Welcome back to our exploration of lacrosse's fascinating history. In this installment, we dive into a period of growth and fragmentation that shaped the sport in profound ways. From forming new associations to the rise of professional teams, lacrosse experienced both exhilarating progress and challenges. Join us as we unravel this transformative era's stories and developments.
The Birth of the Canadian Lacrosse Association: In 1887, the Toronto Lacrosse Club led a
rebellion, breaking away from the National Amateur Lacrosse Association (NALA) and forming the Canadian Lacrosse Association (CLA). Most Ontario clubs joined the CLA, while Quebec and Eastern clubs remained loyal to the NALA. To manage the vast expanse of Canada, the CLA divided the region into 11 geographical districts, facilitating manageable leagues for different levels of play. This organizational shift laid the foundation for structured and regulated competitions.
Elite Senior League Emerges: In 1889, the Montreal Shamrocks, Montreal Lacrosse Club, Toronto Lacrosse Club, Cornwall Lacrosse Club, and Ottawa Lacrosse Clubs severed their affiliations and established an elite senior league. This league became the pinnacle of lacrosse competition, showcasing the best teams and players of the time. Meanwhile, the NALA focused on junior clubs, allowing emerging talent to be cultivated.
Western Expansion and League Structures: Between 1890 and 1910, lacrosse experienced rapid growth in the western provinces, particularly in Manitoba and British Columbia. Lacrosse associations such as the British Columbia Amateur Lacrosse Association (1890) and the Western Canada Lacrosse Association (1896) formed, propelling the sport's development. Introducing league structures in cities like Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, Vancouver, Victoria, and New Westminster facilitated more organized competitions. Notably, the British Columbia Amateur Lacrosse Association implemented the use of goal nets in 1897, enhancing gameplay dynamics.
Shifting Atmosphere and Challenges: The sport's popularity soared as lacrosse transitioned from friendly social games to competitive leagues. However, issues of professionalism and amateurism arose. The National Lacrosse Association implemented a ban on Native players in championship games as early as 1867, viewing them as possessing superior skills. By 1880, Natives were deemed professional and excluded from NLA championships. The NLA changed its name to the National Amateur Lacrosse Association and embraced strict amateurism. This shift also meant that players received no monetary compensation except travel and accommodations.
Rule Evolution and Challenges: In the late 19th century, rules addressing foul play, crosschecking, deliberate charging, interference, and threatening to strike emerged, reflecting the sport's rough nature. In 1885, league play replaced the challenge-driven system, as matches were now scheduled in advance. The Toronto Lacrosse Club emerged as a prominent team during this time, contributing to the sport's growth and development.
The Rise and Fall of Professionalism: The early 1900s witnessed the continued growth of professional lacrosse teams, leading to the establishment of the National Professional Lacrosse Union in 1911. However, professionalism had detrimental effects on the amateur levels, prompting the formation of the Canadian Amateur Lacrosse Association in 1912. Unfortunately, inconsistent promotion and player attrition weakened the amateur league, while newspapers struggled to cover the various leagues, divisions, and clubs, resulting in reduced coverage of the sport.
In the End: The growth and fragmentation of lacrosse during this era shaped its trajectory and laid the groundwork for the sport we know today. From the formation of new associations and the rise of professional teams to the challenges faced by amateur leagues, lacrosse underwent significant changes. Join us in the next part of this series as we delve into the emergence.
Comments