Membership criteria changes are on the table at the World Lacrosse General Assembly ©Getty Images

The World Lacrosse Board of Directors is considering proposed changes to the governing body's membership requirements and application process, following its most recent meeting via videoconference.

This came after it received a report from the Membership Working Group, chaired by Shelley Maher of Australia, which proposed adjustments to World Lacrosse membership categories, definitions, requirements, rights and the application process.

It looks to create a closer alignment in membership criteria and requirements between World Lacrosse and the Continental Federation.

The recommendations were unanimously endorsed by the Board of Directors and these will then be shared with the World Lacrosse membership during a webinar on August 26 for input and feedback.

It will then be considered as legislation at the General Assembly in October.

The working group consists of Maher, Development Committee chair Rick Mercurio, development director Bob DeMarco, European Lacrosse Federation representative Steph Migchelsen, Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union representative Mike Slattery, Pan American Lacrosse Association representative Calbert Hutchinson and World Lacrosse staff liaisons Jim Scherr, Eric Parthen and TJ Buchanan.

The Board also received a report from the Blue Skies Working group chaired by the United States' Steve Stenersen which proposed changes to the structure, format, qualification process and calendar for future World Lacrosse World Championship events.

On Thursday (July 16), an informational webinar will share these proposals with members before the General Assembly.

Qualification changes for the World Lacrosse World Championships will be considered too ©Getty Images
Qualification changes for the World Lacrosse World Championships will be considered too ©Getty Images

The Athlete Eligibility Criteria Policy will be presented at the General Assembly too.

"We have been inspired by the resolve and commitment of athletes who are now just one year away from being able to return to the fields of play for world-level competition," said World Lacrosse President Sue Redfern.

"The items considered by our Board of Directors today will enable World Lacrosse to continue strengthening the service we provide to our members around the globe and, most importantly, the athletes who continue to fuel the rapid growth of our game through their contributions on and off the fields of play".

World Lacrosse chief executive Jim Scherr reported the growth of the sixes discipline following the introduction of the brand platform and technical resources on May 18.

Four international invitational events are now planned for the second half of 2021 and the schedule of the World Lacrosse Sixes is due to be released later this month.