Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL)

Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for all participants. Bullying of any kind is contrary to the values of youth sports and will not be tolerated. This policy establishes clear expectations for behavior and outlines procedures for preventing, reporting, and responding to bullying within MYL programs.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all MYL participants, including players (Kindergarten through 8th grade), coaches, assistant coaches, officials, volunteers, parents/guardians, spectators, and staff. The policy applies to all MYL-related activities, including practices, games, tournaments, team events, travel, online communications, and social media when related to MYL.

3. Definition of Bullying

Bullying is the repeated use of a written, verbal, or electronic expression, or a physical act or gesture, directed at a target that causes or is reasonably expected to cause physical or emotional harm, damage to property, creates a hostile environment, infringes on rights, or materially disrupts participation in MYL activities.

Bullying may include, but is not limited to: - Physical bullying: Hitting, pushing, tripping, unwanted physical contact, or damaging personal property. - Verbal bullying: Teasing, taunting, name-calling, threats, insults, or inappropriate comments. - Social/relational bullying: Exclusion, spreading rumors, embarrassing someone publicly, or encouraging others to exclude. - Cyberbullying: Bullying through electronic means such as texts, emails, social media posts, group chats, images, or videos related to MYL. - Bias-based bullying: Bullying based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other protected characteristic.

4. Prohibited Conduct

Bullying, retaliation against anyone who reports bullying, and knowingly making false accusations are strictly prohibited. All participants are expected to treat others with respect, sportsmanship, and dignity.

5. Reporting Bullying

Bullying may be reported by players, parents/guardians, coaches, officials, volunteers, or spectators.

Reports should be made as soon as possible to one or more of the following: - Team Coach or Program Director - MYL Board Member - League Administrator or designated SafeSport/Player Safety contact

Reports may be made verbally or in writing. Anonymous reports will be accepted to the extent possible; however, anonymity may limit the ability to investigate.

6. Investigation and Response

All reports of bullying will be taken seriously and handled promptly and confidentially to the extent possible.

The investigation may include: - Interviews with the involved parties and witnesses - Review of relevant communications or evidence - Consultation with coaches, administrators, or officials

MYL will determine appropriate corrective action based on the findings, age of participants, and severity of the behavior.

7. Consequences and Corrective Actions

Consequences for bullying or retaliation may include, but are not limited to: - Verbal or written warning - Education or counseling requirement - Apology or restorative action - Temporary suspension from practices or games - Removal from a team or MYL activities - Termination of coaching, volunteer, or spectator privileges

Disciplinary decisions are at the discretion of MYL leadership and are intended to correct behavior, protect participants, and maintain a safe environment.

8. Support for Targets of Bullying

MYL is committed to supporting individuals who experience bullying. Support may include: - Check-ins with a coach or administrator - Adjustments to team activities when appropriate - Referral to additional resources if needed

9. Prevention and Education

MYL will promote bullying prevention by: - Setting clear expectations for conduct and sportsmanship - Providing age-appropriate education to players - Training coaches and volunteers on recognizing and addressing bullying - Encouraging positive team culture and bystander intervention

10. Retaliation Prohibited

Retaliation against any person who reports bullying or participates in an investigation is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a separate violation of this policy.

11. Policy Review and Acknowledgment

This policy will be reviewed periodically by MYL leadership. Participation in MYL programs constitutes acknowledgment of and agreement to comply with this Anti-Bullying Policy.

Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse Committed to safety, respect, and the positive development of all players.

Anti Bullying Policy