|
January 23, 2006
Re: Youth Boys and Girls Lacrosse
Dear Coach or Program Administrator,
Boys and girls youth lacrosse is
growing exponentially in Vermont and we are having a hard time meeting the
demand of experienced coaching and officiating. As I travel around the State
of Vermont and listen to youth coaches and officials it is clear that
consistency in developing our programs is becoming more and more important.
It’s difficult for coaches and officials to come together on any given day
and not be on the same page regarding the understanding of how the game will
be administered.
As the president of the Vermont
Chapter of US lacrosse, a coach and player, I believe that it is time that
we define our goals and work as a whole to achieve them. Therefore, I would
like to ask everyone involved with youth lacrosse in Vermont to adopt the
following guidelines in growing this great game in a responsible and
enjoyable way. Our mission is to grow the sport of lacrosse in a safe and
sportsmanlike environment.
There are three goals that I believe
we need to work toward:
Don’t forget to check out the Vermont
Lacrosse Website,
www.vtlacrosse.org, for the latest on what’s happening with Vermont
lacrosse.
As we move into the 2006 season,
let’s Honor the Game!
Best wishes for a fun filled,
positive coaching experience this spring.
David Hallam
President
|
The Role
of the Coach -
Positive Coaching Philosophy
The basis of The Role of the Coach is from
the US Lacrosse Parent’s Guide, 8th Edition
1. A Positive Coach
is a positive motivator and refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation
or shame. He establishes order and discipline in a positive manner.
2. A Positive Coach
works to remain positive even through losing streaks. She recognizes that it
is often when things go wrong that a coach can have the most positive impact
and teach the most important lessons. Regardless of the adversity involved,
she refuses to demean herself or her players by resorting to fear,
intimidation or shame. She always treats athletes with respect regardless of
how well they perform.
3. A Positive Coach
coaches for mastery rather than victory, which he sees as a by-product of
the pursuit of excellence. He focuses on effort rather than outcome,
learning rather than comparison to others.
4. A Positive Coach
recognizes that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning
and encourages an environment in which players are willing to risk making a
mistake.
5. A Positive Coach
sets standards of continuous learning and improvement for herself and her
players. She encourages and inspires her players, whatever their level of
mastery, to strive to get better without threatening them. She is committed
to becoming the best coach she can be and continually seeks to improve her
own effectiveness.
6. A Positive Coach
“Honors the Game.” He feels an obligation to the sport he coaches. He loves
his sport and shares his love and enjoyment with his players. He feels
privileged to be able to take part in his sport.
7. A Positive Coach
respects her opponents, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push her and
her team to do their best.
8. A Positive Coach
understands the important role that officials play and strives to show them
respect even when he disagrees with their decisions.
9. A Positive Coach
values the rich tradition of her sport and works to honor the spirit as well
as the letter of its rules.
10. A Positive Coach
demonstrates personal integrity and would rather lose than win by
dishonoring the game. Dishonoring the game is worse than defeat. |
Player
Rights
The basis of these Bill of Rights for Young
Lacrosse Players is from the US Lacrosse Parent’s Guide, 8th Edition
1. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to participate in the sport of lacrosse.
2. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to play in every game, regardless of physical
ability or the relative importance of the game.
3. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to play as a child, and be treated on a level
appropriate with the emotional and physical maturity of the player’s age.
4. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to participate in a safe and healthy
environment, and have access to proper medical treatment.
5. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to be taught the fundamentals of lacrosse by
qualified adult leadership.
6. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to have a coach who is more concerned with
fun, social interaction and skill development than winning.
7. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to have a coach who is supportive, and
patient, who takes the time to work with each player, and who allows players
to make mistakes.
8. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to be treated with respect and dignity by
coaches and other players.
9. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to report to the coach any physical pain or
emotional concerns without fear of rejection or ridicule.
10. Every young
lacrosse player has the right to have fun. |
