Governance
Constitution & ByLaws
Click here to see the Fort Erie Minor Lacrosse Association Constitution and By-Laws. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Fort Erie Minor Lacrosse Association are amended annually by the membership at the Annual General Meeting.
Policies
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The Fort Erie Minor Lacrosse Association (FEMLA) is committed to providing a positive experience for all participants. We understand that circumstances may arise where a player may need to withdraw from a season. This Refund Policy outlines the process and conditions under which refunds will be issued.
1. General Guidelines
Refund requests must be submitted in writing to FEMLA’s Registrar or the designated board member overseeing registration.
Refunds will only be issued to the individual or account that made the original payment.
Refund requests are subject to review and approval by FEMLA’s Board of Directors.
All refunds will be processed in accordance with the timeline outlined below.
2. Refund Deadlines and Amounts
Refunds will be issued according to the following guidelines based on the timing of the request:
Before the start of the season (Pre-Season): Full refund, minus a non-refundable administrative fee of $50, will be issued. This fee covers administrative costs associated with registration and processing under the OLA 2025 Fee Schedule.
After the start of the season (During the Season):
No refund will be issued after the first game of the season, as team rosters, uniforms, equipment, and other league costs are already incurred.
3. Special Circumstances for Refund Requests
Injury or Medical Condition: If a player is unable to participate due to an injury or medical condition that occurs after the start of the season, FEMLA may provide a partial refund, subject to the following conditions:
A doctor’s note or medical documentation must be provided confirming the player’s inability to participate.
Refunds will be prorated based on the time missed (i.e., the number of games/practices remaining in the season), minus the non-refundable administrative fee.
Relocation: If a player moves out of the Fort Erie area and can no longer participate in FEMLA programs, a partial refund may be issued, provided proof of relocation (e.g., change of address) is submitted.
Season Cancellation or Disruption by FEMLA: If the season is canceled or disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., government mandates, force majeure events), FEMLA will issue a partial refund, prorated based on the number of games/practices missed, minus any expenses already incurred (such as uniforms, insurance, etc.).
4. Non-Refundable Fees
The following fees are non-refundable:
Non-Refundable Administrative Fee of $50.
5. How to Request a Refund
To request a refund, please submit a written request to FEMLA’s Registrar or the appropriate contact person (via email or the designated online platform).
Provide the following information in your request:
Player’s full name
Age group/division
Reason for refund request
Supporting documentation (if applicable)
Refund requests should be submitted as soon as possible to ensure timely processing.
6. Processing of Refunds
Refunds will typically be processed within 30 days of receiving a completed refund request.
Refunds will be issued by the same method of payment originally used (e.g., credit card, cheque, etc.), unless otherwise specified by the payee.
7. Exceptions and Discretion
While this policy provides general guidelines, FEMLA reserves the right to review and consider exceptions or special circumstances on a case-by-case basis.
Any exceptions or deviations from this policy must be approved by the FEMLA Board of Directors.
8. Contact Information
For questions or to submit a refund request, please contact:
Email: registrar@forterielacrosse.com
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in following this Refund Policy. Our goal is to ensure a fair process for all families and players involved with the Fort Erie Minor Lacrosse Association.
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Prior to submitting a release request, the player must be registered and paid with their resident OLA association for the current year.
The OLA “Release Request Form” for the current year must be used in all cases where a player wishes to be released from his/her current lacrosse association in order to sign and play for another association.
The player, the parent or the guardian must complete all fields in Section 1 of the form and send it to the President of the association from which the release is requested.
Only the information presented in Section 1 will be considered; new reasons for a release will not be entertained should the association’s decision be appealed at any other level.
The association must respond to the applicant within 72 hours to acknowledge receipt of the request for a release. Within a reasonable time, the association is responsible for setting a date, time and location for when a release hearing will be held so that the applicant may be present to formally discuss the request.
There may be a fee for a release hearing at the association level.
Following the hearing, the association must complete Section 2 of the form with written reasons for granting or denying the request and provide the applicant with the information necessary to appeal to the Zone, should the applicant qualify to do so under the OLA Appeal’s Process. The reasons for submitting an appeal at any level are outlined in OLA Rules and Regulations.
Fair Play Code of Conduct
The Ontario Lacrosse Association’s Fair Play Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for behaviour and sportsmanship for all participants in the game, including players, parents, coaches, officials, and volunteers. It is designed to promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where athletes can learn, compete, and grow through lacrosse.
By outlining standards of conduct and accountability, the Fair Play Code helps prevent inappropriate behaviour such as unsportsmanlike conduct, bullying, harassment, and abuse. It reinforces the shared responsibility of everyone involved in the sport to uphold respect, integrity, teamwork, and fair play—on and off the floor or field.
All members of the lacrosse community are expected to understand and follow these guidelines to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
As a member of the OLA, the Fort Erie Minor Lacrosse Association is committed to upholding the Fair Play Code of Conduct and fostering an environment where respect, safety, and sportsmanship come first.
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Clubs play an essential leadership role in establishing and maintaining environments that uphold Fair Play. Each OLA member club shall:
Leadership & Governance
Promote and uphold the OLA Code of Conduct, this Fair Play Code, and all related OLA policies.
