Philosophy
To honor and play the game the right way while having fun, giving our best effort, continuous deliberate improvement, and working together as a team.
Academic Eligibility
https://pioneerathletics.net/library/files/pioneerhighschool_bigteams_17095/files/AAPS%20Athletic%20Eligibility%20Policy.pdfRequirement to Follow Team Policies and Athletic Code of Conduct
All players must sign and abide by the Ann Arbor Public Schools Athletic Code of Conduct along with the Pioneer Women’s Lacrosse 2020 Policies & Procedures.
Violations of the Athletic Code of Conduct (excerpt from AAPS Code of Conduct)
I. Use, possession, concealment, distribution, sale or being under the influence of the substances listed in
items a-f below will lead to consequences as outlined in the penalty section of the code. Contact must be
made with the parent or guardian and a follow-up meeting with the parent or guardian, coach and the student should take place within one week of confirmation of the violation.
a. Tobacco or tobacco products in any form
b. Alcohol or alcoholic beverages in any form
c. Illegal drugs, including but not limited to those substances defined as “controlled substances” pursuant to federal and/or state statute
d. Steroids, human growth hormones or other performance-enhancing drugs
e. Substances purported to be illegal, abusive or performance enhancing (i.e “look-alike” drugs)
f. Misused prescription drugs, non-prescription drug or inhalants
II. Use, possession, concealment, distribution, manufacture or sale of devices designed for and/or associated with the use of controlled substances listed in items a-f above will result in consequences as outlined in the penalty section of the code.
III. Violation of federal, state or local law/ordinance, including felony or misdemeanor acts other than minor traffic offenses. Upon conviction, the student is subject to the consequences listed in the penalty section of the code.
IV. Cumulative or gross misconduct, including behavior which school officials consider conduct unbecoming to an athlete and a representative of the Ann Arbor Public Schools (including but not limited to: gambling, vandalism, unsportsmanlike conduct, theft, fighting, hazing, burglary, bullying, assault) is subject to the consequences listed in the penalty section of the code. Definitions for violations are published in the AAPS Rights and Responsibilities Handbook.
General Policies & Procedures
1. Players must be COMMITTED and LOYAL to the Pioneer Lacrosse Program.
2. Players must be registered with the Pioneer Athletic Department and fully pay the Pioneer Women’s Lacrosse Player Fee in order to participate in practice. There will be NO refunds.
3. Players who choose to participate in two AAPS sports during the spring season MUST decide which sport is her primary commitment.
4. Players are responsible for bringing at least one full water bottle to every practice.
5. Players on the field must always be wearing the proper equipment, which includes lacrosse goggles and a mouth guard. (MG - CANNOT be clear or white or white with colored teeth)
6. Players CANNOT wear jewelry during practice or games. Nothing can be worn on a player’s wrist, including watches, hair ties ….etc. All jewelry must be removed.
7. Games: Players MUST wear BLACK undergarments with DARK JERSEYS & WHITE undergarments with LIGHT JERSEYS.. All socks MUST be the same height and color.
8. Players must submit all warm-up music to the coach one week prior to a game. Songs with cursing or offensive language will not be acceptable.
9. No player is allowed to use the PA system at the Pioneer athletic complex.
10. Players can play wall ball in the PIT, Aux Gym and outside, but the only exterior wall that they may play on is the south wall of the Aux Gym. Players must play smart wall ball, and cannot play in any other areas on campus other than those designated.
Player Attendance Policies
1. During the season (March 9, 2020 - June 6, 2020). ALL practices and games are MANDATORY. Being tardy or missing practices and/or games (excused or unexcused) can result in the loss of playing time and dismissal from the team.
2. The only acceptable excused absences include curricular activities through the Ann Arbor Public School District, specific academic class responsibilities that cannot be rescheduled , family emergency, and severe illness (doctor’s or guardian's note is needed). Players should personally contact coaches if an unseen circumstance arises during the season.
3. All other excuses are considered unexcused, and the player will be reprimanded.
4. Work schedule and appointments should not conflict with practice/game schedules.
5. It is the player's responsibility to notify the coach soon as they know of any and all scheduling conflict(s). All games and practices that will be missed for any reason that players are aware of before the start of the season need to be submitted to the the head varsity coach before March 7th.
