CODE OF CONDUCT
The Bronxville Youth Lacrosse Association has adopted a Code of Conduct governing all coaches, players, officials and parents. The purpose of the Code is to ensure that all of the people associated with BYLA treat each other with dignity and respect. We require the Code of Conduct to be observed by all players, parents, and coaches associated with BYLA, and reserve the right to separate from BYLA any participants whose behavior is contrary to the Code.
PARENTS
- Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. You are role models.
- Learn the rules of the game of lacrosse.
- Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials, who may miss calls but attempt to call the game fairly. Respect the coaches.
- Ensure that your child has the necessary protective equipment every time he/she participates in a lacrosse event.
- Do not coach your child as a spectator from the sideline. Let players play and coaches coach, and support both positively.
- NEVER criticize any players regardless of the circumstance.
- Follow the “24 Hour Rule;" if you have a complaint resulting from a game (or practice) situation, speak with the coach or team manager the following day.
- If there is a serious problem, notify either the Chairman or a Board Member of BYLA.
- Emphasize the FUN of the game and the team, putting forth effort at all times, not wins and losses.
PLAYERS
- Respect your teammates, coaches, referees and opponents at all times.
- Give 100 percent effort at each practice and game.
- Know the rules of the game of lacrosse and abide by them.
- Support and encourage your teammates. Set a positive example. Comply with the Policy on Bullying.
- Wear the required equipment at all games and practices, and keep your equipment well-maintained.
- Display good sportsmanship at all times on and off the field. Excessive roughness, particularly involving unnecessary use of the crosse as a weapon during practices or games, will not be tolerated.
- Comply with the Bronxville School Athletic Department’s Code of Conduct.
- Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; that’s all part of learning.
- Learn from your coaches; practice hard; play smart. Have Fun!
- Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
COACHES
- A coach is a role model, who must act with the highest moral character possible.
- Coaches must reinforce the self image of the player. A coach must be positive as well as constructive.
- Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials.
- Teach the rules of lacrosse. Abide by those rules in practices and games.
- Establish objectives for the team and players and inform them of team and individual goals.
- Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. Enforce the Policy on Bullying.
- Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
ALL
- Any conduct, including abusive language and/or gestures, racially insensitive remarks, damage to property or belongings, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on you or BYLA is deemed to be unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The rule applies to players, parents, siblings and guests at all times when in or around games or practice as a member of BYLA.
- During any tournament or game when you are away, you represent the Village of Bronxville and BYLA.
- Any disciplinary proceeding pursuant to which a player is suspended from his/her school (whether The Bronxville School or another institution) will result in a corresponding suspension from BYLA games and practices for the duration of the school suspension. Players and parents are required to self-report any school suspension to the Chairman or Secretary of the BYLA Board.
- If there are any issues, concerns, or problems related to your child you should go to your child’s coach directly, but remember that it is usually better to wait 24 hours before complaining. If you feel that the issue was not resolved, remember that you can always contact me directly.
- All parents and family members (especially siblings) need to remain off the playing field and away from our team benches when a game is in progress or when we are practicing. No exceptions! Having parents or siblings too close on the sidelines is a safety issue but also a distraction for your child and takes away from the coaching process. The children are still learning the fundamentals of the game and we need as few distractions as possible.
The volunteers who run BYLA are passionate about the sport and devote a lot of time and effort to be able to share that passion with your children. Bronxville Youth Lacrosse has an outstanding tradition of excellence regardless of the age or skill level. This is due to the integrity and character of our families, players, coaches and volunteers at all levels. Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment to pass along the knowledge and traditions of our sport. Our coaches pledge to know each child, teach core fundamentals and to instill the love of the game so that everyone has fun. Essential to this process is teaching every player to respect their teammates, their opponents, game officials and fans.
The players and their families who entrust us with that goal must understand the importance of patience, practice and teamwork as they learn to play this wonderful game. We hope to instill a sense of teamwork, good sportsmanship and a respect for personal effort and improvement that transcends the game of lacrosse and enters the fabric of our children’s lives. We also expect our players to treat their teammates and opposing teams with respect and inclusiveness on and off the field and will not tolerate bad sportsmanship from parents or players.