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MASSACHUSETTS YOUTH LACROSSE

Player & Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

 

Introduction and Purpose

Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse, Inc. (“MYL”) is a non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. MYL serves as the governing body responsible for overseeing, administering, and supporting lacrosse competition and mission-based programming for participating City and Town programs throughout the Commonwealth.

The following Code of Conduct establishes the minimum standards and expectations for all individuals participating in MYL sanctioned activities for players and their parents or guardians

Individual teams or local programs may adopt additional rules or expectations for participation; however, compliance with this MYL Code of Conduct, and with any amendments adopted by MYL from time to time at its sole discretion, is a condition of eligibility for participation in all MYL-sponsored programs, events, and competitions.

Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse:

Lacrosse is the oldest sport in North America. Indigenous people played lacrosse centuries ago, long before Europeans arrived. Through lacrosse, Native Americans celebrated and emphasized their spiritual and cultural values. It is the Medicine Game and Creators Game. The native people introduced lacrosse to the European settlers.

To promote the values of the Medicine Game, Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse promotes positive coaching, good sportsmanship, at all levels. This “Code of Conduct” is a vital requirement for maintaining membership in MYL for Board Members/Volunteers, Employees, Program Volunteers, Officials, Coaches, Parents, Players, and Spectators.

Mission:  

The MYL mission is to teach, grow, and honor the game of lacrosse in your community and in every town/city across Massachusetts by providing leadership, guidance, training, and structure to all our community member programs participating in MYL’s spring game schedule and our annual Mass Youth Lax Jamboree held in June at the end of our season.

Philosophy:  

The MYL Classic league is the primary focus of the MYL.  The MYL philosophy in MYL's Classic league is all players participate equally (i.e. equal playing time) in all Classic games, on evenly balanced teams (based on player’s grade, age, skill & experience), playing a local game schedule: Level 7/8 (7th & 8th graders), 56 (5th & 6th graders), 34 (3rd & 4th graders) & 12 (1st & 2nd graders).  There are NO ‘A’ or ‘B’ or ‘stacked’ teams, nor standings or playoffs, at any level in our Classic league & our traditional Sunday scheduled games. 

Our MYL Select league is an additional & complementary community-based playing opportunity (and NOT a replacement for) a player’s participation in the MYL Classic league play.  MYL Select players must also participate in their MYL Classic team).  MYL Select league has Division standings, playoffs, Championships, & single-Grade All-Star games. Our coaches are certified and trained to be teachers of the game and role models focused on character development, team camaraderie and players learning the fundamentals, especially the ‘fun’ part.  MYL is an inclusive organization open to all Massachusetts communities where, collectively, we strive to provide a safe, enjoyable learning experience for all participants in an environment.

Goals:  

Our primary goal is for all players, coaches, parents, officials & program leaders to have a fun, rewarding experience while always demonstrating sportsmanship on & off the field as together we learn, share & teach the fundamental skills and teamwork required to play the game well.  Our common objective is for more children to enjoy youth lacrosse at all levels.  MYL provides training, certification & grade + age-specific rules of play for all our member programs, coaches, players & officials with a particular focus on player safety, sportsmanship & fair play for a positive, fun experience for all participants. 

Honor the Game:  

MYL strives to honor the game by practicing positive coaching, teaching life lessons beyond the playing field and by developing a strong community among all players, coaches, parents, officials, program leaders & fans that will last a lifetime.

PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for both players and parents/guardians and must be signed by each player and their parent or guardian before participating in MYL League activities.

As a player, I agree to:

1. Respect the Game
   • Follow the rules of lacrosse and the spirit of fair play.
   • Treat everyone involved in the game with courtesy and fairness, regardless of skill level, background, or position. Listen to coaches and officials without argument, avoid negative comments or gestures toward others, and support teammates through positive communication and encouragement. Demonstrate respect by showing self-control, accepting calls and decisions gracefully, and representing your team and the League with integrity both on and off the field. Accept the decisions of officials without argument or unsportsmanlike behavior.
2. Exhibit Good Sportsmanship
   • Compete with effort, positivity, and respect.
   • Refrain from taunting, trash talk, or using inappropriate language or gestures.  Show good sportsmanship by treating others with dignity and kindness at all times. Do not engage in teasing, name-calling, or behavior meant to embarrass, insult, or intimidate another player, coach, or official. Avoid negative talk on the field, online, or in team settings. Offensive language, gestures, or actions that disrespect others or create an uncomfortable environment are unacceptable and will result in disciplinary action.  Congratulate opponents and thank officials and volunteers after games.
3. Prioritize Safety
   • Use equipment properly and follow all safety instructions.
   • Avoid dangerous play and report injuries or unsafe conditions immediately.
   • Never engage in or encourage fighting, physical retaliation, or reckless conduct.  Maintain self-control, even in competitive or emotional moments. Physical aggression, retaliation, or intentionally dangerous play has no place in lacrosse and will not be tolerated. Players are expected to walk away from conflicts, seek help from coaches or officials when situations escalate, and make safety their top priority. Reckless actions that endanger yourself or others, whether during play, practice, or on the sidelines, violate the spirit of the game and the League’s commitment to respect and safety.
   • Arrive on time and ready to play.
   • Communicate with coaches about absences when possible.
   • Represent my team and MYL respectfully both on and off the field, including on social media.
4.  Prohibited Conduct
   • MYL strictly prohibits bullying, harassment, discrimination, and any form of abuse.  Every participant in Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse has the right to feel safe, respected, and included. Bullying, whether physical, verbal, social, or digital will not be tolerated under any circumstances. This includes teasing, spreading rumors, exclusion, or intimidation on the field, or online. Harassment or discrimination based on race, color, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other personal characteristic is strictly forbidden.
     Players must also never engage in, support, or ignore any form of emotional, verbal, or physical abuse toward another person. All players are encouraged to speak up or report concerns to a coach, MYL official, or trusted adult if they witness or experience such behavior.
   • The use or possession of alcohol, tobacco, vaping devices, or drugs is forbidden at all MYL events.

