US Lacrosse Code of Conduct Communication


Practice and Players Policies

1. All players are expected to attend all practices.
2. Players/parents must notify their coach if they are unable to attend practice. Failure to so may result in lost playing time during the next game.
3. Players who miss practice can expect to miss portions of a game.
4. The Season will begin the first week of March weather permitting.
5. All practices are at Waltham High School, unless otherwise notified.
6. All players must wear their equipment on the field during practice.
7. Players must have their helmet on when shooting or practicing shooting on the net.
8. Any disrespect of teammates, coaches or referees will not be tolerated and will result in being excluded from participation.

Game Day Policies for Players and Parents

1. Players are to report to the field 30 minutes before every game.
2. Players should remember to have their uniform and equipment
3. Only parents that are keeping time or working in the box area are allowed on the turf behind the bench. Otherwise, no parents will be allowed behind the bench on the turf during a home game.
4. If a player is unable to attend a game, the coach must be notified prior to the game. Failure to do so may result in lost playing time during the following game.

 

2. Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
3. During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down or as you see fit.
4. Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them and you may need to be forceful and direct from yelling at players and the referee.
5. During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
6. During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently during a time out or in between periods.
7. If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to the Board of Directors. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
8. After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same.
 

Referees at the youth level are inexperience and need time to develop. You can play an important role in helping them to improve by letting them concentrate on the game. You can help by encouraging them, by accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes and by offering constructive post-game comments. Conversely, you could discourage and demoralize the referees by criticizing their decisions, by verbally abusing them and inciting or even accepting your own players' overly aggressive behavior. Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage or allow your players to play outside the rules and criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice. Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of lacrosse will be alive and well in Massachusetts and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.
Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.

 

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these "six pillars of character."

1. Parents will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.
2. Parents will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
3. Parents should do there best to learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.
4. Parents and their guests will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.
5. Parents and their guests will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
6. Parents will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.
7. Parents will teach their child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
8. Parents will demand that their child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
9. Parents will never ridicule or yell at their child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.
10. Parents will emphasize skill development and practices with their child.
11. Parents will promote the emotional and physical well being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire they may have for their child to win.
12. Parents will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
13. Parent will demand a sports environment for their child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all sports events.