We, the undersigned student‑athletes, families, coaches, and community members, respectfully request that the Maine Principals’ Association (MPA) revisit and revise the dates of the Maine high school spring lacrosse season to begin earlier so playoffs and championships conclude at least 7-10 days earlier than they do under the current schedule.

This adjustment is necessary to support the academic, professional, and athletic well‑being of Maine’s high school lacrosse players for the following reasons:

1. Impact on Graduating Seniors: The current schedule extends 3+ weeks past when most Seniors end classes and 2 weeks past high school graduation for many students, preventing seniors from beginning summer employment needed to earn money for college and creating conflicts for some with college orientation programs.
2. Interference with Final Exams: Late‑season games and practices overlap with final exam preparation, forcing student‑athletes to juggle academic responsibilities, studying, and team commitments during one of the most academically demanding periods of the school year.
3. Competitive Disadvantage for College‑Bound Athletes: Maine’s extended season prevents players from attending competitive events and trainings that their teammates from MA, NH and VT are attending with college recruiting coaches in attendance. 
   • June is a critical recruiting window where coaches do a significant portion of their in-person evaluations and June showcases, prospect days and invitation-only events making June events especially consequential.
   • Maine athletes are still in playoffs during June and are unable to attend these vents without abandoning team commitments. As a result, Maine student athletes are placed at a disadvantage for roster selection and scholarship opportunities as compared to peers in other states who are getting visibility with these college coaches.
4. Misalignment with New England Scheduling: Maine's lacrosse season ends later than all other New England states, further widening the gap in recruiting opportunities and creating unnecessary conflicts for student-athletes seeking regional participation.

For these reasons, we urge the MPA to adjust the lacrosse calendar, so the season starts earlier enabling playoffs to conclude earlier, aligning Maine with regional norms and better supporting the academic, financial, and athletic needs of its student‑athletes.

We appreciate your consideration and your commitment to supporting Maine’s students.