HOMESTEAD
LACROSSE
STUDENT ATHLETE AND PARENT HANDBOOK
Spring 2006

“SUCCESS is piece of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to become the best
that you are capable of becoming.”
John R. Wooden
Head Basketball Coach, Emeritus, UCLA
For the use of Athletes and their Parents
The philosophy of the Homestead Lacrosse Club is such that Athletics is considered an integral part of a student’s education which provides experiences that will help students physically, mentally, and emotionally. Athletes are stimulated to win and excel, but the principles of good sportsmanship should prevail at all times. Homestead Lacrosse believes that participation in lacrosse, both as a player and a spectator, is an integral part of a student-athlete’s educational experiences. Such participation is a privilege that carries with it responsibilities to the Team, to the Community, to his family, and to the Student himself. In his play and his conduct, he is representing all of these groups. Such experiences contribute to the knowledge, skill, and emotional patterns that he possesses, thereby, making him a better person and citizen.
Players are expected to attend every practice. All players are expected to be on time for practice. Abusive tardiness will result in lost playing time.
Your conduct and behavior at practice are the same as expected in a classroom. Disrespect to coaches, to other team members, using profanity, “messing around”; not following directions, etc. will not be tolerated and will lead to removal from the field. You are involved in physical activity and can be severely hurt if you are not paying attention.
You will be issued uniforms at the beginning of the season. The jerseys will be collected at the end of the last game. Players must turn in their uniform; this is their responsibility. The player will be responsible for the cost of the uniform if it is not returned on time and in good condition. It is expected that the player will make sure that the uniform is cleaned and cared for as instructed.
Stealing will not be tolerated under any circumstances whether from opponents or teammates. Any player involved in a theft will be immediately removed from the team.
The use of possession of drugs or alcoholic beverages is absolutely forbidden. No player shall possess, conceal, consume, use, convey to another, or offer for sale, or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverage, illegal drugs, non-prescribed drugs, illegal use of prescribed drugs, look alike drugs, or any mind altering substance. Included in this prohibition are any substances represented as a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, and tobacco. If an athlete is found to be in violation of any of the above, the player will immediately be removed from the team.
For all away games, players will be assigned a parent driver to ride with. Parents will be asked to volunteer for travel to away games ahead of time. All players will ride with the assigned parent driver. No players will be allowed to travel to away games on their own. The team will meet ahead of time at a designated place and travel as a team to the away game and arrive as a team. The league rules do not allow players to change in the parking lots, this is considered public indecency. All players should travel to the games with their game shorts on and can put their jersey on when they arrive to the game. Parents will be given directions and instructions to all away games.
There will be a parent in charge of arranging for food on game days where a double header is involved and there is not time for lunch. Parents will be asked to help supply food on those days.
Parental Waiver Form
All players must have a “Waiver and Liability Form” signed and turned into the coach prior to the first practice. All players must have proof of membership with U.S. Lacrosse.
All injuries no matter how minor should be reported to the Head Coach immediately. After an athlete has been injured, only a doctor and not a coach will decide if and when the player may return to play or practice. There are no exceptions. The athlete must present the Head Coach with a note from a doctor stating that the injury is healed, and the athlete is now physically able to practice and/or play.
Athletes are required to participate in team fund-raisers. This is how we operate and pay team expenses.
Practice is held Monday- Friday from 3:45-5:45 pm. This schedule is subject to change and announcements will be made stating changes. Practice location is behind the Aboite Fire Station next to the Homestead Freshman Academy. If school is cancelled that day, there will be no practice/game. Players are expected to be at home games one hour prior to the start of the game. All home games will be held at a field next to the practice field behind the Fire Station OR at the Homestead Soccer Stadium.
A primary source of communication with athletes and parents outside of practice is done by e-mail. Please make sure an e-mail address is on file of either the athlete and or parent. It is the player’s responsibility to check their e-mail for messages.
As a parent of a Homestead Lacrosse player:
1. Please help endorse the rules and regulations by being aware of your athlete’s behavior and attendance.
2. You are expected to represent our program in a positive manner. Rude, arrogant, immature or disrespectful behavior as a spectator is a poor reflection upon you and the team. As adults, we must set good examples of sportsmanship for our children. Good sportsmanship is cheering for your team, not booing or degrading the other team and/or the officials.
3. Finally, you have the responsibility to support your child’s coaches and team. Negative comments about a coach or team members can only undermine the positive aspects of athletic participation.
Student Affirmation
As a participant in the Homestead Lacrosse Club program, I will conduct myself in a reputable manner. I will cooperate with my coach, my teammates and abide by the team rules in order to bring honor to my team and to develop myself to the best of my ability. I will not be involved in the possession of or use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or paraphernalia, or tobacco during the season. I will abide by the rules set forth in this handbook and by the laws of the community at large. I recognize that athletics and extra-curricular activities are a privilege, not a right, and realize the importance of athletics as an integral part of my development.
I have read and understand the rules set forth in this handbook and agree to be bound by its provisions.
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Student Signature Date
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Parent/Guardian Signature Date