This newsletter is published & distributed by US Lacrosse as a resource for parents of US Lacrosse members.

Raising our children to have good character is an extremely challenging and critical part of being a parent. Having a child with good character is every parent's dream –a child that can emotionally control themselves and make good rational decisions, a child that knows the difference between right and wrong and makes the right choice. I am drawn to Aristotle’s definition of character which emphasizes a combination of qualities that make an individual an ethically admirable person. Bad character, however, or even lapse in character, is a parent’s worst nightmare, and sadly those are the most highly publicized. Opportunities that influence character development in our children are in every step of their life – school, church, sports, friends, parents. While sports provide a more “hands on” environment for parents to “influence” character development, it does not build character – people do. The following excerpt is another in a series from Dr. Ginsburg’s book Who’s Game is it Anyway. As we parents have this short breather window before fall recreation sports begin (well…some have already started), the below article can help us reflect on how we, as parents, can better utilize sports to build the character of our children.
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ASK THE EXPERT

How Can We Correct Fans Who Encourage Foul Play?

QUESTION:
"I am a 5th- and 6th-grade lacrosse coach, and slowly but surely, I am noticing what I call the 'gladiatorial' aspect of crowd reaction: approval, rather than disdain for slashes and other unsportsmanlike conduct. I hear, 'Did you see my son upend that kid?' and then laughter from the rest of the crowd! Also, I notice coaches, just like in the Roman arena, playing to the crowd and congratulating players with nods of approval on their way to the penalty box. The type of rabid football parents I remember from childhood are penetrating other sports. Any suggestions?"

ANSWER:
PCA Response by Eric Eisendrath, Lead Trainer-New York
This seems to be a clash of cultures, and for any culture to be sustained, it must occasionally be defended. At PCA, we talk about Honoring The Game and having Respect for (among other things) rules, opponents, officials, teammates and self.
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PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT The Positive Lacrosse Experience US Lacrosse and the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) have partnered in a nationwide endeavor to make lacrosse a positive, character-building experience for every athlete. The US Lacrosse Sportsmanship Grant, in conjunction with the PCA, is designed to help organizations educate their coaches, officials, athletes and fans on honoring the game. US Lacrosse will subsidize 70% of the cost of a one-year partnership with PCA or a one-time PCA workshop. Application Timeline for Grant Program September 9, 2010 – Grant applications available October 22, 2010 – Postmark deadline for submitting completed applications November 2010 – Notification letters sent to all applicants March 15, 2011 – All PCA grant workshops must be conducted by this date To learn more about the Sportsmanship Grant, click here

BE CONFIDENT IN THE RECRUITING PROCESS! It can be intimidating to introduce yourself to a college coach, but it is an opportunity to differentiate yourself from other recruits. A great chance to meet a coach is by notifying coaches that you will be at an event with a message that includes a link to your highlight reel. Then when you see the coach you have a starting point for an introduction. For more recruiting tips visit: LacrosseRecruits.com. Click here for USLacrosse's Special Discount.

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STENERSEN'S VIEW

YOUNG BOYS AND BODY CHECKING

A new study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that U–11 ice hockey players who played in an Alberta, Canada league that allowed body checking were more than three times as likely to suffer concussions and other serious injuries compared with kids who played in an Ontario league that banned body checking. Now, the mechanisms of injury in lacrosse are a bit different than those in ice hockey, since players skate on a rock hard sheet of ice surrounded by solid dasher boards. But the possibility that body contact may expose young lacrosse players to increased risk of serious injury is certainly worth careful reflection.

LEARN ABOUT LACROSSE

Take a look at this month’s Core Skillz video: BODY CHECKING

US Lacrosse knows you want your child's lacrosse experience to be positive. Your understanding of the game and the excitement it brings your child is part of the experience. We are committed to providing you stories and experiences of players to help you learn more about Lacrosse and ultimately understand why it is so meaningful to your child.

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