Bethel Park Lady Black Hawk Lacrosse Team Rules and Policies
Also found on the Team Website: www.bpgirlslacrosse.weebly.com
BPHS ATHLETIC HANDBOOK
In addition to the team-specific rules below, all athletes and parents are required to follow and obey all school athletic rules. These can be located at the school's following webpage: http://www.bpsd.org/bphs/athletics
CODE OF CONDUCT
Student athletes participating in the team must keep in mind that they are always in the public's eye. Their personal conduct, on and off the field, is always subject to scrutiny of fellow teammates and students, teachers, administrators, parents/guardians, fans, opponents, and the media. Athletes are always representing their school and coaches and should ALWAYS conduct themselves accordingly.
SUBSTANCE USE AND ABUSE
The use of drugs, including alcohol, by students - is illegal. The use of these substances by students participating in the Bethel Park Girls Lacrosse Program is strictly forbidden. Tobacco products have been proven to be detrimental to one's health and are not consistent with the goals of the Bethel Park Girls Lacrosse Program. Athletes violating these rules may face discipline or dismissal.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is mandatory at all practices and games. Attendance will be taken on a daily basis at ALL practices and games. Times listed for practices are the starting times. Athletes are expected to be in proper apparel and ready to go at the stated times, or they will be considered late. Arriving late may result in additional conditioning. Three lates will count as one (1) unexcused absence. Three (3) unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the team.
Athletes must provide a written note from a parent or doctor in order to be excused from practices and games. Examples of excused absences are the death of a family member, a school-related or religious function, or a doctor-ordered release from participation (players may still be required to attend practice/games in this instance). If a player misses practice, and they were in school, the player must provide a written excuse upon returning to practice.
Written excuses must include:
1. The date of the practice or game you will be missing/missed
2. Reason you will be/were absent
3. Signature of a parent or doctor.
If a player is absent from school on a day when there is a regularly scheduled practice or game (with the exception of medical excuse, pre-approved college visit, court order, funeral, or other pre-approved excuse by the principal), that player is NOT eligible to practice or participate in a game on that day. Excessive absences from school can impact playing time. Athletes coming late to or leaving practice early must have a written note from a parent. Missing practice the day before a game will lead to the athlete sitting for the first half of that proceeding game, unless the absence has been directly excused by the coaching staff.
If an athlete foresees absences that may be perpetual throughout the season, that player is encouraged to discuss it with the coaching staff during the week of squad reduction. At that time, the coaching staff will make a determination as to whether the practices will be excused. Alternative practice time in the form of an exercise/drill log and/or community service may be required to remain a member of the team.
PRACTICE SCHEDULE AND TIMES
· Monday -Thursday: 6:00pm-8:00pm @ BPHS Stadium
· Friday: 3:00pm-5:00pm @ Park Avenue Field
· Saturday: 8:30am-10:00am as needed @ BPHS Stadium
Practice is to be taken seriously at ALL times. The way you practice reflects the way you perform! Athletes must come prepared with appropriate gear and appropriate attitudes to get the most out of practice. You must have a stick, goggles, 2 black molded mouthguards, and be dressed appropriately for the weather. No sports bras, tank tops, short shorts, or excessively holey clothes will be permitted. All athletes must remove all jewelry in order to participate in practices and games. This includes necklaces, rings, earrings, and other pierced body parts. Failure to remove jewelry prior to practice will result in extra conditioning.
DRESS CODE AND EQUIPMENT
Athletes will be expected to show up on the team bus wearing their team-issued uniforms and warmups. We will wear solid black under both our home and away jerseys. Black pants and a black long sleeve shirt for cold weather, and black shorts and a black shorts sleeve shirt for warmer weather. Black sports bras and/or tank tops will be required when we elect to not wear shirts under the uniform in warmer weather. All athletes will wear black ankle socks. Some equipment is the personal responsibility of the athlete. All athletes must supply their own running shoes and kleets/turf shoes (predominately black if possible), stick, goggles (orange if possible), and 2 black molded mouthguards.
Each athlete will be asked to sign a receipt for whatever team property they receive. Athletes will be held accountable for the equipment they are issued. Athletes must pay for any lost equipment or equipment repairs due to carelessness or neglect. Athletes that do not pay outstanding balances for equipment replacement or repairs can have any lacrosse awards and high school diplomas withheld until payment is made.
BEHAVIOR AND SPORTSMANSHIP
Disruptive and disrespectful behavior will NOT be tolerated at any time. Any athlete that becomes a negative influence on the team through their behavior will be dealt with in the following manner:
1. Verbal warnings will be given to athletes (or the team as a whole) asking for improvements in their behavior. No explanations are necessary and discussions about the incident are most appropriately addressed before or after practice.
2. Athletes will be given a separate activity (like extra conditioning) for inappropriate behavior. Athletes will not be allowed to re-enter the original activity until approval by the coaching staff.
