2020 YVL PLAYER / PARENT CONTRACT and CODE OF CONDUCT
West Billings / Yellowstone Valley Lacrosse (YVL) - Player / Parent Contract - yvlacrosse.com
1. EXPECTATIONS
The coaches and board members of Yellowstone Valley Lacrosse have set the parent/player expectations for each member of the West Billings Lacrosse Club Program. All parents/players must read, sign and most importantly meet the expectations and rules set forth in this parent/player contract. We expect that all members of the West Billings Lacrosse Program take P.R.I.D.E. in being part of the program and exhibit the behaviors that we want the program to represent.
Practice - In order to play well, you must practice well. You are expected to be at practice, to be focused at practice, to exert the proper effort at practice and to have the proper attitude at practice. You are expected to practice on your own, outside of organized practices. You earn your spot and that starts in the off-season and continues during the season.
Respect - Respect the game. This includes yourself, your teammates, your coaches, the referees, your opposition. This is required for not only players, but also for parents.
Intelligence - Play intelligently. Learn from your mistakes and your successes. Study our team plays and work on individual skills, practice them and apply them during the games. Watch video of the game, learn from others, develop your understanding of lacrosse.
Discipline - Discipline will be a cornerstone of the program. Each player is expected to be self-disciplined at practice, play and in public for the betterment of the team and the program. The coaches will enforce the expectations and ensure a more disciplined environment around the team.
Effort - Each player is expected to exert maximum effort at practices and during games. Give all you have and next time you will find you have more to give.
Behavioral Expectations:
1) No Excuses! You are all now young men and the coaches expect you to take responsibility for your actions. Realize that coaches are trying to coach and make you better, listen to what they have to say, accept criticism as constructive and use it as a learning opportunity. When a coach tells you something, your answer should be "Yes, Coach." Don't blame someone or something else.
2) Practice is for practice. We will try to make them fast paced and fun, however, when at practice it should be all about lacrosse. We only ask for 2 hours of your day, 4 days a week for practice. We expect you to focus on lacrosse while on the field; nothing else. Before and after practice you can do what you want, but when you are on the field, it's all lacrosse business.
3) Foul language will not be tolerated. It sheds bad light on you as young men, on the team and on the game of lacrosse as a whole. This applies to practices, games and any activity that we do as a team. Use of foul language will result in disciplinary action immediately at the time of the offense, whether at practice or in a game.
4) There is no "I" in TEAM. The only way that this team and the program as a whole will be successful is by focusing on the TEAM, not the individuals. You must support each other, encourage each other and DO NOT criticize or yell at each other. Behavior that focuses on the individual or that is detrimental to the team will result in disciplinary action.
5) If you have issues or concerns with teammates, opposing players, coaches, fans, and/or referees, discuss these with the Coaches or Team Manager ONLY and when appropriate.
6) Respect your coaches. The coaches are volunteering their time to help you as individuals, the West Billings Lacrosse program and the growth of lacrosse in Montana. They each have many years of experience playing / coaching lacrosse and deserve your respect. When addressing the coaches, refer to them as "Coach
2. CONDUCT
1) All players, coaches, and parents are expected to conduct themselves in a positive manner. Your attitude, comments and actions not only reflect on you, they reflect on the entire program. THE PROGRAM AND THE TEAM COME FIRST. To support this, the following infractions will not be tolerated:
a) Taunting, fighting or belittling your own teammates
b) Taunting, fighting or belittling opposition
c) Arguing with the coaches or referees
d) Any unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in a game, or infractions of any of the above will result in the following consequences:
i) First time, minor infraction results consequences for the team, determined by the staff, at the next practice
ii) If the first infraction is deemed serious-enough by the staff, or after the first infraction, any additional infractions can result in removal from the next game or scrimmage or expulsion from the team, at the coach's, management's, and/or board's discretion.
