the Ontario Lacrosse Association

The Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) is the provincially recognized governing body for amateur lacrosse in Ontario.The OLA oversees the governance of box lacrosse, men's field lacrosse, women's field lacrosse and sixes, and is empowered by the national governing body, Lacrosse Canada. As the largest provincial lacrosse organization in Canada, the OLA proudly represents over 33,000 players, coaches, officials, trainers and volunteers.

Lacrosse is one of the oldest team sports in North America, with roots in the traditions of Indigenous peoples in Ontario, Quebec, and western New York. The sport’s first written rules were established in 1867, and provincial amateur competition began in 1887. Ten years later, in 1897, the OLA was officially founded as the governing body for lacrosse in Ontario.

Initially played exclusively outdoors, lacrosse gained further traction when arena owners, seeking to make use of their facilities beyond the winter season, began promoting the sport indoors. In the 1930s, the rise of “box lacrosse” helped boost the sport’s popularity, attracting more athletes and fans. Despite the disruptions of World War I and World War II, lacrosse has continued to thrive annually under the leadership of the Ontario Lacrosse Association since its inception.