NEEDHAM BOYS’ LACROSSE
Player Code of Conduct
 

All Needham Boys’ Lacrosse (“NBL”)  players are required to read, acknowledge and honor the following:

 As a Needham Boys’ Lacrosse player, I will:
 
•    Respect the game of lacrosse and its rules, learn the rules of the game and play fairly.
•    Hold myself accountable to the coaches and their team expectations. 
•    Players should remain attentive during trainings, games and all team activities. 
•    Hold the safety and welfare of myself, my teammates and opponents above all else.
•    Be an ambassador of the club and I will demonstrate positive behavior and character with respect toward teammates, opponents, coaches, officials, parents, and spectators. 
•    Work hard for myself, my coaches and for my team during all practices and games. 
•    Demonstrate the utmost respect for officials, observing the rules of “Zero Tolerance” and reinforce that respect to my teammates, and the spectators that watch me play (parents, friends, relatives, etc.). 
•    Understand that “Zero Tolerance” means as a player, I may if necessary, speak to the referee during the game respectfully, but must not show dissent, including but not limited to: criticism, yelling, sarcasm, harassment and intimidation, before, during or after a game. 
•    Never retaliate, verbally or physically, no matter what the provocation may be.
•    Respectfully acknowledge with my team members, the opposing players/coaches and referees after all games. 
•    Hold my teammates and peers to this code of conduct and report any incidents of disrespect, bullying, or otherwise inappropriate behavior against myself or other players to my coaches and/or parents.  
•    Because I represent my family, team, club & community I abide by the policies, rules, and guidelines of the club, team, and coaches.
 
Players failing to comply will first be addressed by the team coach.  If the event any situation needs further resolution, then the NBL Board of Directors will review violations of the player Code of Conduct and take necessary action. 

I confirm that the child I am registering has read/been read, understands and agrees to abide by the NBL Player Code of Conduct. 

NEEDHAM BOYS’ LACROSSE
Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

As a parent/guardian, you play a special role in the development of your daughter or son, and of his/her teammates. Your encouragement and good example will do more to ensure good sportsmanship and self-discipline than any other influence. The other team is the opponent, not the enemy, and should be treated with respect. While winning is important, playing well and fairly is the essence of the game.
 
•    SUPPORT YOUR CHILD
•    DON'T BE A SIDELINE COACH OR REF
•    DEMONSTRATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARD YOUR OPPONENTS AND THEIR FAMILIES

 
All parents/guardians of NBL players are required to read, acknowledge and adhere to the following:

As an NBL parent/guardian, I:

•    Understand and endorse that the primary purpose of NBL is to foster a love of the game and support players of all levels to participate and develop to their fullest potential as a lacrosse player and as a person. 
•    Will do my very best to have our child prepared for every game.
•    Plan to attend games to support my child and his/her teammates and encourage with positivity even when mistakes are made and regardless of the score or outcome of the game. 
•    Will support the team, it’s players, coaches, and opposition by applauding and acknowledging good play, but also displays of fair play, good character and sportsmanship, regardless of the outcome, during and after each game. 
•    Will be mindful in a “lopsided” game where cheering our own “winning” team might be misunderstood.
•    Understand and adhere to the NBL “Zero Tolerance” policy. I do not interact, comment on, yell at, criticize, or otherwise address the referee before, during or after the game. I also ensure any other spectators (friends, family, etc.) that may be attending the game with me, are aware of and adhere to said policy.
•    Will allow the coaches to do the coaching, and players to make their own decisions during games. I understand that by coaching from the sideline (as a spectator) and yelling instructions during the game I can actually stunt player development by giving players mixed messages and taking away their opportunity to practice decision making.
•    Understand that improper behavior at a game may result in a parent being asked to leave the field by the referee, the NBL, or a club official so the coach or team does not receive a penalty due to the action of the parent spectator.
•    Understand that parents are not allowed to approach the coach about issues until 24hrs after the competition.  Sometimes in the heat of the moment parents and coaches say things that they really don’t mean. This can hurt the player or team because things where not handled correctly. The parent & Coach relationship is important, but the overall decisions should be based on what is best for the team and players. 
 
Because I am a parent/guardian who has the power, position, and platform to make a positive difference in the lives of young players, I commit to this Code of Conduct. When failing to live up to our standards I will allow for accountability and take responsibility for my actions
 
Parents failing to comply will first be addressed by the team coach.  If the event any situation needs further resolution then the NBL Board of Directors will review violations of the Parent Code of Conduct and take necessary action. 

I, as a parent/guardian of the player being registered, have read and agree to abide by the Needham Boys’ Lacrosse Parent Code of Conduct.