Norwood Youth Girls Lacrosse, in its continuing effort to improve the enjoyment of Lacrosse for all parties involved, has enacted a zero-tolerance policy and a code of conduct for all participants and organizers. Above all else NYGL is a recreational organization where the emphasis is placed on learning and development, not winning.  By participating NYGL in any capacity, parties agree to the code of conduct set forth in these by-laws and will conduct themselves at all times in a sportsmanlike manner.

Zero Tolerance Policy:

All NYGL members, coaches, assistant coaches, team parents, players, and spectators are expected to uphold this policy and respect the referee(s) regardless of their age or experience. Please be respectful and support the referees and report ANY policy violations to NYGL Board Member. Violations to this policy will be taken seriously by NYGL Board of Directors and will result in warnings, suspensions or removal from the program.  

Policy:

All Coaches and spectators shall support the referee. Failure to do so undermines referee’s authority and has the potential to create a hostile environment for players, referees and all other participants and spectators. Respects the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

For Players:

• Know and play by the rules and be a good sport

• NEVER argue with or yell at an official.

• Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse of officials or other players will not be tolerated.

• Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.

For Parents

• Focus on the child’s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing.

• NEVER argue with or yell at an official. If you disagree or have concerns, have your coach respectfully approach the official after the competition. Verbal abuse of any official will result in your immediate dismissal from the field.

• Show appreciation for volunteer coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate.

• Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition.

• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.

 For Coaches:

• Display control, respect and professionalism to all involved with the sport. This includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, parents and spectators. Encourage players to do the same.

• When assembling teams, should there be enough players at any age division to create more than one team at that age level, Coaches shall assemble that team heterogeneously. Said teams should then be scheduled to practice together on the same night at the same location and both teams will practice together as one unified age division. 

• Do not overplay the talented players; all players need and deserve equal play time. Keep track of play time in order to ensure it is equal throughout the season.

• Do not place emphasis on winning above good sportsmanship.

• NEVER ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or not coming in first.

• NEVER argue with or yell at an official. If you disagree, respectfully approach the Game Marshal after the competition. Verbal abuse of any official will result in your immediate dismissal from the field.

• Operate within the rules and spirit of the game and teach your players to do the same.

• Ensure that the time players spend with you is a positive experience.

• Show concern and caution toward sick and injured players. Follow the advice of physician when determining whether an injured player is ready to recommence training or competition.

• Any physical contact with a young person should be appropriate to the situation and necessary for the player’s skill development.

2. Violations of Norwood Youth Girls Lacrosse Code of Conduct. Allegations or evident violations of the Code of Conduct shall be reported to the NYGL Board of Directors for review.  The NYGL Board of Directors shall then appoint a disciplinary committee which shall consist of no less than (3) members and no more than (5) members. The Disciplinary Committee shall report any findings or recommendations to the Board of Directors; the Board of Directors shall maintain sole authority to render sanctions or decisions on players, coaches or volunteers and no other NYGL representative shall intervene or render decisions thereunto pertaining. The Disciplinary Committee may include up to but not more than one parental appointee.