The global lacrosse community recently came together for the 2024 World Lacrosse General Assembly with delegates representing the 92 National Federations, including England, along with World Lacrosse board of directors and staff.
The annual gathering highlighted progress in the sport’s journey, with key by-law amendments furthering our Olympic evolution, new leadership introductions, and strategic outlooks approved to shape the future of international lacrosse through to 2028.
Progress Towards LA28: Green Light for Multi-Nation Members
At the 2024 General Assembly, World Lacrosse members approved an important by-law amendment introducing the term "Multi-Nation Member" (MNM).
This designation recognises organisations like Great Britain, where athletes from multiple nations compete together under International Olympic Committee (IOC) eligibility rules, and allows any such MNM to compete in sanctioned World Lacrosse events.
This amendment formalises a structure that reflects the collaborative spirit driving forward our return to the Olympic stage at LA28 and is an important step for British Lacrosse, and for our shared vision across England, Scotland, and Wales, of achieving podium success for Team GB.
As we prepare to showcase the sport to the world, this decision reinforces the importance of unity and shared purpose in taking lacrosse to its greatest stage yet, to then build a legacy that sees the sport thrive far beyond 2028.
Leadership for the Future
Bob DeMarco (USA) was elected as the new President of World Lacrosse, succeeding Sue Redfern following her seven-year stint since election in 2017.
Redfern, who previously served as England Lacrosse Board Member and Chair and is a hugely respected figure both domestically and internationally, led the organisation through a period of unparalleled growth, development and change, including modernisation of governance structures, attainment of provisional and full recognition by the IOC, and returning lacrosse to the Olympic program for LA28.
She has also established several commissions, including Ethics, Diversity and Opportunity, and Women in Sport, while overseeing numerous World Championships during her tenure.
England Lacrosse would like to wholeheartedly thank Sue for her service and all the work she has done in advancing the sport on the world stage.
DeMarco’s tenure, beginning in 2025, comes at an exciting juncture as the sport readies for its historic return to the Olympic Games.
DeMarco has served on the World Lacrosse board since 2017 as the Director of Development and has been a member of the Nominations Committee since 2021.
Including his time on the Development Committee prior to his board election (2010-17), DeMarco has guided the global membership growth for World Lacrosse from 35 to 92 National Federations and contributed to the formation of the Pan-American Lacrosse Association and Africa Association of Lacrosse.
International Event Review
The General Assembly reviewed the calendar of World Lacrosse international events through to 2032, with a specific review of events in 2028.
As a result, the expected Men’s U20 Championship will be shifted a year later to 2029 and will then be held on a four-year cycle in the same years as the Women’s U20 Championship.
Delegates also approved an equal cap of 16-20 teams for both men and women at the first WL Sixes Championships, set for 2027, with continental qualifiers for the championships implemented following the establishment of a qualification process for the LA28 Games.
The GA also voted to approve other minor constitution and by-law amendments, alongside the 2025-28 Strategic Plan, presented by World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr, and the 2025-26 World Lacrosse Budget.