iii) In addition to the above items, any unsportsmanlike penalty received during a game, you will be suspended for 1/2 of the next game. Any unsportsmanlike penalty given for yelling or back talking to any Coach or Referee will result in a full game suspension.
e) Any actions deemed unnecessary that are not flagged as a penalty but are witnessed by a coach, manager, or spectator, will be treated in the same manner as if they are a penalty incurred.
f) Any racial or derogatory slurs directed towards any player, team, coach or referee will result in being immediately ejected from the game or practice, a one (full) game suspension and possible expulsion from the team depending on the severity of the infraction. Remember: there will be a board member who is also a member of the disciplinary committee at the scoring table every game.
g) If a player walks off the field during practice or a game, he will immediately be suspended from the team for an undisclosed period. You are young men. This behavior has no place in the world. We must face our issues head-on, discuss them, come to terms, learn from our mistakes, and move on. Prior to returning to the team, the player will have a meeting with the coaches, manager, and his parents.
3. PLAYING TIME
Yellowstone Valley Lacrosse is fortunate enough to have players to fill two teams, a Varsity (V) and a Junior Varsity (JV). Junior Varsity is designed to develop young players' skills, allow them to grow mentally and physically, and learn the game to adapt to the Varsity High School level. The Varsity program will take those players that are mature enough mentally and physically, as well as have shown their dedication to the overall health and success of the team and display the attributes of PRIDE outlined earlier in an effort to win with class.
The first four weeks of indoor practices will be a great pre-pre-test for where players are at. This will let the coaches know who has been practicing in the off-season to become better, where the younger and newer players are at, and where all players have developed during the off-season. While indoor practices are not required, they are highly recommended. The first two weeks of outdoor practice will be the pre-test to help show us where players are truly at. The next eight weeks of practices and games will be the test to determine who will make the State Playoff roster.
The depth chart for both teams is determined on a weekly basis, with pre-evaluations occurring every day at practice. Games should then be the evaluation of where we are at as a program for that week, and what we need to work on as individuals and as a team. The depth chart will constantly evolve as players push each other to be better and strive to understand and control the game.
The assignments on the depth chart will be determined based on a multitude of attributes including, in no particular order:
- Attitude & Coachability
- Effort, Drive, & Hustle
- Efficiency
- Attendance (Both showing up to AND during practices & games)
- Stick Skill
- Knowledge (Lacrosse IQ)
- Understanding (Our team strategies, plays, etc.)
- Teamwork
Note: None of these attributes are determined by a player's physical abilities; the fastest, strongest, quickest, tallest, and biggest are not automatic starters. Lacrosse is a game full of niche positions, often requiring a combination of attributes, like those listed above, to be successful. While physical attributes help, this is a highly-skilled, "thinking-man's" game that requires processing of information at a high-level while being harassed by the opposition's checking.
Some players will be picked as "swing" players, potentially being able to participate in both V and JV contests. These players have shown they have some of the attributes of a V player, but are not yet ready for full V competition. Players are limited to how many games they may play at the V level before they are considered a full V player. The coaches are constantly evaluating players to determine whom they want to fill for their final State Playoff roster.
Playing time during evaluations (games) will be determined based solely on practice attendance, effort, and attitude. No players, no matter what skill level or experience, will be guaranteed playing time if they do not show up for practices, or exert the necessary focus, effort or attitude in practices. If swing players are asked to dress for V contests, playing time is not guaranteed, though the coaches will work to get those players involved. Sometimes players are asked to attend because they need to witness the intensity of a V-level contest, as it grows their knowledge and skills.
4. GAMES AND PRACTICE
1) Missing practice or a game will result in the following consequences:
a) Each missed practice during the week results in missing one-quarter of the next scrimmage or game
b) If you are suspended for a quarter or more, you are still expected to show up for the game, dress-out in your uniform and equipment, warm-up, and support your team on the sideline.
c) 1 missed game without a valid excuse and prior notice means that you will not play in the next game.
