East Bay Bristol County Lacrosse

Coaches Code of Conduct

The Board of Directors of the East Bay Bristol County Lacrosse Association is concerned about the conduct of all coaches and referees during games at all levels.

As a youth lacrosse coach in EBBCLA, you are to understand that a high level of sportsmanship is expected from you and your players. You are expected to treat the players, officials, opposing team players and coaches with respect and dignity. If you are a vocal coach, cheer good plays. Understand that unsportsmanlike misconduct such as taunting, the use of foul & abusive language, or fighting is grounds for ejection from a game, and you will be asked to remove yourself from the sideline. Repeated offenses may result in suspension as an EBBCLA coach for the remainder of season. Consider it an honor to be a part of the great game of lacrosse.

We want to ensure that games and practices are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all of the children and adults involved. A lacrosse game should be friendly and unifyin a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, referees and spectators.

To clarify expectations of coach conduct, we jointly expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct.

• Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
• Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the referee.
• During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players.  If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting. Referees will work with you regarding poor athlete behavior. Coaches must handle poor parent behavior (not the referees).
• Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them from yelling at players and the referee.
• During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
• During the game, do not address the referee at all. If you have a small issue, discuss it with the referee calmly and patiently after the game.
• If you have a major complaint, or if you think the referee was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion to your League
• After the game, thank the referee and ask your players to do the same. Your players should congratulate the other team with a cheer and shake hands with opposing players

Your example is powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the referee, your players and their parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you're overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the referee harshly, your players and their parents will also notice.

Think about what you're doing during a game! Uphold the Spirit of the Game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well in the East Bay and will grow, along with the enjoyment of all.

Coaches who don't follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed.