teach the culture
Lacrosse is an exciting and "new" sport in many areas of the country. I just saw a note that California has over 170 High Schools now playing the game.
In my region, youth, middle school and Varsity programs are popping up all over the place. Summer travel teams and camps are growing at an alarming rate.
With all this new activity, my biggest fear is the history and culture of this great sport will be forgotten. Most young players have no clue of the significance of the sport's origin.
I always make a point to mention a bit of History to my youth players, and make an attempt to educate parents and players about the game from the native american and first nation perspective.
Here are a few points you can make during a team talk or practice break.
1/ Lacrosse is the oldest North American game, dating back hundreds of years prior to settlers coming to the continent. I remind players this game was once played by 1000 men over miles of fields to settle conflicts and was know as "the little brother of war".
2/Native Americans believe the game is played to make the creator happy. Legend says when we walk on a lacrosse field for the first time , the spirit of the creator comes thru the stick and in to our soul. Many of us may not believe in the great spirt or may say this is merely folklore.
I simply tell players we should honor that belief and respect that culture, after all it was their game long before it became "our game". The first record of a game by european settlers was'nt until 1636. The native Americans were playing a long, long time before Jean Brebeuf saw the Hurons playing in a game.
3/Iroquois legend says "every brave is born a lacrosse player" Respecting the cultural beliefs are as important as walking in to a church or temple to many native americans. I always stress to current players - we honor the game, and the field each time we play the game. Sportsmanship, respect of the opponent, officials and fellow players is paramount. I never leave trash on a lacrosse field regardless of who left it there out of respect.
4/Reminding players, even if its in the most limited way is important. It seems our kids get caught up in hot dogging, trash talking, lacrosse company marketing, wearing the "bling"and all that is not important about this great and historical game. I believe educating them of the true meaning of this game is significant.
One of the best clinics I ever attended had nothing to do with X's and O's, formations, riding or clearing, or any lacrosse strategy. It was a History and Culture of the game hosted by Sid Jameison who was then President of team Iroquois Lacrosse. His stories and views of the sport greatly enlightened me and I was grateful for having had the chance to hear about the sport from the Native American point of view. If you ever have a chance to see him speak, do it.
A brief history of the sport can be viewed on US lacrosse's web site.
For those who want a deeper historical view check out the book - Lacrosse: A History of the game by Donald M. Fisher.
until next time...honor the game.
In my region, youth, middle school and Varsity programs are popping up all over the place. Summer travel teams and camps are growing at an alarming rate.
With all this new activity, my biggest fear is the history and culture of this great sport will be forgotten. Most young players have no clue of the significance of the sport's origin.
I always make a point to mention a bit of History to my youth players, and make an attempt to educate parents and players about the game from the native american and first nation perspective.
Here are a few points you can make during a team talk or practice break.
1/ Lacrosse is the oldest North American game, dating back hundreds of years prior to settlers coming to the continent. I remind players this game was once played by 1000 men over miles of fields to settle conflicts and was know as "the little brother of war".
2/Native Americans believe the game is played to make the creator happy. Legend says when we walk on a lacrosse field for the first time , the spirit of the creator comes thru the stick and in to our soul. Many of us may not believe in the great spirt or may say this is merely folklore.
I simply tell players we should honor that belief and respect that culture, after all it was their game long before it became "our game". The first record of a game by european settlers was'nt until 1636. The native Americans were playing a long, long time before Jean Brebeuf saw the Hurons playing in a game.
3/Iroquois legend says "every brave is born a lacrosse player" Respecting the cultural beliefs are as important as walking in to a church or temple to many native americans. I always stress to current players - we honor the game, and the field each time we play the game. Sportsmanship, respect of the opponent, officials and fellow players is paramount. I never leave trash on a lacrosse field regardless of who left it there out of respect.
4/Reminding players, even if its in the most limited way is important. It seems our kids get caught up in hot dogging, trash talking, lacrosse company marketing, wearing the "bling"and all that is not important about this great and historical game. I believe educating them of the true meaning of this game is significant.
One of the best clinics I ever attended had nothing to do with X's and O's, formations, riding or clearing, or any lacrosse strategy. It was a History and Culture of the game hosted by Sid Jameison who was then President of team Iroquois Lacrosse. His stories and views of the sport greatly enlightened me and I was grateful for having had the chance to hear about the sport from the Native American point of view. If you ever have a chance to see him speak, do it.
A brief history of the sport can be viewed on US lacrosse's web site.
For those who want a deeper historical view check out the book - Lacrosse: A History of the game by Donald M. Fisher.
until next time...honor the game.
posted by 313 LACROSSE at
12:56 PM
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