TEAM RULES

Substance Use and Abuse

The use of drugs, including alcohol and tobacco, by students - is strictly prohibited. The use of these substances by students participating in the Ann Arbor Pioneer Men's Lacrosse Program will result in discipline possibly including dismissal from the team.

Attendance

Attendance is mandatory at ALL practices, games and other team events unless otherwise noted. 

Absences

If a player is absent from school on a day when there is a regularly scheduled practice or game, that player is NOT eligible to practice or participate in a game on that day. The following exceptions apply:

• a school function
• an injury or medical appointment
• pre-approved college visit
• court order
• a death in the family
• religious holiday
• or other pre-approved excuse by the principal

Athletes missing practice, coming late to or leaving practice early must have a written note from a parent or doctor in order to be excused from practices and games. 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.

Three (3) unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the team.

Excessive absences from school and practice can impact playing time. If a player misses practice without an excuse, they will sit for one (1) quarter of the next game for each unexcused absence.  For example, if a student has two (2) unexcused absences from practices, they will not play the first half of the next game.  If an athlete has an unexcused absence from a game, they will sit the entire next game. If a player has more than two (2) unexcused absences from games, they will be dismissed from the team.

If an athlete foresees absences that may be perpetual throughout the season, that player is encouraged to discuss it with the coaching staff during tryout week.  At that time, the coaching staff will make a determination as to whether the practices and/or games will be excused.

Tardiness

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 and leaving practice early will be treated the same way.

When a player is late (or leaves early) three times, it will count as one (1) unexcused absence.

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 or insubordination at any point. The 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 any equipment will NOT be tolerated.

Game Participation

The coaching staff has final authority over an athletes game participation at both the Varsity and Junior Varsity level. Selection of athletes for games will be based on several factors including, but are not limited to:

• Attendance and performance at practice and games
• Athletic ability and game skills
• Attitude and sportsmanship
• Interaction with the team and coaching staff 
• Size, skill and behavior of the opposing team

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.  Every effort will be made to get every player on the field each game but there are occasions when this may not happen.

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.

Regardless of the level, players on the bench are expected to be positive and supportive of their teammates on the field and giving the game their full attention at all times.

Travel

• All athletes must be at the point of departure on time and ready to leave.
• Food and drinks will only be allowed on the bus after the bus driver gives permission.
• Team Captains are responsible for making sure that the bus is left in a clean state after the team leaves the bus. 
  • For every piece of trash that is left on the bus, athletes will encounter additional conditioning during the following practice.
  • If trash continues to be a problem, food and drinks will NOT be permitted on bus trips.
• Athletes will show respect for the host school by cleaning up benches, locker rooms and any other facilities made available to our team before leaving.

Varsity Letter Requirements

• A player must play in at least 4 scheduled Varsity games. Play means that they must be in the game for more than one shift, or their sole shift must constitute 25% of the regulation game time.
• If a player does not finish the season for medical reasons the coaches will determine if a letter should be awarded.
• Players are expected to attend all practices and to be on time. No more than four (4) unexcused absences (practice or game) are allowed.
• The coaches reserve the right to withhold letters from players who display conduct and attitudes detrimental to the squad, regardless of participation.
• All lettering decisions are at the discretion of the coaching staff and athletic department.
• Players that begin the season on JV can receive Varsity Letters if they are moved up during the season.  Moving players up will be at the discretion of the coach staff.