2) If you will not be able to attend practice or a game, you need to contact the Team Manager, Brynn Schwarz or your coach BEFORE the practice or game to discuss the circumstances and expectations regarding impact on playing time.
3) Be on time. On time means dressed and ready to go, not arriving at the field. If you are late for a game or practice, you will have consequences. Multiple instances or significant tardiness will result in missed scrimmages or games.
4) If you have not secured a valid, current membership with US Lacrosse, you WILL NOT practice or play. Your membership must be valid through the end of the season.
5) If you have not registered and paid for the Yellowstone Valley Lacrosse (yvlacrosse.com) on the league website you cannot practice or play.
6) Be prepared to participate in the game or practice. In order to play, you must have a mouthpiece, water, and all equipment.
7) All players will search for and return lacrosse balls after each practice and game.
8) If you are hurt, you are still expected to attend practice and games. Each practice or game is an important opportunity to continue to learn the game, our plans, adjustments, etc.
9) While not required, we encourage all players to attend all games to support your teammates. This includes Varsity games and JV games. This will help build a strong program that can be maintained for years to come.
10) Players, it is your responsibility, not your parent(s) to communicate with your team captains and coaches if you have questions or concerns!
5. CONTACT INFORMATION:
1) Brynn Schwarz - Team Manager
a) Cell - 406-670-5430
b) e-mail - yvlacrosse@gmail.com
2) All players are expected to check the team website on a daily basis for any announcements, changes, etc. It is the player's responsibility to communicate any new information to their parents. The URL for the site is: www.yvlacrosse@gmail.com
3) Players are responsible for checking the website and reviewing, and copying any plays that the coaches have assigned.
4) Players are encouraged to review the US Lacrosse web site and reviewing drills/plays on that site as well. www.uslacrosse.org
5) You can check the Facebook page at West Billings Lacrosse, but keep in mind that this page is for general informational purposes only. It will NOT have all announcements, practice and game times and/or changes.
6. REFUNDS
1) Refunds are given on a case-by-case basis. Inquire about refunds with the General Manager.
7. PARENTS
1) All parents are expected to support the above information concerning the West Billings / Yellowstone Valley Lacrosse, assist when needed, support their son/s, support the organization and assist in making it the best lacrosse club in the state. Furthermore, parents are to also check the team website frequently for any announcements, changes, etc.
2) Parent/coach meetings may be requested for any reason.
a) Meetings will be at neutral locations away from the field.
b) Meetings will be held at minimum 48-hours after the previous game or practice if there is a question about that game or practice.
c) Meetings will require at least two (2) coaches or staff in attendance with the parent.
d) Players are not required to be at the meeting but are encouraged to, and generally asked to attend.
e) Meetings may be requested by filling out the requisite form on our website under the "About YVL" menu.
3) We expect parents to cheer us on. Parents exhibiting unsportsmanlike behavior will be kindly asked to leave the field and cool off. When you step on the field as a spectator and a fan, your positive support is greatly desired. Negative behavior can result in serious punishment for the team in the way of officials assessing infractions against the team that will be detrimental to the team's success, as well as a poor representation of our team and fans for both opponents and your children.
a) A second infraction will likely result in your ejection from the premises and potential suspension from sideline attendance at future games. The coaches, team management and YVL board may also suspend your child from playing, depending on the severity of your actions.
b) A third infraction will result in forfeiture of the game and potentially further consequences by the state against our organization and potential expulsion of your child from our organization with no refund.
4) Post-game discussions are for the coaches and their players. Lacrosse, like any sport, is an emotional game with highs and lows that switch quickly over the course of the entire game. We pour in blood, sweat, and tears during the week leading up to the games. We understand you want to come talk to the players after the game, but please, wait on the other side of the field for the coaches to be finished talking with the players. A post-game discussion is an important part of the game, and from the moment we hit the field to warm-up until the moment we break from our post-game discussion, the players and the coaches need to have their separation from everything else around them to focus on the task at hand, whether that's a game or practice.
