Honor the Game

Walk silently onto clamorous fields, and remember the advantage that comes from quiet confidence. As best you can, without surrender, be of good will toward all opponents. Win quietly and decisively; and honor all teams and players, even those who are of lesser skill and experience. They too love the game. Avoid loud and unsportsmanlike people. They are vexations to the spirit of Lacrosse.

If you compare your game or success with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser players than yourself. Enjoy the wins as well as personal achievements in the game. Be aware of every success as you learn and play the game, however small; those moments will always be yours in the changing fortunes of teams and players.

Exercise caution when choosing heroes, buying equipment or believing rumors, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, the game is full of heroism and honesty. Play your game. Accept winning and its rewards. Don’t be afraid to lose, for as important as any game is there will almost always be another. As you get older use your experience to dominate, gracefully surrendering the speed and strength of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit needed to lose even the biggest games with class and dignity. But never expect to lose. Many games are lost before they are played. Beyond trying as hard as you can all of the time, don’t take losing to heart. You are a lacrosse player, no less than any; you have a right to be on the field. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the experience of every victory and defeat will make you a better player and a better person.

Therefore, be at peace with the game, whatever you conceive it to be. And whatever your labors and aspirations in lacrosse, keep anchored in your family, education and career. For as much as we love the game, after devastating injury or loss, it’s important to already know that there’s more to life than lacrosse. Play hard.

Enjoy the game.