Releases only apply to Representative Lacrosse. For information on releases, please visit our FAQ section or the CMLA's Release Policy.

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The Clarington Minor Lacrosse Association (CMLA) is committed to fostering the growth and development of lacrosse within the Clarington community. In line with the Ontario Lacrosse Association’s (OLA) long-standing philosophy that "kids play where they live," the CMLA prioritizes keeping players within their home association to support local community engagement and ensure the development of lacrosse at the grassroots level.

 

However, under special circumstances, as determined by the CMLA executive, player movement may be permitted, provided it complies with the relevant OLA and CMLA Constitution, By-Laws, Policies, and Rules and Regulations.

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Before You Apply

Here are the key things you need to know before submitting a release request:

• We Don’t Consider Skill Level

  • The caliber of the player, team, or centre shall not be considered in the decision to grant a release. (OLA Rule MR3.06)

• Players Must Be Registered

  • To apply for a release, players must be fully registered with the CMLA for the current season. This includes payment and OLA approval.

• Important Deadlines

  • Release requests cannot be accepted until the following dates:

    • Box Lacrosse: March 1​

    • Field Lacrosse: February 1

    • Fall Field Lacrosse: August 15

  • Release requests must be submitted by these dates:

    • Box Lacrosse: April 15

    • Field Lacrosse: March 1

    • Fall Field Lacrosse: August 30

  • All players must be registered with their home centres by the following dates or they will be ineligible for a rep release (OLA Rule MR2.10).​

    • Box Lacrosse: 3rd Sunday in March

    • Field Lacrosse: February 15th

    • Fall Field Lacrosse: 3rd Sunday in August

• Releases Are Limited

  • A player can apply for a release from their home association (e.g., CMLA) to play in another association. However, once that release is granted, the player cannot request another release from the association they move to within the same season.

• Boundary Rules Apply

  • If your release is approved, you can only try out with the next closest lacrosse centre, as defined by OLA club boundaries.

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How To Apply For A Release

• Register First

  • Make sure the player is fully registered (including payment) with the CMLA for the current season.

• Complete the OLA Release Request Form

  • Complete Section 1 of the OLA Release Request Form (provided below) thoroughly and accurately. Only the information provided in this section will be considered when assessing the release request and during any potential appeal. Additional reasons cannot be introduced at a later stage.

• Submit Your Application

  • Email the completed form and proof of the $50.00 non-refundable administration fee to the CMLA Vice President - Representative at vpreplacrosse@claringtonminorlacrosse.com.

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What Happens Next?

• Acknowledgment

  • You’ll receive a confirmation email within 72 hours of submitting your request.

• Hearing Scheduled

  • A hearing date, time, and location will be scheduled within a reasonable timeframe to allow the applicant to formally present their request.

• The Hearing

  • Hearings are held in person or virtually (if all parties agree). All relevant parties will be invited to attend. If you cannot attend, the hearing will proceed without you.

• The Decision

  • You’ll receive a decision within 5 business days of the hearing:

    • If Approved: You’ll receive an approved release form.

    • If Denied: You’ll receive written reasons for the denial, along with instructions on how to appeal.

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Important Note

Release requests cannot be submitted before February 1st of the current year for Field and March 1st of the current year for Box. This date is set by the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) and applies to all associations. The CMLA will not accept any release requests prior to this date.

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If Your Request Is Denied

If a release request is denied, the applicant has the right to appeal through the Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) process. The steps are as follows:

• Level 1 Appeal – Merit Review

  • The applicant may submit a written appeal to the OLA Case Manager (casemanager@ontariolacrosse.com) within five (5) business days of receiving the club’s decision.

  • A non-refundable appeal fee of $100 must be included.

  • The appeal must contain all necessary documentation, including those completed by the hearing chairperson at the club level.

  • The OLA Merit Review Committee will determine if the appeal has merit:

    • If no merit is found, the player must return to their home association, and this decision is final with no further appeal.

    • If merit is found, the appeal proceeds to a hearing at the OLA Appeals level.

• Level 2 Appeal – OLA Appeals Board (Final Level)

  • If the appeal proceeds past the Merit Review, a formal hearing will be scheduled where both parties may present their case.

  • A non-refundable appeal fee of $300 must be submitted.

  • The OLA Appeals Board's decision is final and binding, with no further appeals permitted.

  • The decision of the OLA Appeals Board will be communicated within five (5) business days of the hearing.

• If All Appeals Are Denied:​

  • Members may continue playing with CMLA and work to resolve any concerns.

• You can request a refund, subject to the CMLA Refund Policy.

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For more information, visit the OLA Appeals Process page.

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Refund Policy

If a release is granted, refunds will be processed according to the CMLA Refund Policy. An administrative fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

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Ready to Apply for a Release?

Before submitting a release request, please review the information provided by the CMLA to ensure you meet all requirements. If you are prepared to proceed, you can access the appropriate application below:

• 2025 Ontario Minor Field Release Request Application (field releases are no longer accepted)

• 2025 Ontario Minor Box Release Request Application (box releases are no longer accepted)