Players, coaches, officials, parents and spectators are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and fans. In becoming a member of the lacrosse community an individual assumes certain obligations and responsibilities to the game of lacrosse and its participants. The essential elements in this "Code of Conduct" are HONESTY and INTEGRITY. Those who conduct themselves in a manner that reflects these elements will bring credit to the sport of lacrosse, themselves, their team and their organization.
It is only through such conduct that our sport can continue to earn and maintain a positive image and make its full contribution to amateur sports in the United States and around the world. US Lacrosse and the AGLA supports the following behaviors for those who participate in the sport or are involved in any way with US Lacrosse and the AGLA. The following essential elements of the "Code of Conduct" must be adhered to:
Sportsmanship and teaching the concepts of fair play are essential to the game and must be taught and developed at all levels both at home and on the field during practices and games.
The emphasis on winning should never be placed above the value of good sportsmanship, the concepts of fair play, or the skills of the game.
Derogatory comments are unacceptable. Use positive reinforcement with players and adults alike. It should be remembered that criticism, once made, can never be retracted.
The safety and welfare of the players are of primary importance.
Coaches must always be aware of the tremendous influence they have on their players. They are to strive to be positive role models in dealing with young people, as well as adults.
Officials are expected to conduct themselves as professionals and in a manner that demonstrates courtesy and fairness to all parties while exercising their authority on the field.
Adults involved with the game must never permit anyone to openly or maliciously criticize, badger, harass or threaten an official, coach, player, volunteer or opponent.
Coaches must be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of the rules of lacrosse, and should adhere to the rules in both the letter and the spirit of the game.
Knowledge of the Rules of Lacrosse must be respected and adhered to by all who participate in the game of lacrosse, both in the letter and the spirit of the game. Attempts to manipulate rules in an effort to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct, is considered unacceptable conduct.
Eligibility requirements per US Lacrosse and the AGLA bylaws, such as age and previous level of participation, must be followed. They have been established to encourage and maximize participation, as well as to promote safety.
The failure to conform to the US Lacrosse/AGLA Code of Conduct while attending, coaching, officiating, participating in or watching an AGLA event (game, practice etc.) will be subject to disciplinary action, including but not limited to the following in any order or combination:
Verbal warning issued by an official or AGLA authorized league representative.
Written warning issued by an AGLA authorized league representative.
Game suspension or immediate ejection from game or event issued by an official.
Suspension from multiple games or other events issued by an official or AGLA authorized league representative.
Game forfeit determined by official or AGLA authorized league representative.
Season suspension or multiple season suspension issued by an AGLA authorized grievance committee.
Expulsion from the AGLA issued by an AGLA authorized grievance committee.
