1. Every child in Derry Township has the right to participate in the sport of lacrosse
2. Every player has the right to play in every game, regardless of physical ability, game situation or the relative importance of the game.
3. Every player has the right to play as a child, and be treated on a level appropriate with the emotional and physical maturity of the player’s age.
4. Every player has the right to participate in a safe and healthy environment, and have access to proper medical treatment.
5. Every player has the right to be taught the fundamentals of lacrosse by qualified adult leadership.
6. Every player has the right to have a coach who is more concerned with fun, social interaction and skill development than winning.
7. Every player has the right to have a coach who is supportive and patient, who takes the time to work with each player, and who allows players to make mistakes.
8. Every player has the right to be treated with respect and dignity by coaches and other players.
9. Every player has the right to report to the coach any physical pain or emotional concerns without fear of rejection or ridicule.
10. Every player has the right to have fun.

The Responsibility of the Players

1.      Every player should give 100% effort at all times.

2.      Every player should strive to learn something new every time they participate in a practice or a game.

3.      Every player should not let the fear of making mistakes stop them from trying something new.

4.      Every player should “Honor the Game” by having respect for the rules, officials, opponents, teammates and self.

The Role of Parents

1. Be supportive of your child by giving encouragement and showing an interest in his team.  Positive reinforcement encourages learning and fun.  Always give five positive statements (compliments, positive recognition) for each negative statement (criticisms, corrections).
2. Get your child to practice and games on time.  It is embarrassing for a child to come in the middle of an activity and does not give him time to properly warm up.  On game days, tardiness makes it difficult for the coaches to create playing lines.
3. Attend games whenever possible.  If you cannot attend, ask about your child’s experience, not whether the team won or lost.
4. Be a positive role model by displaying good sportsmanship at all times to coaches, officials, opponents and your child’s teammates.
5. Let your child set his own goals and play the game for himself.  Be your child’s “home court advantage” by giving him unconditional support regardless of how well he performs.
6. Let the coaches coach.  Refrain from giving your child advice when he is playing.  Use positive reinforcement with your child’s coach.  Let the coach know when he or she is doing a good job.
7. Respect the decisions of the referee and/or umpire.  This is an important part of honoring the game.  Your child will pay more attention to how you act than to what you say.
8. Have a basic understanding of the rules.  This will help you enjoy the game more.
9. Sit back and enjoy the game.  Remember, lacrosse is for FUN.

Team Rules

Hershey Lacrosse follows the US Lacrosse program of “Honoring the Roots of the Game” By honoring the ROOTS of the game we have respect for:

• R – Rules:  Even if we can break the rules and not get caught, we don’t.
• O – Opponents:  A good opponent is a gift that allows us to play our best.
• O – Officials:  Officials are like each and every one of us, they make mistakes.  We do not criticize a call by an official.
• T – Teammates:  We have respect for our teammates and for their possessions.  We do not criticize or make fun of our teammates.
• S – Self:  Have respect for your self and act in a way that you do not embarrass yourself, your parents, teammates or coaches.

1. If you are going to be absent or late for a game, please contact your coach ASAP.  If coming late, get your full equipment on when you arrive and check in with the Head Coach at the first break in the action so that he can assign you to a position coach.
2. At practice it is important that you start and stop at the coach’s whistle.  This provides a safe environment for everybody.
3. PARENTS:  Hershey Lacrosse has a 24 rule.  If you or your child has an issue or complaint concerning the game or the coaching, please do not approach the coach during the game or practice.  We ask that you wait a full 24 hours before contacting the coach.  Please contact the coach by email so that you can set a time to discuss the problem.  If the issue cannot be settled at this level it should be elevated to the Board of Directors.  We ask that you refrain from making any negative comments about the coach, player, official or ruling in question in front of your child, other players or parents.  (Please encourage your child to speak with his coach if he is unhappy with any aspects of the team or the game.)
4. No Swearing
5. No Fighting – Anyone involved in a fight at practice or in a game (regardless of the circumstances) will be kicked off of the team!