This column by US Lacrosse president and CEO Steve Stenersen, entitled “Forward Thinking,” appears in the September/October edition of US Lacrosse Magazine. Don’t get the mag? Join US Lacrosse today to start your subscription.

Each year, the Federation of International Lacrosse conducts a general assembly of its member nations in conjunction with one of five world championships conducted on a quadrennial cycle. The FIL now comprises 60 members on six continents and is supporting lacrosse development efforts in at least a dozen other countries. I was honored to be re-elected to a four-year term as board vice president by the general assembly. Led by London-based president Sue Redfern and Colorado Springs-based CEO Jim Scherr, the FIL board is an exciting place to be.

Forty-six nations competed in the 2018 FIL Men’s World Championship in Netanya, Israel. After 169 games played over 11 days in July, the Laurie Turnbull Shield was returned to the United States after a thrilling 9-8 win over Canada thanks to last-second heroics that will continue to fuel what I believe has become the greatest rivalry in lacrosse.

But something equally as thrilling occurred in Netanya — the adoption of a new FIL strategic plan, the aspirations of which have introduced a pivotal period in the sport’s history. Fueled by unprecedented philanthropic support, the strategic plan prioritizes continued international expansion, a significant evolution of the structure and frequency of world competition, and the return of lacrosse to the Summer Olympics by 2028.

A key to the plan’s success will be a commitment to innovative thought, including the potential creation of a new lacrosse discipline that would enable far greater participation, provide a more exciting fan experience and create a more consumable format for linear and digital media to showcase the best of our sport to the world.   

Traditionalists may howl at some of the concepts that emerge, but the opportunities to significantly expand the sport’s profile and popularity require creativity and courage, as well as a commitment to the integrity of the sport we love.