Code of Conduct

Players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and fans are to conduct themselves in a manner that “Honors the Game” and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators, and fans. Participation in the Georgetown-Triton Youth Lacrosse (GTYL) program is considered a privilege for players, coaches and spectators. All three play an important part in making youth lacrosse a positive experience for everyone to enjoy. Those who do not abide by the ethics detailed below during Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL) practices and games will be asked to leave the field and may be subject to further consequences pending inquiry from the Georgetown-Triton Youth Lacrosse Board.

In becoming a member of the GTYL community an individual assumes certain obligations and responsibilities to the game of lacrosse and its participants. The essential elements in this “Code of Conduct” are HONESTY and INTEGRITY.

The following essential elements of the “Code of Conduct” must be adhered to:

Coaches’ Code of Conduct:

I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
I will demonstrate positive behaviors and reinforcement toward players, parents, officials and spectators alike.
I will treat each player as an individual, and expect age appropriate skills from all my players.
I will distribute playing time evenly among players on my team within the guidelines of MYL rules.
I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players and players on the other team.
I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players, opponents and referees on and off the field.
I will educate players as to the important role of the lacrosse official and to reinforce the ideal of respect for the official by his/her players.
I will respect the decisions of referees.
I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults.
I will demonstrate a solid knowledge of the rules of lacrosse, and should adhere to the rules in both the letter and the spirit of the game.
I will encourage and help to educate the players and spectators surrounding his/her program to develop a basic knowledge of the rules. Attempts to manipulate rules in an effort to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct, is considered unacceptable conduct.
After the practice or game, I will help clean up the field.

Players' Code of Conduct:

I will play within the rules and adhere to the instructions of the referees and coaches.
I will respect the decisions of referees and coaches.
I will never intentionally try to hurt another player.
I will not engage in any form of physical or verbal abuse, either on or off the field, toward other players, coaches, officials, or spectators.
I will not use profanity, racial or ethnic slurs, or any other form of offensive language.
I will exhibit good sportsmanship before, during, and after each practice and game, regardless of the outcome.
I will not participate in taunting, criticizing or jeering of opposing players or officials.
I will always demonstrate positive behaviors and respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents, spectators, and fans alike.
If a grievance or misunderstanding between coaches, officials or any other parties arise, I will communicate through the proper channels and procedures, never on or about the field of play in view of spectators or participants.
Players shall not use or possess alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal substance at any time during team activities.
I will arrive on time for all team activities and be properly equipped for each game and practice.
After the practice or game, I will help clean up the field.

Spectators' Code of Conduct:

I will not criticize, taunt or otherwise disrespect officials, players or coaches from either team.
I will offer only positive words of encouragement, preferably to both teams playing.
I will not instruct players or coaches during games or practices.
I will allow others around me to enjoy the game by not being overly boisterous or belligerent.
I will not use profanity, racial or ethnic slurs, or any other form of offensive language.
I will stand on the opposite sideline from the team bench.
If a grievance or misunderstanding between coaches, officials or any other parties arise, I will communicate through the proper channels and procedures, never on or about the field of play in view of spectators or participants.
I will never permit anyone to openly or maliciously criticize, badger, harass, or threaten an official, coach, player or opponent.
After the game, I will help clean up the field.

VIOLATIONS/PENALTIES

Failure to abide by the rules of US Lacrosse Rules/Regulations and GTYL Code of Conduct or other acts of infractions considered detrimental to GTYL shall be subjected to the following penalties.

Violation of any of the above rules may result in a warning from the coach, a suspension from a game, or removal from the team, depending on the severity of the offense.
A player or parent who receives two warnings from the coach for violating any of the above rules may be suspended from attending a game or removed from the team.
A player, parent or coach who engages in physical or verbal abuse, uses offensive language, or possesses or uses illegal substances may be immediately suspended from the team and referred to the appropriate authorities.
A player who is suspended from the team for any reason must meet with the coach and/or the team administrator before being reinstated.
A player who is removed from the team for any reason forfeits any right to a refund of team fees or expenses.

1st Offense

Meeting with coaches and parents to discuss the incident.
Verbal warning followed by written warning.

Note: Depending on severity of incident, additional or more severe punishment could be administered inclusive of suspension and dismissal from the program.

In the case of fighting, visually and/or verbally demonstrating signs of dissatisfaction with an official's decision, another player, or a coach, the player/parent will be suspended for a minimum of one game and practices leading up to that game.

2nd Offense

Meeting with coaches, GTYL Board and parents to discuss the incident.
Notice of suspension is given. While on suspension the person may not participate in any GTYL events. Additional disciplinary action may be administered by GTYL. Suspension periods will be determined by the GTYL Board.

Note: Depending on severity of incident, additional or more severe punishment could be administered inclusive of suspension and dismissal from the program. In the case of fighting, visually and/or verbally demonstrating signs of dissatisfaction with an official's decision, another player, or a coach, the player/parent will be expelled from GTYL Lacrosse for the season without refund and/or permanent GTYL expulsion.

3rd Offense

Meeting with coaches, GTYL Board and parents to discuss the incident
In all cases, a third incident will be punishable by expulsion from GTYL without refund.

Furthermore, as a party, spectator, coach, or volunteer I pledge not to:

Use profanity at any Georgetown-Triton Youth Lacrosse event or activity.
Criticize or heckle coaches, players, other spectators, or game officials.
Touch an opposing player, coach, or game official in a threatening manner.
Encourage players to physically harm opposing players

To participate in any Lacrosse event all players, coaches, officials, parents must agree to this contract and pledge. Furthermore, by participating in GTYL, I agree to be available to discuss any and all disciplinary actions given to my player. I also understand that it is my responsibility as the parent or guardian to ensure my player abides by these guidelines. Lastly, I am agreeing to abide by and uphold the above stated "Code of Conduct" for myself, all family members, and guests attending games and practices. I understand that violating this code either by commission or omission will be subject to penalties as stated in the "Code of Conduct".