Mission Statement
The Club’s mission is to organize, develop, and promote lacrosse for all high school boys who attend Hinsdale Central High School in Illinois Consolidated High School District 86, and to instill the values of scholastic achievement, sportsmanship, and individual development. Further, the Club is committed to preserve the "Honor of the Game" for the players, coaches, officials, parents, and all others who enjoy the sport of lacrosse.
To fulfill our mission, all members of the Club – parents, players, and coaches – must commit themselves to act with the highest level of sportsmanship, athleticism, and integrity at all times; and to abide by a Code of Conduct that embodies basic common sense principles, demonstrates consideration of others, and projects a positive image to our young men.
At all levels, the Club will put forward the best team possible with the objective of winning every game and the state title every year. The head coach of each team has the responsibility and accountability for who plays, how much each player plays, and for which team if at all.
Code of Conduct
The Hinsdale Central High School Lacrosse Club, as a club associated with Hinsdale Central High School, requires that all parents and players read and adhere to the Hinsdale Central High School Athletic Code. Participation as a member of the club requires a signed Agreement to be executed at enrollment.
All policies, requirements, and procedures contained in the Hinsdale Central Athletic code will be followed, without exception.
Beyond the Athletic Code, there are expectations on players, parents, and spectators, and it all boils down to this: Honor the Game. Lacrosse is both a fair and tough game. What other contact sport is there where a large 250 lb, 6’ 4” athlete can be routinely challenged by a 5’ 2” athlete that gives up over 100 lbs, and both of them think it a fair contest?
We will honor the game by adding our own code of conduct to the Athletic Code.
This begins with following the rules. Rules are there for both teams. Winning by ignoring or violating the rules is a hollow victory. The Club believes that to Honor the Game, we must honor both the letter and the spirit of the rules. If it is a penalty in the game, it is a penalty in practice and will not be tolerated. You play how you practice. If you give all you have in practice, you will be able to give all you have in the game. Emotions run high; so if inappropriate language/behavior is a penalty in the game, there is no place for it in practice.
There is no place in competition for trash-talk, showboating, and taunting. Playing against strong opponents forces an athlete to become stronger themselves – there is no reason for having anything but your performance on the field speak for you. It is difficult to be gracious in defeat. It is even harder to be gracious in victory, yet that is the expectation. Coaches showing respect for opposing coaches and players sets the tone for the rest of the team.
We must remember that officials are not perfect (unlike your mother). How would you react to someone who challenges your authority with anger and outrage, when you know you are correct and if you cave under pressure it would undermine your authority? During the game, only the coach may discuss rulings on the field with the officials.
As a member of the Club, everyone needs to remember that their actions – on the field, in the classroom, and in town – reflect how everyone will think of them and the Club. The Club expects that all players will be respectful to the Club, their teammates, and their competitors because your actions will reflect on your teammates, the Club, and your school.
Without regard to how other teams and opponents act, the Club expects you, its members to live up to your own highest personal standard of Honoring the Game.
Respect for oneself must come first.
Warning about the Inherent Dangers of Boys Lacrosse
Student athletes and parents should be aware that Boys Lacrosse, like all contact sports, will always have inherent dangers. Although rare, death or catastrophic injury can result from participation in this sport, and care should be taken by all concerned to minimize such dangers by appropriate equipment, proper training methods, and common sense.
The Club encourages student athletes in all sports, and their parents, to discuss risks and risk minimization with coaches, school administrators, and state high school association officials.