Maintain governance and administrative practices that prioritize participant well-being and safe sport standards.
Ensure all team staff, volunteers, and personnel are properly screened, trained, and compliant with OLA requirements.
Creating Safe, Inclusive Environments
Provide programming that is developmentally appropriate, equitable, and inclusive of all athletes.
Implement protocols consistent with Safe Sport principles, including appropriate boundaries, privacy expectations, and protection of minors.
Maintain physical and digital environments that are free from maltreatment, bullying, harassment, and discrimination.
Education & Communication
Clearly communicate codes of conduct, procedures, and expectations to all participants.
Provide families with accessible information regarding reporting processes, club contacts, and OLA policies.
Ensure all teams receive Fair Play orientation at the start of each season.
Operational Expectations
Maintain proper supervision at all OLA-sanctioned activities.
Ensure dressing room, travel, and facility protocols follow OLA and Safe Sport guidelines.
Respond promptly and appropriately to safety concerns, violations, or reports of misconduct.
Digital & Media Responsibilities
Ensure all official club or team communication channels follow OLA Social Media and Media Rights policies.
Restrict or manage minor team social media accounts in accordance with OLA standards.
Prevent unauthorized posting or sharing of fight footage, harmful content, or private images.
Substance Use & Event Management
Ensure the club adheres to OLA Substance Misuse policy requirements at events and facilities.
Communicate expectations to families and spectators regarding alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and designated-use areas.
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Coaches have a leadership role that carries authority, responsibility, and influence. They are expected to model exemplary conduct, uphold Fair Play standards, and foster an environment in which all athletes feel safe, valued, and supported.
Coaches shall:
Athlete-Centered Focus
Prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of athletes above winning.
Deliver instruction that is safe, clear, and age-appropriate, and that promotes skill development, confidence, and enjoyment.
Provide all athletes with fair opportunities for participation, learning, and growth.
Promote teamwork, respect, inclusion, accountability, and discipline.
Encourage athletes to develop their abilities while supporting their confidence, resilience, and love for the game.
Ensure equal and fair treatment of all athletes, regardless of ability level.
Adhere to the Club’s team selection process and make roster decisions based on skill, performance, and established procedures.
Professionalism & Conduct
Communicate with athletes, parents, officials, and other coaches in a respectful, constructive, and timely manner.
Demonstrate composure, respect, and integrity when interacting with athletes, parents, officials, opponents, and volunteers.
Treat all participants with dignity and respect and refrain from verbal abuse, taunting, or any behaviour that could cause physical or emotional harm.
Use language that is constructive and never profane, demeaning, discriminatory, or abusive.
Avoid derogatory comments related to race, ethnic origin, colour, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.
Resolve conflicts calmly and professionally, avoiding public confrontations.
Maintain professional boundaries consistent with the UCCMS and Safe Sport requirements.
Encourage open communication while maintaining confidentiality in sensitive situations.
Safe Sport Compliance
Never engage in, encourage, tolerate, or ignore bullying, harassment, hazing, discrimination, or maltreatment.
Follow open and observable communication practices; avoid one-on-one private interactions with minors unless unavoidable and appropriate.
Protect athlete privacy in dressing rooms, hotels, medical spaces, transportation, and other team environments.
Prioritize athlete safety and respond promptly to any situation that may place an athlete at risk.
Support athletes who disclose concerns or experience challenges, ensuring they receive appropriate assistance.
Digital Responsibility
Model appropriate online behaviour and set expectations for the team’s digital conduct.
Refrain from posting or sharing negative, harmful, violent, or confidential content on any digital platform.
Avoid online commentary about game officiating, league decisions, or internal team matters.
Understand that all online conduct reflects on the team, club, and OLA—even when posted from a personal account.
Ensure athletes understand that Minor athletes must not create or participate in team-wide group chats via texting or social media apps.
Address and report any cyberbullying, harassment, or inappropriate online conduct involving athletes or team personnel.
Substance Use Standards
Never coach while impaired or under the influence of alcohol, cannabis, recreational drugs, or non-prescribed substances.
Refrain from consuming, possessing, or distributing alcohol or drugs at any OLA event, including games, practices, tournaments, or team gatherings.
Never encourage or condone the use of alcohol, cannabis, vaping products, or any controlled substances by athletes or individuals associated with the team.
Avoid the use of tobacco or cannabis products in any prohibited or inappropriate setting.
Commitment & Preparedness
Arrive on time, well-prepared, and appropriately presented for all team activities.
Clearly communicate expectations regarding athlete and parent commitment, including the priority of OLA team obligations over non-sanctioned lacrosse events or travel teams.
Ensure full understanding and compliance with all OLA rules, policies, event procedures, and facility requirements.
Provide clear instructions, constructive feedback, and development-focused coaching in all sessions.
Support a structured, organized, and positive team environment that reflects the values of the OLA.
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Athletes play a central role in shaping the experience, culture, and integrity of lacrosse. They are expected to uphold the values of Fair Play, demonstrate respect for others, and contribute to a safe, supportive, and enjoyable environment for all participants.
