CUFLA Players, Coaches and Staff Against Proposed Schedule Changes for the 2007 Season

This is a petition to be signed by lacrosse players and coaches and staff in the CUFLA (Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association) who oppose the schedule changes proposed for the 2007 season. The schedule proposes to cut the already relatively short regular season from nine (9) to six (6) games with home and home series' against teams in their divisions. The proposal also splits the league into three (3) divisions as such: University of Western Ontario, Brock University, University of Guelph, and Wilfred Laurier University in one division. McMaster University, Trent University, University of Toronto, and Laurentian University in another with the remaining Carleton University, Bishops University, Queens University, and McGill University in the other. The pros to this proposal are the limited travel costs for some teams and the potential for numerous exhibition games. However, I believe that the cons to this strategy far outweigh the pros. The obvious negative effect being the shortening of the season and reducing the meaningful games therein. With more teams in the league it stands to reason that more games should be played.
The new division orientation is also terribly lopsided in skill. This is a negative aspect because a certain team losing all of their regular season games and not making the playoffs due to strength of schedule is not a way to build a program. The new division orientation may also foster some rivalries while diminishing others. Brock/U of T/Guelph vs. Bishops, Guelph/Western/Laurier vs. McMaster. All of these rivalries are wasted in this new format. Also, if there are any other rivalries that I am unaware of please mention them in your comments upon signing.
Although these changes are still in the planning stages, I feel that our voices as players should be heard, as we are very much responsible for this great sport's growth in Canada. Please forward this petition to teammates and friends throughout the CUFLA as to have our voices heard and do what is best for the future of the CUFLA.