TEAM RULES
Code of Conduct
All players will abide by the guidelines set out in the Ann Arbor Public Schools Athletic Code of Conduct. Players understand and agree these guidelines are subject to change with or without notice and it is the sole responsibility of each player to continuously abide by district policy and team rules.
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 - including any Social Media use.
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:
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:
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:
***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:
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:
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
Varsity Letter Requirements