posted 08/13/2012 
Team Philosophy 2012 / 2013
Every year around this time I restate our general JV and varsity team philosophy as it relates to pre-season for new players, or those players rising within the organization. This general policy has not changed since implemented during our first competitive season in 2007 and to my great satisfaction over the years our players have prospered through this early communication resulting in solid team loyalty.
“It is impossible to be a good leader without loyalty to your organization – your team – just as it is impossible to be a good citizen without loyalty to your country”
John Wooden, legendary Head Coach UCLA – On Loyalty, the center foundation for his Pyramid of Success
Fall Ball
If you are not participating in fall school sports you are expected at Fall Ball.
Preparation for the season starts in the fall for serious teams. We are a serious team. After winning the 2012 DII Championship in only our 3rd varsity season, finishing 14
th of 29 teams, we move up to play Brophy, Chaparral, Desert Vista (1,2,3 in state respectfully) and 4 other top 10 teams in the state.
The commitment during the fall is minimal but comprehensive with Training Camp (9/1) designed to address shooting development, defensive footwork, explosive dodges and overall speed and agility. Instructional Fall Ball (9/29) is one practice and one intramural scrimmage per week until HS Competitive Fall Ball (10/29) when we play other teams weekly in the Husky Fall Ball League through December 8.
Outside All Star Teams
We support our player’s participation in outside all star teams when it does not conflict with our team events such as our own tournament team. When conflicts do arise you are expected to choose your team first. In the unlikely, and in fact unprecedented event that a player should choose otherwise know that his position will be filled and the team will move on.
Here is a quote from Scott Craig, Head Lacrosse Coach of West Islip NY (a top 5 team nationally since the 1980’s that also have their own youth and tournament teams, considered to be a main ingredient to their success) when asked; “What if a players asks to play for another all-star team when the West Islip squad is intact?”
“If you are choosing to do that, I’m taking note. If you want to be one of us, be one of us. There is no fence sitting. You’re in or you’re out”
I could not have said it better myself.
Dual Sport Poli
cy
During the off season players are encouraged to play other sports. Keep the stick in your hand, but play football, basketball, wrestling, track or anything else of interest. As a general rule, players should concentrate on only one sport per season (i.e., fall, winter, spring). However, certain athletes, and we have had many over the years, consider and may be capable of participating in two sports during spring lacrosse season.
In such cases the athlete is required to communicate his intention as soon as able, and designate a primary sport; Meaning that the player will attend all practices and games regardless of conflicts. If that sport is something other than lacrosse, with the player planning to miss practices and or games during the season they may forfeit the opportunity to compete for the starting line up and lose consideration for any leadership roles within the team. However, know that such players can be vital to the organization and thus decisions can and will be made on a case by case basis.
Overall, for all the above and anything regarding the team communication is key. If I don’t hear from you it’s usually not a good thing.
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