Code of Conduct

Lacrosse should be fun for players, coaches and parents.

West Hartford Girls Lacrosse firmly believes that girls should be allowed to develop a love for the game of lacrosse while also learning the value of sportsmanship.

West Hartford Girls Lacrosse also firmly believes that young athletes learn valuable lessons by watching the behaviors and attitudes of the adults who supervise their activities.

To promote a positive experience, encourage player development, inspire a love of the game, and emphasize respect for others, West Hartford Girls Lacrosse would like to offer some guidelines for coaches, players and parents. Please read and discuss the following information provided with your child, as registering for West Hartford Girls Lacrosse implies that you and your child agree to abide by our Code of Conduct.

• The top priority of a coach is to teach the game of lacrosse, not focus on a team's win/loss record. Coaches should strive to improve the level of skill of each and every player and success should be measured in player and team development rather than game wins.

• Players are to be encouraged with positive reinforcement. At the end of the season, we want players asking for more lacrosse and eagerly anticipating next year's season.

• Referees are to be respected and supported by all coaches and parents. Any official reserves the right to remove a coach or parent volunteer who displays unsportsmanlike behavior.

• At the recreation level, coaches will do their best to ensure that every player gets equal playing time per game, provided that practice attendance requirements are met. Coaches will give players the opportunity to play different field positions and will rotate goalies. Learning different positions creates well-rounded players and improves lacrosse IQ.

• Obscene language or gestures will not be tolerated.

• Players will be delivered to the field on time and with all of their necessary equipment, especially a mouthguard.

• Players will be positively supported and encouraged.

• Coaches will be positively supported and encouraged.

• Referees will be positively supported and encouraged.

• Any concerns about league operations, coaching, or officiating should be directed to the Head Coach. If not satisfied, the next step is to contact the Division Coordinator (emails provided under "Contact Us"). In the event that the issue is still not resolved, the President should be contacted.

• Players should understand that lacrosse is a team game and should strive to be "team players."

• Players should arrive at the field on time with the appropriate equipment. 

• Attendance will be taken at practices, and a lack of attendance could result in reduced playing time.

• Coaches and referees will be treated with respect. A coach can/will remove players from a practice or game if any player(s) displays unsafe or unsportsmanlike behavior. This removal is at the coach/coaches' discretion.

• Sportsmanlike conduct will be required. Coaches will outline their expectations at the start of the season and enforce respect for teammates, opponents, coaches, referees, and spectators at all times.

• Obscene language or gestures will not be tolerated.