(Inside Lacrosse Photo: Oded Karni)

Since last fall's recognition of the Federation of International Lacrosse by the International Olympic Committee, the conversation around the development of a new discipline has picked up steam in lacrosse circles.

With both US National Teams playing versions of experimental rules last fall, knowledge that "change is coming" has spread, but what that change will look like has remained a mystery.

In announcing today a set of parameters distributed to member nations to test and provide feedback on, the FIL has given lacrosse fans clear insight into their thinking and the process by which they arrived at the current draft.

Check out the FIL's release below, and check back for more analysis from Inside Lacrosse.

Federation of International Lacrosse Launches Membership Consultation Process In Development of New Discipline and Playing Rules

New York, NY – The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL), in partnership with its member-National Governing Bodies, is initiating a consultation process through which members are being asked — entirely on a voluntary basis — to experiment with a new discipline and related set of playing rules for the sport of lacrosse.

The new discipline and draft playing rules have been developed by the FIL Blue Skies Working Group, which is responsible for examining innovative ways to best position the sport of lacrosse for continued growth in the 21st Century, including the long-term ambition of returning lacrosse to the Olympic Games. This approach is consistent with work done by other leading international sport federations, including World Rugby and the International Basketball Federation, which have introduced new disciplines or other modifications to their sports while maintaining the integrity and traditions of their games.

The Blue Skies Working Group, which is chaired by FIL Vice President Steve Stenersen, began its work in September 2018. Through a series of in-person meetings, conference calls and consultation with players, coaches and officials, a new discipline and initial set of playing rules has been developed. In January 2018, the FIL Board of Directors endorsed the direction of the Blue Skies Working Group and recommended that FIL members be asked to experiment with the new discipline and playing rules.

Earlier this month, FIL members received the draft playing rules and have been asked to trial the new discipline, and provide feedback, during the next two months.

Based upon feedback from the FIL membership and further revision to the discipline and playing rules, the Blue Skies Working Group intends to present a final proposal for approval at the FIL General Assembly, August 12-13 in Peterborough, Ontario.

If approved, the new discipline will be a complement to the current field and indoor disciplines sanctioned by FIL, and in no way will replace those disciplines. The new discipline pertains to both men’s and women’s lacrosse, and is not a unified or coed division.

Appointed by FIL President Sue Redfern, members of the Blue Skies Working Group are:

Steve Stenersen – FIL VP / Working Group Chair

Fiona Clark – FIL Competition Director

Dana Dobbie – Athlete Counsel Representative

Terry Harding – Men’s Official

Jane Powell – England High Performance Manager

David Ryan – FIL Independent Director

Jim Scherr – FIL CEO

Scott Seymour – Octagon Executive

Mara Wager – Women’s Official

"The development of new, complementary disciplines of lacrosse is integral to the achievement of the FIL's strategic plan," said Vice President Stenersen. "Our Blue Skies Working Group has had the unique opportunity to re-imagine the sport based on the goals of fueling continued international growth, increasing spectator appeal and maximizing media exposure. The rule drafts will continue to be refined based on feedback from our member nations, and we look forward to presenting final recommendations at the General Assembly in August."

Key considerations being examined by the Blue Skies Working Group in developing the new discipline and playing rules include (in alphabetical order):

Competition equity

Degree of gender consistency

Game duration

Linear and digital media appeal

Pace of play

Player appeal

Rule simplicity

Spectator appeal

Sport growth

Sport integrity

Team size

Tournament duration

Overarching Principles

Men’s Discipline

Eliminate violent collision

Maintain current protective equipment

Eliminate long sticks

Maintain other current stick specifications

Goalie stick specifications identical between disciplines

Women’s Discipline

Maintain current restrictions on body contact and stick checking

Maintain current protective equipment and require eyewear for field players

Maintain current stick specifications

Goalie stick specifications identical between disciplines

Summary of Trial Rule Recommendations: