Download Tucson Foothills Lacrosse Code of Conduct

TUCSON FOOTHILLS LACROSSE, INC.
CODE OF CONDUCT
Tucson Foothills Lacrosse Mission Statement:
The Tucson Foothills Lacrosse Club is a non-profit organization created to promote and develop youth lacrosse
in Tucson, Arizona. We strive to encourage and demonstrate good sportsmanship, teamwork, competitive but
fair play, integrity, diversity and respect towards each other, our opponents, and the officials. Our goal is to
field teams that are constantly improving their technical skills, fitness and conditioning, as well as their
character and human qualities. In so doing, we hope to have a positive influence on the kids during the time
they spend with us and beyond.
Foothills Lacrosse, Inc. is subject to the rules of US Lacrosse. In addition, we have adopted some “local
rules” of our own to help make youth lacrosse a positive experience for everyone in our organization.
1.
Safety first. The welfare of our players comes first during all lacrosse activities. Players are
personally responsible for having all required equipment and cannot practice or play without it.
Coaches are responsible for safety on the field, and all adults are responsible for promoting a
safe environment on and off the field. Any threat or act to harm another lacrosse participant
(coach, player, referee, parent or fan), their reputation or their property directly or indirectly
(eg through social media) is strictly prohibited and should be reported immediately.
2.
No drugs, alcohol or other illegal activities. Possession, use, distribution or being under the
influence of drugs and/or alcohol at any lacrosse activity is strictly prohibited. This includes
alcohol, illegal drugs, unauthorized prescription drugs and tobacco. The violation of this rule
and/or any criminal laws may have serious consequences, including but not limited to the
immediate removal, suspension and/or dismissal of the subject player, parent or coach.
3.
Everyone practices and plays. Practices at all levels must involve all players in a meaningful
way, and every player must play in every game for which they suit up until the high school
varsity level where playing time is earned. Coaches are strongly encouraged to let less
experienced players play more when games become no longer competitive.
4.
No bad language. In particular, our coaches, parents and players must not use profane, sexual,
discriminatory, demeaning, threatening or other inappropriate language with players, parents,
coaches, game officials and administrators.
5.
Off-the-field communications and contacts between coaches and players. Texting, cell
phone calls, social media messages and other such off-field communications between coaches
and players should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Eg, last-minute changes in practice
or game logistics, informing the coach if player needs to miss a practice or game, cancellations
due to bad weather or the like. Parents should be copied on coaches’ communications with
players whenever possible. Coaches should not be alone with individual players except for
health or safety reasons. Eg taking an injured player for medical treatment or waiting with a
player whose ride has not yet arrived.
6.
Let the coaches do the coaching. Unless you have been selected to coach and are present
throughout the coaches’ meetings, preparation, practices and games, please refrain from
coaching or complaining about the coaching during practices and games.
7.
Be nice. If you have a question or concern, please raise it respectfully and directly with the
coach or administrator in question. Most issues can be resolved with a simple face-to-face
discussion or phone call. The same cannot be said for issues raised by anonymous letters, email
chains, secret parent meeting or the rumor mill.
8.
Represent us well. Our core values include accountability, responsibility, respect, integrity,
teamwork, fair play and good sportsmanship, and these principles are more important to us
than the scores or statistics of any season, game or player. It is also important to remember
that this endeavor is for the benefit of the kids, and that this is youth sports, not life and death.
Please keep these things in mind whenever you participate as a coach, player, parent or fan
from our organization.
9.
Code violations have consequences. In the event of the violation of US Lacrosse or Tucson
Foothills Lacrosse rules, Foothills Lacrosse reserves the right to take appropriate action against
the individual (s) in question, including but not limited to removal, suspension, and/or
dismissal in the manner prescribed by US Lacrosse and/or Tucson Foothills Lacrosse rules. In
extreme circumstances, notification of law enforcement or other authorities may also be
necessary. By signing this Code of Conduct, you are agreeing to abide by these rules and be
subject to discipline if you violate them. While we certainly hope that we never have to
sanction anyone for violating these rules, we intend to emphasize and enforce them for the
benefit of everyone involved in our organization. Our sincere thanks for taking the time to
review these rules and for your support in honoring them.
I acknowledge that I have read the rules above and agree to follow the rules of US Lacrosse and Tucson
Foothills Lacrosse.
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Parent/Guardian Name (Printed)
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Player Name (Printed)
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Coach/Manager
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Date
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Parent/Guardian Signature
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Player Signature