PAGLA and US LACROSSE CODE OF CONDUCT
Please note that only the portions of the Code of Conduct relevant to Parents, Players and Spectators are included here.
US LACROSSE AND THE POSITIVE COACHING ALLIANCE
Lacrosse is the oldest American sport. Native Americans played lacrosse centuries ago, long before our colonies were settled. Through lacrosse, Native Americans celebrated and emphasized their spiritual and cultural values.
In an effort to promote appropriate values in the modern game, US Lacrosse has partnered with the Positive Coaching Alliance to promote positive coaching and good sportsmanship at all levels of the lacrosse. US Lacrosse has included the following "Lacrosse Code of Conduct" as part of its membership application to encourage and foster appropriate values in
players, coaches, parents, officials and spectators. US Lacrosse believes that it should be a priority of every lacrosse player, team, program and league to "Honor the Game".
US LACROSSE CODE OF CONDUCT
Players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators fans. In becoming a member of the lacrosse 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. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to the sport of lacrosse, themselves, their team and their organization. It is only through such conduct that our sport can continue to earn and maintain a positive image and make its full contribution to amateur sports in the United States and around the world. US Lacrosse supports the following behaviors for those who participate in the sport or are involved in any way with US Lacrosse. The following essential elements of the "Code of Conduct" must be followed:
• Sportsmanship and teaching the concepts of fair play are essential to the game and must be taught at all levels and developed both at home and on the field during practices and games.
• The value of good sportsmanship, the concepts of fair play, and the skills of the game should always be placed above winning.
• The safety and welfare of the players are of primary importance.
• Players should always demonstrate positive behavior and respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents and spectators.
• Coaches, players, parents and spectators are expected to demonstrate the utmost respect for officials and reinforce that respect to players/teammates.
• Grievances or misunderstandings between coaches, officials or any other parties involved with the sport should be communicated through the proper channels and procedures, never on or about the field of play in view of spectators or participants.
• Spectators involved with the game must never permit anyone to openly or maliciously criticize badger, harass or threaten an official, coach, player or opponent.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal warning by official, head coach, and/or head of league organization
- Written warning
- Parental game suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved
- Parental season suspension