GOVERNINGPOLICIESANDPROCEDURESFORTHE

NEBRASKA HIGHSCHOOLLACROSSE ASSOCIATION

  1. Organization

ThisistheofficialhandbookoftheNebraskaHighSchoolLacrosseAssociation(NELAX).

  1. GoalsandGuidingPrinciplesofNELAX

2.1.Mission Statement

ThepurposeoftheNELAXistopromotethesportoflacrosseintheStatesofNebraska and Iowa atthehighschoollevelthroughsportsmanshipand seriouscompetition;toteachbothnewandexperiencedplayersrespect forthisNativeAmericangame;andtoprovideanoutletforphysical activity,socialinteraction, andbondingexperiencesforteammembersandtheirfamilies.

2.2.Goals

2.2.1.Developyouthtoberolemodelsandleadersinourcommunities.

  • TeachLifeLessons
  • TeachHonorandIntegrity
  • DevelopAthleticAchievement
  • DevelopCommunityInvolvement

2.2.2.DevelopCoachesasEducatorsoffutureleaders.

2.2.3.Developatransformingcultureinlocalyouthsportsthroughhonoringthegamebyplayers,coaches,officials,parents,spectatorsandthegeneralcommunity.

2.2.4.Developandadvancethesportoflacrosseasavehicleforpositivecommunitydevelopment.

  • Continuallyadvancetheoveralllevelofplay
  • Provide a competitive environment to maintain playerand programmotivation.
  • Provideapositive,funandphysicallyandemotionallysafeenvironmentforplayers.

2.3.NELAXGuidingPrinciples

2.3.1.InconcertwiththeNELAXCodeofConduct,theseprinciplesformamodelagainstwhichallactions,behavioranddecisionsshallbejudged.TheseprinciplesdescribetheexpectationsforallmembersoftheNELAXcommunity(Players,Coaches,TeamManagement,NELAXManagement,Officials,ParentsandSpectators.)

2.3.2.Weexisttodevelophigh school youthasrolemodelsandleadersinourcommunities.

2.3.3.We“HonortheGame”by:

  • Honoringtheletterandtheintentofall“Rules”,policiesandguidelines.Weneverteachorencourageourplayerstobendorbeattherulesortakeunfairadvantageofanopponent.
  • Honoringour“Opponents”onthefieldandworkingcooperativelywithotherorganizationsinourcommunities.
  • Honoring“Officials”onthefieldandleaders/managersinourorganizationsandcommunitieswhoareappointedwithauthorityforouractivities.
  • Honoring our“Teammates” andassociates by supporting team andorganizationalgoalsinapositive,proactiveandcooperativemanner.
  • Honoring “Self” by maintaininghigh standards of personalintegrity,conductandinterpersonalinteraction.
  • Wefollowamodelthatfocusesondevelopingindividualandteamexcellence,whichultimatelyleadstowinningteams,butsubordinatethisgoaltoteachinglifelessonsandhonoringthegametodevelopourhigh school youthfortheirfutureroleinourcommunities.
  • Weprovideopportunitiesforhigh school youthtoparticipateinLacrosse.
  • WefollowthePCA(PositiveCoachingAlliance)“PositiveCoachMentalModel”asanexpectationforallcoaches.
  • WeactivelyexpectandengageparentsandspectatorsinourGuidingPrinciplesandbehavioralexpectations.
  • Weactivelyengageourofficials inourGuidingPrinciplesandthedevelopmentofouryouth.
  • Weholdadultleaders,coachesandofficialstoaveryhighstandardofHonor,PersonalIntegrity/EthicsandBehavioronandoffthefieldandinourcommunities.Theyareexpectedtobeoutstandingrolemodels.
  • We value scholastic achievement, sportsmanship and individual life skill development for our youth above winning lacrosse games.
  • The physical and emotional safety of our players and members is important above all other considerations. Dangerous or demeaning behavior is unacceptable.
  • We win with class and character and we lose with honor and dignity. Through this higher standard we become winners regardless of the score of a particular contest.
  1. LeagueGovernance

3.1.NELAX

3.1.1.Name: NELAXshallbegovernedbyTeam Representatives and an elected Board of Directors (B.O.D.).

3.1.2.Qualification: Members that make up the B.O.D. shall be at least 23 years of age and shall agree to demonstrate behavior as good role models in accordance with the adopted Goals and Guiding Principles of NELAX, and further agree to be active participates in the role as representative of their constituency of NELAX.

