Farmington High School Player Handbook Season: 2017 Theme: 48 OUR MISSION STATEMENT: The Farmington High School Boys Lacrosse program and its student-athletes emphasize learning, character, citizenship, and leadership, developing these skills for future success. 1
Farmington High School is proud to carry on the tradition of boys lacrosse. The program was founded in 2010, and each new season brings increasing expectations of our play on the field and of our citizenship off the field. We will continue to build and learn through commitment to the process, accountability, and hard work. The coaching staff is committed to focusing the boys lacrosse program on the issue of character, both on and off the field. John Wooden said, The true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching. Each year, we rededicate ourselves to the heritage that is the sport of lacrosse. The sport of lacrosse has a unique and diverse history that demands the respect and admiration of each participant. In return, we will be rewarded with lessons in courage, trust, respect, collaboration, and leadership. Overview General program information... page 2-4 School attendance and grades... page 4-5 Program Non-Negotiables... page 5-6 Team Rules and Guidelines... page 6-8 Behavior & Code of Conduct... page 8-12 Miscellaneous... page 12-13 Contact information... page 14 Player Handbook Agreement... page 15 Registration Student registration must be completed online as hard copy registrations will no longer be accepted. A current physical must also be on file with the district prior to registering in order to complete the on-line registration. Updated physicals should be submitted to the student's school nurse at his/her respective building or to the Athletics Office at FHS. 2
Online payment must be made with a credit card. Families requesting assistance or who wish to pay by cash or check must do so in person in the Athletics/Activities Office in the second floor office at FHS. Student's will not be allowed to practice or try out until their registration is complete. Please do not hesitate to contact the Athletics/Activities Office with any concerns, on-line registration or otherwise, at 651-252-2514. Online registration link: http://farmington.feepay.com/ Conference The Varsity and Junior Varsity programs are members of the South Suburban Conference. The conference includes Apple Valley, Eastview, Eagan, Rosemount, Shakopee, Lakeville North and South, Prior Lake, and Burnsville. The 9/10 program plays in the MBSLA state-wide league, with a handful of scheduled games against SSC teams. Practices At the Varsity and Junior Varsity levels, a typical practice day consists of a pre-practice meeting, followed by an hour and a half of on-field practice (usually from 4-5:30 pm). During the first two weeks of the season, coaches will run classroom sessions before or after practices to go over team systems (e.g. offense or defense). The Varsity team will often hold film sessions following a game or in preparation for an upcoming opponent. In addition, the program will host team meals and other team events during the week. The 9/10 team, Junior Varsity, and Varsity teams use both the Tiger Stadium turf field and the East Grass Fields adjacent to the parking lot. Team meetings and film sessions generally take place in the high school s Large Lecture Hall unless instructed otherwise. Each practice session is designed to strengthen individual skills and athleticism, small field situations, and full field or team concepts. Often drills and discussions are focused in areas of importance for that time of the 3
season or for an upcoming opponent. With the season as short as it is, every practice session is extremely important. Games All Varsity home games will be played on the FHS Tiger Stadium turf field, located at the Farmington High School Athletic Complex, which is next to the High School. Games will be held rain or shine unless extreme or severe weather puts player safety in danger. The majority of Junior Varsity and 9/10 home games take place at the East Grass athletic fields located on the other side of the main student parking lot. Games will be held rain or shine unless extreme or severe weather puts player safety in danger, or if the field is unplayable. A select few JV and 9/10 games will take place on the Tiger Stadium turf field. It is the responsibility of the individual player to check in with the coaching staff on days with inclement weather to see if the game will be held. Any changes to the game schedule will be posted prior to the end of the day on the team s Schoology page, the team website, and on social media. Schedule Changes The practice and game schedule is subject to change based on weather, and some unforeseen conflicts that may arise. Any changes to the schedule will be posted prior to the end of the day on the team s Schoology page, the team website, and on social media. Attendance The head Varsity coach will receive an attendance record each day at around 2:15 pm. Any student with an unexcused absence will not allowed to practice or play on that day. It is important that each student monitors their attendance during the day and attempts to clear any issues or miscommunication with teachers or administration if something incorrect occurs. Often times, a teacher may have mistakenly marked a student absent and can simply update the absence. 4
