FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 27, 2021
ONTARIO-The Ontario Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League (OJALL) announced today a series of rule changes to be implemented for the 2021 season.
Commissioner Mark Grimes-who has been tasked with modernizing the league-recently met with Derek Keenan, Paul Day, Eddie Comeau and newly appointed advisor lan Garrison to discuss a recommendation on National Lacrosse League (NLL) rule adaptations that would be a fit for Junior ‘A’ lacrosse. This distinguished group of well-known lacrosse leaders are members of the OJALL Advisory Board announced in August to provide counsel on lacrosse related matters and the league’s return to play plan.
The advisors were tasked with assisting the league in everything from rule discussions to the development of players, coaches and officials.
“We have some of the best minds in lacrosse behind the Ontario Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League right now,” said Grimes. “This is something the league has been discussing for a long time and I believe we are implementing the right rules, at the right time, with the right people at the table. Ontario Lacrosse has invested significant time and resources in the development of officials and they are going to be a key partner for us moving the league forward. Anyone can say ‘ we are starting a new league with new rules’-we are doing it the right way.”
“The conversations Mark and I have had with Derek, Eddie and Paul have been completely game and player focused. The rules we are looking at are all about enhancing athleticism, improving player safety, creating an exciting fast-paced brand of lacrosse and providing players, coaches and officials with opportunities to elevate themselves to the next level,” said Garrison. “We see great opportunities ahead.”
The advisors were united on the nine (9) rule recommendations brought forward by the Commissioner and unanimously approved by the league’s Board of Governors on Wednesday night. Grimes has now been in touch with the British Columbia Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League (BCJALL) and RMLL (Rocky Mountain Lacrosse League) commissioners and looks forward to further discussions on aligning the leagues.
Following is an overview of the changes:
1. 4 Second Count (vacate the crease)
2. 8 Second Count (advance the ball past half court)
3. Face Off Execution (non face-off players on restraining lines)
4. Back Court Violations (possession remains in the offensive zone)
5. Too Many Players (any violation results in a penalty)
6. Goalie Stick Dimensions (uniform regulations)
7. Delayed Penalty Mechanics (play continues until the defensive team gains possession regardless of shots on goal)
8. Loose Ball in the Crease (ball can be scooped out by an offensive player but not batted into the net)
9. Fast Restarts (violations result in the ball being put down immediate and blown in upon the non-violating team gaining possession)
For the latest news and updates follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT THE OJALL
The Ontario Junior ‘A’ Lacrosse League (OJALL), founded in 1933, is a Canadian junior men’s box lacrosse league based in Ontario, Canada. The OJALL currently consists of eleven (11) teams located in southern Ontario and is widely considered the most competitive junior men’s box lacrosse league in the world.
MEDIA CONTACT
Colleen Grimes
pr@ontariojuniorlacrosse.com
Gary Groob has been involved with Lacrosse for the majority of his life, whether playing, coaching, or covering the sport for the media.
An avid fan, with a real drive about helping to “grow the game”, Gary became part of podcasts about the game in 2010. Through the podcasts, Mr. Groob was given an opportunity to write about lacrosse, and the rest as they say, is history.
Through many miles (flying and driving) Gary has made inroads with the National Lacrosse League, Major Series Lacrosse League, the Ontario Lacrosse Association, as well as the Arena Lacrosse League, covering the leagues, their teams, and players, working for, and in concert with all of them.
In the year 2020, Mr. Groob was made the media person for the Arena Lacrosse League, voted onto the board of directors of the Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club, as well as being made administrator of the Lacrosse page “Global Lacrosse” with a membership of 9000 members in over 90 Countries. Gary was also made an administrator of Lacrosse History Past Present and Future in 2022.
Mr. Groob co-hosts a weekly Lacrosse show on Spanglish Sports World, and ZingoTV channel 250, as well as writes a weekly lacrosse column for La Portada Canada News (both in print, and online).
Gary also hosts a Lacrosse talk show and podcast for The Edge of Philly Sports Network, seen live Sunday nights at 9pm (ET), and archived on the Edge of Philly YouTube page, as well as Spotify.
Mr. Groob’s other sports interests include Hockey, Football, Boxing, Wrestling, and Baseball, competing competitively in Boxing and Wrestling for many years.
Latest Articles
This Had Everything Including A Flyers OT LossFlyers
All Lacrosse All The Time Pick’EmsLacrosse, NLL
National Lacrosse League and Marvel Team Up To Promote Lacrosse’s Legendary Origin StoryLacrosse, NLL
Native American Heritage Month – Thank YouLacrosse- Native American Heritage Month – Cody JamiesonLacrosse
