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

​

At the Clarington Minor Lacrosse Association (CMLA), we believe in the importance of building strong local teams and fostering the growth of lacrosse within our community. Following the Ontario Lacrosse Association's (OLA) philosophy of "kids play where they live," we operate with a "no release" policy for players living within the CMLA boundaries.

However, we understand there may be special situations where a release is necessary. In such cases, the CMLA executive will carefully review each request to ensure it complies with OLA and CMLA rules.

​

Before You Apply

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

• We Don’t Consider Skill Level

  • A player’s ability is never a factor in the decision-making process.

• 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

• Tryout Attendance Is Required

  • If you’re seeking a release to play for another centre, you must attend at least one CMLA representative tryout for your age group.

• 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. ms within a single season, which could disrupt team rosters, planning, and league operations.

• 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.

​

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

  • Fill out Section 1 of the form, which can be found below. 

• 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.

​

What Happens Next?

• Acknowledgment

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

• Hearing Scheduled

  • A release hearing will be scheduled within 10 days of your application.

• 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.

​

Important Note

Release requests cannot be submitted before February 15th of the current year. 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.

​

If Your Request Is Denied

If your release request is denied, there are options:

• Appeal to Zone 6

  • You may submit an appeal to the Zone 6 Release Committee (additional fees apply).

• Appeal to the OLA

  • If the Zone denies your request, you can escalate your appeal to the OLA Appeals Committee (additional fees apply).

• If All Appeals Are Denied:

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

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

​

For more information, visit the OLA Appeals Process page.

​

Refund Policy

If a release is granted, refunds will be processed according to the CMLA Refund Policy. A $25.00 administrative fee will be deducted from the refund amount.

​