Honor the Game - Expectations for our Players, Parents and Coaches
Expectations of Players
- CYL encourages and promotes multi-sport athletes. But, during the Select season, we expect players to commit to lacrosse as their primary sport.
- Coaches expect 100% effort.
- Everything is at maximum effort unless we are going through a new drill at a slower speed while learning. This starts at and includes pre-practice/game warm-ups through to the last whistle.
- Physical conditioning is critical, and running will be a component of practice time. Get in shape and stay in shape.
- Coaches expect 100% focus
- When coaches are talking/teaching, players need to be listening
- Full attention is required while at practice
- Socializing can be done before practice/game, limited during water breaks, and after practice/game.
- All players must attend practices/games with a positive attitude towards their team, eager to learn and to continue improving their stick skills and lacrosse IQ.
- Be a good teammate.
- Support your fellow lax teammates on and off the field
- Celebrate your teammate's success
- Everyone makes mistakes! Help your teammates learn from mistakes or shortcomings positively. Some of our most valuable lessons are learned in these instances.
- Verbal or physical bullying/arguments will not be tolerated and could result in removal from the team. If this is identified, please report it to your player’s coach and/or Program Director.
- Attend all practices and games.
- A team is comprised of every player. So, to practice as a team…we all need to commit to being at every practice.
- If your player cannot attend a practice or game, please COMMUNICATE this information to your coach as soon as possible.
- Practice plans and game plans are made well in advance. Missing players can drastically impact the rest of the team.
- Practice outside of scheduled practices
- There are plenty of opportunities to improve your game outside of practice, including:
- Playing catch (using both hands), focusing on your off-hand. Work with a teammate, parent, or another CYL participant, or find a wall
- Seek outside assistance by attending a clinic or working with a coach/trainer
- Work on conditioning. As noted above, get in shape and stay in shape.
- There are plenty of opportunities to improve your game outside of practice, including:
Expectations of Coaches
- Adhere to the guidance of the Select or Recreation Team Director
- Create a positive environment for players to continue to develop their individual and team lacrosse skills.
- Set and communicate appropriate expectations with parents and players.
- Maintain an open line of communication with players and parents.
- Foster and implement the Cambridge Way.
Expectations of Parents/Guardians
- Get your player to games and practices on time and with complete equipment and water.
- Support the efforts of all players in a positive manner.
- Communicate with coaches if there is ever a disconnect between expectations and reality.
- Sideline behavior
- Please support your players to the fullest extent possible
- However, please refrain from coaching your player – LET THE COACHES COACH
- Never criticize the referees
- Never criticize another player (our team or the opposing team)
- Never engage parents from the opposing team