Grades As a student-athlete please always remember that the word student comes first. The administration will be meeting with students that are not on target to graduate. This can potentially affect playing eligibility. Players may get a warning first, and then they may become ineligible for three weeks until the following grading period. The administration then checks grades at the following grading period, and if players are passing and have a plan to recover credits, they can become eligible again. Then things are reviewed again in three weeks, and this cycle can repeat if there continues to be issues. In addition, the Varsity head coach will ask all players participating in the lacrosse program to perform two grade reports from their teachers during the lacrosse season. Players will have their teachers complete the form, sign the form, and the completed form will get returned to the coaching staff for review. Finally, we have a team grade GPA goal of 3.0 or higher. Our goal is to challenge our lacrosse athletes to perform at a high level in the classroom. Non-Negotiables Be on time for EVERYTHING - On time is late, 5 min early is on time Body positioning is greater than stick checking on defense No one-handed ground balls Ride with heart (always trying as hard as you can) Run - Run to the man you re passing to - Run to the ball when receiving a pass - Run with or without the ball - Run during all drills - Run between drills - Run once you step foot onto our lacrosse field Touch the lines (don t cut corners) 5
No palms up (ever) No whining Eye contact in huddles and when coaches are talking Listen and communicate clearly - Questions are encouraged Everyone celebrates and contributes to the sideline atmosphere during games (goals, saves, ground balls) Leave everything cleaner than when you found it - Sidelines, fields, locker rooms, etc. Practice Attendance and Dress Team Rules and Guidelines It is expected that all players arrive to practice, are dressed, and ready to play on time. Players are responsible to be in the correct equipment and uniform for all practices. Players are only to be dressed in school colors for practice and must wear their assigned numbered practice jersey. Players are not permitted to wear any portion of their game uniforms for practice. Players are not permitted to wear any uniform pieces from an offseason club team. Failure to adhere to either the attendance or uniform guidelines outlined will result in team-wide punishment and potential loss of playing time. Playing Time Playing time is earned through attendance and preparation. The coaches will make every effort to see that players get playing time in games, but there is no guarantee that playing time will be equitable. Attendance at practices, team meetings, other team events, and adherence to team guidelines will have an affect on playing time. An absence from practice or leaving early from practice, whether it s excused or unexcused, will have an affect on playing time. Understand that necessary and important details and preparation take place in practices and at meetings, and missing important aspects will limit a 6
player s game preparation. In addition, playing time may vary due to a player s position or particular game events that take place. If a player has any questions or concerns regarding playing time, that player should find an appropriate time to speak with the coaching staff. Please note, playing time will not be discussed in the following situations, specifically: - On game days, within an hour before a game - During a game - Immediately following a game (the coaching staff will adhere to a 24 hour rule following games) - Within an hour before practices begin - During practice Finally, playing time is also earned through your actions, not always by physical ability, but by your focus and dedication at practice and during games. Open communication with teammates and coaches is strongly encouraged. JV and Varsity Depth Chart The JV and Varsity roster will consist of roughly 35-45 players throughout the season. Players are expected to compete for their playing time and positions on a daily basis. The coaches will keep a positional depth chart that indicates where each player ranks based on performance and preparation. This information will be available to players upon request. Academic Help If you need to stay afterschool for additional academic help and will be late to practice, you must instruct a member of the coaching staff that you will be late and get any equipment out of the team room prior to going in for help. You must also get a note from the teacher that you were there, along with the time, prior to returning to the field. Failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in team-wide punishment and potential loss of playing time. 7