5) A note to parents: Your child is now a young man. It is his responsibility to communicate with his team captains and coaches. If a parent has a question or concern, please direct it to the team manager NOT the team captains or coaches. As a parent it is your responsibility to be a role model for your children. Please remember, lacrosse is a fast-paced, fun sport. Not every game and every call will go our way. Yelling, swearing, and taunting other players, fans and referees during games is not allowed by your children and shouldnever happen from parents.
6) Any parents volunteering during the season will be held to our high conduct standards, listed above, just as the players are. As an organization we strive to be the model program for all of Montana Lacrosse.
8. CONCUSSIONS
HEADS UP Concussion Waiver
This section has information to help protect your children or teens
from concussion or other serious brain injury. Use this
information at your children�¢??s or teens�¢?? games and practices to learn how to
spot a concussion and what to do if a concussion
occurs.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury�¢??or TBI�¢??caused by a bump, blow,
or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body
that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. This fast
movement can cause the brain to bounce around or
twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes
stretching and damaging the brain cells.
How Can I Help Keep My Children or Teens Safe?
Sports are a great way for children and teens to stay healthy and can help them
do well in school. To help lower your children
or teens�¢?? chances of getting a concussion or other serious brain injury, you
should:
�¢?�¢ Help create a culture of safety for the team.
o Work with their coach to teach ways to lower the chances of getting a
concussion.
o Talk with your children or teens about concussion and ask if they have
concerns about reporting a
concussion. Talk with them about their concerns; emphasize the importance of
reporting concussions and
taking time to recover from one.
o Ensure that they follow their coach�¢??s rules for safety and the rules of
the sport.
o Tell your children or teens that you expect them to practice good
sportsmanship at all times.
�¢?�¢ When appropriate for the sport or activity, teach your children or teens
that they must wear a helmet to lower the
chances of the most serious types of brain or head injury. However, there is no
�¢??concussion-proof�¢?? helmet. So, even
with a helmet, it is important for children and teens to avoid hits to the
head.
How Can I Spot a Possible Concussion?
Children and teens who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms
listed below�¢??or simply say they just �¢??don�¢??t
feel right�¢?? after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body�¢??may have a
concussion or other serious brain injury.
Signs Observed by Parents or Coaches
�¢?�¢ Appears dazed or stunned.
�¢?�¢ Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or
is unsure of the game, score, or opponent.
�¢?�¢ Moves clumsily.
�¢?�¢ Answers questions slowly.
�¢?�¢ Loses consciousness (even briefly).
�¢?�¢ Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes.
�¢?�¢ Can�¢??t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall.
Symptoms Reported by Children and Teens
�¢?�¢ Headache or �¢??pressure�¢?? in head.
�¢?�¢ Nausea or vomiting.
�¢?�¢ Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision.
�¢?�¢ Bothered by light or noise.
�¢?�¢ Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy.
�¢?�¢ Confusion, or concentration or memory problems.
�¢?�¢ Just not �¢??feeling right,�¢?? or �¢??feeling down.�¢??
Talk with your children and teens about concussion. Tell them to report their
concussion symptoms to you and their coach
right away. Some children and teens think concussions aren�¢??t serious or worry
that if they report a concussion they will lose
their position on the team or look weak. Be sure to remind them that it�¢??s
better to miss one game than the whole season.
Concussions affect each child and teen differently. While most children
and teens with a concussion feel better within a
couple of weeks, some will have symptoms for months or longer. Talk with your
children or teens�¢?? health care provider if
their concussion symptoms do not go away or if they get worse after they return
to their regular activities.
What Are Some More Serious Danger Signs to Look Out For?
In rare cases, a dangerous collection of blood (hematoma) may form on the brain
after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or
body and can squeeze the brain against the skull. Call 9-1-1 or take your child
or teen to the emergency department right
away if, after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, he or she has one or
more of these danger signs:
�¢?�¢ One pupil larger than the other.
