Our Mantra

Honor the Game

Cambridge Youth Lacrosse is all about revering the game. This notion originates from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) belief that lacrosse is a divine gift. Their lore tells of Sky Woman, who shaped the Earth on a turtle's back, giving birth to Turtle Island, a symbol in many Native cultures.

Her granddaughter, Tekawerahkwa, birthed twins - Sapling, the good twin, and Flint, the bad one. To manage their conflicts, Sky Woman proposed lacrosse. This tale is further corroborated by Rick Hill (Tuscarora), co-founder of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy’s lacrosse team, who shares that warriors journeyed to the Sky World and found a lacrosse match underway. The game, a non-violent means of venting aggression, became the Creator's favorite.

Lacrosse is central to Haudenosaunee identity and culture. Hill states that the game's power to heal persists, highlighting its recreational, social, spiritual, and metaphysical aspects.

Cambridge Lacrosse embodies the "respect the game" ethos, recognizing that it's essential to honor its roots to continue playing. The handcrafted lacrosse stick, typically made from maple and lined with leather, is sacred for many lifelong players. Disrespecting it is seen as an insult to the Creator. We utilize these principles to instill in our players the understanding that they're part of something larger than a mere sport.

Key lessons we impart are:

  • Respect your stick
  • Respect your teammates
  • Respect your coaches
  • Honor the Game
  • Win with Class
  • Never, ever give up!

Lacrosse extends beyond being a game. Join us to discover the rich experiences it offers!

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.

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