John Marshall/Lourdes
Girl’s Lacrosse
Parent/Player
Handbook
There are only two options regarding commitment; you're either in or you're out. There's no
such thing as life in-between. ~Pat Riley~
Welcome to the 2012 John Marshall/Lourdes girls lacrosse season. We are in a
growing and exciting time in JM/Lourdes athletic history. The following pages
are designed to give a broader perspective on the nature of the lacrosse
program at John Marshall and Lourdes High School, and what the expectations
are of coaches, players, and the parents involved with the sport.
John Marshall/ Lourdes
Girls Lacrosse Staff
2012
Head Coach
Assistant Coach
Kerry McAllister
Amanda Rose
[email protected]
[email protected]
507.358.7523 (personal cell)
952.334.5663 (personal cell)
507.273-8183 (work cell)
Athletic Directors
Paul Cox
Marv Peters
[email protected]
[email protected]
507.328.5900
507.289.3991 ext. 130
Program Philosophy
•
Decisions are made based on what is best for the team.
•
We are 1 squad, not 35 individuals.
•
Player contribution begins at 4 every day -not at 6 on game days.
•
Success is based on the everyday contribution of every player on our
team.
Program Goals
1. Establish fundamentals in the game of lacrosse, focusing on team,
technical and tactical skill, and love for the game. When a player chooses
to participate in high school lacrosse, we want to create an environment
that encourages that player to play through their graduating year,
improving their game and their contribution to the squad.
2. Develop players both athletically and academically, emphasizing effort,
desire, heart, and character. The program is as much about who the
player is as it is about how they play the game.
3. Establish a positive philosophy related to winning. Lacrosse is a
competitive sport and as such, players play to win. Our program will be
no different. However, in the big picture, lacrosse is still a game and does
not define our worth, our character, or our esteem. The coaching staff
firmly believes that in accomplishing objectives one and two, number
three comes naturally.
JM/Lourdes Lacrosse Aims

To develop and maintain the highest level of sportsmanship.

To develop proper attitudes toward winning and losing, success and
failure.

To encourage and develop respect for fellow athletes whether they are
teammates OR members of our opposing team.

To assure that the amount of time required for athletic participation does
not does interfere with academic success.

To develop proper attitudes toward individual health habits, appearance
on and off the field, and citizenship in and out of school.

To encourage competition as a way to develop positive attitudes, selfesteem and confidence, team work and problem solving skills.

To maintain the highest standard of ethics, with coaches modeling
appropriate respect for the rules, regulations, and officials' decisions
governing the sport of lacrosse.

