Midland Minor Lacrosse Association- Codes of Conduct
All youth participating in the lacrosse programs of the Midland Minor Lacrosse Association enjoy the following rights and are entitled to the protection of these rights.
SPORTSMANSHIP: You have the right to participate in a program in which sportsmanship, honesty and integrity are the cornerstones.
RESPECT: You have the right to the respect of your coaches, coaching staff, your team-mates, the coaches, coaching staff and players of the opposing team, the referees and spectators and each of them has the right to expect the same of you.
PARTICIPATION: You have the right to participate fully in the activities of your team, but not necessarily equally.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT: You have the right to learn about your sport and develop your skills to the maximum of your potential.
FREEDOM FROM ABUSE: You have the right to say no to physical contact or interaction with any member of the coaching staff or any other person in a position of authority or influence.
FREE SPEECH: You have the right to speak freely without fear of recrimination.
FAIR TREATMENT: You have the right to be treated fairly and with impartiality.
FUN: You have the right to have fun.
Midland Minor Lacrosse Association upholds a zero tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol for any Association events or activities regardless of location for its members and any individuals attending or participating. Midland Minor Lacrosse Association accepts responsibility for the behavior of its members and will take the necessary disciplinary actions against any individual (Parents/Guardians, players, coaches, coaching staff and spectators) who fail to comply with the codes; this may result in disciplinary measures, including suspension and/or expulsion.
PLAYERS CODE OF CONDUCT
1. I am responsible for my conduct at all times, I will always be a positive representative of the Midland Minor Lacrosse Association and our community.
2. I will always play by the rules of lacrosse, and in the spirit of the game;
3. I will, regardless of the outcome of the game, congratulate my team-mates, coach, coaching staff as well as the players and coach, coaching staff of the opposing team in a genuine and positive manner.
4. I will respect the referee’s decision, I will let the coach or team captain address the referees and then shall do so only in a civil tone and manner.
5. I will control my temper, behavior and language – fighting or “mouthing-off” can spoil the activity for everyone.
6. I will work at achieving my personal best and to not get discouraged if it’s not the best. I will work hard to improve my skills at practice and in games. I will make every reasonable effort to attend all scheduled practices and games, arrive on time and I will contact the team manager or coach if I am unable to attend for any reason.
7. I will respect the rights and consider the safety of other players; I will not set out to intentionally maim or injure another player in actions, words, conduct or inaction and I shall not encourage, support or approve of such behavior by others.
8. I will do my best to be a team player.
9. I will remember that winning isn’t everything – that having fun, improving skills, making friends and doing my best are as important.
10. I will remember that coaches and officials are there to help me. I will accept their decisions and show them respect.
PARENT/GUARDIAN/SPECTATOR CODE OF CONDUCT
1. I will remember that my youth and all players participate for their fun and enjoyment, not mine.
2. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of my youth and all players ahead of any personal desire to win
3. I will teach my youth and encourage all players that doing one’s best is as important as winning so that my youth and all players will never feel defeated by the outcome of the game.
4. I will remember that youth learn by example. I will applaud good plays and performances by all players involved in the game.
5. I will not speak negatively about players, coaches and coaching staff, referees, other parents/guardians or spectators.
6. I will respect the referee’s decisions and I will encourage all players to do the same.
7. I will remember that the locker room is where the team prepares for a game and not a place for me to hang out or give instruction.
8. As a parent/guardian, I will practice and encourage open communication with the coaches and coaching staff. I will bring concerns forward and adhere to a 24 hr cool down period as required to address an issue or contentious point. I will respect the coach’s decision and not interfere with or undermine the coaches or coaching staff.
9. As a parent/guardian, I will inform the coach of any ailment that may affect the safety of my youth or the safety of others and I will not permit my youth to compete without complete and safe equipment.
10. As a parent/guardian, I will make every reasonable effort to have my youth attend all scheduled practices and games, arrive on time and I will contact the team manager or coach if my youth is unable to attend for any reason. Derogatory comments aimed at any player, coach, or referee from a spectator shall be addressed with the following:
First offense – verbal warning
Second offense – documented meeting with disciplinary committee
Third offense – face expulsion OR enrolment and completion of the ‘Speak Out’/“Respect In Sport” course at your own expense