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Welcome to South West Women's Lacrosse

 

The home of South West Lacrosse has moved!!!  

 

Please visit our smart new website to keep up to date on all lacrosse activity in our region.  You can go straight there by clicking this link https://www.southwestlacrosseuk.co.uk

 

This website domain will be closing in the near future and will not be updated with information for the 2023-24 season.

 

If you have any questions or would like to get in touch with someone on the committee please email southwestlacrosseuk@gmail.com or sl.southwestlacrosseuk@gmail.com and we will do our best to help you!

 

Notice of AGM 2023

 

Senior Regional Tournament 2023

SWL is delighted to be hosting the Senior Regional tournament this season which will take place at St Swithun's School, Winchester SO21 1HA over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, 1st and 2nd April 2023.  A and B teams from South East, North and South West will play in each competition, joined by guest teams from the England U20s squad - shortly to depart for their Euros 2023 event! The order of play for each day is below.  If you would iike to volunteer to help on either day, please complete the form on this link.

 

 

SWL Senior Leagues 2022-23

The First Division and Premier League competitions reached a climax at the final tournament of the season at Westonbirt School on Sunday, 26 March.  In the First Division, Bristol Bombers 2 were just one point ahead of Bath so the result came down to the their last fixture!  In the Premier League, Birmingham had a handful of matches to catch up on - could there be a last minute upset to overhaul Cheltenham and snatch the Shield?! Results looked like this:

 

 

Congratulations to Bristol Bombers 2 and Cheltenham for their success in the First Division and Premier League respectively.  And good luck to Cheltenham for their play-off match against SE Division 1 winners at the National Clubs' Finals in May!

 

Having had a record number of entries for the Development tournaments this season, the rearrangement of the second tournament (due to adverse weather in November) meant a number of university teams were unable to join us on 26 March.  The various match results and final standings looked like this:

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Super Counties Finals 2022-23

South West were delighted to send two U18 and two U15 teams to the National Super Counties Finals hosted by SEWLA on Sunday, 19 March held at North Collegiate Collegiate.

 

SWL Invitational Cup 2022-23

Congratulations to Cheltenham who retained the SWL Invitational Cup for a second season!  They came through triumphant after an exciting and competitive final against Bristol Bombers - final score 14-5.  Final positions:

 

1st   Cheltenham

2nd  Bristol Bombers

3rd  Birmingham

4th  South Coast

5th  Cirencester

6th  Bath

7th  Cardiff

 

SWL Indoor Tournament 2023

On Sunday, 15 January we were delighted to be able to bring the muched-missed Indoor Tournament back into the schedule!  At a new venue, Prior Park College in Bath, 8 teams entered with 7 competing on the day over two groups and into play-offs.  We also held a well-supported raffle in aid of Wavey Davey's spinal injury recovery fund and MIND, in memory of Honor Edwards (Marlborough College alumna), raising £115 which was matched by the SWL central funds.  And the final positions looked like this:

 

SWL Invitational Cup 2021-22 presentation

Cheltenham were finally awarded the brand new SWL Invitational Cup at the first League tournament of the new season for their fantastic win of 2021-22.  Due to the disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic this was the first time this new competition format had been completed!  Huge congratulations to Cheltenham!

 

Upcoming webinars in conjunction with SEWLA

I am delighted to advise that once again SEWLA are sharing their webinars with us in the South West - indeed, this month's webinar has been put together in conjunction with us as we have an expert in the field in the region!  it is discussing an incredibly important topic for our game and our times, and one that doesn't only affect children: 


Safeguarding, its importance, and the role it plays in our sporting culture

Time: Thursday 6th October 2022 - 7:00 PM London
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85298714084?pwd=RXhiQUgwOTBIYUc3TldncU0vWWhFZz09
 

Meeting ID: 852 9871 4084
Passcode: 880296

We are delighted to welcome Graham Yates to our webinar series. Graham is the Safeguarding Lead at St Swithun's School in Winchester where his programme was shortlisted for the Pupil Mental Health Initiative of Year at the 2022 TES Awards. St Swithun's has been rated as one of the best independent schools in the country for pastoral care, and both SE and SW are delighted that Graham has agreed to join us to promote better participant welfare.

 

Please spread this invitation far and wide to any teachers, parents, coaches, umpires, clubs, regions and anyone else who is interested in learning about safeguarding best practices, the real life impacts of social media, and a Q and A for anyone with more questions on how to put great policies into effective action.

 

And also coming up later in the month:

Please can I also take this opportunity to also ask everyone to save Monday 24th October in their calendars for SEWLA Webinar #11 - Female leadership in lacrosse. A fantastic panel has been lined up for this panel discussion on another very timely topic for our sport.  The link will be available soon.

