The mission
statement of the WHSBLA is to organize, develop, and promote boys high school
lacrosse in
The purpose of the WHSBLA’s Code
of Conduct and the enforcement provisions which follow are to promote,
project, and protect the image of lacrosse, and the interests and safety of all
those that participate and give their time and effort to the betterment of the
Game. The ultimate success of the principles and standards, emphasized in this Code of Conduct, rest primarily
in the hands of those for whom they have been prepared -- the players, coaches,
officials, parents, spectators, and any other affiliated parties which make up
the membership of the Washington High School Boys Lacrosse Association.
A. The Code of
Conduct
Players, coaches,
spectators, and parents are to conduct themselves in a manner that "Honors
the Game" and demonstrates respect to other players, coaches, officials,
and spectators. 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 teams, and their organization. It is only
through such conduct that our sport can earn and maintain a positive image and
make its full contribution to high school sports in the
·
The
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 both at home and on the field during practices and games.
Permitting, encouraging, or condoning performance that is dangerous or
demeaning to a player, coach, official, spectator, or anyone connected with the
function of the game is unacceptable.
·
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 with adults.
·
Officials
are expected to conduct themselves as professionals and in accordance with
those guidelines and rules set forth in the applicable rule books and manuals;
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. To do so
is a violation of the rules of the game and must be considered unacceptable
conduct. The coach must quietly and privately address all concerns to the
officials at the appropriate time as defined by the rules; and if deemed
appropriate, place in writing to the official's assigning authority any
significant problems with the officiating.
·
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. The Rules are designed to protect the players, provide common standards
and control the game. Attempts to beat these rules, to take unfair advantage of
an opponent, or to teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct is considered
unacceptable conduct.
·
Guidelines
and eligibility requirements, such as age and previous level of participation,
have been established to encourage and maximize participation, as well as
promote safety. All who participate in the game of lacrosse must be thoroughly
acquainted with these rules and regulations, and should assume the
responsibility for their observance and enforcement. Attempts to circumvent
eligibility rules, or to use ineligible players, shall be considered
unacceptable conduct.
B. Enforcement of
Violations of the Code of Conduct
·
Any
player, coach or program affiliated individual ejected from a Washington High
School Boys Lacrosse Association sanctioned game for any Unsportsmanlike
Conduct (See Definitions) will be barred from the remainder of the game in
question. The offending individual(s) must immediately leave the game area. Any player, coach or program affiliated
individual ejected from a game for any reason will serve a one game suspension
and not participate in the team’s next game. Depending upon the seriousness of the
infraction, coaches may be barred from attending additional contests as a
spectator. Failure of the individuals to comply with this ruling will result in
immediate game forfeiture by the team for which the player or coach belongs.
·
Unsportsmanlike Conduct (See Definitions) by
spectators, who are identified by either a recognized game or event
official(s), will first result in a warning to the coaches. If the behavior continues, there will be a
stoppage of play and a request by the game officials to the coach(s) to address
the offending spectator(s), asking that the disruptive activity cease immediately.
If such behavior continues, a one-minute un-releasable penalty on the
in-home will be assessed by the game officials against the offending team. Should the behavior continue, a second
one-minute un-releasable penalty will be assessed and the offending
spectator(s) must then immediately leave the game area for the remainder of
that game.
Failure of the spectator to leave the area will result in subsequent
one-minute un-releasable penalties or the immediate stoppage of play and the
forfeiture of the game.
·
A
player(s), coach(s), team official(s), and/or spectator(s) berating or abusing
an official or another coach, player, or spectator prior to, during, or after a
game will be barred from participating in the remainder of the game in
question, festival, or tournament. The offending individual(s) must immediately
leave the game area. Depending upon the seriousness of the infraction the
offending coach(s), team official(s), or spectator(s) may be barred from
attending future games as a spectator.
C. Definitions
a)
Fighting (player fighting during a contest is specifically addressed in section
10.6.1 of the WHSBLA Handbook);
b) Causing property damage at an event site, (i. e.:
Property damage to dorm rooms, eating areas, any part of the host site's
physical plant, etc.);
c) Entering into an argument with an official or umpire as to a decision that
has been made;
d) Attempting in any way to influence the decision of an official or umpire;
e) Using threatening, profane, or obscene language or gestures at any time
during a game;
f) Baiting, taunting, or any other act which is intended or designed to
embarrass, ridicule, or demean others under any circumstances, including on the
basis of race, religion, gender, or national origin.
D.
Appeal Procedure and Process