Sportsmanship

STA Lacrosse: A Tradition of Good Sportsmanship

As proud as I am for the tradition of athletic success our lacrosse program has achieved over the years, I am equally proud of the recognition that STA’s lax team has consistently earned for the exemplary sportsmanship that our players and fans have displayed. Opposing coaches, referees, fans, and players commonly comment with admiration on the way our players conduct themselves. I value this legacy of sportsmanship as a hallmark element of our STA program. It is a way to respect and honor the wonderful sport of lacrosse, our school, and the players wearing the blue and white of St. Albans.

Maintaining this tradition requires a commitment throughout the season to the highest standards of sportsmanship by every member of the STA lacrosse family: coaches, players, and parents alike. I am grateful to our entire lacrosse family for helping to continue the fine tradition that has existed here for many years. With that in mind, there are some particular areas where we collectively can help to honor and respect the team, our lacrosse program, and the school:

Coaches and Strategy: Coaches need to have the undivided attention of the players during the games. The coaches must control the strategies during the game and thus additional “instructions” yelled to the players from the bleachers do not always help. If you are searching for something to say, simply cheer for us and applaud the good plays!

Players and Effort: As frustrating as lacrosse can be for a parent or fan when things are not going well on the field, it is important to accept that each player is making his best effort. We discourage fans from publicly criticizing a player—whether on our team or an opponent’s—or expressing exasperation either with an individual player’s performance or with the team’s effort. Players usually know when they make mistakes (similarly, we coaches know when we err also).

Referees and Whistles: The referees and game administrators have a tough enough job. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to hold any lacrosse games. Referees will make mistakes—we all do—but they do a pretty good job. Referees choose to give back to lacrosse and to “honor the game” by wearing the stripes. Criticizing them only makes their jobs harder. Referees generally do not determine the outcome of the game. These are the same gentlemen who are quick to compliment our players for their behavior. In general, referees enjoy coming to St. Albans for the finely-manicured field, great view of the Cathedral, high caliber lacrosse, and respectful treatment from players and fans. We want keep it that way.

Root, Root, Root For the Home Team (unless we’re on the road…):The coaching staff and players want our fans to be there to support our team. Supporting the team means being positive in all your actions. Cheer for St. Albans and for our players, not against the opponent. Do whatever you can to help make STA lacrosse a great experience for all associated with it.

The STA lax family again has maintained and enhanced our tradition of good sportsmanship throughout the 2006 season. Thanks to all for adding to the legacy!

Malcolm Lester,
Head Coach