Focus: Exploring solutions to achieving more female leaders across our sport – in governance, officiating, coaching and beyond
Format: Panel discussion
Chair: Issy Michelson
Speakers: Sallie Barker (World Lacrosse Finance Director),  Sue Redfern (World Lacrosse President),  Liz Prinz (Women in Sport Insight Manager), Lara Owen (Lacrosse Official/England Lacrosse Coaching Team/West London Lacrosse player), Phil Collier (England Lacrosse Head Coach).
Date: Monday 24 October at 8pm (time TBC)

 

IN HONOUR AND REMEMBRANCE OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

Across the whole lacrosse community we have all been deeply moved by the passing of The Queen and send our heartfelt condolences to all members of her family and household at this very sad time.

We now know that the State Funeral will take place on Monday, 19 September and so, following the guidelines from England Lacrosse, we have decided that SWL Cup fixtures due to take place on Sunday, 18 September should go ahead as arranged.  We highly recommend that, as a mark of respect, a 2 minute period of silence is held before the commencement of each match.  If participants also chose to wear black armbands or ribbons that is also acceptable.

 

SWL SENIOR LEAGUE AND INVITATIONAL CUP COMPETITIONS

The dates have been confirmed for the forthcoming season's competitions!

 

Invitational Cup fixtures will take place on a home/away basis on:

Sunday, 18 September 2022

Sunday, 16 October 2022

Sunday, 13 November 2022

Sunday, 11 December 2022 - SEMI-FINALS

Sunday, 12 February 2023 - FINAL AND PLAY-OFFS 

 

Senior League tournaments will take place (venues tba) on:

Sunday, 2 October 2022

Sunday, 30 October 2022

Sunday, 27 November 2022 + Development tournament

Sunday, 26 February 2023 + Development tournament

Sunday, 26 March 2023

 

SWL COMMITTEE 2022-23

Following nominations and voting at the AGM, we are delighted to announce your current committee is:

 

Chair - Heidi Marvin

Secretary - Victoria Westwood

Treasurer - Kate Nelson-Lee

NLC Rep - Charlotte Williams

Head Umpire - Annabel Campbell

Schools Rep - Tia Hislop

Senor Regionals Rep - Chloe Watterston

Senior League Admin - Victoria Westwood

General guru and wise voice - Clare Stoot

 

Our huge thanks to all outgoing members of the committee - Michelle Bray, Sally Keogh and Sara Benbow - for their unstinting work on behalf of the region over many years.  Your contributions have been greatly valued and you will be missed!

 

And an equally huge welcome to our new committee members - Charlotte Williams, Annabel Campbell and Tia Hislop - we look forward to working with you in the forthcoming months and years!

 

SWL AGM 2021-22

The AGM took place via Zoom on Monday, 25 April 2022.  Thank you to those who attended or sent their apologies.  The Minutes of the meeting can be read here.

 

2022 PREMIER LEAGUE AND INVITATIONAL CUP CHAMPIONS!

Full results of the final Premier League tournament and the play-off matches for the Invitational Cup can be seen here. Congratulations to Bristol Bombers 1 for taking the Shield in the Premier League - they will face the winners of SE League Division 1 at the National Club play-offs in May.  And also congratulations to Cheltenham for winning the Invitational Cup 2022 with fantastic results all season!

 

HOME INTERNATIONALS - EDINBURGH 8 - 10 APRIL 2022

It was wonderful to welcome back the Home Internationals after a two-year Covid break!  Competitions were played over Senior Women's A and B, Junior Women's A and B and Senior Men.  Also playing in the Senior Women's competitions were Czechoslovakia and Germany as part of their World Cup warm-ups!  England took the honours in all competitions but there were many hard fought matches with Scotland A and B teams beating Wales A and B for the first time in many years and both Scotland B and Wales B having nail-biting finishes against an ultimately victorious Germany!  In the Junior competition England B took on England A and came away victorious and claimed the trophy!

 

SWL were delighted to be represented by players in all 9 women's teams!  Huge congratulations to each and every one!!

 

NOTICE OF SWL AGM 2022

Notice is given that the SWL AGM 2022 will take place at 18.00 on Monday 25 April 2022 via Zoom.  Please email seniorleague@southwestlacrosse.co.uk if you would like to attend to receive the Zoom link.  Last year's Minutes and the Agenda will be sent out prior to the meeting.

 

INVITATIONAL CUP 2021-22

Latest results and final schedule for Play-Off matches can be seen here!  Who is going to be crowned SWL Invitational Cup 2022 Champions???

 

PREMIER LEAGUE 2021-22

Results and standings before final tournament can be seen here!

 

DEVELOPMENT TOURNAMENTS 2021-22

Results from the two development tournaments and final positions can be seen here!

 

SUPER COUNTIES FINALS 2021-22

SWL were delighted to host the Super Counties Finals at Marlborough College on Sunday, 13 March.  All results and final positions can be seen here.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Don't forget it's the second training/trials day for the Senior Regional teams this coming Sunday at St Helen's & St Katharine's school in Abingdon.  See here for more details.  It's not too late to sign up it you'd like to come and give it a go!

