Player Code of Conduct
USA LACROSSE – CODE OF CONDUCT
USA Lacrosse and the Positive Coaching Alliance have partnered to establish and promote positive coaching throughout the sport of lacrosse. USA Lacrosse is committed to preserve the "Honor of the Game" for all who enjoy the sport of lacrosse. To help fulfill this commitment, USA Lacrosse requires all players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators to sign and abide by a "Code of Conduct" that embodies basic common sense principles; demonstrates consideration of others; and projects a positive image to our young men and women.
Individuals and/or teams participating in USA Lacrosse events that fail to abide by this code will be subject to ejection and disqualification from future USA Lacrosse events. Thank you for your help in promoting these principles.
Officials are expected to read, understand, and abide by the USA Lacrosse Code of Conduct, and the additional Code of Conduct specifics which are outlined in the Officials Manuals. These comprehensive ethics policies are minimum standards of behavior for all officials. These manuals are updated on a yearly basis, and are required reading. By agreeing to this statement you agree to familiarize yourself with and abide by these policies.
Players, coaches, spectators and parents are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials and spectators. 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 earn and maintain a positive image and make its full contribution to youth sports in the United States and around the world.
USA Lacrosse supports the following behaviors for those participating or involved in any way with USA Lacrosse in general:
The essential elements of the "Code of Conduct" must be adhered to.
Sportsmanship and teaching the concepts of fair play are essential to the game and must be taught and developed both at home and on the field during practices and games.
The emphasis on winning should never be placed above the value of good sportsmanship, the concepts of fair play, or the skills of the game.
Derogatory comments are unacceptable. Use positive reinforcement with players and adults alike. It should be remembered that criticism once made can never be retracted.
The safety and welfare of the players are of primary importance.
Coaches must always be aware of the tremendous influence they have on their players. They are to strive to be positive role models in dealing with young people, as well as with adults.
Officials are expected to conduct themselves as professionals and in a manner that demonstrates courtesy and fairness to all parties, while exercising their authority on the field.
Adults involved with the game must never permit anyone to openly or maliciously criticize, badger, harass, or threaten an official.
Knowledge of the Rules of Lacrosse must be respected and adhered to by all who participate in the game of lacrosse, both in the letter and the spirit of the game. Attempts to manipulate rules in an effort to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct, is considered unacceptable conduct.
Eligibility requirements, such as age and previous level of participation, must be followed. They have been established to encourage and maximize participation, as well as promote safety.
USA Lacrosse seeks to foster a national lacrosse community that encourages understanding, appreciation and acceptance of all within its membership, volunteer base, and staff. Further, USA Lacrosse believes that broad representation and participation add significant value to the lacrosse experience of each of us, and that these valued experiences are enhanced by embracing underrepresented and underserved communities.
USA Lacrosse does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, physical or mental ability or other protected status. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members.