Board considers lacrosse co-op with New Oxford; transportation and classification rules noted

Mr. Defoe presented a proposal for Bermudian Springs to join a cooperative lacrosse program with New Oxford. He said the coop agreement is simple on paper, requires both boards to vote to approve, must be filed with the PIAA, and typically runs for a minimum two-year cycle aligned with the PIAA classification timeline.

Defoe explained the host school provides uniform and equipment and students from Bermudian Springs would play as New Oxford players under New Oxford’s rules — including eligibility, lettering and awards. "They provide everything," he said of New Oxford’s role, while noting Bermudian Springs’ students would be responsible for their own transportation to practices and competitions.

Why it matters: cooperative agreements allow smaller districts to offer sports they cannot sustain independently, but they can affect classification and playoff groupings and raise logistical concerns such as travel time and transportation for families.

Next steps: the coop agreement (boys and girls) was placed on the agenda for vote; board members asked staff to clarify application fees, duration, classification impacts and any transportation or insurance considerations before a formal vote.