Please note, regular or reoccurring instances where players are staying after school for extra help will be addressed on a case-by-case basis, but understand that the expectation is that players are able to manage their studies around lacrosse activities. Behavior Code of Conduct 1. As a member of the Farmington Tiger Boys Lacrosse Program, your behavior on and off the field, in school, and off campus reflect back on the program. Inappropriate behavior at any time will result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from the team. This includes the inappropriate use of social media accounts or behavior displayed on social media. Generally speaking, if you can t say it in front of a crowd or in a public space, it shouldn t be posted on social media. We have a zero tolerance policy in this area, and identified instances could result in the removal from the program. - First instance will be a discussion with the coach and a formal warning. - Second instance will be a 1 game suspension and a discussion with parents. - Third instance will be up to a 3 game suspension. - Fourth instance may result in a removal from the team. 2. Student Code of Responsibilities: As a student participating in my school s interscholastic activities, I understand and accept the following responsibilities: I will respect the rights and beliefs of others and will treat others with courtesy and consideration. I will be fully responsible for my own actions and the consequences of my actions. I will respect the property of others. I will respect and obey the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state and country. I will show respect to those who are responsible for enforcing the rules of my school and the laws of my community, state and country. A student whose character or conduct violates the Student Code of Responsibilities, or is suspended or expelled, is considered to be not in good standing, and is ineligible for a period of time as determined by the principal. While a student is not in good standing, a student may not officially serve any penalty for MSHSL Bylaw violations. 8
3. Foul or inappropriate language will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly and on a case-by-case basis. This includes online and on social media as well. 4. Unsportsmanlike conduct, including but not limited to, disrespect to a coach, teammates, referees, opposing coaches, or opposing players, will not be tolerated. Instances may result in a punishment up to and including removal from the team. Designated team captains are an extension of the coaches and will be treated with the same respect. 5. Regarding communicating with the referees, players should not have to communicate with the referee directly. Leave communication with officials to the coaches and captains. If there is a need to communicate with the referee, he or she will be referred to as Sir or Ma am and is addressed with the utmost respect at all times. 6. When communicating with opposing players, it is okay to have friendly discourse with opposing players. At no time should a player antagonize, mock, or use foul language towards an opposing player regardless of the circumstances. If this becomes an issue, a player may be removed from play and subject to punishment. 7. Communication with teammates should be done in a respectful manner at all times. At no time should a player criticize a teammate or show them disrespect. 8. No player shall at any time use swearing, signs, gestures, degrading personal comments, or act in any way which will reflect unfavorably upon opposing coaches, players, or spectators. 10. The lacrosse coaches reserve the right to enact playing time penalties as they relate to the lacrosse teams code of conduct. 11. No member of the lacrosse program will use language that is degrading towards women in practices, games, or any other team related environment. If anyone in this program violates this guideline, they will be required to apologize, and if appropriate, adhere to greater punishment. 9
12. The following behaviors are serious, non-negotiable, and will not be tolerated: o o o Sexual Harassment Sexual Assault Dating Violence If any of these situations arise during the season, the consequences will involve game suspensions, potential removal from the team, and may result in criminal charges. Additional: Every member of the lacrosse program acts as ambassadors to the sport of lacrosse. Coaches and players have a responsibility to show the proper respect to the game. Our competitiveness and sportsmanship will demonstrate to our opponents, friends and family why lacrosse is such a great sport. Sportsmanship, as always, will be held to a high standard of good conduct. We will strive to be humble in victory and gracious in defeat. The Tigers boys lacrosse team will not be judged based on numbers shown on a scoreboard, but by our character and our actions on and off the field. The coaching staff will not tolerate foul language, trash talking, or a bad attitude either during a game or at practice. Attendance Policies There are no exceptions to the following rules. 1. Attendance is mandatory and expected for all scheduled practices, games, meetings and team events. Communication is crucial and necessary if a player cannot attend a scheduled event. In the event that a player cannot make a scheduled event, the expectation is that they communicate directly with their respective coach (not through a third party or parent). Having another player inform one of the coaches about your absence is unacceptable and will be considered unexcused. Unexcused absences will result in punishment, which will include, but is not limited to, a reduction of playing time. Repeated unexcused absences will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis (due to the variety of circumstances), but can result in game suspensions at the discretion of the coaching staff. 10
