Lower Cape May

Boys Lacrosse

Player Handbook
2015

Do The Right Thing,

The Right Way

Lower Cape May Lacrosse

Lower Cape May Regional High School is proud to carry on the tradition of
boys lacrosse in 2015. We enter our ninth year with ever increasing
expectations of our play on the field and of our actions off it. We hope to build
upon our on field successes of the previous eight seasons through team
commitment, sheer determination, 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. The sport of lacrosse has a unique and diverse history
that demands the respect and admiration of each participant. This year, our
team dedication to the sport of lacrosse, on every level, from coaches to players,
will lead to improvement on the field. Our efforts on the field will earn the
respect of our opponents and our efforts both on and off the field will earn the
admiration and trust of our peers. Our victories, although not always reflected
by the scoreboard, will be the byproduct of focus, communication, hard work
and most of all, fun.

General Information
The Web Site
Visit the Lower Cape May Lacrosse team web site at:
http://www.lowercapemaylacrosse.com
The web site provides a lot of information about the team, including the season
schedule, roster, action photos of the players and fundraising information. Any
changes to the practice, game or meeting schedule will be posted here as well.
If you are new to the sport of lacrosse, you may also want to check out the
links listed on our website to learn more about the game. Please visit the site
often as team information is updated regularly.

Forms
New players should fill out the player information form found online at the
team web site. Other school forms must be filled out before a player can
receive any equipment and hit the field. Please see the Athletic Director for the
Athletic Participation form needed. This form must be signed by your guidance
counselor, vice principal, Main Office, Athletic Trainer and finally the Athletic
Director. This form must be completed and turned in to the Athletic Office by
March 2nd in order to receive equipment prior to the first day of practice.

Conference

We are members of the Cape-Atlantic League for Boys Lacrosse.

Practice
The coaching staff will address all facets of lacrosse: individual skills (the
basics), team play, offense (formations and plays) and defense (communication
and positioning), as well as specialty situations (face-offs, clears, rides, man
up, man down, etc.). There will be daily on field instruction through drills and
scrimmage. The goal of the coaching staff is to have all members of the team on
the same page at game time. We will answer all questions, as many times as we
need to, until the issue is understood. We realize and understand that making
mistakes is part of the learning process. The purpose of practice is to refine
your skills through repetition. The more times you deal with a situation in
practice the better you can react during a game. Our normal practice will be
two and a half hours in duration, with pre practice beginning at 2:45pm and
concluding at 5:20. The varsity squad will hold film sessions after practice
several times a week (these film sessions are mandatory for all varsity
members). Practices will be held Monday to Friday after school and Saturday
or Sunday mornings. All practices will be held on the LCMR Boys Lacrosse
practice field, which is located next to the Teitelman School. As a spring
sport, attendance is mandatory at all scheduled practices and games, even
those scheduled during spring break. Practices will be held rain or shine. It
is up to the individual player to check in with the coaching staff on days of
inclement weather to see where and when practice will be held. Changes to the
practice schedule will be posted on the Boys Locker Room door in the Old
Gym.

Games
All home games will be played on the LCMR Boys Lacrosse game field, located
at the Freeman Douglas Recreation Complex, which is next to the High School.
Games will be held rain or shine unless the field is unplayable. It is up to
the individual player to check in with the coaching staff on days of inclement
weather to see if the game will be held. If a game is cancelled due to weather
we will still have practice indoors. These practices are mandatory for everyone.
Do not go home from school assuming there is no practice since the game
was canceled. Any changes to the game schedule will be posted prior to the
end of the day on the Boys Locker Room door in the Old Gym.

Schedule Changes
4

The practice and game schedule is subject to change based on weather. We will
be implementing a new messaging system this year that will notify players
through their cell phones of scheduling changes. Due to this system it is
important that we have current cell phone numbers for players. If you do not
have a cell phone any changes will still be posted on Boys Locker Room door in
the Old Gym.

Grades
All players are required to turn in the signed Athletic Participation Form, which
includes your Guidance Counselors signature, stating you are academically
eligible to play. This form must be turned in to the coaching staff prior to the
first day of practice. At the conclusion of the 3rd marking period all players will
be required to turn in complete grade reports for continued eligibility for the
remainder of the season.