To recognize each participant as an individual who will conduct herself in
a manner befitting her responsibilities.
EXPECTATIONS
Participation
Players are expected to attend all practices, team dinners, games, and
any other team get-togethers that are organized by captains or coaches.
Teams are developed and made strong by sharing experiences, both
good and bad. Since our season is short we end up spending an intense
amount of time together in a very short time span. Make the most of it
and get to know each other. Lacrosse is a sport that requires knowledge
of teammate’s on-field actions, and as such, missing practices will
influence teammate’s ability to develop a comfort level with each other.
Practice
Players on the JM/Lourdes lacrosse team are expected to participate in all
scheduled practices. If a player intends to miss practice or will be tardy
the player will need to notify (email, call or text) the coach IN ADVANCE.
This is an expected courtesy to the coaching staff. If possible it would be
helpful to be notified at least one day prior to the absence. If a varsity
player repeatedly misses practice, that player may be relegated to the
junior varsity squad or a reduction in playing time.
Although schedules can change we intend to hold practice (on non-game
days) from 4:00-6:00, at Universal Field (off Hwy 14). Inclement weather
may move practice INDOORS, but will not cancel practice. Showing up
late, or not at all, will not work for the team or the athlete.
Games
Please review the game schedule. At home games, players should arrive
at the field and ready to play one hour prior to the start of the game.
Varsity players are expected to be present to watch JV games and vice
versa. Please note the bus departure time for away games. Players are
dismissed 15 minutes prior to bus time. All players need to have their
equipment at school as they will not be excused to run home to get it.
Middle School students must produce a parent note to their attendance
office staff on the morning of the game. During the National Anthem, all
players will stand at attention in a straight line facing the flag. There is no
talking and no movement until the anthem has completed. Remember
that general sportsmanship will be conveyed at all times. Be humble in
victory and accept defeat with class. All players will participate in a postgame handshake as well as shake the hands of the officials and thank
them for the game.
Transportation
Missing the bus means missing the game. Players may not attend an away
game via non-school transportation. All players traveling are expected to
leave and return on the bus. If an athlete must travel home with a parent
from a game, a travel release form must be filled out and turned into the
JM athletic office 48 hours prior to the day the player will not ride with
the team. Players must be in attendance at school on the day of the
match in order to participate for that game. Travel Release form is
located at the end of this manual.
To guarantee player safety, all players are to remain seated and keep
conversations volume under control. Exiting the bus, players are to
retrieve their equipment and wait for teammates in order to enter the
stadium in an organized manner. We will leave the field in the same
fashion. Remember we are one team and we will represent our school
properly.
Equipment
All players are expected to be properly equipped for practice and games.
Eye goggles and a mouth guard must be worn for both practice and
games. Players who fail to acquire the appropriate equipment will be
disqualified from play. All players should have both cleats and tennis
shoes for practices and cleats for gameplay. Players should bring water to
all practices and games. Players will be required to remove all jewelry
before practices and games.
Each player will be issued a uniform at the beginning of the season. This
will include a black uniform top, a white uniform top and a skort. Players
are responsible for keeping uniforms in outstanding condition over the
course of the season. Our uniforms represent our team, our school and
our community. Keep game jerseys washed and bring both tops to
games. It is the player’s responsibility to manage the uniform. Lost or
damaged uniforms will result in the player purchasing a replacement
uniform for $80.00.
MSHSL rules require that all players wear matching uniforms. This
includes clothing worn under the uniform for warmth in the colder
weather, and head bands. If a player chooses to wear something
underneath (like Under Armour) the garment must be black. All other
colors will be prohibited.
Dress code
Players are expected to wear appropriate dress clothing for game day.
Organization of Team Warm Ups is encouraged and will be coordinated
by the captains. Remember breaking school dress code must be preapproved prior to game day for students at Lourdes.
Academic Performance
Clear guidelines have been established by the school district on the
relationship between academic performance and athletics. Players and
parents should familiarize themselves with those guidelines.
Behavior
It is very challenging for any team to bring together players from a variety
of backgrounds in order to form a single unit. All players will be treated
with dignity and respect. Players should show respect to team captains.
Players found disrespecting another player, hazing, or generally creating
a hazardous environment for another player can be suspended from the
team.
Hazing
This program and the school district hold a zero-tolerance stance on
hazing. Players are to show respect to all teammates. There will be no
activities to initiate new players whatsoever. There will be no warnings or
second chances regarding hazing.
Speaking to Media
At the high school level, players will occasionally be asked to interact with
the media. When doing so, players need to remember that they are
representing the team and should communicate a positive message.
Players are not to discuss other team mates with the media. All
comments should be made in reference to the entire team.
Lettering
In order to earn a varsity letter, a player must play in 50 percent of the
varsity game halves over the course of the season. For example, if the
varsity team plays 13 games during the season, this means there are 26
“halves” during the season. To earn a letter a player must have played in
13 of those halves.
Team Captains
Two Varsity captains will be selected at the end of the season and
announced prior to sections. One “new” captain will be selected at the
beginning of the season prior to the first game. Selections will made by a
team vote and should be based on a player’s ability to work with and
follow through on coach directives, attitude, leadership potential, work
ethic, and history with the team. This is not a popularity contest. Captains
play a major role in the team’s success. This leadership role needs to be
taken seriously and requires much thought by the players voting and the
“successful candidate”. Among other duties, captains are responsible to
enforce team discipline on and off the field, run and organize warm ups,
meet and communicate with coaches regularly, and are the only players
who may interact with the referees at any time.
Team Captains are expected to uphold the qualities detailed in the
Captain’s Job Description. Failure to do so can result in the removal of
captain status from the player. Please note the qualities noted in this
manual go beyond responsibilities on the field. The team captain should
be the role model for the character of all lacrosse players on this team.
Expectations for Parents/Fans

Be positive with your daughter. Let them know that they are
accomplishing something by being part of the team.

