The International Olympic Committee gave provisional recognition to the Federation of International Lacrosse on Friday.
“The IOC’s Executive Board’s decision to provisionally recognize FIL has created a major milestone for the sport of lacrosse. FIL is truly honored to have received this recognition by the IOC,” said Sue Redfern, President of the Federation of International Lacrosse in a statement posted on the FIL’s website. “This decision will assist us and our member nations as we work to create opportunities for participation in the sport of lacrosse around the world.”
David ‘Brucie’ Morris penned a Q&A with Vice President of the FIL and CEO of US Lacrosse, Steve Stenersen. In the interview, Stenersen mentioned potential changes to the rules of the game at the Olympic level, which could include the “number of athletes per team” and the “venue requirements for competition, the duration of a game and the pace of play.” Read the full Q&A on the advancement of lacrosse at the international level here.
In a release by the IOC, the organization said, ” … The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL), … [was] granted provisional IOC recognition for a period of three years by the EB. These three International Federations will now be able to receive funding from the IOC and can apply for development programmes, while full recognition has to be granted by the IOC Session.”
CEO of the FIL, Jim Scherr, said in a statement, “[The] FIL is very pleased to have received this recognition by the IOC Executive Board. The IOC recognition provides a real opportunity to enhance and accelerate the efforts of FIL to continue to grow and develop the sport around the world.”
The FIL recently held the 2018 FIL World Lacrosse Championships in Netanya, Israel. LaxAllStars was there to bring you exclusive coverage of the event. Click here to find more content on LaxAllStars of the world games.
