Gray - None
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Red - Single cohort on a defined field of play, 10 players max indoor/25 outdoor, instruction and development only
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Orange - Modified gameplay (no contact, masters style rules), increased player count to 25 indoor/50 outdoor
When facilities become available, we are planning to run 2 or 3 sessions that will be 6-weeks in length. We will utilize a combination of indoor and outdoor facilities to maximize activity and safety. As it stands today, we are aiming to begin Rep Box and Women' Field activities the week of June 7th. House league will begin 2 weeks later, currently set for the week of June 7. This will changes as needed based on decisions and guidance from provincial and local governments.
Women's Field Lacrosse
Season shifts from the Spring to the early summer. Two events per week on turf with the possibility of shifting to natural grass, if facilities become available. Looking at starting the week of June 7.
Men's Field Lacrosse
The OMFLL and OLA have moved the spring boys season to the fall. With any luck this will result in us having an uninterrupted season of play. More to follow as details become available.
House League Box
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Small Fries (peanut), Paperweight and Tyke - Weeknights with a mix of the Nelson Arena and an outdoor field once available. Two events per week consisting of either two instructional sessions or one practice and one game depending on the regional health code.
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Novice - Weeknights with a mix of the Aldershot Arena and an outdoor field once available. Two events per week consisting of either two instructional sessions or one practice and one game depending on the regional health code.
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Peewee to Midget - Weeknights with a mix of the Aldershot Arena and an outdoor field once available. Very much number dependent where we could run full teams to a shinny style of gameplay once available.
Rep Box
Full range of age groups offered (Paperweight to Midget) with activities taking place at Appleby, Aldershot and on turf fields during week nights. Sundays are also available to us once game play becomes available.
Other News
Well, we have new members on the board! In addition to the new members we have had a couple shifts in responsibilities. We would like to extend an enthusiastic welcome to the following:
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Mark Baldini has joined up to take on the Scheduler activities
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Jennifer Bordignon has moved into the Director of Girls lacrosse position with support from Steve Hogan.
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Courtney Smith has shifted to take on the dual roles of Registrar and Privacy officer.
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Tara Chalmers has joined us in the role of Secretary
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Daryl Chalmers is our new Director of House League
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Taylor Hogan will be promoting the activities of our players in the Publicity role.
Please join me in welcoming them as they divert their time to promoting the growth of lacrosse in Burlington. There are still a few positions open and your help, even in the ridiculous situation we currently find ourselves, is always needed and welcomed.
As President of the organization I would like to thank the outgoing members who have been a vital part of the team over the past few years:
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Sue Gilles for her vital efforts as registrar over our last truly active seasons and changing OLA systems.
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Linda Wright for her dedication to the advancement of the girls game and developing Burlington into a major center for girls lacrosse.
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Kristen Rochon, outgoing Secretary. Directly dealing with Bill and myself; 2 words, Herding Cats. Thank you for your patience and excellence in all you did for us.
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Catherine Tait in Sponsorship. Catherine secured major sponsorships with new partners allowing us to develop programs like Small Fries and stick give away programs.
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Duane Smith in Publicity, brought smiles and excitement to our kids as they were able to see themselves splashed over social media.
We can't do anything without the community volunteering their time for the kids, once again, thank you to all of you for your devotion to bringing Canada's Summer game to the kids of Burlington.
Dave Hunter, President