 

Also coming up in February is the fourth SWL Premier League tournament and second Development tournament - Sunday, 20th February at Westonbirt School.  

 

And if you'd like to get going on some coaching, there is a Fundamentals Coaching course taking place, also on 20th February in Bath.  More details and sign up here.  Don't worry if you can't make this one - there will be another in May/June so keep your eyes peeled!

 

SENIOR REGIONALS TOURNAMENT - CONFIRMED DATE AND VENUE

We have been advised by North Lacrosse that the Senior Regional Tournament will now take place on the Saturday 2nd April 2022 at Moreton Hall School, Weston Rhyn, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY11 3EW.

 

SUPER COUNTIES - VENUES WERE INCORRECT : PLEASE SEE BELOW FOR CORRECT DETAILS

Sunday, 7th November

10 -3 St Swithun's, Winchester SO21 1HA

 

Sunday, 28th November

10 - 3 St Helen & St Katharine, Abingdon OX14 1BE

 

Further details here

 

SWL Senior Regional Sign-up Open!!

Please follow this link to the sign-up form for the 2021/22 Training and Trials days.  More details can be found at Senior Regionals 2021/22.  And selection criteria can be found at Selection Criteria

 

SWL Super Counties Sign-up Open!!

Please follow this link to the sign-up form for the 2021/22 Super Counties competition as a player!  Follow this link to apply to coach (Lead and Assistant coaches required at U19 and U15 age groups) or umpire. More details can be found here. Any questions, email Heidi Marvin at supercounties@southwestlacrosse.com

 

SWL Premier League - Tournament 2

 

 

There was some fantastic lacrosse at Westonbirt School on Sunday!  And with Tribe unable to attend it gave Bristol Bombers 1 the opportunity to get some valuable points leading to a change at the top of the table!  Currently BB1 lead with Tribe falling to 4th behind Cirencester and Cheltenham!  After only 2 tournaments the competition is already hotting up!!  Thank you to Bristol Bombers and Cheltenham for stepping up to help run the day - greatly appreciated!

 

Invitational Cup Round 1 - Results

 

Some competitive matches around the region to kick off the Invitational Cup 2021-22!  Ten teams in 2 groups with play-offs for all positions on the final fixture next year!  It's all to play for!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

First League Weekend 2021-22

Unfortunately due to some late changes in the line up it will ony be possible to play a Premier Division competition this season.  However, there were some very competitive matches at the first tournament of the season at Westonbirt on Sunday, 26th September.  Tribe curently head the table (on goal difference) with Bristol Bombers 1 snapping at their heels!

 

 

Invitational Cup fixtures - amendments

Tribe are only playing one team not two so matches against Tribe A in Pool A will now be a BYE for that team.  This means we have an equal number of teams in both groups.  There will be no 11th place.

 

Premier and Division 1 League tournament dates confirmed

26th September 2021

24th October 2021

21st November 2021 + Development Tournament

20th February 2022 + Development Tournament

13th March 2022

3rd April 2022

 

Invitational Cup fixtures 2021-22 announced

4th and Final Summer Scrimmage

A fantastic finale to the Summer Scrimmage series was held on Sunday, 25th July - thank you to our hosts Bath Lacrosse. Well played everyone - it was great fun getting to know players from other clubs/unis/schools from around the region. A huge thank you to Head Umpire Sara Benbow for all her expert tuition at the four scrimmages and well done to all the umpires for stepping forward to take advantage of her guidance and insight. Dates for next season are confirmed (can be seen here) and don't forget Bath 8s is on 4th September - they still need a couple of neutral umpires (contact victoria.westwood1@gmail.com) and I think there may still be places available for team entries but you'd better be quick (http://bathlacrosse.com/wp/bath-eights-2018/)!!!

 

 

SWWL Confirmed Competition dates for 2021-22 season 

In the hope that we are able to return to our normal format of play next season, our confirmed competition dates are as follow (all Sundays):

 

League Tournaments

26th September 2021

24th October 2021

21st November 2021 + Development Tournament

20th February 2022 + Development Tournament

13th March 2022

3rd April 2022

 

Invitational Cup match days

10th October 2021

7th November 2021

5th December 2021

6th March 2022

27th March 2022

10th April 2022

 

The League tournaments will take place at Westonbirt School, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8QG.  Invitational Cup matches will be on a home/away basis.

 

Possible indoor tournament on 23rd January 2022 - yet to be confirmed.

 

If you haven't already done so, please complete the form here to show your club's Intention to Play and in which competitions!

 

Regional Development Play-Days Announced

We are delighted to announce this exciting new venture in the South West - two days of top-level coaching and games.  Aimed at club/uni/senior school girls, this is the perfect chance to take your lacrosse to the next level - particularly if you aspire to representing the SW in the future.  Excellent value at £20 adult/£15 student.

