Eligibility

Starting with the 2026-27 academic year the MCLA is transitioning to an age based model in which players have five years of eligibility beginning at the earlier of the two following dates:

• The first academic term in which the student-athlete enrolls full time at any college or university, including a two-year college or international institution, or
• The beginning of the academic year immediately following the student-athlete's 19th birthday.

The full eligibility policy beginning with the 2026-27 academic year is available here.

The MCLA recognizes only the spring lacrosse season, meaning anyone can play during the fall and summer seasons.

Active participant is defined as any player who is willing and able to enter a contest during his team’s season defined by the MCLA website. A player who will not under any circumstances play in the game should be noted as such on the website for that game(s).

Every student athlete needs to be fully enrolled according to the institution he is attending (default definition for the MCLA is twelve hours) unless they are in the final academic term prior to graduation. A graduating player needs to take only the credits needed to graduate. A graduating player remains eligible until his institution starts its next regular academic term.

The NEC will address any non-traditional academic programs (Americans with Disabilities Act, Co-op programs, etc.)

There are two mandated eligibility checks.

The first one is at least one week prior to each team’s first game submitted to CEC. Second check submitted within two weeks of and at least 48 hours prior to start of conference playoffs submitted to both CEC and NEC.

(If the deadline is after 48 hours prior to conference playoffs it should be dated within one week of the deadline)

Teams that do not submit the second roster on time will not be considered for MCLA National Tournament.

The eligibility checks are an official roster input on MCLA website. Returning players information should migrate forward (but check), new players information needs to be input. The roster is then locked and printed from the MCLA website. Players sign, coach signs. It is then taken to the institution’s registrar who certifies which players are either fully enrolled or in the final term prior to graduation, or not. Coaches can attach explanation and work with CEC/NEC to certify the player(s) for students the registrar will not certify.

NOTE:  All players must have a picture on their MCLA profile (without their helmet) in order to be considered eligible.

ANY IRREGULARITIES SHOULD BE COMMUNICATED ASAP WITH CEC AND NEC VIA EMAIL.