6. Non-mandatory practices will be held during school recognized holidays and spring break.
Phones/Social Media
1. No Cell Phone Usage at practice or games. From when practice time is stated to start to when practice time is stated to end, there will be no cell phone usage (even to check the time... etc). During games, cell phones will not be used from 1 hour prior to game time until after the players have broke from their final team talk and left the field of play. This is for all players, even injured players. Leave the phone on the bus, in your car, or at the bottom of your bag. Cell Phone Misusage will be result in dismissal from team.
2. Inappropriate comments, pictures, videos…. etc on social media will be reprimanded and lead to dismissal from the team.
Sportsmanship
1. Players and Parents must demonstrate a sportsmanlike attitude to all teammates, opposing players, coaches, officials, fans of both teams, and to anyone present at any team event.
2. Players may not speak to an official unless they are a designated captain or have been spoken to by an official. Conversations with the officials must remain in a professional and respectful manner.
3. Parents should never address officials.
4. Parents that exhibit unsportsmanlike conduct will be removed from game venues.
Due Process
1. If player problem or issue arises with a coach or another player, players are strongly encouraged to talk directly with the coach or player to resolve those differences.
2. If parents have an issue with a coach, they need to talk directly to the coach. Please follow the "24 Hour Rule", on any highly emotional or impulsive reactions.
•Coaches will not discuss Scheme, Player Team Placement, Position or Playing Time with a Parent.
3. Dealing with player behavior: after the first strike, the coach with talk with the player. After the second strike, the coach will talk with her parent(s). After the third strike, the player will be removed from team. If the player’s behavior is severe enough, the coach has the right to skip the first two strikes and implement the third strike. All strikes will be documented.
4. Failure to follow the team policies and procedures or the AAPS Athletic Team Code of Conduct can result in loss of playing time, probation, team suspension or expulsion from the team without receiving any refund, at the discretion of the head coach.
Tryout
1. Pioneer Women’s Lacrosse is a no cut sport.
2. Every player will be placed on a team and have an opportunity to play.
3. Tryouts will be held to determine Varsity and Sub-Varsity players.
4. The head Varsity coach will determine the teams.
5. Being a member of Varsity the previous season does not guarantee making Varsity again.
6. Upperclassmen and Seniors are not guaranteed a spot on Varsity.
7. There will be approximately 20 players on Varsity.
8. All players will be placed based on skill level, defensive ability, stick handling ability, athleticism, discipline, coach-ability, commitment, integrity, attitude, knowledge, execution, team need, accountability, leadership, communication and effort.
9. If a player is delayed in joining the team due to a winter sport, she will still be given a tryout for Varsity.
10. The head coach can play a player on Varsity or JV at anytime it will benefit the program.
JV Team Philosophy
1. All players who meet the above noted attendance requirements and show great effort will receive playing time each game.
2. The focus of the team will be on player and team development.
Varsity Team Philosophy
1. All dressed players will be considered for playing time in each game, but may or may not receive the opportunity to play in each game.
2. The coach determines this opportunity to play based on team need and each player’s; positive energy, effort, team commitment, ability to physically and mentally execute.
Transportation
1. Pick up players promptly after practice and games.
2. Busing: parents who seek to drive players home from away games must fill out a permission slip at the beginning of the season. Parents can only provide a ride for their own daughter. The permission slip is available via registration.
3. When buses are not provided for an away game, it is the player’s and parents’ responsibility to arrive on time to the game.
Varsity Letter
Any player on a Varsity roster will earn a Varsity letter. Exception to this is the MHSAA State Playoff Roster. Players brought up from JV to Varsity for the MHSAA State Playoffs will be given a Varsity Letter at the Varsity coach’s discretion.
Individual Charges For Lost Team Issued Apparel
Each player will receive items for use during the upcoming season. She must return each item at the end of the season, according to the deadline noted below, or pay the following charges for items that she has lost:
Practice jersey: $40
Game jersey: $80
Game skirt: $25
Team Warmup Jacket: $100
Team Warmup Pant: $50
Team Backpack: $90
Field stick: $200
Goalie stick: $200
Goalie helmet: $300
Goalie chest protector: $150
Goalie padded girdle: $50
Goalie gloves: $100
Goalie shin guards: $50
Goalie knee pads: $30
*Deadline to return each team-issued item or pay for lost items is one week after the last MHSAA competition in the Spring of 2020.*
Communication is the key!
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please email me at
zmaghes@gmail.com.
Varsity Head Coach
Zachary Maghes