Day 1:  Sunday, 27th June 10.00-16.00 Beversbrook Sports Facility, Calne CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19 INCREASED INFECTION RATES

TBC Day 2:  Sunday, 25th July 10.00-16.00 

 

SWWL Webinar - TONIGHT - Monday, 14th June at 7.00 pm

Our latest webinar is tonight!  Iona, Maddie and Grace are going to tell us all about their experiences of playing lacrosse at University - the highs and the lows (as if there could be any!).  An ideal oppportunity for all sixth formers in particular to get some insight before heading off to uni!  Here's the link: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89465787798?pwd=TUhrSEdyeXpDcjNVWXRiL2phWkU0Zz09

 

3rd SWWL Summer Scrimmage!

It seems incredible that we are already nearly in June and getting close to our final Summer Scrimmage!  The link for 13th June Scrimmage in Cirencester is below!  Once again, places are limited but there will be a waiting list so definitely worth keeping the day free if you don't get an immediate confirmation of a place!

Once again, we will make sure that if at all possible members of the same club play together for at lest one match!

All EL Covid-19 protocols, together with all current government restrictions, must be adhered to in addition to any in force at the venue - all these deaitls will be confirmed to players nearer the time.

No players under 14 are eligible to participate.

Once again, our wonderful Head Umpire is giving her time to do some umpiring development and guidance.  This went really well at the scrimmages in Bath and Oxford with excellent feedback from the novice umpires so please encourage all your umpires to sign up for a short go under Sara's watchful eye!  Umpires of all levels are welcome - it is particularly helpful to those who might have done Level 1 under lockdown or feel very inexperienced.  They will need to be EL registered.

Here's the link to the sign-up form:  https://forms.gle/BQeLBxWezYQr4x7U9

 

EL Update Return to Play protocols

With the easing of government guidelines, EL have announced amendments to our Return to Play protocols.  All details for clubs, players and officials can be seen on the EL website here and there is a webinar to sign-up to on Wednesday, 18th May at 6.00 pm.  The infographic below shows the outline rules and regs.

SWWL AGM 2020-21

The AGM took place on Monday, 26th April - thank you to those clubs who sent representatives.  The Minutes of the meeting can be seen here and the new Constitution which was ratified at the meeting can be seen here.

 

SIGN-UP LINK FOR 9TH MAY SCRIMMAGE IS OPEN!!

The link for the 9th May Scimmage in Oxford is below.

All EL Covid-19 protocols will be followed, including those from the venue.  Places are limited so submit your form ASAP!!!  And there is another opportunity for some guided umpiring with our fab new Head Umpire Sara Benbow which proved really popular at the first scrimmage! You can apply for playing and umpiring places here.

 

AGM Reminder

Our AGM is on Zoom on Monday, 26th April.  Email seniorleague@southwestlacrosse.co.uk to receive the relevent link.  You can see the Agenda here, the current Committee here and the proposed new Constitution here.

 

FIRST SUMMER SCRIMMAGE - HUGE SUCCESS!

The first of our summer scrimmages was a great success with six 15 minutes games played with teams changing on each rotation.  We played in blazing sunshine and a snow blizzard - so bizarre - but nothing could squash the enthusiasm to play and sheer delight to be back on the pitch!  Well done everyone - especially the novice umpires that stepped up for some fantastic guided umpiring from our super new Head Umpire, Sara Benbow - the perfect opportunity for top quality umpiring development!  Roll on Scrimmage #2 in Oxford on 9th May!!

 

Notice of Annual General Meeting

Notice is given of the Annual General Meeting of the South West Women’s Lacrosse Association that will take place on Monday, 26 April 2021 at 19.30 via Zoom.
The Agenda and any accompanying papers will be circulated in due course.
All Clubs/Universities are encouraged to ensure that at least one of their members attends the AGM.
Please email seniorleague@southwestlacrosse.co.uk indicating your intention to attend and to receive the Zoom link.

 

SIGN-UP LINK FOR 11TH APRIL SCRIMMAGE IS OPEN!!

The link for the 11th April Scrimmage in Bath is below.

To clarify why we decided to follow this route this term: In my questionnaire to the clubs last term a large proportion said they didn’t want to commit to club fixtures during the summer term but that individuals might be keen to play. With these scrimmages clubs don’t have the pressure of finding a full team or a venue but people can still have decent match play and competition all the way through the term (not just now!). I understand with the return to play this week everyone is incredibly keen to play together but it isn’t possible to put together a structured format that is inclusive for all the clubs and players. I'm hoping that those clubs that find themselves with a good list of available players will do friendlies on other weekends and I can help with that organisation.