Team Rules and Guidelines

The following specific rules are in effect for the 2015 season
Practice
a. BE AT PRACTICE AND GAMES ON TIME, DRESSED AND READY
TO GO. Players are responsible to be in the correct uniform for all
practices. Players are to only be dressed in school colors for practice
and must wear their assigned numbered practice piney. Players are
not permitted to wear any portion of their game uniforms for practice.
Failure to attend practice in the correct uniform will result in
additional conditioning exercises. Failure to arrive at practice on time
and ready to play will also result in additional conditioning exercises.
Excessive lateness can and will affect your playing time.
b. Players earn playing time. This is not a recreation league. The
coaches will make every effort to see that every player gets some
playing time but it will not be equitable. Each player is required to
participate in practices and be faithful to the Team Rules and
Guidelines. Absences from practice, excused or unexcused, will
affect game playing time. Playing time also varies depending on the
position the player plays and events on the field. If you are concerned
about your playing time see one of the coaches.
c. Your playing time is 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.
d. If you need to stay afterschool for extra 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
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
bring a note from the teacher will result in additional conditioning
exercises as if you were late to practice.
e. No cars may be driven to the practice field. Any player that has a
car may park in the lot by the locker room after school and all players
must walk to practice. There will be no exceptions to this rule
do not even ask. This is now necessary due to the number of
incidents that have occurred in past seasons. Remember we practice
on another schools field and must be respectful of that school.
6

f. All team messages will go through the Remind system as per school
guidelines. All players will need to sign up to get these announcement
messages. Please see Coach Zilinek for information and to sign up.
g. Cyber Bullying of any kind will not be tolerated and will lead to
dismissal from the team.

Behavior Code of Conduct

a. As a member of the Lower Cape May Boys Lacrosse Team your
behavior on and off the field, in school and off campus reflect back on
to the team. Inappropriate behavior at any time will result in
disciplinary action up to and including removal from the team.
b. Foul language will not be tolerated and will be dealt with
appropriately.
c. Unsportsmanlike conduct or disrespect to a coach or referee will
result in a penalty 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 when they are placed in a position of
authority.
1. Communication to the Referee: In general, players should not have
to communicate with the referee at all. If there is a need to
communicate with the referee, he is referred to as Sir and is
communicated with proper respect at all times.
2. Communication with Opposing Players: It is okay to friendly
communicate with opposing players. At no time should a player
antagonize, mock, or use foul language to an opposing player
regardless of the circumstances.
3. Communication to other Players: Players should be
communicating with each other at all times. At no time should a
player criticize a teammate.
d. No player shall at any time use swearing, signs, gestures, degrading
personal comments, or act anyway which will reflect unfavorably upon
opposing coaches, players, or spectators.
e. All of us act as ambassadors of 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.
7

The LCMR 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.
f. The lacrosse coaches reserve the right to enact playing time penalties
as they relate to the lacrosse teams code of conduct.

Attendance Policy
There are no exceptions to these rules.
a. Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled practices and games.
Communication is the key. In the event you cannot make a practice or
game, you need to communicate directly with one of the coaches.
Having another player inform one of the coaches about your
absence is unacceptable and will be considered unexcused.
Unexcused absences will result in a reduction of playing time.
Repeated unexcused absences can result in a minimum one game
suspension at the discretion of the coaching staff. Injured players are
still required to attend practices. This is required so that they will be
aware of what we are doing as a team when they return to play.
b. No player may miss more than 4 scheduled practice days during
the season. If you accumulate more than 4 absences you will be
asked to leave the team. Special consideration may be given in the
event of an illness that keeps you out of school for a considerable
number of consecutive days.
c. If you miss a game you sit out the next game. If you miss a second
game you sit out the next 2 games. You must still attend the game
while you are serving a team suspension. If you miss a third game
you will be asked to leave the team.
d. Illness - If you go home from school or miss school due to being sick
and are missing a practice or a game, you need to contact a coach
either in person or through school email. You must bring a Doctors
note the day you return to practice, or the absence from practice will
be counted.
e. Appointments (Doctor or school related) We ask that you make every
effort to schedule appointments either after practice or on a day off. If
you must schedule an appointment during practice time you need to
let the coaching staff know about the appointment prior to the day
you will be gone. You must also bring a note from the doctor or school
representative upon your return to practice.
f. Injury - If you sustain an injury that requires you to miss any
practice or game time, you need to discuss your situation with the
coaching staff before the next practice. You are not automatically
excused from practice participation or attendance.
g. Academic related disciplines/suspensions from LCMR will affect your
lacrosse eligibility.
9

h. Travel - if you are going out of town, you must remind a coach at a
practice before you are absent that you will be gone. Unless you are
on a prearranged college visit, absences for family vacations are
not excused and will count towards your four maximum. If you
are on a college visit you must also bring a signed college visitation
form on your return to practice.
i. Important: If you miss practice the day before a game, you will not
play in that game. You must still dress for and attend the game or
further disciplinary action will be taken. If you miss due to an
excused absence, your playing time may 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 players desire is taken into account, but
it is not the only consideration. This 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.

