Character Education

Through its character education curriculum that builds upon the lessons learned while participating in team sports, MetroLacrosse highlights the importance of a healthy lifestyle, focuses on developing strong teamwork and communication skills, and aims to teach participants lessons that are transferable to their daily lives. Using a core curriculum of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. (Responsibility, Effort, Sportsmanship, Participation, Enthusiasm, Communication and Teamwork), MetroLacrosse staff and volunteers teach kids to take an active role in ensuring their own success in life.

At each practice, game or event, MetroLacrosse participants are asked to focus on one or more of these seven core skills and values to be successful in the program. Although we use lacrosse and athletics as a draw, the elements of R.E.S.P.E.C.T. are equally, if not more, important.

In action on the field, R.E.S.P.E.C.T. looks like:

  • Responsibility: Be on time; bring all your equipment to practices and games; own up to your behavior.
  • Effort: Always give 100% on and off the field; run through drills; challenge yourself.
  • Sportsmanship: Shake hands after a game; speak positively about referees, teammates, opponents and coaches; find a positive outcome regardless of a win or a loss.
  • Participation: Attend every practice and game; have a positive attitude about trying something new.
  • Enthusiasm: Cheer on your teammates; come ready to play.
  • Communication: Talk on the field; call your coaches if you're going to be late or absent; talk out conflicts.
  • Teamwork: Help a teammate learn or master a new skill; pass the ball; support new players.

MetroLacrosse is the first youth sports organization to scientifically measure the impact of its program in terms of character development. Working in collaboration with the Center for the 4th and 5th R's, MetroLacrosse developed the Individual and Team Character in Sport Questionnaire (ITCSQ) to help measure the impact of the program. Results for the second year show an impressive increase in awareness of integrity and strong character values.

"Being a MetroLacrosse champion doesn't just mean practicing R.E.S.P.E.C.T. on the field, it also means practicing these values and skills at home, with friends, in the classroom, and in my community."

- Alwyn McLeod, Blue Hill Blizzard