When we needed to decide what to do this term we couldn’t be sure of what, if any, participant numbers or travel restrictions would be in place - and it is still important to be sure that any event can be run safely, most particularly from a Covid perspective. Hence the cap on participant numbers. Also I want to be sure that everyone who comes gets a decent amount of game time. Additionally, getting available pitches confirmed has proved challenging so trying to accommodate additional numbers was tricky.

We will make sure that where possible members of the same club play all together for at least one match!

So the link to the sign-up form is here   

And the link to the Umpires’ contact form so we can keep all the umpires in the region up-to-date with all the exciting opportunities that Sara Benbow, our new Head Umpire, is planning is here - please encourage all your players with umpiring qualifications, and those who might be interested in gaining them, to complete the form.

And don’t forget the Umpires’ Hangouts on Thursday 8th and Friday 9th April - perfectly timed to get our heads into umpiring mode before the first scrimmage! Email umpiring@southwestlacrosse.co.uk to be sent the Zoom link - both will start at 19.30.

Looking forward to seeing you all on a lacrosse pitch soon!

 

England Lacrosse announce Return to Play at Phase 4 from 29th March 2021!

We are all absolutely delighted that EL have agreed with Sport England and the DCMS that outdoor lacrosse can return from 29th March.  There are still Covid protocols to observe and all the details can be found here. EL's infographic with the main points is below.  There is a webinar for Club Covid officers at 18.00 on Thursday, 25th March - you are encourage to make sure your club is represented.  You can sign up here.

 

Entries to Bath 8s Now Open!!

Having had to cancel the 2020 tournament, the 35th Men's and 4th Women's Bath 8s tournament will take place on Saturday, 4th September 2021.  See below for more details - you can find out more information and how to enter here.

 

New Head Umpire in the South West!

Due to his many commitments, Paul Jenkins has stepped down as the umpiring lead for the women’s game in the South West and the SWWL Committee would like to thank PEJ for his many hours of support, guidance and advice for which we are extremely grateful.

We are delighted to announce that Sara Benbow has agreed to be our new Head Umpire and has joined the Committee in that role.  If you attended our recent webinar you will know that Sara has a wealth of experience as a senior umpire across the domestic and international games.  She also sits on the England Lacrosse Umpire Advisory Group so is deeply involved in the future development of umpiring.  Sara has exciting plans to inspire, support and develop umpires in the South West, offering encouragement to those new to the role, guidance for those building their experience, and training and assessment opportunities for those who would like to progress up the umpiring ladder.

The first of these new initiatives will be the Umpires’ Hangout!  These will be regular Zoom sessions where umpires from across the whole region can meet, discuss their latest game – highs and lows, tap into Sara’s insight and generally give each other support, building the umpiring community in our region.  The first of these will be specifically for those of you who have taken (or are in the process of taking) your Level 1 qualification on-line and have yet to umpire on the field or haven’t done so very much.  This will take place on Thursday, 8th April.  A second Hangout will take place on Friday, 9th April for anyone else who is not a total beginner!  Details of how to sign up will follow soon.

Finally, with all the above in mind, it would be really helpful for Sara to have a list of current and aspiring umpires in the region.  Attached is a link to a Google Form – please forward to all your membership (whether current umpires or not) and to any umpires your club has used recently and encourage them to complete it asap.  This won’t commit them to umpire matches they’re not wanting to do but will give Sara some help in knowing who is out there! She is very keen, as we all are, to ensure that everyone who is interested hears about the opportunities coming up and is able to take advantage of them.

Thank you – and welcome Sara!

https://forms.gle/7VSLXbwqwmT1pjXp9

 

SWWL Webinar 2 - Umpiring

Sara Benbow gave us the benefit of her excellent insight and understanding of the new World Lacrosse rules, amendments and clarifications last night.  If you were unable to join us you can view the recording of the session by following the Zoom link here - highly recommended!  Passcode: 001&&Dye

 

SWWL Webinar 2 - Umpiring

Tuesday 2nd March 2020 7.30 pm

We are really excited to tell you about our next SWWL webinar on a subject hugely important to us all - as players and officials.  Please find the details below, together with the sign up link and the rules document which forms the basis of this first part of our umpiring discussion, led by our guest speaker and umpiring guru Sara Benbow, and which is intended for umpires of any ability in unis, clubs and schools (and players of course!).  There is no one who is too experienced or too novice who would not benefit from this talk!  Sign up essential and offers the opportunity to flag up in advance some of your personal grey areas (and we all have those!).

 

The aim is to refresh our rules knowledge, re-engage with the game and with each other.  The first part of this webinar series will include the latest World Lacrosse rule interpretations that were published last month, attached here.

 

You can sign up on the link here or in our bio on instagram/fb in order to receive the webinar link.

SWWL Webinar 'From South West Schools to International Lacrosse'

We were treated to a fascinating insight into the highs and lows of gaining international representation from our three guest speakers on Wednesday - if you weren't able to join us you can watch the recording on the link below. Passcode: PY@Y%*1d

https://us02web.zoom.us/.../Jj9WTJqXvGW98vpKWQzAXQx4Ph4md...

