Northern Vermont Youth Lacrosse League Code of Conduct

The purpose of the NVTYLL "Code of Conduct," and the enforcement provisions which follow, are to promote, project, and protect the image of lacrosse, and the interests and safety of all those that participate and give their time and effort to the betterment of the Game. The ultimate success of the principles and standards, emphasized in this "Code of Conduct," rest primarily in the hands of those for whom they have been prepared -- the Players, Coaches, Officials, Parents, and Spectators.

A. The Code of Conduct

Players, coaches, spectators, and parents are to conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, and spectators. In becoming a member of the NVTYLL 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 teams, 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. The NVTYLL supports the following behaviors for those participating or involved in any way with youth 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. Permitting, encouraging, or condoning performance that is dangerous or demeaning to a player, coach, official, spectator, or anyone connected with the function of the game is unacceptable.

•  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 accordance with those guidelines and rules set forth in the applicable rulebooks and manuals; 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. To do so is a violation of the rules of the game and must be considered unacceptable conduct. The coach must quietly and privately address all concerns to the officials at the appropriate time as defined by the rules; and if deemed appropriate, place in writing to the official's assigning authority any significant problems with the officiating.

•  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. The Rules are designed to protect the players, provide common standards and control the game. Attempts to beat these rules, to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct is considered unacceptable conduct.

•  Guidelines and eligibility requirements, such as age and previous level of participation, have been established to encourage and maximize participation, as well as promote safety. All who participate in the game of lacrosse must be thoroughly acquainted with these rules and regulations, and should assume the responsibility for their observance and enforcement. Attempts to circumvent eligibility rules, or to use ineligible players, shall be considered unacceptable conduct.

B. Enforcement of Violations of the Code of Conduct

•  A player or coach ejected from a NVTYLL sanctioned game for any Unsportsmanlike Conduct (See Definitions) will be barred from the remainder of the game in question and any remaining festival, tournament, or jamboree games. The offending individual(s) must immediately leave the game area. Depending upon the seriousness of the infraction, coaches may be barred from attending any future games as a spectator . Failure of any individual to comply with this ruling will result in being barred participating the following year.

•  A coach that plays an Illegal Player (See Definitions), knowingly or unknowingly, in a NVTYLL sanctioned game will forfeit the game during which the infraction occurred and be barred from participating in any remaining games (no tolerance).

•  A player(s), coach(s), team official(s), and/or spectator(s) berating or abusing an official or another coach, player, or spectator or engaging in any Unsportsmanlike Conduct (See Definitions) prior to, during, or after a game will be barred from participating in the remainder of the game in question, tournament, or jamboree. The offending individual(s) must immediately leave the game area. Depending upon the seriousness of the infraction the offending coach(s), team official(s), or spectator(s) may be barred from attending any future games as a spectator.

C. Definitions

• Illegal Player(s): An Illegal Player is defined as a player who is over age, has been suspended from any league participation.
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct: Unsportsmanlike Conduct is defined as a player, coach, or spectator who at any time while on field or on the grounds of a sanctioned NVTYLL event conducts themselves in an abusive, offensive, or illegal manner during game situations or outside of game situations. This includes but is not exclusive to:

a) Fighting; 
b) Causing property damage at an event site; 
c) Entering into an argument with an official or umpire as to a decision that has been made; 
d) Attempting in any way to influence the decision of an official or umpire; 
e) Using threatening, profane, or obscene language or gestures at any time during a game; 
f) Baiting, taunting, or any other act which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule, or demean others under any circumstances, including on the basis of race, religion, gender, or national origin.

D. Appeal Procedure and Process

• If the barred individual wishes to challenge the matter of participation in future NVTYLL sanctioned events, he/she may make a formal request in writing to the NVTYLL Board for a special hearing. Once this request has been received, a hearing will be convened in a timely manner at a site mutually agreed upon by all parties. The hearing panel will be made up of the Board Members of the NVTYLL Board. All decisions of the panel as to future participation will be final.