STORM LACROSSE CODE OF CONDUCT

Please read carefully. This is a binding agreement that must be signed by every player, parent, and coach as a prerequisite to participating in the Storm Lacrosse organization.  There will be a Zero Tolerance Policy for any breach of this agreement.

Storm players, coaches, and parents are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents and fans.

We all must recognize that Storm Lacrosse was built through countless hours of work by dedicated volunteers who have a passion for the game and understand the positive influence it has in the development of our youth.  It is a privilege for any of us to be part of this elite and dedicated group, it is not a right...no matter how good we are, or indispensable we think we are.

Good conduct begins with the parents and coaches and the example they set. There is never an acceptable reason why this Code of Conduct may be breached.  Specifically the unacceptable behavior of any third party whether it is a referee, player, coach, parent, or fan from another team will never be considered an acceptable reason for a member of Storm Lacrosse to breach this agreement. This applies equally to Storm parents, coaches, and players.

Any breach will be referred to the Storm Lacrosse Board of Directors for a decision.  Such decision will be final and not subject to appeal. The extent of review by the Board prior to making its decision shall be in the sole discretion of the Board.

Should the Board determine that there has been a breach, the sole remedies available to it will be as follows:

·         The consequence of the first breach by any person shall be a 3 game suspension.

·         The consequence of a second breach shall be dismissal from Storm Lacrosse with no refund of any fees paid.  A player may, at the sole discretion of the Board, be dismissed for a breach by his parent.

Examples of breaches include, but are not limited to, the following:

·      Any malicious actions by coaches, players, or parents including any intent to cause injury to anyone.

·      Any malicious or inappropriate statements to coaches, players, or parents from any team (including on FaceBook, twitter, and any other form of social communication).

·      Any player disrespectfully talking back to a referee.

·      Complaints by parents to any Tournament directors or officials.

·      Causing property damage to any hotel, restaurant, sporting facility, or any facility visited during the course of travel to and from Storm Lacrosse events.

·      Complaints about a playing time by parents or players to a coach on the field before, during, or after any game or practice (Coaches are not perfect, however they are doing what they believe is best for their team.  If you have a concern, please contact the coach off the field).

·      Inappropriate conduct of any kind off of the field may also be taken into consideration in any disciplinary proceeding.

If you are unsure about what is appropriate or may constitute a breach, please email any Board member and you will receive a written clarification.  However if you are concerned that it may be a breach, it probably is.

The essential elements of this Code of Conduct are HONESTY and INTEGRITY.  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.

• Good sportsmanship, fair play, and the skills of the game should always be placed above winning.

• 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 adults.

• Coaches should always demonstrate positive behaviors and reinforce them to players, parents, officials and spectators alike. Players should be specifically encouraged and positively reinforced by coaches to demonstrate respect for teammates, opponents, officials and spectators.

• 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. Coaches are also expected to educate their players as to the important role of lacrosse officials and reinforce the ideal of respect for the official 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.

• Coaches must be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of the rules of lacrosse, and should adhere to the rules in both the letter and the spirit of the game.

• Coaches should provide a basic knowledge of the rules to players within his/her program. 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, at all levels of the game, must be followed. Rules and requirements such as age, previous level of participation, team transfers, etc, have been established to encourage and maximize participation, fair play and to promote safety.