Reading Lacrosse Association, US Lacrosse and the Mass Youth Lacrosse League abide by the US Lacrosse Youth Council Code of Conduct governing all coaches, players, officials and parents. The purpose of the code is to ensure that all of those people associated with lacrosse treat each other with dignity and respect.

The Code of Conduct is a condition of membership for all players, parents, coaches and officials. All members who join Reading Youth Lacrosse agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and to be subject to the consequences of violating the code. Every Registration Form for Reading Youth Lacrosse includes the Code of Conduct, either directly or by reference.

All enforcement decisions made by the officials of Reading Lacrosse Association are final and not subject to review. No refunds will be granted to those players dismissed from the club for violating the Code of Conduct. 

 

For those involved in the MYL program as an official, parent, coach, or player, a code of conduct will be outlined. The MYL will encourage good sportsmanship and fair play. Each MYL coach or site supervisor will be totally responsible for the conduct of himself, his players and his respective spectators. Absolutely no abusive or vulgar language will be tolerated and could result in team penalties. Un-sportsmanlike conduct or disrespect for the referees will not be tolerated as well. Both players and coaches will refrain at all times, from abusive and unwarranted disruptions.

Conduct of Respect:

It is essential that players show respect to their coaches and that league officials show decency and consideration for their players.

 

Parent Conduct:

It is imperative that parents, at all times, conduct themselves in a proper manner. No swearing or harassment will be permitted. In the event conduct is not acceptable, the Board of Directors may take disciplinary action which may include suspension from the program.

No coach or spectator shall at any time use signs, gestures, degrading personal comments, or any act, which will reflect unfavorably upon opposing coaches, players, or spectators.

MYL encourages and requires good sportsmanship and respect from all its participants. The MYL will enforce this policy to the maximum.

 

Coaches’ code:

1. Enthusiastically supports and practices "Everyone plays" and extends positive coaching philosophies of the MYL

2. Be reasonable in your demands on the young players' time, energy, enthusiasm and their performance on the field

3. Impress on your players that they must abide by the rules of the game at all times

4. Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches

5. Ensure that your players' experience is one fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.

6. Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach that they can respect.

7. Keep informed about sound principles of coaching, growth and development principles relating to children.

8. Enlist the support of your team's parents in your efforts to develop the proper attitudes and values in the players.

Referee's Code:

1. Always remember the game is for the players. Player safety and fair play come first.

2. Study and learn the rules of the game and understand the "spirit" of the rules. Help fellow referees to do the same.

3. Respect other referees and their decisions, and do not publicly criticize another official.

4. Wear the proper uniform and keep it in good condition.

5. Maintain good physical condition so you can keep up with the action.

6. Honor accepted game assignments. In an emergency, find a replacement.

7. Support good sportsmanship with a kind word to the players, coaches and parents of both teams when deserved.

8. Always be fair and impartial, avoiding conflicts of interest. Decisions based on personal bias are dishonest and unacceptable.

Parents Code:

1. Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.

2. Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.

3. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.

4. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner, even in defeat.

5. Do not ridicule your child for making a mistake or losing a game.

6. Set a good example. Children learn best by good examples.

7. Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.

8. Do not publicly question referee judgment.

9. Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials and give them their due respect. Without them, there would not be the MYL.

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

Player's Code:

1. Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.

2. Play by the rules.

3. Never argue with or complain about the referee calls or decisions.

4. Control your temper and most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.

5. Concentrate on playing lacrosse and on effecting the outcome of the game with your best effort.

6. Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team's or your opponent's.

7. Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don't be a "showoff".

8. Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and referees.

 

Statement of Intent

The Reading Lacrosse Association (RLA) is part of the Mass Youth Lacrosse League and has adopted its own anti-bullying policy. We are committed to providing a caring, fun, and safe environment for all lacrosse participants. It is our hope that players, coaches, and supporters honor the game by demonstrating and encouraging good sportsmanship.

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated at any practice, game, or other RLA-sanctioned event associated with our lacrosse program. If bullying is reported to any parent or player, they should immediately report the incident to their coach, or any RLA Board member who will ensure the complaint is investigated and dealt with promptly and effectively. Not all joking or horseplay is bullying, but when the intent or effect is to cause distress, repetition of such behavior is bullying and will not be tolerated.

 

Definition of Bullying

Per the American Psychological Association, bullying is a form of aggressive behavior in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words, or more subtle actions. These actions create a hostile or intimidating environment and can negatively affect a player or player’s performance and participation. Bullying can be in the form of harassment or intimidation by means of gestures, any written, verbal, or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be:

• Emotional - being unfriendly, excluding or intentionally ignoring someone

• Physical - pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence

• Racist - racial taunts, graffiti, gestures, or other slurs

• Sexual - unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments

• Homophobic remarks or focusing on the issue of sexuality

• Verbal - name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumors, teasing, taunting, or tormenting

• Digital - Any communication via the internet, including but not limited to, use of social networking sites to send email, text messaging, internet chat room dialogue, video, and any other communication by use of a computer or cell phone

If a person involved in RLA (and this includes players, coaches, managers, parents, and volunteers) has taken part in bullying behavior, that person may be subject to consequences. All incidents of Bullying will be referred to and investigated by the RLA Board. Action steps may include discussions with parents and/or players, informing the police, suspensions or exclusions from practices or games, ineligibility for end of year jamboree, or removal from the team without refund.

 

Signs and Symptoms

A child may indicate he or she is being bullied through various signs and symptoms. While some children are prone to report bullying to a trusted adult; however, others will not be due to fear, intimidation, or other factors. Coaches and parents should be aware of the following possible signs indicating that bullying may be taking place:

If a child:

• is frightened or unwilling to attend practice

• doesn't care to associate with team members

• asks to be picked up promptly from practice

• changes their usual routine

• feigns illness prior to practice or game time

• becomes withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence

• starts stammering

• attempts or threatens suicide or runs away

• cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares

• begins to do poorly in schoolwork

• comes home with missing or damage equipment or clothing

• asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully)

• has unexplained cuts or bruises

• becomes aggressive, disruptive, or unreasonable

• is bullying other children or siblings

• stops eating

• is frightened to say what's wrong

• gives improbable excuses for any of the above

These signs and behaviors could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated. If you have concerns or questions regarding this policy, please reach out to a coach or board member and they will work to help answer these concerns/questions for you.

Boys Director: Chuck Webberly

Girls Director: Megan Holton

Reading Lacrosse Association (RLA) encourages players to play within their gender. However, RLA will allow players to choose the gender assignment for registration and team assignment. Team assignments will be based on grades for both boys and girls. If the league(s) the RLA team(s) participate in do not allow gender assignments then the player could practice with the gender assignment of their choice and petition the league for a waiver. If a waiver is granted by the league the player would then be allowed to play in league games.