Waltham Youth Lacrosse Guidelines and Policies   

It is essential that players show respect to their coaches and that league officials show decency and consideration for their players.
It is imperative that parents, at all times, conduct themselves in a proper manner. No swearing or harassment will be permitted. In the event conduct is not acceptable, the Board of Directors may take disciplinary action which may include suspension from the program.

No coach or spectator shall at any time use signs, gestures, degrading personal comments, or any act, which will reflect unfavorably upon opposing coaches, players or spectators.

Waltham Youth Lacrosse, Mass Youth Lacrosse, and the Founders Girls Lacrosse League encourage and require good sportsmanship and respect from all its participants. Waltham Youth Lacrosse will enforce this policy to the maximum.

Coaches’ code:

• Enthusiastically supports and practices "Everyone plays" and extends positive coaching philosophies of the Mass Youth Lacrosse league
• Be reasonable in your demands on the young players' time, energy, enthusiasm and their performance on the field
• Create and maintain a positive environment for all players
• Impress on your players that they must abide by the rules of the game at all times
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, and for the judgment of referees and opposing coaches
• Ensure that your players' experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
• ELM:  Focus on Effort, Learning and being sure players and coaches understand that Mistakes are OK
• Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved. Children need a coach that they can respect.
• Keep informed about sound principles of coaching, growth and development principles relating to children.
• Enlist the support of your team's parents in your efforts to develop the proper attitudes and values in the players.
• Let players play.  During games coaches are asked to coach players while the players are on the sidelines. Let them play while they are on the field during the games.  We want to avoid players learning to listen for cues from coaches/parents – “shoot!!!”, “pass to player x!!!” while in the middle of a game.  It is ok for players to make mistakes and learn from them.

 Parents’ Code:

• Do not force an unwilling child to participate in sports.
• Remember that children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment, not yours.
• Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
• Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game. Your child will then be a winner, even in defeat.
• Do not ridicule your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Set a good example. Children learn best by good examples.
• Applaud good plays by your team and by members of the opposing team.
• Do not publicly question referee judgment.
• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials and give them their due respect. Without them, there would not be a lacrosse league for our players to participate in.
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.
• If your son/daughter is unable to attend a practice, we ask that you please notify your coach. 

 Player's Code:

• Play for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
• Play by the rules.
• Never argue with or complain about the referee calls or decisions.
• Control your temper and most of all, resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
• Concentrate on playing lacrosse and on effecting the outcome of the game with your best effort.
• Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team's or your opponent's.
• Remember that the goals of the game are to have fun, improve skills and feel good. Don't be a "showoff".
• Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents and referees.
• Be a good teammate