Rules and Regulations Policy

Academics

Players who receive a failing grade on their report cards for a class will not be permitted to participate in practices or games until this grade is raised to passing on the next Progress Reports. Progress Reports are issued three (3) weeks after Report Cards are issued. For those players on grade suspension to regain eligibility, proof of grade improvement (school issued Progress Report) must be provided to the team’s faculty sponsor prior to participation in practices, games and tournaments. During grade suspension, players will not be permitted to attend practices, games, out of town trips or tournaments.

Attendance

All players must report on time for all lacrosse practices, games and related activities, as designated by the coaching staff. A player should arrive to all activities so that he is ready to begin working out when the practice or activity is scheduled to begin. Extra Duty will be assigned for absences, tardiness and early departures.

Penalties also may include NO PLAY. The only excused absence is a Pershing Middle School class related activity. Injured players are expected to attend practice and must have a note regarding the injury. If a doctor’s note is sent limiting player activity, a doctor’s release is required for a player to return to play. A player is not expected to attend practice on a day he misses school.

Players must notify the head coach and the secretary in the event they will be absent.

Attitude

All players must display a positive attitude on and off the playing field. Negative attitudes are detrimental to the team and will not be tolerated by the coaching staff. Dismissal from the team is a possible result of this behavior.

Appearance

Remember that you represent the lacrosse team- dress accordingly. All players must dress in team uniforms for all practices and games.

Game Uniform: Team jersey and game shorts with shooter shirt underneath.

Practice Uniform: Shorts and t-shirt or team practice shirt. Socks and practice jersey with cleats (no metal spikes).

Game Day Attire: Athletic shirts with the Pershing Lacrosse team logo to be worn to school on game day or the day before a Saturday game.

Conduct

Players are to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at school and at school related functions. Conduct grades in each class must be excellent or satisfactory. Lower conduct grades may result in suspension until the situation is resolved.

Missed practice days as a result of conduct problems will be dealt with accordingly. Foul language on or off the field is unacceptable. After the second warning, the player may be removed from the game or suspended from the following game at the coach’s discretion.

Conduct at away games and in hotels is of extreme importance. Players are representing their teammates, their families, Pershing Middle School and HISD and they must be respectful at all times. Players will be held financially responsible for any damages and/or excessive housekeeping required.

If a player reports to practices, games or any other Pershing lacrosse event under the influence of alcohol or drugs, this will result in an automatic expulsion from the team.

Team Cuts/Quitting

Should there be a high number of young men trying out for lacrosse, the coaches will employ the cut system. There will be a limited number of players on the Varsity team. Players not earning a spot on Varsity may play JV and work toward earning a Varsity position during the season. All players – Varsity and JV-understand playing time is dependent on skill, attendance, attitude, grades and conduct. If a player quits during the Spring semester, returning to the team will be at the coaches’ discretion. Seniors may not compete at the JV level.

Travel

Parents are responsible for getting their child to practice and games or allowing their child to ride with another player or parent. Players attending out of town tournaments must travel and stay with the team throughout the weekend. No arriving late, leaving early or leaving field during a tournament.

During tournament play and during other overnight team activities, players must obey set curfew. No possession or use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco/tobacco products of any kind will be tolerated. Involvement with illegal substances may result in temporary suspension or permanent dismissal from team and school disciplinary action.