The Lion Way
South Fayette Boy’s Soccer
I. School, Community and Academic Expectations
A. Be on time to school and class
B. Complete all assignments on time
C. Communicate effectively with teachers
D. Manage your time wisely
E. Be respectful to everyone and use your manners
F. Avoid all situations that will negatively impact your reputation and the reputation of the team.
G. Eat a good lunch everyday
H. No social-networking related to SF Soccer
I. Be a role model for younger people and impress your elders.
J. Give back whenever possible
K. Make eye contact when communicating
II. Practice Expectations and Responsibilities
A. Be on time (dressed and ready 15 minutes prior to training)
B. Work or other activities (band, FBLA, etc.) is not an excuse to miss practice. You will not participate in the following match if you neglect this team policy.
C. Wear your training uniforms only with either green or white socks
D. Guards worn at all time in practice.
E. Water will be available 10-15 min prior to practice.
F. See Athletic Trainer 30 minutes before practice (getting taped or receiving treatment is not an excuse to be late for practice)
G. All balls need counted and the correct amount of air
H. All training vests, cones etc will be available prior to practice. JV players are responsible for JV equipment only not Varsity equipment.
I. All equipment will be cleaned up after practice, returned to the lockeroom and goals moved if necessary.
III. Game Day Expectations and Responsibilities
A. Be on time (dressed and ready 45 minutes prior to match)
B. No hats on backwards, wear green and white clothing and hats, no boots or jeans
C. Cell phone use, prior to games, will only be allowed in the event of an emergency or to pass on important info to parents/family
D. Guards worn at all time in warm ups.
E. Water will be available 20-25 min prior to JV game unless provided by opposing team or our trainer.
F. See Athletic Trainer 30-40 minutes before warm-up for treatment
G. All balls will be counted and will need the correct amount of air before game
H. All training vests, cones etc will be available prior to game. All equipment will be behind bench prior to taking the field before pre-game warm–up.
IV. Post Game Expectations and Responsibilities
A. No unsportsmanlike comments or gestures directed toward anybody (refs, players, parents, etc)
B. Shake opponents hands after game
C. Shake referees hands and thank them regardless of your feelings of the “calls”
D. Show your appreciation to the fans and thank them.
E. All equipment will be accounted for and cleaned up after the match and returned to the lockeroom.
F. All trash (tape, cups, paper, etc) will be cleaned from both benches at home and our bench when we travel.
V. Lockeroom/Facility Expectations and Responsibilities
A. Must be kept neat
B. No dirty clothes left in lockers
C. Clothes left on the floor will be thrown away
D. Tape, paper towels, and pre-wrap will be thrown away by you not the custodians or underclassmen
E. Absolutely no cell phone use
F. Guard or lock up valuables
G. Clean cleats prior to entering stadium
H. Absolutely no wrestling or fighting
I. No kicking or bouncing of soccer balls inside stadium/lockeroom.
J. Training vests should be cleaned at least once every week (preferably Saturday evenings)
K. Parking and drop offs should only occur in the above parking lot of the stadium. Do not park in administrative spots close to stadium.
L. Make sure goals and nets are secure and fully functional
M. No Sunflower seeds on campus or on the bus.
N. Only handle your own personal items. There will no pranks with your teammates or other teams!
VI. Understand and follow the Student Athlete Handbook
Some Food For Thought……
Stay positive. It’s easy to get negative when things aren’t going your way. A man knows how to stay positive when the chips are against him and his team. Even if a teammate royally screws up, keep positive. Berating him doesn’t accomplish anything besides making him feel worse than he already does. Instead, slap your teammate on the back, tell him to shake it off, offer some advice, and let him know some of the things he’s doing right.
Oftentimes, the guy who moans and groans about other players’ mistakes is making plenty of blunders himself. Just remember: you’re not perfect either. Get over it.
Keep trash talk to a minimum. One thing I’ve noticed is that the player who continually runs his mouth with trash talk is usually the player that isn’t actually doing much physically to help his team win. I guess it’s their way of making up for their lack of skill. Instead of wasting your energy and focus on running your mouth, concentrate on actually outplaying your opponent. Let your performance speak for itself.
Also, throughout the game, make a conscious effort to give credit to an opposing player when they make a good play. A simple “nice job” or “good work” is all that is needed.
Lose gracefully. In any sport, there will be winners and losers. And sometimes you’re going to be on the losing side of the equation. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be to handle a loss. When you lose, don’t sulk, throw a temper tantrum, or cry like a little boy. Be a man and give the other team a congratulatory handshake.
Also, don’t blame your other teammates or the officiating, either. Show some leadership after the game by rounding up your team and offering them a pep talk. Point out what people did well, but also what needs to be worked on.
Win with class. If you find yourself in the winner’s circle, remember to show some class. Don’t gloat or put down the other team after your win. Let your performance speak for itself. After the game, make sure to tell the other team “good game.” Offer some compliments to the opposing players.
Respect the rulings of officials. If your game has referees, remember to respect their rulings, even if they make a bad call. They’re human beings and are bound to make mistakes. While it’s fine to contest a ruling, make your case calmly and rationally. If they decide to stand by their ruling, accept it, and move on. Remember, sometimes bad calls go your way, too.
THE DISEASE OF ME
THE DISEASE OF ME = THE DEFEAT OF US
SIX DANGER SIGNALS OF THE DISEASE OF ME:
1. CHRONIC FEELINGS OF UNDER APPRECIATION – FOCUS ON ONESELF.
2. PARANOIA OVER BEING CHEATED OUT OF ONE’S RIGHTFUL SHARE.
3. LEADERSHIP VACUUM RESULTING FROM FORMATION OF CLIQUES AND RIVALRIES.
4. FEELINGS OF FRUSTRATION EVEN WHEN THE TEAM PERFORMS SUCCESSFULLY.
5. PERSONAL EFFORT MUSTERED SOLELY TO OUTSHINE ONE’S TEAMMATE.
6. RESENTMENT OF THE COMPETENCE OF ANOTHER – REFUSE TO ADMIT HIS CONTRIBUTION.
"The most difficult thing for individuals to do when they become part of a team is to sacrifice, it is much easier to be selfish."
Coach Pat Riley
L.A. Lakers – N.Y. Knicks – Miami Heat