�¢?�¢ Drowsiness or inability to wake up.
�¢?�¢ A headache that gets worse and does not go away.
�¢?�¢ Slurred speech, weakness, numbness, or decreased coordination.
�¢?�¢ Repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures (shaking or
twitching).
�¢?�¢ Unusual behavior, increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.
�¢?�¢ Loss of consciousness (passed out/knocked out). Even a brief loss of
consciousness should be taken seriously.
Children and teens who continue to play while having concussion symptoms or who
return to play too soon�¢??while the brain
is still healing�¢?? have a greater chance of getting another concussion. A repeat
concussion that occurs while the brain is still
healing from the first injury can be very serious and can affect a child or
teen for a lifetime. It can even be fatal.
What Should I Do If My Child or Teen Has a Possible Concussion? As a parent, if
you think your child or teen may have a
concussion, you should:
1. Remove your child or teen from play.
2. Keep your child or teen out of play the day of the injury. Your child or
teen should be seen by a health care provider
and only return to play with permission from a health care provider who is
experienced in evaluating for concussion.
3. Ask your child or teen�¢??s health care provider for written instructions on
helping your child or teen return to school.
You can give the instructions to your child or teen�¢??s school nurse and
teacher(s) and return-to-play instructions to
the coach and/or athletic trainer.
Do not try to judge the severity of the injury yourself. Only a health care
provider should assess a child or teen for a possible
concussion. Concussion signs and symptoms often show up soon after the injury.
But you may not know how serious the
concussion is at first, and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days.
The brain needs time to heal after a
concussion. A child or teen�¢??s return to school and sports should be a gradual
process that is carefully managed and monitored
by a health care provider.
To learn more, go to:
|
Heads Up |
9.
SUDDEN CARDIAC ARREST
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Education
and Information:
What is sudden cardiac arrest?
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when the heart stops beating, suddenly and
unexpectedly. When this happens, blood
stops flowing to the brain and other vital organs. SCA is NOT a heart attack. A
heart attack may cause SCA, but they
are not the same. A heart attack is caused by a blockage that stops the flow of
blood to the heart. SCA is a malfunction
in the heart�¢??s electrical system, causing the heart to suddenly stop beating.
If not treated within minutes, SCA results in death. The normal rhythm of the
heart can only be restored with defibrillation,
an electrical shock that is safely delivered to the chest by an automated
external defibrillator (AED).
How common is sudden cardiac arrest?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that every year there are
about 300,000 cardiac arrests
outside hospitals. About 2,000 patients under 25 die of SCA each year.
Are there warning signs?
Although SCA happens unexpectedly, some people may have signs or symptoms, such
as:
�¢?�¢ dizziness;
�¢?�¢ lightheadedness;
�¢?�¢ shortness of breath;
�¢?�¢ difficulty breathing;
�¢?�¢ racing or fluttering heartbeat (palpitations);
�¢?�¢ syncope (fainting);
�¢?�¢ fatigue (extreme tiredness);
�¢?�¢ weakness;
�¢?�¢ nausea;
�¢?�¢ vomiting; and
�¢?�¢ chest pains.
These symptoms can be unclear and confusing in athletes. Often, people confuse
these warning signs with physical
exhaustion. SCA can be prevented if the underlying causes can be diagnosed and
treated.
What are the risks of practicing or playing after experiencing these symptoms?
There are risks associated with continuing to practice or play after
experiencing these symptoms. When the heart stops,
so does the blood that flows to the brain and other vital organs. Death or
permanent brain damage can occur in just a
few minutes. Most people who have SCA die from it. Symptoms are the body�¢??s way
of indicating that something might
be wrong. Athletes who experience one or more symptoms should get checked out.
What is the best way to treat Sudden Cardiac Arrest?
�¢?�ª Early Recognition of SCA
Early 9-1-1 access
Early CPR
Early Defibrillation
Early Advance Care