Injured players are still required to attend practices. This is required so that they will be aware of what their team is doing when they return to play. Missing practices or games for work is unacceptable. Please plan ahead and use the team calendar to do so. 2. No player may miss more than 5 scheduled days during the season. If a player accumulates more than 5 unexcused absences, they will be asked to leave the team. 3. If a player misses a game, they will sit out the following game. If a player misses a second game, they will sit out the following two games. It is expected that a player still attends games while you are serving a suspension (team, MSHSL, school). If a player misses a third game, they will be asked to leave the team. 4. If a student goes home from school or misses school due to being sick, and as a result, misses a practice or a game, the expectation is that they contact a coach directly to inform them in advance. If severe medical conditions arise, the player is expected to bring a doctor s note on the day they return to practice, or the absence from practice will be counted as unexcused. 5. A scheduled doctor s appointment or school-related appointment are both unacceptable and will be dealt with as an unexcused missed practice. The expectation is that players and parents plan trips such as orthodontics, drivers ed, doctors, etc. at times that don t conflict with practice or game times. Again, utilize the season calendar to plan accordingly. 6. If a player sustains an injury that requires them to miss any practice or game time, they need to discuss the situation with the coaching staff before the next practice or game. Players are not automatically excused from practice participation or attendance. 7. Academic-related disciplines or suspensions from FHS will affect your lacrosse eligibility. 11
8. Absences for travel or vacation are not excused. This includes college visits. The expectation is that you plan visits that don t conflict the lacrosse events. 9. Important: If a player misses practice the day before a game with an unexcused absence, that player will not play in a portion of, or potentially the full game the following day. The player must still dress for and attend the game or further disciplinary action will be taken. If a player misses a practice due to an excused absence, your playing time may still be reduced (this will be at the discretion of the coaching staff and will depend on the nature of the absence). Miscellaneous a. Personal property such as cellular phones, music listening devices, etc., is the responsibility of the individual player. At no time will a coaching staff member take responsibility for the safety and security of a personal item. All damages due to accidents, acts of nature or intentional mischief are the responsibility of the player. b. It is not uncommon for a coach to ask a player or players to play positions other than the one preferred by the player. Coaches assign positions based upon size, skills, abilities, and game situations as they deem appropriate. The player s desire is taken into account, but it is not the only consideration. These potential situations can be a very valuable learning experience to the player. More importantly, it is critical that players develop a sense of what is best for the team and find where their skills can be best utilized. c. It is important that parents and players inform the coaches of any special medical or physical limitations that apply to any individual player. This will help insure player safety and increase his or her enjoyment of the game. If your child requires special items to deal with a physical condition, such as an inhaler, you should provide one to the school trainer for inclusion in the team medical kit. 12
Injuries We encourage players to help us identify any injuries sustained during a practice or a game, thus ensuring that you receive proper medical attention and/or rest. If you have an injury, you must report it to the coaching staff and Athletic Trainer immediately. We will have a stocked medical kit present at all practices and games. If you need to be taped up for practice or a game, please arrange with the Athletic Trainer to take care of it prior to practice or pre-game. Varsity Lettering Criteria Player is on a Varsity game day roster for 4 or more games in a season Player is included in a starting lineup for 1 or more games in a season Player is included in the end-of-season Varsity section playoff roster If a player quits the team at any time before the season is complete, it disqualifies them from lettering even if they have fulfilled any or all of the above guidelines. 13
Contact Information Title Name Email Phone Varsity Head Coach Kevin Dunnigan kmdunnigan@gmail.com (651) 242-9162 Varsity Assistant Coach Jeff Kohoutek jeffrey.kohoutek@spps.org (651) 295-7941 Junior Varsity Head Coach Isaiah Neal neaxx001@d.umn.edu (651) 757-8740 Junior Varsity Assistant Coach Patrick Haley patrickhaley88@gmail.com (651) 238-3572 9/10 Head Coach John Cusack qdaddy1@gmail.com (651) 558-7875 9/10 Assistant Coach Alex Schrafft aschrafft@yahoo.com (651) 280-5483 9/10 Assistant Coach Blair Berg blairwberg@gmail.com (651) 366-1524 14
Handbook Agreement I, (print players first and last name) have received a copy of the Farmington Tiger Lacrosse Player Handbook and have read and fully understand all that it contains. I further agree to abide by the contents herein. (Players Signature) (Date) (Parent or Guardian Signature) (Date) (Parent or Guardian Signature) (Date) 15