Code of Conduct

Players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators are to conduct themselves in a manner that honors the game and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and fans. The following elements of the Code of Conduct must be followed:

Sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others are essential to the game and must be taught at all levels and developed both at home and on the field during practices and games. The value of good sportsmanship, the concepts of fair play, and the skills of the game should always be placed above winning.

• Players must play fairly and abide by the rules of the game, be gracious in both victory and defeat, show respect to opponents, and never argue with officials or coaches.

• Parents and spectators must model good sportsmanship by being respectful to all players, coaches, families, opponents, and officials.

• Coaches must always demonstrate positive behaviors and reinforce them to players, parents, officials, and spectators alike.

Examples of poor sportsmanship include arguing with or taunting coaches, officials, teammates, opponents or spectators; using threatening or profane language; and uncontrolled behavior in the bench area or spectator areas.

Safety and welfare of the players is necessary for everyone involved in the Association to have a positive experience. 

• Players must wear the required equipment at all games and practices, follow their coaches’ instructions regarding safe play, and not engage in unsafe play during games and practices. 

• Parents and spectators must not encourage unsafe play or raise the temperature of the game by yelling at or criticizing opponents during games.



• Coaches must instruct their players on how to play the game safely and promptly address unsafe play in practices and games.

All players, parents, and coaches must give full effort and commitment.

• Players and coaches must attend all practices and games on time and be prepared, give their best effort in every practice and game, and communicate appropriately when they cannot attend a practice or game.



• Parents must ensure that their child attends all practices and games, communicate with coaches if they cannot, and encourage full effort so that each team can achieve their goals.

Communication and positive attitudes are key to creating a healthy environment within the Association. Grievances or misunderstandings between coaches, officials or any other parties involved with the sport should be communicated through the proper channels and procedures, never on or about the field of play in view of spectators or players.

• Players must stay positive and keep a good attitude, regardless of how the game or practice is going.

• Parents and spectators must avoid negative comments or behaviors that could disrupt the team and be mindful of language and tone in front of players. 

• Parents and spectators must let coaches coach and not coach their child or teammate from the sidelines. When discussing issues arising from a game or practice situation, parents should communicate with coaches in a respectful manner. Discussions in the heat of the moment are rarely productive, so parents should follow the “24 hour rule” by waiting to speak with coaches until the following day.



• Coaches must stay positive and set an example by always supporting and encouraging players.

Remember that we are a team. Lacrosse is a team sport and respecting the game means respecting the team. Bullying or harassment in any form by any player, coach, or parent will not be tolerated.

• Players must not prioritize their individual accomplishments at the expense of the team’s accomplishments. Players must always be responsible and respectful to teammates and committed to the team’s goals.

• Parents must support their child’s involvement in the team and recognize team accomplishments. Parents must avoid putting pressure on their child to perform at a certain level or incentivize their child’s individual accomplishments at the expense of the team’s accomplishments.



• Coaches must foster a positive team atmosphere by supporting and encouraging the players.

All members of the Association will follow the rules set by USA Lacrosse and GNLL. Coaches must be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of the rules of lacrosse, and should adhere to the rules in both the letter and the spirit of the game. Coaches should provide a basic knowledge of the rules to both players and spectators within their program. Attempts to manipulate rules in an effort to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct, is considered unacceptable conduct. Eligibility requirements, at all levels of the game, must be followed. Rules and requirements such as age, previous level of participation, team transfers, etc, have been established to encourage and maximize participation, fair play and to promote safety.

The St Louis Park Youth Lacrosse Association Board will deal with instances of unacceptable conduct at its sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension or expulsion as it deems appropriate. The Board has authorized the coaches and team managers to assist in the enforcement of the Code of Conduct and will support their efforts. After reviewing all evidence from the violation, the Board will vote on whether or not imposition of consequences are appropriate.

Consequences for violation of the Code of Conduct imposed upon players, parents, and spectators will generally be escalating and start with a 1-week suspension from lacrosse activities and an apology to the team as warranted for a first violation. A second violation will result in a 3-week suspension. A third violation will result in expulsion for the remainder of the season. However, the Board reserves the right to modify these consequences in its sole decision in light of the circumstances of the severity of the violation.