Dear OLA Representatives,
As part of our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful sport environment, the Ontario Lacrosse Association is introducing three key policy updates:
1. Code of Conduct (New)
2. Social Media Conduct Policy (Revised)
3. Media Rights and Content Use Policy (New)
These updates reflect our shared responsibility to uphold the values of lacrosse and ensure a positive experience for all participants.
Code of Conduct (New)
The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) has adopted a new Code of Conduct aligned with the Universal Code of Conduct to Prevent and Address Maltreatment in Sport (UCCMS). This new standard strengthens our shared responsibility to prevent maltreatment and uphold the rights and well-being of all participants in our game.
To help our members navigate the changes, we'll be hosting webinars with our Independent Third Party (ITP) in the coming months focused on building understanding and ensuring a safe sport environment for all participants.
The new Code of Conduct replaces the previous version (OR13.0), which has been removed from the Rules and Regulations and will be formally ratified at the 2025 Annual General Meeting in November.
In addition to the updated Code of Conduct, we are introducing two important policy changes:
Social Media Conduct Policy (Revised)
The Social Media Conduct Policy is designed to educate and support our members in using social platforms responsibly. As digital communication becomes more central to our sport, we are committed to helping athletes, coaches, parents, and volunteers build digital literacy and understand the real-world impact of their online activity—including how it can affect safety, team selection, and future playing opportunities.
This revised policy sets clearer expectations for respectful online behaviour and addresses serious issues such as harassment, anonymous misconduct, and inappropriate content.
Sharing videos of fights or content that sensationalizes violence, poor sportsmanship, or disgraceful conduct may result in fines or suspension. These posts damage the public image of our sport and remain a barrier to growth—making it harder to attract new players, secure sponsorship and media coverage, and build relationships with schools and community partners.
Our goal is to promote a positive and respectful digital environment that reflects the values of lacrosse and supports the growth of the game at every level.
Media Rights and Content Use Policy (New)
As digital content continues to play a bigger role in sport promotion, the OLA has made substantial investments in media infrastructure to support member clubs elevate the profile of our sport. From live broadcasts to shared photo libraries and templates, we continue to expand the tools available to help members promote their programs and engage their communities.
This new policy outlines how media assets—such as photos, videos, and broadcasts captured at OLA-sanctioned events—may be shared, published, or licensed. It applies to all Individuals and accredited media professionals, including photographers, videographers, content creators, media partners, and other third parties working within OLA environments.
The policy introduces important protections for participant privacy, defines boundaries around commercial use, and prohibits the unauthorized sale or distribution of OLA content. Above all, it reinforces the need to represent our sport respectfully and professionally, ensuring that every piece of content contributes to the growth and reputation of lacrosse in Ontario.
All three documents are available on our website and can be accessed below:
We ask that clubs take the time to review these documents and communicate the key updates with your staff, volunteers, and families.
If you have any questions about these policies
or require further clarification, please reach out to
[email protected].
Thank you for your continued support in building a safe and respectful future for lacrosse in Ontario.