North Perth Lacrosse Association
CODE OF CONDUCT and BEHAVIOUR
It is the intention of North Perth Lacrosse Association (NPLA) and it’s Executive to offer a lacrosse program for players, team officials (coaches/trainers/managers) and parents, which promotes fair play, fun and respect for all in a co-operative atmosphere. The NPLA Executive, coaching staff and others involved in minor lacrosse are community volunteers working together to provide a meaningful recreational program for all players enrolled in NPLA. All participants should have the opportunity to enjoy their involvement in the lacrosse program free from improper or inappropriate influences and criticism.
NPLA also recognizes the need to have guidelines for a standard of behaviour expected of all participants and appropriate measures to deal with those instances in which behaviour exhibited is not in the best interest of NPLA and all concerned. As a result of the above, the guidelines as stated below shall apply to all involved in the NPLA lacrosse program.
It is recognized that membership in NPLA and participation in its programs is a privilege and not a right guaranteed by fees paid. Membership may be revoked at any time to an individual who has been deemed by the Executive, following a fair hearing, to be in contravention of the NPLA, OLA Code of Conduct, or Bylaws set out in the Constitution and Manual of Operations. The NPLA reserves the right to reject membership in such cases where a previous record of behaviour unbecoming a member of the NPLA has been evident.
NPLA enforces a ZERO tolerance policy regarding this Code of Conduct.
SECTION 1: Complaints and Sanctions
1.1 Complaints, concerns or questions must be submitted in writing and signed to a member of the NPLA Executive. Examples may regard, but are not limited to: the operation of the Association; unresolved conflicts with coaching staff, parents, game or practice incidents (excluding referee game decisions); member’s actions which may constitute inappropriate behaviour, be in contrary to the NPLA Code of Conduct Policy.
1.2 Written complaints received shall be included in the agenda of the next meeting of the Executive, although the Executive prior to this meeting may at the President’s discretion, begin an investigation of the complaint. For issues of a serious nature, the President may call a special meeting of the Executive to ensure prompt resolution.
1.3 Discussion of complaints of a sensitive or personal nature at an Executive meeting will NOT be open to the general membership and shall be kept confidential. Members of the Executive are required to declare a conflict of interest in matters where their vote could potentially result in their own personal benefit. Executive members shall not vote in such instances. The Executive will make ruling where the question of a conflict of interest arises.
1.4 If required, the President will appoint a Disciplinary Committee, comprised of three (3) Executive members, with the President as the chairman, to review the complaints/infractions that are written and signed submissions.
1.5 Disciplinary measures can include coach/player suspensions, restriction from the lobby area of the arena and viewing/audience sections of all floor pads for parents during NPLA floor rental, denial of playing/coaching privileges and participation in NPLA sanctioned events, and/or the requirement to participate in educational courses. NPLA uses a progressive discipline policy, in that penalties for breeches of this code of conduct will be more severe for repeat offences.
While terms may vary with the situation, a first offence may be given a 1 month suspension, a second offence may carry a 3-6 month suspension and a 3rd offense may carry a lifetime revocation of membership and participation in NPLA activities.
1.6 An Appeals Committee, as outlined in the OLA Manual of Operations, shall be convened to hear appeals from decisions rendered by the Disciplinary Committee when a vote by the executive deems necessary.
1.7 All properly filed complaints shall receive a written reply.
SECTION 2: Players
Players at all times whether it is practices, games, or tournaments will:
2.1 Play for the fun of it, not just to please parents and coaches.
2.2 Remember the goals of the game are to have fun, improve your skills and feel good.
2.3 Play by the rules and be a good sport.
2.4 Not permit their actions or words to embarrass their teammates, their coaches, their opponents, their supporters, family or the referees, and by so doing will not embarrass themselves.
2.5 Control their temper. Refrain from “mouthing off”, breaking sticks, throwing gloves or other equipment. Never argue with the officials’ decision, allowing the Captain or Coach to inquire as is deemed necessary.
2.6 Use their best efforts at all times, show respect for teammates and play with the realization that goals and objectives for personal success are less important than the team success.
2.7 Respect their opponents (even if he/she doesn’t show respect) and play fair, clean and hard. They will not allow themselves to take cheap shots, run goalies or incur needless or unnecessary penalties by undisciplined play. Treat all players, as you yourself would like to be treated.
2.8 Cooperate with the coaching staff, accept the directions of the coaching staff concerning lacrosse and will show respect by keeping quiet and paying attention when the coaches are speaking.
2.9 Remember they are representing themselves, their parents, their team, their sponsor(s) and the NPLA at all times.
SECTION 3: Team Officials
Team Officials (Coaches (Head and Assistants), Trainers and Managers) will:
3.1 Abide by the NPLA Code of Conduct.
3.2 Be prepared in advance for both games and practices. Teach players to play fairly and to respect the rules, opponents and officials. He/she shall be a resource person to assist the players to develop their athletic potential and self-dependency. Lead by example. Teach and practice co-operation, self-discipline, respect for officials and opponents and proper attitudes in language, dress and behaviour. Rules are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
3.3 Be honest and consistent with players. They appreciate knowing where they stand. Be fair in the administration of discipline and in the assignment of floor time to each player.
3.4 Be appreciative and supportive of the success of the team and its players. Accept their responsibility as a teacher and a role model. Recognize individual differences in players and always think of the player’s long-term best interests. Make lacrosse challenging and fun. Skills and techniques need not be learned painfully.
3.5 Be prepared to interact in a positive manner with administrators, league officials and parents.
3.6 Not by word of mouth or gesture abuse or publicly criticize players or referees.
3.7 Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again. Injured players must provide certification of fitness from their attending physician.
SECTION 4: Parents/Guardians
Parents/Guardians as members of NPLA will:
4.1 Not permit their actions to embarrass NPLA, Coaches, Executive members, other volunteers, players, referees or their own child.
4.2 Not force an unwilling child to participate in lacrosse. Remember children are involved in organized lacrosse for their enjoyment, not yours.
4.3 Encourage all players to play by the rules.
4.4 Remember that children learn best by example. Applaud good plays by your team and members of the opposing team. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from lacrosse.
4.5 Teach their child that honest effort is more important than victory so that the result of each game is accepted without undue disappointment. Turn defeat to victory by helping their child work towards skill improvement and good sportsmanship. Never ridicule or yell at their child for making a mistake or losing a game.
4.6 Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches/staff. Accept and show appreciation for the volunteers and officials who give their time and resources to coach and provide minor lacrosse programs for their child.
4.7 Set an example by supporting and respecting your child’s coach. When problems arise, communicate with the coaching staff on an individual basis following the “24 hour rule”. Public comments are not appropriate, including social media (facebook etc). It is your responsibility to clarify with a child’s coach at the start of the season regarding how he/she wishes concerns brought forward. All team concerns, other than concerns regarding player safety, should be addressed at the coaching staff level first. NPLA is firm on the observance of a 24 hour "cooling off' period. It is strongly encouraged that a written complaint be filed against any individuals in violation of this, who may then face disciplinary actions from NPLA.
SECTION 5: Acknowledgement
5.1 The above guidelines will be given out each year by NPLA and are posted year round on our website. Each participant signing the registration form will acknowledge reviewing the Code of Conduct and Behaviour and it will be their responsibility to learn and follow the guidelines and to inform their child(ren) of the contents. Each year all NPLA team coaching staff will receive a copy as part of the team’s coaching package.