MAD DOGS LACROSSE CODE OF CONDUCT
By registering with Mad Dogs Lacrosse, players and parents agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.
Players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and fans are to conduct themselves in a manner that “Honors the Game” and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators, and fans. In becoming a member of the lacrosse community an individual assumes certain obligations and responsibilities to the game of lacrosse and its participants. The essential elements in this “Code of Conduct” are HONESTY and INTEGRITY. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to the sport of lacrosse, themselves, their team and their organization. It is only through such conduct that our sport can continue to earn and maintain a positive image and make its full contribution to amateur sports in the United States and around the world. The following essentials elements of the “Code of Conduct” must be adhered to:
- Sportsmanship and teaching the concepts of fair play 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, or and the skills of the game should always be placed above winning.
- The safety and welfare of the players are of primary importance.
- Coaches must always be aware of the tremendous influence they have on their players. They are to strive to be positive role models in dealing with young people, as well as adults.
- Coaches should always demonstrate positive behaviors and reinforcement toward players, parents, officials and spectators alike.
- Players should be specifically encouraged and positively reinforced by coaches to demonstrate respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators.
- Players should always demonstrate positive behaviors and respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents, spectators, and fans alike.
- Coaches, players, parents, spectators, and fans are expected to demonstrate the utmost respect for officials and reinforce that respect in his/her players.
- Coaches are also expected to educate their players as to the important role of the lacrosse official and to reinforce the ideal of respect for the official by his/her players.
- 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 participants.
- Officials are professionals and are therefore expected to conduct themselves as such and in a manner that demonstrates total impartiality, courtesy and fairness to all parties.
- Spectators involved with the game must never permit anyone to openly or maliciously criticize badger, harass, or threaten an official, coach, player or opponent.
- 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 encourage and help to educate the players and spectators surrounding his/her program to develop a basic knowledge of the rules.
- 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.
- Individuals who would like to use the Mad Dogs Lacrosse, Inc. name and/or logo are requested to speak with the Board of Directors before proceeding. The Board of Directors needs to approve any use of the name and logo to avoid any confusion of affiliation or misrepresentation of Mad Dogs Lacrosse, Inc. activities.