 

SWWL WEBINAR TONIGHT!!! DETAILS BELOW

 

'FROM SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS TO INTERNATIONAL LACROSSE'

SWWL webinar:  Wednesday, 17th February 7.30 pm

Are you aspiring to put on a National shirt and play for your country?  Or perhaps you’re just interested to know the stories of some who have done so. If so, we have the perfect talk for you!  SWWL are delighted to announce that we are being joined by a fantastic panel of International players who were all educated at schools in the South West.  Anna Featherstone (Godolphin and England), Charlotte Williams (Downe House and Wales) and Zoe Dickson (St Helen’s and St Katharine’s and Scotland) will tell us about their journeys from school team to National and will then answer your questions. Follow the link below to join us on Zoom next Wednesday.

 

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89484201574?pwd=U1VzQnhQclBWbjk0RnFXK245NUdnZz09

Meeting ID: 894 8420 1574
Passcode: SWLax

 

LACROSSE TRAINING AND MATCHES SUSPENDED

With national lockdown #3 in place, EL have confirmed that lacrosse activity must return to Phase 2 and all other training and match activities must be suspended until further notice.  This includes the SWWL League competitions planned for this term.  The EL infographic with details of what we can do can be seen here.

 

SWWL League Competitions 2020-21

Whilst Covid-19 restrictions are still making training difficult and the playing of matches beyond county boundaries impossible, it is still hoped to be able to have a more formal League competition this Spring. There will be a Premier Division, Division One and Development Division with the winners of the first two invited, all being well, to attend the National Clubs' Championships for play-offs against the SE Division One and Division Two winners respectively - the latter for the first time!!  Details of the League fixtures can be found here.  These are all subject to EL Covid-19 Protocols and Tier restrictions in place at the time.

 

England Lacrosse Covid-19 Protocols - new help page

The introduction of further tiers across the country brings added complexity to who can do what and where as we head back to our Clubs after the Christmas and New Year break.  Please remember that all activities must follow the EL Protocols in order for us to continue to benefit from the exemption to tha national rules around social distancing, playing sport etc.  EL have put together a fact sheet to help you navigate what you are, and are not, allowed to do in each tier and can be accessed here.  Please also refresh your memories of what our responsibilities are here and on other pages on the EL website.

 

 

SWWL Autumn Fixtures 2020

Due to Lockdown #2, Round 3 was postponed from 22nd November to 6th December and the new Tier restrictions that were brought into force as we came out of Lockdown meant some teams were unable to play/travel and universities were not allowed to participate in extra-curricular activities.  Therefore a reduced Round 3 was played with the following matches:

 

Bath City v Oxford

Tribe 1 v Cirencester 1

Tribe 2 v Cirencester 2

Southampton v Bournemouth

 

The full list of matches that actually took place and their results can be found here.

 

England Lacrosse Return to Play Phase 4 reinstated - webinar summary

For those of you who were unable to attend last night's webinar from EL, the key points are summarised below. The webinar recording is on the EL website, as is all documentation and infographics.

* only 37 sports have been deemed 'safe to play' by DCMS, including lacrosse - we are incredibly privileged to have exemption from the legal requirements of Rule of 6, social distancing etc - but this exemption is ONLY WHILE WE ARE PLAYING

* you must continue to do health checks, temperature checks, keep a register, hygiene breaks, no sharing of equipment, sanitising the ball etc and exercise social distancing at all times when not actively playing (eg during team talks, before and after the game/training) - to not do this is AGAINST THE LAW and while endangering public safety is also undermining the case for safe sport to be allowed to take place

* we can only participate in groups of upto 30 - including officials, coaches etc * you must not travel in/out of Tier 3, nor from one Tier 3 area to another; you must limit all other travel as much as possible

* we must all take responsibility for all the protocols that have been put in place to allow us to play, whether it is our own social interaction or that of our spectators. EL made it clear that should individuals or clubs not be compliant, sanctions will follow.

If we, as a sport, do not follow the protocols, the ultimate sanction from the government is that they will withdraw our exemption from national restrictions and we will not be allowed to play.

BE RESPONSIBLE, BE SENSIBLE, BE COMPLIANT - KEEP SAFE TO KEEP PLAYING

The webinar and all guidelines etc can be found on this link https://www.englandlacrosse.co.uk/coronavirus 

 

SWWL open applications for Senior Regional Coaches

It is hoped a Senior Regional competition will take place in March/April 2021 and so SWWL are looking for a team of coaches in the hope of repeating our successes of 2019!  Applications are now open for coaches interested in applying for positions within that coaching team.  You can read the full job descriptions here and follow the link to the Application form here.  Applications close on Tuesday, 15th December 2020.

 

If you are hoping to play in the Senior Regional competition 2021 keeping a watch here and on our social media - details will be announced soon!