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

As a parent or guardian, I agree to:

1. Support a Positive Environment
   • Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating respect for all players, coaches, officials, and spectators.  Parents and guardians play an essential role in shaping the attitudes and behavior of young athletes. By modeling composure, fairness, and respect, parents help create a positive environment for every participant. Cheer enthusiastically for all players, not just your own child, and recognize effort, teamwork, and improvement rather than only the score. Avoid negative comments, criticism of officials, or sideline coaching during practices or games, such actions can distract players and undermine coaches’ instruction.  Treat coaches, officials, and opposing teams with courtesy, even when you disagree with a call or outcome. Demonstrating calm and respectful behavior teaches players how to handle competition, adversity, and success with integrity. Parents are expected to lead by example so that every game reflects the values of sportsmanship, respect, and community that Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse stands for.
   • Refrain from negative comments, criticism of officials, or disruptive sideline behavior.
   • Let coaches coach, officials officiate, and players play.
2. Model Respect and Integrity
   • Parents and guardians set the tone for how young athletes behave both on and off the field. Demonstrate honesty, fairness, and self-control in all interactions related to the game. Speak positively about coaches, players, and officials, even in moments of disagreement. If you have a concern about coaching decisions, playing time, officiating, or conduct, address it calmly and privately with the appropriate coach or League representative at a time away from games and practices, never in the presence of players or during competition.  Avoid gossip, heated arguments, or confrontational behavior in the stands, on the sidelines, or online. Children learn from how adults respond to challenges; by showing composure and respect, you help them understand that true character is revealed through how we handle adversity. Parents and guardians are expected to be role models of integrity, ensuring that Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse remains a safe, inclusive, and respectful community for all participants. Communicate calmly and constructively with coaches or MYL officials about concerns, never during games or practices.
   • Recognize that youth sports are for the benefit of the players’ development and enjoyment.
3. Ensure Safety and Responsibility
   • Make sure my player attends practices and games on time and with proper equipment.
   • Support safe play and sportsmanship above winning.
   • Report any concerns about safety or misconduct to the League promptly.
4. Abide by MYL Policies
   • Understand that violations of this Code by myself or my child may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from MYL activities.
   • As a parent or guardian, I recognize that my words, behavior, and actions reflect not only on myself but also on my child, their team, and the Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse community. I understand that if I fail to follow this Code of Conduct, through disrespectful, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior, disciplinary measures may be taken by the League. These actions may include verbal or written warnings, temporary suspension from games or practices, or removal from League events.
   • I further acknowledge that my behavior, whether in person or online, may also affect my child’s standing within the League. Inappropriate conduct by a parent or guardian may result in consequences for both the adult and the player, including possible suspension or removal from participation. I agree to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and respect so that all players, families, and officials can enjoy a safe and positive lacrosse experience.
   • Respect the decisions of coaches and League officials as final in matters of conduct and discipline.

Disciplinary Action

Failure to follow this Code of Conduct may result in one or more of the following actions at the sole discretion of MYL:

• Verbal or written warning
• Suspension from practices or games
• Dismissal from the team or the League

The League reserves the right to impose any and all other consequences as deemed appropriate based on the severity and frequency of the violation in MYL’s sole discretion.

Requests for Reconsideration of Disciplinary Action

Reconsiderations: A person (“Applicant”) who has been sanctioned by Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (“MYL”) as the result of a disciplinary action may request reconsideration of that decision by the MYL Disciplinary Committee.

Players or parents do not have the right to request reconsideration of any disciplinary decision or sanction imposed by a City or Town program participating in MYL. However, any City or Town program may request that MYL assist and/or review and reconsider a disciplinary decision or sanction it has imposed or which it considers imposing. MYL retains the sole and absolute discretion to determine whether such a request will be accepted for review and/or adjudication.

To qualify for reconsideration, the aggrieved party (“Applicant”) must:

Submit a written request for reconsideration to MYL within ten (10) calendar days following MYL’s notice of decision; and,

The written request must clearly identify at least one of the following grounds:

• MYL did not properly consider or examine all relevant facts;
• MYL failed to correctly apply applicable policies, procedures, or regulations; or
• New, material facts which have become available and which were not reasonably known or obtainable during the original disciplinary process.

Reconsideration Procedures

· If requested by the Applicant. MYL shall convene a 3-member Panel which shall hold a hearing.

· If no hearing is requested, the Panel may decide the matter based solely on the record and written submissions, provided that the Applicant is informed in advance and given an opportunity to provide a complete written statement.

· All parties involved shall receive advance written notice of the hearing and shall be provided with an opportunity to attend.  The hearings may be conducted by video conference system in the sole discretion of MYL.

· The hearing shall be scheduled no later than 10 business days following the Panel’s receipt of the written request and supporting documentation.

· Hearings shall not be audio- or video-recorded without the prior consent of all individuals who would be recorded. Any party may withhold such consent, and the decision to do so shall not influence or be considered in the outcome of the hearing.

· All disciplinary sanctions shall remain in full force and effect pending the completion of the hearing and the issuance of a final decision, unless a stay is granted at the sole and exclusive discretion of MYL.

· The Applicant bears the burden of demonstrating that the original disciplinary decision should be modified or reversed.

· Failure or refusal to comply with established timelines, submit supporting materials, or participate in a scheduled hearing (if applicable) may be deemed an abandonment of the reconsideration request, unless extenuating circumstances are demonstrated.

· The decision of the Panel shall be final and not subject to further reconsideration requests or appeal.