Athletes shall:
Respect for the Game
Play hard, play fair, and compete with honesty and integrity.
Follow the rules of lacrosse and demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.
Respect the traditions, spirit, and heritage of the game.
Accept the decisions of referees and officials without argument, hostility, or disrespect.
Respect for Others
Treat teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators with dignity and respect.
Avoid fighting, retaliation, taunting, trash-talking, or attempts to provoke or embarrass others.
Use language that is positive and constructive, and never profane, abusive, discriminatory, or insulting.
Recognize that all participants have the right to feel safe, included, and valued.
Personal Conduct & Team Commitment
Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to participate fully in team activities.
Make a committed effort to develop skills, fitness, teamwork, and understanding of the game.
Follow coaching direction and contribute positively to team culture.
Support teammates and contribute to an environment rooted in trust, respect, and accountability.
Safe Sport Conduct
Never engage in bullying, harassment, hazing, discrimination, or any form of maltreatment.
Report any unsafe behaviour, misconduct, or concerns to a coach, club representative, or trusted adult.
Uphold appropriate physical and emotional boundaries with peers, coaches, and team personnel.
Respect the personal space and privacy of others, including in dressing rooms, hotels, and team environments.
Digital Responsibility
Use social media and digital communication platforms responsibly, respectfully, and in alignment with OLA standards.
Never post, share, or engage with harmful content, including fight videos, derogatory comments, discriminatory language, or demeaning material.
Protect the privacy of teammates by refraining from recording or sharing photos or videos from dressing rooms, training environments, hotels, or other private spaces.
Avoid participating in team-wide group chats or online spaces that violate OLA digital communication standards for minor athletes.
Report any cyberbullying, harassment, or inappropriate digital conduct involving teammates or others.
Substance Use Standards
Refrain from using alcohol, cannabis, vaping products, tobacco, recreational drugs, or non-prescribed substances at any OLA event.
Understand that substance use is strictly prohibited for minor athletes and that violations may result in disciplinary action.
Avoid situations where substance use may occur or where personal safety may be compromised.
Health, Safety & Well-Being
Prioritize personal safety and the safety of teammates at all times.
Notify a coach or responsible adult if experiencing injury, illness, or emotional distress.
Follow team protocols for hydration, recovery, equipment use, and safe play.
Participate in a manner that promotes a healthy and positive sport environment for everyone.
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Parents and guardians play a vital role in shaping the experience, safety, and well-being of all participants. Their conduct directly influences team culture, the behaviour of young athletes, and the overall environment at OLA events. Parents are expected to model respect, support Fair Play, and contribute to positive sport experiences for every participant.
Parents and guardians shall:
Supportive Behaviour
Encourage their child’s effort, improvement, enjoyment, and development rather than focusing solely on winning.
Demonstrate positive behaviour in the stands, on the sidelines, and in all interactions connected to the team.
Applaud strong play and sportsmanship from all athletes, regardless of team.
Promote confidence, resilience, and enthusiasm for the game.
Respect for Participants
Treat all athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and other spectators with dignity and respect.
Refrain from yelling at, criticizing, or ridiculing their child or any other participant.
Avoid approaching the bench, game officials, or restricted areas during competition except in emergencies.
Respect the authority and expertise of coaches and officials, even when disagreements arise.
Direct questions or concerns through proper communication channels at appropriate times.
Contribution to a Positive Team Environment
Ensure their child arrives on time, prepared, and equipped for practices, games, and team events.
Support team expectations regarding attendance, effort, and commitment.
Avoid encouraging participation in non-sanctioned lacrosse events or travel activities that conflict with OLA team obligations.
Promote sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork within their family and among other spectators.
Safe Sport Support
Reinforce expectations regarding respectful behaviour, boundaries, and athlete well-being.
Support their child in reporting concerns related to bullying, discrimination, harassment, or maltreatment.
Avoid engaging in or contributing to gossip, rumours, or behaviour that harms team unity or individual well-being.
Respect the privacy of all athletes by never entering dressing rooms unless specifically permitted under club policy and Safe Sport guidelines.
Digital Responsibility
Use social media respectfully and refrain from posting harmful, inflammatory, or derogatory content about players, officials, coaches, teams, or the OLA.
Avoid sharing photos, videos, or commentary that include private team moments, dressing rooms, injuries, or sensitive situations.
Never distribute fight footage or violent content from OLA games or events.
Follow OLA rules regarding minor team social media accounts and support club-managed communication protocols.
Report any cyberbullying or inappropriate digital conduct involving athletes to team or club officials.
Substance Use Expectations
Follow all OLA Substance Misuse policies at practices, games, and events.
Refrain from consuming alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, vaping products, or other substances in unlicensed or prohibited areas during minor events.
Avoid behaviour that disrupts any event or reflects poorly on the team, club, or OLA.
Model healthy behaviour that reinforces the values and expectations placed on athletes.
Communication & Partnership
Maintain open, respectful communication with coaches, club representatives, and team personnel.
Address concerns privately, calmly, and constructively rather than during games or public settings.
Support the decisions of team staff and trust the development process.
Recognize that coaches and club personnel act in the best interest of the team and the sport.