It was announced today that a national governing body for the sport of box lacrosse in the USA has been formed. The American Box Lacrosse Association (ABLA) has begun initial steps towards formation. They will follow a unified set of Game-play Rules, use national, affordable league insurance, introduce a national coaching and official certification training following the true Canadian form of box lacrosse (BOXLA). Each year, teams from around the country will be able to participate in Regional and National Championship tournaments for all levels of youth through the Sr. A/B level. Each regional league across the country will follow ABLA regulations and provide consistent educational and competitive programs ensuring an experience that is best in class for the box lacrosse players, parents, coaches and officials.
The ABLA Board of Directors is comprised of league officials and owners from around the country including Washington, DC area, California and Texas. Additional leagues have inquired and the ABLA is looking at a very rapid expansion.
“The American Box Lacrosse Association (ABLA) is the national governing body dedicated to growing and promoting box lacrosse at all levels, across the nation. Our primary focus in 2012 will be hosting the National Championship for both adults and youth. This will allow us to showcase some of the great talent there is at every age group across the country. Teams from across the country including the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Texas and the West Coast regions will face off to decide who are the best box teams in America.” said the Board of Directors.
“We are looking to unify and make consistent the way the game of box lacrosse is played and taught in the US, much like the CLA in Canada and US Lacrosse for the field game in the US. Our goal is to unify already existing programs as well as provide guidance to new groups looking to develop the game in their area.”
The 1st Annual National Championship tournament will be held in Huntington Beach, CA on August 25 & 26, 2012 and will host games for U11, U13, U15, High School Elite, Sr. B and Sr. A.
For more information on the ABLA and the National Championship tournament please go to the ABLA website www.americanboxlacrosseassociation.com