 

Return to Phase 4

England Lacrosse have announced that all 3 Tiers will be able to return to Phase 4 protocols when Lockdown #2 ends on 2nd December.  All local travel restrictions must be respected.  You can read the EL announcement and keep up to date with all the guidance here.

 

England Lacrosse announce 50% discounts on courses!

EL are offering 50% discounts on many of their coaching and umpiring courses during lockdown #2.  Find the discount code you need for the course you want to do here.  This is the perfect opportunity to raise the numbers of umpires and coaches in your club and in the SW!  Don't forget you can also apply for help with funding for these courses through the SWWL - you can down load the Application form here then email the completed form to seniorleague@southwestlacrosse.co.uk.

 

EL CEO Mark Coups sends a message following new lockdown vote in Government

A message from Mark Coups, following the government vote today, can be read here.  We're back to Phase 2 of the Return to Play roadmap (view again here) - hugely disappointing but we must do our bit to keep our communities safe and healthy.  Look after yourselves and your loved ones during Lockdown #2 and we'll do our best to keep you informed and updated of more details as they emerge.  In the meantime, all the EL Covid information can be found here.

 

New EL Advice following introduction of Covid-19 Tiering system

England Lacrosse have published explanations of where we can travel to take part in sport (where allowed) depending on which Tier you are in.  Details can be found here.

 

Two new EL documents re Positive Covid test and Officials

El have released two new documents - the first to guide clubs through scenarios when a player presents symptoms or tests positive for Covid-19.  The second is a reminder for officials of their responsibiities whilst running a match.  Both links below.

 

The flowchart of what to do if a player in your club presents symptoms or tests positive can be seen here.

The breakdown of officials' responsibilities can be seen here.

 

Frequency of Play/Multiple groups of 30

There is some confusion over what we are/aren't 'allowed' to do under Phase 4.  I have been looking into this and wanted to share what appears to be the essence.

My understanding of the EL advice is that they suggest we should not participate in more than 2 groups of 30 (ie perhaps 1 training and 1 match) in a given week, and their guidance is that these groups should be 72 hours apart - ie asking people to consider the number of people they are coming into close contact with (bearing in mind that lacrosse phase 4 guidance allows people to break social distancing).  The key words here are advice and guidance.  It is up to each individual/club to decide how to run within this, whilst maintaining all the protocols in place (registers, temperature checking etc), making their own decisions based on the risks the are willing to take in terms of frequency of sporting and social activity.  This isn't something that anyone is going to police, it isn't about 'allowed/not allowed', but it is possible that, should a player test positive, the people in any groups he/she has been in might be asked to self-isolate, whether lacrosse or otherwise.  This is an imperfect science I'm afraid and uncharted waters and I'm sorry I can't be more categorical.  I will, of course, pass on any additional information as and when I get it.

Victoria Westwood, SWWL Secretary

 

What should we do if a player tests positive?

The SEMLA committee have developed a flow chart of potential positive/negative test scenarios which helps clarify what we might have to do should a team member tests positive.  I believe EL are developing something similar but in the meantime this might help you consider the various courses of action that could be necessary.  The 2 day timeline came from SEMLA committee members who work within the healthcare sector - as far as they know there is no government guideline so this element may be subject to change as guidelines evolve.  You can view the SEMLA flow chart here.

Should you have a positive test case amongst your players, your first step under EL requirements must be to contact Public Health England (https://bit.ly/36DsBp1) to discuss required action with them and to let us/EL know.

 

EL 6v6 Playground to Podium webinar - TONIGHT!

Hopefully all of you who might be interested in attending the EL webinar tonight have received an email with the relevant log-in details.  If not, please email h.amos@englandlacrosse.co.uk to be linked in

 

England Lacrosse - 6's Playground to Podium webinar

As part of the initial consultation period of England Lacrosse's 6's Playground to Podium - Olympic Foundations strategy, EL are holding a webinar for key individuals in the SW region.  All clubs are invited to attend.  The webinar will take place next Thursday, 24th September, 5.00 - 6.00 pm and will provide a brief summary of the 6's strategy which is an integral piece of the 2020-24 business plan.  Log in details will be posted here when available or you can email a.merrill@englandlacrosse.co.uk to sign up.

 

Covid-19 England Lacrosse latest announcement

In light of the latest government restrictions from 13th September, EL say we are fine to carry on within the guidelines of Phase 4.  Their statement and all additional information can be found here

 

SWWL Autumn Inter Clubs and Universities fixtures 2020

As we are currently unable to run the normal League tournaments we have structured a series of 'friendly' matches for the first half of the season.  As there are no BUCS fixtures until after Christmas we are delighted a number of SW universities have decided to join us!  We have put together home/away matches which will hopefully provide competitive play against some teams you wouldn't normally meet. The schedule for the autumn fixtures can be seen here and on our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/southwestwomenslacrosse.  All matches must be played under the guidelines and protocols in place on the day of the match and for its location - details can be seen here.

