Lacrosse has a long tradition as a ‘gentleman’s sport’, taught and played with dignity for its heritage and respect for anyone who accepts the game’s complex and rewarding challenges. Moreover, lacrosse stresses good sportsmanship by emphasizing conduct that “honors the game”. The essentials of this conduct are behaviors that reflect honesty and integrity. As the game is expanding throughout the country, USA Lacrosse (the game’s national governing body) has taken great efforts to enforce and maintain the game’s unique characteristics and tradition of sportsmanship. Consistency in national rules for youth and high school programs are being encouraged, as well as reinforcing the emphasis on sportsmanship – beyond the rules.
Lacrosse rules have a unique emphasis on sportsmanship. Coaches, players, fans, and officials are held to high standards on the field of play and are expected to demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship at all times. If a player, coach, or fan’s conduct is not in line with these standards, that particular team may be penalized. In contrast with many youth sports today, good sportsmanship is an inherent part of lacrosse.
As a result of the unique traditions and history of lacrosse, and even though lacrosse has grown rapidly in the last few decades, there is little support within the lacrosse community for the sport to ‘turn professional’. For coaches, players and fans alike, lacrosse is a completely unique form of competition in which all participants show their respect for outstanding plays and players, regardless of the opponent. This evolves from a focus on the joy and satisfaction of playing the game, and letting winning & losing take care of itself.
