SAINT PAUL, Minn. – The Box Lacrosse Association of America (BLA) is proud to announce a partnership with The HoosierLacrosse Academy to bring BLA sanctioned leagues to Indiana this fall. The BLA, the national governing body of box lacrosse in the U.S., was established this past November to provide American lacrosse players with the opportunity to play REAL BOX LACROSSE in a fun, safe and competitive environment.
“We are taking a giant leap forward with our box lacrosse programming by partnering with the Box Lacrosse Association of America,” said Ken Levinberg, Owner of The Hoosier Lacrosse Academy. “After three years of unparalleled success, we have decided to take advantage of the new opportunities that the BLA has to offer including a top-notch management team that is no stranger to box lacrosse. Being able to work with a staff that is part of the National Lacrosse League’s Minnesota Swarm, and is so highly regarded both on and off the field, will really give this relationship and league a boost and increase the credibility to our already strong program.”
Levinberg is no stranger to box lacrosse and built a quality box program in the Chicagoland area in the 1990’s. He also worked closely with a former NLL franchise, the Chicago Shamrox, from 2007-08.
Starting this August, The Hoosier Lacrosse Academy will adopt the BLA rulebook for its box leagues and will offer REAL BOX LACROSSE for the following age levels: 5/6, 7/8, high school and adult. Currently, The Hoosier Lacrosse Academy operates a box league with close to 150 participants in Indianapolis. Prior to launching the fall league, the BLA will be certifying and training Hoosier Lacrosse Academy coaches and officials on the BLA rulebook.
The BLA rulebook is unique in that additional rules have been added to enhance player safety, and it requires all coaches and referees to pass certification and training courses to participate in BLA registered leagues. Highlights of the BLA rulebook include controlled cross-checking, crease dives, pick-and-rolls, 30-second shot clocks, shootouts, NLL-style penalties, and quick play on turnovers.
Registration for the fall box league will be posted on www.hoosierlacrosse.com and more information will be posted this summer.
“To be able to partner with such a reputable lacrosse organization like The Hoosier Lacrosse Academy is a step in the right direction for the BLA,” said Andy Arlotta, Chairman and CEO of the BLA. “Ken and his staff are well known for developing top lacrosse talent, and we know that adding real box leagues will only strengthen their programming. We look forward to launching their fall league in the coming months, and working together to grow the great sport of box lacrosse in the Indianapolis area.”
The Hoosier Lacrosse Academy’s commitment to box lacrosse in Indiana has taken lacrosse to a level that is only seen in traditional lacrosse hotbeds. Coaches, parents, and players have told us countless times what a difference our program makes for the local lacrosse community.
“Knowing we are making a positive difference and doing it the right way is such a great feeling!” Levinberg said.
