Northern Dutchess Boys Youth Lacrosse Association Code of Conduct-2022
PARENT, PLAYER, and COACH 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 fans. As parents of our youth players, we require that you fulfill your parental obligations, support the following behaviors as participants in the sport and agree to abide by the Northern Dutchess Boys Youth Lacrosse Association Code of Conduct.
Sportsmanship for Parents
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of the players. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline.
Support Your Child
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game.
Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.
Remember That Your Child Wants to Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing lacrosse, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them.
Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Referee
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child’s youth lacrosse experience a positive one. They need your support too. That means refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. As a volunteer organization, there's usually always an opportunity for you to take your interest in coaching or refereeing to the next level and become one yourself.
PARENT CONTRACTAll parents of NDBYLA players are bound by virtue of their child’s participation. All coaches are also bound by the code of Conduct whether or not they have child playing for NDBYLA.
1. First and foremost, I understand that playing lacrosse is supposed to be FUN for the players. I will encourage my child to enjoy the game and I will not force my child to participate.
2. I will also encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence. I agree to do the same.
3. I will strive to maintain a positive attitude, win or lose, and I will never yell at my child for making a mistake during a game.
4. I understand that children learn by our good example. I will applaud good plays by both teams, and I will not be critical of or embarrass any players, including opposition players, coaches or officials.
5. I will attempt to learn the rules of lacrosse. I will never publicly question a referee’s judgment or honesty. I recognize that many of our referees are learning and are being developed in the same way as our players. I acknowledge they are not well paid, and do it in part for the kids and their appreciation of youth sports. Referees are human and will make mistakes.
6. I acknowledge that coaching is best left to the coaching staff. I will be supportive of the coaches’ decisions, and will encourage my child to play in a manner consistent with the team’s strategy or plans. I will avoid “coaching from the sideline.” I will also show respect and appreciation for all of the volunteers who give their time to provide assistance to the Northern Dutchess Youth Lacrosse Association. I will agree to wait for a period of at least 24 hours (‘The 24 hour rule’) before confronting any Northern Dutchess Boys Youth Lacrosse Coach with concerns/complaints regarding game time decisions.
7. I will never yell at, taunt, threaten or inflict verbal or physical violence upon any player, coach, official or spectator at any Northern Dutchess Boys Youth Lacrosse Association game or activity. I will support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth lacrosse games. I understand that The Northern Dutchess Boys Youth Lacrosse Association has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY with regard to any of the behaviors described above. Any violation this policy may result in my immediate expulsion from the current activity and if the board deems it necessary, expulsion from the Association.
8. I will communicate all and any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior to the Coaches or a member of the Northern Dutchess Boys Youth Lacrosse Association Board.
I have read and understand the Northern Dutchess Boys Youth Lacrosse Association Code of Conduct and Parent Contract for players, parents and coaches, and agree to follow its guidelines at all NDBYLA activities. I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, I can be asked to leave any NDBYLA activity (such as a game or practice), and that I could also be subject to disciplinary action that may adversely affect my child’s participation in the NDBYLA’s program including my child's removal from NDBYLA for the season. Disciplinary action can also include termination of coaching responsibilities for the season and beyond.
Participation in the 2022 season is contingent on the receipt of this signed contract by your respective coach.
