What do you think about when you run onto the field? What thoughts go through your mind? Are you thinking about the next play; the other team or your day at school? Most players forget about a very important question, when you are out on the field who do you represent?

At first glance, this question brings some obvious things to mind. Many players would say that they only represent themselves. Looking good for the fans in an extremely important factor in their minds. Thinking about yourself, and your actions, can help you to behave in a positive way.

Okay, so you represent yourself, but who else do you represent? How about your teammates and your coaches? Any action that a player takes can drastically effect how the fans, ref's, and others feel about the team or coaches. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, for example, can cause a negative light to be cast upon the entire team and coaching staff.

Okay, so you represent yourself, your team, and coaches; how about your school. An action such as a bench call, or excessive violence penalty, can project a bad image upon the entire school. Such an action can show how the school feels about winning and more important how it feels about ethics.

Some athletes believe that God plays a role in what they do and that they represent Him when they play on a team or any sort. When the American natives created the game, lacrosse was extremely spiritual and the spirit of the game was more important than the outcome. As then, today God is still felt by some people to be part of the game. Some players like to be alone before each game to pray, others pray right on the field. Some believe that losing is a sign that they have sinned, while others believe that winning is a gift from God.

All of these things should be present in each players mind. Whenever you, as a player, a coach, or a member of the team steps on to the field it is important to be aware of each of your actions. Every member of the team can effect the reputation of the team, and every person must be aware of that fact.