Player’s Handbook

1. Player’s Handbook Code of Conduct Players Sportsmanship Offense Defense Rides Clears

2. Code of Conduct • Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach. • Play by the rules. • Never argue with or complain about the referee calls of decisions. • Control your temper and most of all; resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged • Concentrate on playing lacrosse and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort • Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it’s your team’s or your opponents.

3. Code of Conduct (Cont’d) • Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don’t be a “show-off”. • Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees. • Be on time for practices and games and be committed to giving your best at all times. Missing practice will impact playing time in games. • Be respectful of your coaches and teammates. • Foul language will not be acceptable at any and all team events.

4. Code of Conduct (Cont’d) • The Great Falls Youth Lacrosse Association has a zero tolerance policy in regard to drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. Violations shall result in appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the program. • All players and their parent/guardian must confirm their agreement to the GFYLA Code of Conduct and Sportsmanship Pledge by signing the pledge.

5. Sportsmanship • I am playing lacrosse to have fun and improve my skills, but I understand that in playing lacrosse, I have obligations to my team, my coach, and the officials who run the game. • I will display good sportsmanship at all times. I will be courteous and respectful to my teammates, coaches, referees and opponents at all times. I understand that coaches and referees volunteer their time so that I can play lacrosse. • Lacrosse is a team sport, and my team needs me to try my best, just as I want my teammates to try their best. I will therefore give 100% effort at games and practices, and I will encourage and support my teammates. I will be a "team player." • I will listen to my coaches and practice hard. I may make some mistakes, and my teammates might also, but we will all learn from them. • I will be on time for all practices and games, and I will wear the required protective equipment at all games and practices and keep it well maintained. I will not play with someone who is not wearing protective equipment. • I am responsible for knowing the rules of the game, and I will play by the rules.

6. Sportsmanship (Cont’d) • I will not argue with referees or players, and I will not complain about any referee’s calls. • I will control my temper. I will not swear or use obscene or insensitive language or gestures, and I will not retaliate against another player even if I feel I have been wronged. • I will be modest in victory and gracious in defeat. • I will respect the athletic fields and facilities that are made available so that I may play lacrosse, and I will not damage them. • My team and I represent the community of Great Falls and the GFYLA when we travel to play in a tournament or away game and I understand that any wrongdoing, such as shoplifting, destruction of property, consumption of drugs or alcohol, and/or profanity which occurs in connection with our travel, will not be tolerated. • I understand that playing lacrosse is a privilege and not a right, and I may lose that privilege at any time for inappropriate behavior.

7. Offense • Deuces • 30’s and 40’s • Wheel • 50’s and 60’s • 1-4-1

8. Deuces

9. Deuces

10. 30’s and 40’s

11. Wheel

12. 50’s and 60’s

13. 1-4-1

14. Defense • The basics: • Man to Man • Zone • Man Down • The Constants • Talk! • Footwork and body position are key • Harass with poke checks

15. Man to Man • Call out your man’s number • Cover your assigned opponent. • Communicate to your teammates, and listen to the information they provide • Stick topside! Nobody can score from behind the goal. • Lockoff’s and Press Play are specialties.

16. Man to Man

17. Zone • Many types, so your coach will have his own. • Communication is huge to pass off opponents between different sectors! • Cover high-threat areas.

18. Generic Zone

19. Man Down • Basic “Box and One” • Keep it tight • Communicate!

20. Rides • Man to Man (man down, defense has goalie) • Force the long pass • Zone • Communication to pass of opponents from zone to zone • Hard • Hard press ride for tight game situations

21. Clears • Endline – Defense or Goalie takes it • Sideline – Middie takes it • “400” – Middie takes an endline clear in special circumstances.

22. Clears (Illustrated)

23. Defensive Terminology

24. Terminology (Cont’d)

25. Field Quadrants