COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — World Lacrosse took another major step forward in its continued growth and development today, as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board approved a recommendation from the IOC Sports Department to grant full recognition to the international federation for men’s and women’s lacrosse.

One final step remains in the process in order for World Lacrosse to gain full recognition, which is a vote by the IOC membership accepting the recommendation of the board. That vote could take place as early as July at the IOC session immediately prior to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The grant of full recognition by the IOC would ensure World Lacrosse maintains its status as a member of the Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations (ARISF). Additionally, World Lacrosse would continue to be eligible to receive financial support through the IOC Development Program and would benefit from access to IOC meetings, educational seminars, publications and other resources.

In November 2018, World Lacrosse was granted provisional recognition by the IOC, a significant first step toward gaining full recognition. Two years later, in November 2020, the IOC Sports Department initiated a comprehensive review and evaluation process of World Lacrosse, which included a submission of more than 500 pages of material and several virtual meetings with leaders in the IOC Sports Department.

“This is a tremendous vote of confidence by the International Olympic Committee executive board in the direction of our sport and our international federation, and we are deeply grateful for the consideration,” said World Lacrosse president Sue Redfern. “As an international federation, we have ambitious goals for the continued growth of our game around the world. Equally, we are committed to being a trusted and valued partner to the IOC and other international federations across sport. Today’s vote by the IOC Executive Board is an indication we are on the right path.”

“In addition to expressing our appreciation to the IOC Executive Board, we congratulate our partners in international sport who also received favorable reviews today,” added Redfern.

“At every juncture — first for provisional recognition and now for full recognition — the IOC evaluation processes have made us a better, more effective international federation,” added World Lacrosse CEO Jim Scherr. “The evaluations are rigorous, but they show us what we can achieve as an organization by placing sport at the service of humanity.

“While today’s decision by the IOC Executive Board represents yet another important milestone for World Lacrosse, we will not rest or stand still. This is a catalyst that will drive and shape our efforts to continue expanding opportunities for participation in lacrosse and improving our capabilities as an international federation.”