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.
10

11

Lacrosse Coaching Philosophy

Players

What can the coaches expect from the players? The coaches expect the
dedication of each player to give a total effort for every practice and every game.
The player should seek improvement everyday through the course of the
season. Each player should covet hard work, commitment, character,
communication, and a positive attitude.

Coaches

What can the player expect from the coaches? Honesty and intense loyalty as
well as hard work combined with fun. We hope to make your high school
lacrosse experience one that is unforgettable and ultimately fulfilling.

Parents

What does the coaching staff expect of the parents? Issues concerning the
team and a particular players experience on the team should be addressed by
the player with the coaches first. The coaching staff is committed to an open
door policy of communication with each player. If the issue is unresolved,
parents may request a face-to-face meeting with one or all of the coaching staff.
This request should be made either through email or phone call. Please do not
approach a member of the coaching staff prior to, or at the conclusion of a
practice, game or at any other time other players are present. If the issue
remains unresolved after meeting with the coaching staff, we strongly
encourage a formal meeting with all parties including the Athletic Director,
coaching staff, and parents.
What can the parents expect from the coaching staff? Honesty combined with a
sincere desire to make the players lacrosse experience as enjoyable as possible.
A quick response from the coaching staff to all parent communications and
inquiries, whether by email or by phone. We want your sons experience with
Lower Cape May Lacrosse to be a long-lasting and positive one.

Team Captains
As coaches, we are constantly searching for players to fill the leadership role,
both on and off the field. Each lacrosse player has an important role on the
team whether the roster shows a C by a name or not. Anyone can be a
leader through hard work and dedication to the sport throughout the year.

Captains
12

What is expected of our team captains? They are the primary on-campus
representative for the LCMR Boys Lacrosse team. The captains act as a liaison
between the coaches and the players and between the players and the coaches.
They will be selected by their teammates based on their ability to be team
leaders. They will be endorsed by the coaches for their deep commitment to the
sport of lacrosse, and to making our varsity lacrosse program a positive
experience for all members of the team.

Captains Responsibilities
During the season, the captains are responsible for getting practice started on
time. They will lead any pre-practice sessions including the warm-up run and
stretching both at the start of practice and during pre-game. They have to help
the team stay organized by reminding teammates to have uniforms, gear, etc.
for game days, especially on our road trips. The captains should know their
teammates as well as the playbook. What are each players strengths and
weaknesses? How can we make a teammate a better lacrosse player? Most of
all, a team captain should be the leader of the team. The players around them
will follow their lead. The captains should be the first to congratulate
teammates on the good plays and be the first to offer encouragement on the
bad ones. Remember we win games or lose games as a team.

Contact Information
Frank Zilinek Head Coach
Cell (609)780-0236
Email zilinekf@lcmrschools.com

13

Handbook Agreement

I, ______________________________________ have received

(print players name)
a copy of the Lower Cape May Lacrosse 2014 Player Handbook

and have read and fully understand all that it contains. I

further agree to abide by the contents herein.

______________________________
(Players Signature)

________________
(Date)

______________________________
(Parents Signature)

________________
(Date)

______________________________
(Parents Email)

______________________________
(Coaches Signature)

________________
(Date)
14

15

There is a new Sportsmanship Policy that was adopted by the NJSIAA last year for
all sports dealing with Bias Incidents on the field. The following policy will be
read to our captains prior to every lacrosse game. This reading to the captains will
be considered the only warning a team will get prior to enforcing penalties. All
LCMR Boys Lacrosse Players are required to read and sign the policy prior to
playing this season.

SPORTSMANSHIP POLICY DEALING WITH BIAS

INCIDENTS
There will be no tolerance for negative statements or
actions between players and coaches. This includes
taunting, baiting, berating opponents, trash-talking or
actions which ridicule or cause embarrassment to them.
Any verbal, written, or physical conduct related to race,
gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or religion
shall not be tolerated, and could subject the violator to
ejection, and may result in penalties being assessed
against your team. If such comments are heard, a penalty
will be assessed immediately.

___________________________________
Players Signature
___________________________________
Players Name
______________
Date
16

17