STATEMENT OF POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS
The Bethel Park Boys Lacrosse Association has established the following policies for its members in order to encourage and assist players, parents, and coaching staff to behave in a way that will most effectively promote our team, our school and our sport. It is important to remember that participation in the Association and its teams is a privilege that is earned, as well as a privilege that may be lost.
Player Expectations:
It is imperative for the safety of all persons involved in the Bethel Park Boys Lacrosse Association that disruptive or dangerous behavior be absolutely prohibited. This includes: disruption of practices or games; the intentional attempt to injure a teammate, referee or member of another team; the destruction of school property or private property (including locker rooms, buses used for a away games, or other persons’ equipment); instigating a fight before, during or after a game; and any behavior that endangers the personal welfare of players, coaches, or spectators. This association subscribes to the standards established in the 1996 NCAA Lacrosse Men’s Rule Book regarding expulsion fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct. (A copy of these specific rules is attached.) Article XI of our Association By-Laws states that:
1. “Disciplinary actions shall be governed by the Bethel Park Student Code of Conduct, the rules and regulations of the WPSLA and any such guidelines as the board may invoke the proper process.”
2. “The Head Coach of an Association team shall have the right to suspend a player, up to a maximum of two (2) games or up to five (5) practices per violation, for violations of the Association’s, League’s, School District’s, or Team’s rules/regulations, or Code of Conduct. More severe actions up to and including permanent suspension, may be imposed by the Board after a formal hearing before the Board of the circumstances under review. The Board may also impose disciplinary actions, up to and including the permanent expulsion of the parent’s child, against the parent(s) of a player(s), if any action (by a parent) is deemed harmful to the well being of any player or if the actions are contrary to the best interests of the Association and the
3. “Grievances shall be directed, in writing, to the Board who shall in turn meet promptly to review and respond to the Member, in writing. Board decisions are final.”
For repeated violations of our rules, the coach can recommend to the Board that the player be suspended for a longer time. In the case of disruptive behavior, a player will be given a strong warning to stop. If possible, this warning will be in writing. If such behavior continues, the player will receive a one or two games suspension, accompanied by a letter from the coach detailing the offense committed, and specifying the appropriate behavior expected in the future. In addition, that player may be prohibited from participating in any practices for up to one week. The situation will also be discussed with the player’s parents and the Board will be notified. In the case of intentional injury to a teammate or the destruction of property, a two (2) game/two (2) week suspension will be immediate.
A second serious offense will result in suspension. It will also require that the Coach request a special meeting of the Board, where the Coach will recommend to the Board that the player be suspended for the remainder of the current season, with no refund of any fees.
If a player loses control of his behavior and commits several offenses during a single incident, the coach reserves the right to ask the Board to immediately suspend the player for the remainder of the season, regardless of whether or not this is a first offense.
Members of the Association who will form the Board hearing any of these actions will be: the president, vice-president, secretary, treasurer, and two (2) members either elected by the membership or who have volunteered to participate. Provisions shall be made for any of these persons whose child may be involved, to be removed for the decision-making process for that instance only. A substitute will be named to replace a member in this situation.
Parent/Guardian Behavior:
Unruly behavior by a parent or guardian can also result in the suspension or expulsion of a player at the discretion of the Board. Unruly behavior is defined as, but not limited to: foul or profane language; excessive verbal abuse to, or physical altercations with
Coaches Behavior:
Coaches are responsible for the orderly management of their players and themselves at any lacrosse function. Coaches must follow all
Player Dress Code:
All players must wear the uniform shirt and shorts provided by the Association during game situations. In addition, all players must have a helmet, socks and gloves. Clothing worn during practice is left to the discretion of the player.
Full equipment is required at all official lacrosse events. All players must wear the following protective equipment at all times during games and practices:
Helmet with full face mask Arm Pads
Gloves Mouth Guard
Shoulder Pads
Protective Cup Chest and throat protector for Goalies
All equipment must be made by an approved manufacturer and in good condition to ensure safety.
In addition to the above, eye protection is required for all organized indoor team practices. This protection may consist of protective goggles made by an approved manufacturer, or the player’s helmet. When regulation lacrosse balls are involved, a helmet must be worn.
Players who choose to violate the dress code may be prohibited from playing in that day’s game at the discretion of the coach. Repeated violations of the dress code will result in a game suspension.
Grades, School Absences, Eligibility, Etc.
The Association has decided to accept and follow the procedures established by the
Attendance:
Practice will be scheduled in advance and each player will be notified of the practice schedule. Players are expected to attend each practice and game on time unless excused by a coach. Injury is not an excuse to miss practice. Information is conveyed at every practice, and a player’s absence limits his awareness of team development. Attendance will be a strong factor in game playing-time decisions. Attendance at conditioning is not compulsory, but the benefits of participating in the conditioning program should be obvious. If a player must miss a game or practice, he must notify the coach as early as possible.
Bus Transportation:
Bus transportation to away games is provided as a service by the Association. All players are required to ride the bus to games. Players may return home with their parents, after notifying the coach. Behavior during the bus trip should reflect the players’ understanding of their role as representatives of the Bethel Park Boys Lacrosse Association and of the
Financial Responsibility:
Fees and dues are established by the Association. It is expected that all fees will be paid prior to the first game of the season. The Association will attempt to provide opportunity for players to decrease the amount of their dues by participating in specified team activities or fundraisers. Because the Association is entirely responsible for the funding of the team’s needs and activities, it is necessary to require that all team and Association members support and participate in fundraising activities.
How to Handle Problems or Concerns with Coaches:
The Association recognizes that there will be the opportunity for an objective third party to mediate when a player or parent strongly disagrees with a coach’s decision. In this situation, the president of the Association should be contacted to listen to both sides and to review the actions. If the president or his/her son is involved in some way, the vice-president of the Association should perform this function. The president will assume responsibility for arranging and monitoring such discussion. While we strongly wish to encourage communication between players, parents, and coaches, disagreements must not be permitted to occur outside this framework.
