SYLA Members, Coaches, and Players,
As an entire association, we held out hope that our summer season would still take place. Board Members received dozens of messages from parents, sharing their excitement for a season and a desire to play, should a season happen. However, this message is to inform you that the Shakopee Youth Lacrosse Association Board as come to the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 summer lacrosse season, including our home tournament, the River Valley Rumble.
The hope we held on to was driven by our desire to give our kids some sense of normalcy in a difficult time in our lives. This decision was not taken lightly and it was not made without first consulting with numerous other associations around the Twin Cities metro. As we share some factors that led us down this road, we want to make sure it is known that if things change, orders get lifted, and a modified lacrosse season is made available, we will do our best to be part of that. Also, I am sure that some details will be missed, so I encourage you to reach out with any questions.
2020 Summer Lacrosse Season Cancellation
There are three main factors that led to the decision to cancel. Above and beyond any other reason, the health and safety of our players and their families.
1. A couple weeks ago, MSLax, our governing organization for girls lacrosse, cancelled their season. At that time, YLM, the governing organization for boys lacrosse, was waiting to hear if officials would allow youth sports to take place. YLM is still hoping for a modified season, but their board is uncertain if that will be possible. MSLax is also looking at a modified season, if possible. Additionally, all state tournaments have been cancelled.
2. With restrictions impacting both city and school fields, being able to have locations to practice and play games is extremely limited and won’t be ready for allowed until mid-June at best.
3. A combination of other associations cancelling their seasons, tournaments, and uncertainty of a back-to-play date.
SYLA will be issuing a full refund for all families that have registered for the 2020 season, less the admin fees associated with registration. We expect to have refunds issued within 7-10 business days.
Modified Lacrosse Season/Skills Clinics
Although we have decided to cancel our 2020 summer lacrosse season, there are still talks of conducting a modified version of lacrosse. This would include decreased players per team, safety precautions for spectators, and shortened games. A modified season would focus on development, not on competition.
As you’ve all been during this pandemic, your flexibility and adaptability will be imperative should the boys and girls teams have a modified season. We have spoken to multiple local associations, including C3 and Prior Lake, all which are on board for some sort of scrimmage/game play if possible.
If a modified season is not able to take place, but we can meet requirements and guidelines set forth by State/Local officials, we may have clinics for our players, which would be held by coaches and other volunteers.
Both of these options would have a necessity for a new registration, including modified fees, which would be determined at a later date.
Once again, we thank you for your patience and understanding during this unique time in our lives. Our number one priority is the safety of our association. As we continue to hear of updates from our Governor, we will be sure to share any and all information that impacts youth lacrosse. We still have hope that we will be able to get sticks in hand.
As always, please reach out if you have any questions,
Ryan Thorman
SYLA President