 

Covid-19 England Lacrosse Phase 4 - further clarifications on the Return to Play

Extra information and guidance released this afternoon from EL can be found here 

 

EL also state that lacrosse can still move to Phase 4, despite the postponement of easing for things that were meant to be able to open tomorrow 1st August.  However, we must remember that we have a civic duty of care to everyone, not just the lacrosse community, and that we must also respect local restrictions that are put in place at any time.

 

Covid-19 England Lacrosse Return to Play Phase 4

Latest EL advice is that we should not participate in more than 2 groups of 30 (ie perhaps 1 training and 1 match) but there should be 72 hours between each group - there are real concerns about cross-contamination as we move from training groups to match groups.  There are also issues for junior players moving between school and club or between different sports. We will keep you updated on any new information.  In the meantime, there is lots of information on the EL website regarding what we as clubs, coaches and players need to do to meet the guidelines, see the links below.  There is also a Clubs checklist Word document to download.  More links can be found on our Covid-19 Support for Clubs page.

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59f9cf6de9bfdf609e447562/t/5f1ad6dd1b913e36f7711f23/1595594462378/Phase4GuidelinesVersionF.pdf

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59f9cf6de9bfdf609e447562/t/5f1ad1c02f47c83cf65c2dd1/1595593156925/code+of+conduct.pdf

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59f9cf6de9bfdf609e447562/t/5f1ad71a71dc8050844bb3cd/1595594525101/CommManagementofPeople.pdf

 

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59f9cf6de9bfdf609e447562/t/5f1ad8d2cc37d17bb32bb3da/1595594964659/phase+4+mitigating+risk.pdf

 

https://www.englandlacrosse.co.uk/coronavirus

 

Covid-19 England Lacrosse Return to Lacrosse webinar 7.30 WEDNESDAY 29TH JULY 2020

Don't forget the webinar tonight to talk us through the ins and outs of the Return to lacrosse strategies and protocols that have been agreed from 1st August 2020.  To join, click the webinar link on the EL website Coronavirus page 

 

https://www.englandlacrosse.co.uk/coronavirus

 

Covid-19 Announcement from England Lacrosse - new guidelines allow competitive lacrosse!

 

It's official - we can play competitive lacrosse next season, albeit under stringent guidelines.  EL's announcement on Friday can be read in full on their website and the key elements can be seen here.

 

Please note these guidelines run from 1st August - any preseason training before that must adhere to current regulations.

 

Our League Secretary is currently putting together plans for a competititve season in the autumn - any clubs or universities that want to participate need to complete the Intent to Compete form (link below).  We understand that university teams might want to play in the autumn before BUCS restarts in January and that's fine.  This season is going to look very different from normal in lots of ways but it's just fantastic that we can make some plans to get onto the pitch and get playing!

 

https://forms.gle/rXpAzp3RmmM7b6wH7

 

Covid-19 Pathway for the Competitive season 2020-21

Pending new guidelines from EL following the easing of restrictions on competitive team sport on 10th July, our plans for what the new season might look like are underway.  Details of our pathway and an Intent to Compete form can be found here  

 

Covid-19 Back to Lacrosse - 10th July update

We are all delighted that the restrictions on playing team sports are being eased. EL are putting together the documentation with the government for how it will look for us and our plans to be ready to play lacrosse in the SW are taking shape. See EL's announcement today below. In the meantime, PLEASE keep to the guidelines that have been in place.

https://www.englandlacrosse.co.uk/news-1/2020/7/9/return-to-lacrosse-update-july-10

 

 

Covid-19 - Updates and support for clubs

For up to date information from the South West and England Lacrosse, please go to the Covid-19 section of our website which can be found here

 

Covid-19 - Updates to Senior League

Following on from the recent statement issued by England Lacrosse, we can confirm that we have now suspended the South West Senior League. We will be working to ensure we have an appropriate conclusion to the season and we will be in touch with you shortly. For now, we would advise all clubs to cease training and socials, in line with government advice.

 

Committee approve new stick specifications for all SW competitions from the 1st January 

Thank you to all who provided feedback on the new stick specifications and our implementation of them in the new year. The committee have taken on board your feedback and are pleased to announce that the new stick specifications are approved for use in all SW competitions from January 1st. 

 

South West Stash 

Follow this link to get your hands on all the latest South West kit - we've added more items and all with a shiny new logo. Order now to get ahead of this years Senior Regionals. 

 

Premiership League Results Table Now Live

The league table for the premiership league can be found by following this link. Keep up to date with how your team are getting on. 

 

Information on Senior League 2019/20

Information has been sent to all teams that have entered one of the Senior League competitions, including rules and regulations and Invitational Cup schedule. Please see Senior League > 2019/20 Season for these details.