Players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators must conduct themselves in a manner that “Honors the Game” and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents and fans. By endeavoring to instill honor and integrity in our youth players, we bring credit to the sport and fulfill our obligations and responsibilities as a club. Therefore, we require that all parents of our players support the following behaviors and agree to abide by the Abington Lacrosse Club Code of Conduct.
Sportsmanship for Parents
As a parent, you play a special role in contributing to the needs and development of the players. Through your encouragement and good example, you can help assure that all the boys learn good sportsmanship and self-discipline. With your help, players can learn to work together, to sacrifice for the good of the team, to enjoy winning and deal appropriately with defeat - all while becoming physically fit and healthy. Best of all, they will have fun.
Support Your Child
Supporting your child by giving encouragement and showing interest in their team is very important. Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than victory - that way your child will always be a winner despite the outcome of the game.
Always Be Positive
Parents serve as role models for their children. Become aware of this and work to be a positive role model. Applaud good plays by your child's team as well as good plays by the opposing team. Keep all negative thoughts and comments to yourself. Support all efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from youth sports activities.
Remember That Your Child Wants to Have Fun
Remember that your child is the one playing lacrosse, not you. It's very important to let children establish their own goals - to play the game for themselves. Take care not to impose your own standards and goals on them. Don't put too heavy a burden on your child to win games. Surveys reveal that 72% of children would rather play for a losing team than ride the bench for a winning team. Children play for the fun of playing.
Reinforce Positive Behavior
Positive reinforcement is the best way to help your child achieve their goals and their natural fear of failure. Nobody likes to make mistakes, but everyone does. If your child or another player does make one, remember it is all part of learning, so encourage your child's efforts and point out the good things your child accomplished.
Don't Be a Sideline Coach or Referee
Coaches and referees are usually parents just like you. They volunteer their time to help make your child's youth lacrosse experience a positive one. They need your support too. That includes refraining from coaching or refereeing from the sidelines. ALC is a volunteer organization, which welcomes parental participation. As such, there is always an opportunity for you to act on your interest in coaching or refereeing and become one yourself.
PARENT CONTRACT
All parents of ALC players are bound by virtue of their child’s participation.
1. First and foremost, I understand that playing lacrosse is supposed to be FUN for the players. I will encourage my child to enjoy the game and I will not force my child to participate.
2. I will also encourage my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflict without resorting to hostility or violence. I agree to do the same.
3. I will strive to maintain a positive attitude, win or lose, and I will never yell at my child, other players, coaches or referees for making a mistake during a game.
4. I understand that children learn by our good example. I will applaud good plays by both teams, and I will not be critical of or embarrass any players, including opposition players, coaches or officials.
5. I will attempt to learn the rules of lacrosse. I will never publicly question a referee’s judgment or honesty. I recognize that many of our referees are learning and are being developed in the same way as our players. I acknowledge they are not well paid, and do it in part for the kids and their appreciation of youth sports. Referees are human and will make mistakes.
6. I acknowledge that coaching is best left to the coaching staff. I will be supportive of the coaches’ decisions, and will encourage my child to play in a manner consistent with the team’s strategy or plans. I will avoid “coaching from the sideline.” I will also show respect and appreciation for all of the volunteers who give their time to provide assistance to the Abington Lacrosse Club.
7. I will never yell at, taunt, threaten or inflict verbal or physical violence upon any player, coach, official or spectator at any Abington Lacrosse Club game or activity. I will not use any abusive or vulgar language, racial, ethnic or other slurs at any time during a game or at any Abington Lacrosse Club function. I will support all efforts to eliminate verbal and physical abuse from youth lacrosse games. I understand that the Abington Lacrosse Club has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY with regard to any of the behaviors described above and that a violation of such policy may result in my immediate expulsion from such game or activity.
8. I will communicate all and any concerns regarding inappropriate behavior to the coaches or a member of the Abington Lacrosse Club Board.
I understand that if I do not follow this Code of Conduct, I may be asked to leave the activity (such as a game or practice) or I may be asked to withdraw my child’s participation from ALC’s program. In the event that I am asked to withdraw my child from ALC, I understand that I will forfeit all fees.
All parents of ALC players are bound by virtue of their child’s participation.