3. Conferences will be held with the athlete, coaching staff, parents, and others as needed to evaluate the problem as well as the athlete's future role with the team.
**Athletes can be suspended from the team for an indefinite period of time for inappropriate behavior at any point. Length of suspension will be the coach's discretion.
Good sportsmanship is an essential quality that all athletes need to possess and practice. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated and will be addressed by the coaching staff. Guidelines for good sportsmanship include:
1. No cursing or swearing on the field of play (punishment of additional conditioning)
2. Respect your fellow teammates, coaches, and volunteer staff
3. Respect your opponents. Shake hands after all games.
4. Never argue with the officials, any coaches, or competitors. One-on-one discussions regarding team and personal issues are best saved for a more private time.
5. Flagrant fouls or throwing your stick will NOT be tolerated.
GAME PARTICIPATION
Selection of athletes for games will be based on several factors. The coaching staff will be asking athletes to put forth their best effort. See the Bethel Park Student Athlete Handbook for further discussion of how to discuss playing time.
The coaching staff has final authority over an athlete’s game participation both at the Varsity and Junior Varsity level. Factors that the coaching staff will consider when considering game participation include, but are not limited to:
1. Attendance and performance at practice and games.
2. Athletic ability and game skills
3. Attitude and sportsmanship
4. Interaction with the team and coaching staff
***All warm up or game music must be approved by the coaching staff in advance and should be accompanied with a complete list of what is on the CD (artist and song).
RATIONALES
Varsity-The coaching staff will strive to put the best players on the field at all times in order to give us the best chance at competitive success. This formula is static, but the players that make it up may vary from game to game based on a variety of factors. Players wishing to play on the varsity squad must be in excellent physical condition and be committed to constantly improving their skills.
Junior Varsity-The focus here is to get players the experience needed to improve their skills and understanding of the game. The coaching staff will make every attempt to get players the opportunity to play as much as possible while still maintaining a level of competitiveness.
TRAVEL
1. All athletes must be at the point of departure on time and ready to leave.
2. Food and drinks will only be allowed on the bus after the bus driver gives permission.
3. The coaching staff is responsible for making sure that the bus is left in a clean state after the team leaves the bus.
a. For every piece of trash that is left on the bus – athletes will encounter additional conditioning during the following practice.
b. If trash continues to be a problem, food and drinks will NOT be permitted on bus trips.
4. Athletes will show respect for the host school by cleaning up benches before leaving.
5. All students must return home on the bus provided by the school.
a. Exceptions will only be granted to athletes who secure a travel release form from the Athletic Director.These forms are located in your AthleticHandbook. Travel releases need to be secured several days in advance - not the day of the game, so plan accordingly!
Note: These rules and policies are subject to amendment by the coaching staff as needed with notice.
Bethel Park Lady Black Hawk Lacrosse Varsity letter Requirements
Also found on the Team Website: www.bpgirlslacrosse.weebly.com
1. A player must play in at least 70% of all scheduled varsity games. “Play” in that sentence means that they must be in the game for more than one shift, or their sole shift must constitute 40% of the regulation game time.
2. If a player does not finish the season for medical reasons the coaches will determine if a letter should be awarded.
3. Players are expected to attend all practices and to be on time. No more than one unexcused absence (practice or game) is allowed.
4. The coaches reserve the right to withhold letters from players who display conduct and attitudes detrimental to the squad, regardless of participation.
5. All lettering decisions are at the discretion of the coaching staff and athletic department.
Bethel Park Lady Black Hawk Lacrosse Tryout Information
Also found on the Team Website: www.bpgirlslacrosse.weebly.com
Dear prospective players,
We have set the bar high for the 2009 season, and the coaching staff is confident you will rise to the occasion. We hope to further enhance your knowledge of the game of lacrosse, your physical fitness, and instill in you a positive attitude and work ethic. Here is what we will be looking at during tryout week, and ultimately the entire season.
Physical Fitness: Being physically fit goes beyond physical appearance. Physical fitness includes being in good cardiovascular shape and receiving sufficient amount of exercise. Lacrosse requires a great amount of physical exertion and activity. Everyone will be challenged on endurance, strength and speed.
Good health + physical activity + Personal achievement = Quality of life.
Stick Skills: Each player will be judged based on their previous experience or development since last season.
This includes, but is not limited to:
Ability to pass and catch the ball. Strong AND weak sides.
Ability to accurately check the ball
Ability to field ground balls
Ability to cradle within one’s sphere
* If this is your first season we expect you to be a quick learner. This requires practicing on your own, as well as participation with the team.
Attitude: A negative attitude will NOT be tolerated. We expect you all to work hard, be respectful, and support one another. As we said, we are looking for “uncommon” people for an uncommon goal.”
Girls Lacrosse Players must also meet all requirements for eligibility set forth by the Bethel Park School District and the PIAA.