Please keep in mind that one of the first priorities of our lacrosse program is to teach sportsmanship.  Accordingly, please set a good example whether you are on the field as a player; on the sidelines as a coach, team parent or other volunteer; or in the stands as a spectator.  Please Honor the Game!

 

Honoring the Game means getting to the ROOTS of the matter, where ROOTS stands for respect for: Rules - Opponents - Officials - Teammates - Self.  At SYC Lacrosse, we love the sport and uphold the spirit, as well as the letter, of its Rules.  We respect Opponents, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push athletes to do their best.  We understand the important role that Officials play and show them respect, even when we disagree with their calls.*  We encourage players to make a commitment to each other and to encourage one another on and off the field (respect for the Team).  We value the rich tradition of the sport and feel privileged to participate.  We realize that one of the most difficult times to Honor the Game is when the opponent is not, and we remind our players to live up to their own highest standard (respect for Self). Ultimately, we will demonstrate integrity and would rather lose than win by dishonoring the game.

 

*We have a number of new officials for the League this year, recently trained as part of an initiative to address a severe shortage problem.  Officiating is a very difficult job!  Please treat them with kindness and realize that we all make mistakes.

 

Redefining "Winning."  At SYC Lacrosse, we redefine what it means to be a winner through a mastery, rather than a scoreboard, orientation.  We see victory as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence.  We focus on effort rather than outcome and on learning rather than comparison to others.  We recognize that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning and foster an environment in which players don’t fear making mistakes. While not ignoring the teaching opportunities that mistakes present, we teach players that a key to success is how one responds to mistakes. We set standards of continuous improvement for ourselves. We encourage players, whatever their level of ability, to strive to become the best players, and people, they can be. We teach players that a winner is someone who makes maximum effort, continues to learn and improve, and doesn’t let mistakes (or fear of mistakes) stop them.

 

 

 

SYC Lacrosse Field Marshalls:  Please click here for guidelines on how to make sure everyone Honors the Game!  Thank you!!