Do not offer excuses for lack of playing time. A better option is to
encourage them to work hard, do their best, and talk respectfully
with coaches on ways to improve their skills.

As a fan, you are entitled to cheer, but keep it positive.

Show respect for all coaches, players (both JM/Lourdes and our
opponents) and the officials.

Insist that the athletes respect team rules, school rules, game
officials, and the sportsmanship code. Character development
begins with self-control.

Encourage the athletes to believe in themselves.

Encourage your athlete to play for the love of the game.

Consider volunteering in some capacity with the team or game
activities. It will take many hands to have a successful season.
Please remember that the coaches are involved because of a desire to work with
young athletes. The coach is an experienced professional. Coaches have
different ways of dealing with people and situations. Athlete's lives are enriched
by interaction with different types of leaders. Remember- at a competition you,
the parent, represent your town, your school and your daughter. Please be a
positive role model.
Player – Coach Communication
Please encourage your daughter to talk to the coaches directly regarding
any questions, comments or concerns that they may have. Messages
should be delivered directly by the player rather than relayed through a
parent. Coaches will be available to meet with players in a one on one
format at the player’s request. These meetings may be used to discuss
lacrosse or any other topic that the player may wish to discuss. Meetings
will be held in private and all conversations will be kept confidential
unless there is immediate risk to the player.
Parent – Coach Communication
As a player on the John Marshall/ Lourdes lacrosse team, your daughter will
experience some of the most rewarding moments of her life. It is important
to understand that there also may be times when things do not go the way
your child wishes. This is the opportunity for your child to talk with their
coach and discuss the situation. When your child handles the problem, it
becomes part of the learning and maturation process. There may also be
situations that require a conversation between the coach and the
parent. These are encouraged; however, please keep in mind that as
coaches, we are trying to teach communication and problem solving skills
that they will be able to take with them into adulthood. It is important that
both parties have a clear understanding of the other’s position. Please follow
the following procedures to help promote a resolution.

Encourage your daughter to speak directly to the coach either in
person or through emails, phone calls, text messages or their goal
cards.

Parent/guardian speaks directly to the coach to discuss the concern. I
assure you the Athletic Director cannot answer your questions related
to practice, playing time, game strategy, program philosophy, player
improvement, or player conduct like the coach can.

If the concern is not resolved, call the Athletic Director to arrange a
conference. A meeting will be arranged with the coach, parent and
Athletic Director. At this meeting, the appropriate next step can be
determined.

Please do not attempt to confront a coach immediately before or after
a contest or practice. These can be emotional times for both the
parent and the coaches. Meetings of this nature do not promote
resolutions, as the coaching staff is not prepared to answer your
questions.
Be more concerned with your character than with your reputation. Your character is what you really
are while your reputation is merely what others think you are. ~ John Wooden~
TRAVEL RELEASE
This form must be submitted to the Activities Office 48 hours in advance prior
to dismissal of school on the day of the contest.
Today’s Date _________________

This is to certify that______________________, grade _______has my
permission
(Print students name)

To ride (check one)

the_____________________ _______athletic/activity contest
 to  from  both
(Sport and Level playing)

On _______________________ at _________________________
(Date of Contest)
(Location of Contest)
 I certify that I am personally transporting the above named
student.
 I have arranged for transportation with the adult named below:

Name ______________________________ Phone ___________________________

The reason for not riding the bus:
(Reason must be sufficient to justify not riding the bus)
 I understand that the ROCHESTER PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL
ATHLETIC/ACTIVITIES RULES require that students ride the buses to and from
all athletic/activities events and a departure from this requirement will release
the ROCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT from liability for any adverse results that
may occur.
 I AGREE TO RELEASE THE ROCHESTER SCHOOL DISTRICT and its
employees and officers from liability with reference to the above stated
transportation.
 APPROVED
 NOT APPROVED
(Signature of Parent or Guardian)
(Signature of Athletic/Activities Director or High
School Administrator)