The Stamford Lacrosse Association (SLA) and the Connecticut-New York Youth Lacrosse Association (CONNY) abide by a strict Code of Conduct governing all coaches, players, officials and parents. The purpose of the Code is to ensure that all of those people associated with lacrosse in Stamford and the surrounding area treat each other with dignity and respect. 
 
We, the Board of Directors of SLA, endeavor to provide a high quality, inclusive program that does not turn anyone away; but instead encourages all able players to participate and develop a love for the game of Lacrosse. We ask in return that all parents, players and coaches conduct themselves with a positive attitude towards each other, other teams and officials. We have outlined these expectations below. 
 
The Code of Conduct is a condition of membership for all players, parents, coaches and officials. All members of SLA agree to abide by this Code of Conduct and to be subjected to the consequences of violating the Code. It is understood that by enrolling into the SLA  program that players, parents and coaches are all bound by this Code of Conduct and its’ validity is hereby a matter of record and is not dependent upon physical signature. 
 
All enforcement decisions made by the officials of SLA are final and are not subject to review. No refunds will be granted to those players, parents or coaches dismissed from the club for violating the Code of Conduct. 
 
SLA CODE OF CONDUCT 
 
Parents:

1.    Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices. You are role models!

2.    Know the rules of the game of lacrosse – take the time to learn them.

3.    Respect the game of lacrosse. Respect the officials. Respect the coaches, many of whom are volunteers.

4.    Be a good spectator. Let players play, coaches coach, referees officiate and support them positively.

5.    Do not EVER criticize any player or coach, ours or our opponents, regardless of the circumstance.

6.    Encourage your player (7th grade and up) to speak for themselves by communicating directly with their coach about issues such as position, playing time, rules clarification, etc. Help them understand that before or after practice is the ideal time to communicate with their coach and why during a game is likely not the best time as coaches are focused on the game.

7.    Follow the "24 Hour Rule"; if you have a complaint resulting from a game (or practice) situation, speak with the coach, program director or board member, on the following day.  Should there be a back-to-back game, please allow for an additional 24 hours as speaking to a coach directly after any game is not permissible. Conversations of this nature are not to be held in front of players or other parents or spectators.

8.    Emphasize the FUN of the game and the team, putting forth effort at all times, not wins and losses.

9.    HONOR the Game of Lacrosse.

Players:

1.    Respect your opponents, officials, teammates and coaches at all times.

2.    Give 100% effort at each practice and game.

3.    Support and encourage your teammates. Set a positive example.

4.    Do not engage in bullying behavior of any kind.

5.    Know the rules of the game of lacrosse and abide by them.

6.    Display good sportsmanship at all times on and off the field.

7.    Don't be afraid to make a mistake; that’s part of learning.

8.    Wear the required equipment at all games and practices, and keep your equipment well maintained.

9.    Learn from your coaches; practice hard; play smart; Have Fun!

10.  Communicate with your coaches – ask questions, learn how to improve, stay positive.

11.  Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.

12.  HONOR the Game of Lacrosse.

 
Coaches:

1.    A coach is a role model, who must act with the highest moral character possible.

2.    Coaches must reinforce the self image of each player on the team. A coach must be positive and constructive.

3.    Respect the officials.

4.    As a coach, accept the responsibility to know the rules and keep yourself updated annually with rules changes.

5.    Teach the rules of lacrosse. Abide by those rules in practices and games.

6.    Establish objectives for the team and players and inform them of team and individual goals.

7.    Communicate with your players – set expectations; be an example; stay positive.

8.    Teach and practice good sportsmanship at all games and practices.

9.    Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.

10.  HONOR the Game of Lacrosse.

 
All:

1.    Any conduct, including abusive language and/ or gestures, threats, racially insensitive remarks, bullying, damage to property or belongings, or any other conduct that reflects poorly on yourself or SLA  is deemed to be unacceptable and will not be tolerated. This rule applies to all players, parents, siblings and guests at all times when in or around games or practices as a member of SLA .  It is your responsibility as a parent, player or coach to notify Program Director and the President  if you become aware of any serious problem.  Contact information is available on the SLA  website.

2.    Always leave the field cleaner than when you arrived. Whether home or away, take a moment to pick-up your trash and any other debris on the field or in the stands at the end of each practice or game and place it in an appropriate trash can or recycling bin. If none is available, please take it with you to dispose of properly. Consider using re-useable water bottles to reduce trash. Remember, you are representing the City of Stamford  and SLA . STAMFORD PRIDE!

3.    While at any field, facility or parking area for a practice, tournament or game when you are home or away, you represent the City of Stamford  and SLA . Any conduct such as shoplifting, destruction of property, use of illegal drugs or consumption of alcohol will not be tolerated.

4.    The Board of Directors of SLA  will deal with unacceptable conduct at its sole discretion, imposing warnings, suspension or expulsion, as it deems appropriate. ANY SUSPENSION OR EXPULSION BASED ON VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT WILL NOT BE ACCOMPANIED BY A TUITION REFUND.