​TIGER LACROSSE

Keeper of the Game
 

​

Coach Costello is a Keeper of the Game.  

Keeper of Lacrosse Project instills the qualities of lacrosse that are core to its foundation with The Keeper Code. 

 

 

The Keeper Code

Each player, coach, official and fan is asked to cradle an expected standard of behavior known as The Keeper Code:

• Play in the spirit of the game

• Honor traditions

• Promote the virtues of honor, integrity and respect

• Encourage acts of good sportsmanship

• Value the importance of teamwork

• Own the responsibility and connection to the greater community

 

The Spirit of the Game

Participating in lacrosse for the love of the game, with the pure intention of playing hard and fair while nurturing the soul, is pursuing lacrosse in the spirit of the game. Quite simply, play for the love of the game.

Tradition

Handing down of information, beliefs, or customs from one generation to the next invites you to be a part of something bigger than yourself. These stories form the basis of the culture and character of lacrosse. The history of lacrosse and its Native American origins are a significant part of the sport; share the stories as a means of continued connection, enjoyment and honoring the game for the next generation.

Virtues: Respect, Honor, Integrity

These virtues are positive traits that transcend most creeds, cultures and communities, and are fundamental to the development of good character. All lacrosse participants who consistently hone these traits form enduring habits of head, heart and hand, faithful to the spirit of the game.

Respect - To act in a way that shows you are aware of and fully value the participants, rules and spirit of the game means that you hold the sport’s traditions in the highest regard and esteem, on and off the field.

Honor - To behave with high moral standards that show you fully appreciate the privilege of playing lacrosse. Honor the opportunity to participate through grace and humility.

Integrity - To serve the game well means that you will act with honesty and sincerity on and off the field, undivided in head, heart and hand, in the best interest of the sport.

Good Sportsmanship

Displaying qualities of conduct and attitude highly regarded in sport - fair play, courtesy, generosity, observance of the rules, striving spirit and grace in losing - is paramount. Each teammate or opponent is part of the same game. Valuing the experience over the outcome serves the greater good.

Teamwork

A joint action performed by a group of people in which each person subordinates individual interests and opinions to the unity and efficiency of the group. No one is bigger than the game; the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It is important to recognize the team, not individual stars, as the defining entity in lacrosse, and the reason for the game.

Connection to Community

Long after the last game, something else remains: connection, camaraderie, community. Lacrosse forges friendships into family. Embrace the spirit and philosophy of a shared identity. The lacrosse field derives meaning and value solely from our presence as players, coaches, officials and fans.

The Keeper of Lacrosse Project is a donor supported initiative of the US Lacrosse Foundation.