Coronavirus - Season Suspended

As per England Lacrosse's Coronavirus Guidance, the season is suspended.

This won't blow over for some/many weeks so clubs should cancel home field bookings and bookings for training sessions. No doubt many sports centres will be cancelling bookings anyway.

Statement to SEMLA Clubs - 20 Mar 2020

Following the SEMLA Committee meeting on 19th March to discuss how to conclude the lacrosse season in light of the suspension of lacrosse activities due to the Coronavirus.

Sufficient games have been played to declare champions across the various SEMLA competitions. There are a couple of circumstances where we will follow-up with specific club committees to discuss what is best for their club going into next season. There will be the opportunity for clubs to give feedback to the wider SEMLA community at the April General Committee Meeting on Monday 6th April. Club representatives can of course contact me directly via 07867 505873 or semla.president@southlacrosse.org.uk.

SEMLA Flags

The SEMLA committee proposes the Flags competition is declared void for the 2020 season. When circumstances change and it is known when lacrosse activities will restart, we will endeavour to reschedule the remaining Flags games but in all likelihood this will be logistically challenging.

SEMLA League

The SEMLA committee proposes division champions and teams in the promotion/relegation places are declared as per the current tables with one exemption. Camden are proposed to to be declared Division 2 champions as they have a better head-to-head record than Spencer 3s.

Existing SEMLA bye laws will apply for promotion to the Premier Division. Reading and Oxford University will be offered promotion. This season, if declined by either team, the offer shall not be passed down to Cambridge University.

Hitchin A will be given an automatic offer of promotion to Division 2 as the winning team of a regional division with the best record. When lacrosse restarts, Bath will play London Raptors 2s in a promotion play-off.

A discussion with Epsom and Oxford Owls will be started to verify their likely commitment to SEMLA competitions next season as this may affect promotion from the three regional divisions. There may be circumstances that require all of Hitchin A, Raptors 2s and Bath to be offered promotion.

Each team that has won a division will be asked if they wish to receive a trophy. Any trophies declined will be reused for the 2021 season, saving SEMLA a small amount of money. The timescale to choose to receive a trophy will be before the May GCM on 4th May. In an ideal world, trophies will be awarded at a suitable event when lacrosse restarts.

Local League

The SEMLA committee proposes division champions are declared as per the current tables with one exception. Nuneaton are proposed to be declared Midlands champions as they have the better head-to-head record against Loughborough University.

There shall be no promotion or relegation between any divisions with one exception. A discussion with Buckhurst Hill and London Raptor 2s will be started to explore the pros and cons for their promotion/relegation between London Div 3 and Div 4.

Each team that has won a division will be asked if they wish to receive a trophy. Any trophies declined will be reused for the 2021 season, saving SEMLA a small amount of money. The timescale to choose to receive a trophy will be before the May GCM on 4th May. In an ideal world, trophies will be awarded at a suitable event when lacrosse restarts.

SEMLA 6s

The SEMLA 6s tournament has been cancelled and will not be rescheduled when lacrosse restarts.

We wish everyone across the lacrosse community stays safe and healthy during these unprecedented circumstances. We know clubs will keep active via social media. More information will follow over the coming weeks to help clubs and their members. This may include advice if clubs are facing financial implications due to cancelled fixtures. The suspension of lacrosse does not affect the online England Lacrosse referee/umpire and Coaching Field Lacrosse courses so this does present an ideal opportunity for personal development. SEMLA bursaries to help with training course costs are still available. The total spend on bursaries is capped but money is still available in the pot.

Thanks,
Rob Gooch
SEMLA President