Participation in the Newburyport Youth Lacrosse program is considered a privilege for players, coaches and spectators. All three play an important part in making youth lacrosse a positive experience for everyone to enjoy. Those who do not abide by the ethics detailed below during Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL) practices and games will be asked to leave the field and may be subject to further consequences pending inquiry from the Newburyport Youth Lacrosse Board.

The MYL has a code of conduct for coaches, players and parents. These Codes of Conduct are in place to ensure appropriate behavior by everyone.

Sportsmanship

We place great emphasis and value on always keeping a positive attitude and respecting your teammates, opponents, coaches and referees, no matter what the score. Poor sportsmanship is not acceptable and will get you benched. Although winning is great, our goal is for you to develop the skills, discipline, and attitude that will help you succeed later in life.

Coaches’ Code of Conduct:

• I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will treat each player as an individual, and expect age appropriate skills from all my players.
• I will distribute playing time evenly among players on my team within the guidelines of MYL rules.
• I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players and players on the other team.
• I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players, opponents and referees on and off the field.
• I will respect the decisions of referees.
• I will remember that I am a youth sports coach and that the game is for children and not adults.
• After the practice or game, I will help clean up the field.

Players' Code of Conduct:

• I will play within the rules and adhere to the instructions of the referees and coaches.
• I will respect the decisions of referees and coaches.
• I will never intentionally try to hurt another player.
• I will exhibit good sportsmanship before, during, and after each practice and game, regardless of the outcome.
• I will not participate in taunting, criticizing or jeering of opposing players or officials.
• After the practice or game, I will help clean up the field.

Spectators' Code of Conduct:

• I will not criticize, taunt or otherwise disrespect officials, players or coaches from either team.
• I will offer only positive words of encouragement, preferably to both teams playing.
• I will not instruct players or coaches during games or practices.
• I will allow others around me to enjoy the game by not being overly boisterous or belligerent.
• I will stand on the opposite sideline from the team bench.
• After the game, I will help clean up the field.