3.1.3.Appointment Vacancies and Removal:

Board of Directors

The affairs of the NELAX shall be managed by the Board of Directors who shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Corporation.

  • Appointed representatives will be elected, by a majority vote, Officers who will carry out the operation of NELAX and will be responsible for the administrative oversight of the Corporation. These Officers serve as voting members of the Board of Directors, with each Officer possessing one (1) vote each. An Officer of the Board of Directors may not simultaneously serve as the appointed team representative, and can only serve in one officer position at one time.

3.1.4.OfficersoftheNELAXshallbeasfollows:

3.1.4.1.ThelistedorderoftheOfficersofthe Board of Directors reflectsthe successionofpowerintheeventofresignationorremovalfromoffice.OtherOfficersshallbeplacedinorderthattheirofficewascreated.

3.1.4.2.OfficesofPresident,Vice-President,Treasurer,andSecretaryshallbeelectedatameetingpriortothecommencementof thenextfiscalyearbyamajorityvoteofaquorumofthe NELAX.

Officersshalltakeofficeatthetimeofthemeeting followingtheelectionsandshallserveforaperiodoftwo(2)years. Forthe2012fiscalyeartheofficesofPresident,Vice-President, TreasurerandSecretarywillbeelected. Beginninginthe2013fiscal year,theofficesofPresidentandTreasurerwillbeelectedinodd yearswhiletheofficesofVice-PresidentandSecretarywillbeelected inevenyears. Candidatesareallowedtoofferaspeechpriortotheelection.

3.1.4.3.TheBoard of Directorsmaynotbeamemberthatisundertheageof23,normayanyindividualserveinmorethanonepositionoftheBoard of Directorsatthesame time. AtalltimestheofficersoftheBoard of Directorsmust bemembersofUSLacrosse.

3.1.4.4.AnOfficermaybesuspendedorremovedwithorwithoutcause byvoteofa75%voteoftheNELAX. Thiscanoccur atanyspecialmeetingcalledforsuchpurposeoratanyregular meeting. TheOfficerinquestionwillhavetherighttoreasonable noticeandtheopportunitytobeheard.

3.1.4.5.AnOfficermayresignbydeliveringhisorherwritten resignationtothePresident,VicePresident,TreasurerorSecretaryof theBoard of Directors,toameetingoftheNELAX,ortoNELAXat itsprincipaloffice. Sucharesignationshallbeeffectiveuponreceipt(unlessspecifiedtobeeffectiveatsomeothertime),and acceptancethereofshallnotbenecessarytomakeiteffectiveunless itsostates.

3.1.4.6.TheproceduretofillvacanciesoftheNELAXOfficerswill beasfollows:duringthefollowingmeetingheldbytheNELAXafteranOfficerhasbeenremovedorresigned,anemergencyelectionwilltakeplacetofillthevacancyoftheOfficerbyamajorityvoteofaquorumoftheNELAX.

3.1.4.7.If you are elected to a position in an off year, the candidate will have to seek reelection at the end of the year. The reelection will then start the first of the two two year terms.

3.1.5.DutiesofOfficers

3.1.5.1.President: TheexecutivepoweroftheNELAXisvestedinthePresident. He orsheisresponsibleforconductingallofficialbusinessofNELAX.ThePresidentshallpresideoverallmeetings,hasthepowerto establishcommittees,standingorspecialthatwillfurtherthepurpose oftheNELAXandnominatetheirrespectedofficersandcommittee members ThePresidentischargedwithpreparingawrittenagendafor allmeetingsandhasthepowertoopenandclosealldiscussionsand proceedingswithinthemeetings. ThePresidentoftheNELAXmayonly servetwo(2)consecutivetermsasPresident. ThePresidentshalltake carethattheBylawsofthistheNebraskaHighSchoolLacrosse Associationbefaithfullyexecuted.

3.1.5.2.Vice President: TheVicePresidentisvestedwiththeresponsibilityof conductingbusinessoftheNELAXintheabsenceofthePresident.If thePresidentisunabletocontinuehisorherworkasPresidentoftheNELAX,thentheVicePresidentwillserveastheinterimPresident untilaspecialelectiontakesplaceasoutlinedin(3.1.4.7). TheVice-Presidentisresponsiblefororchestratingand managingtheStateLacrosseTournament.TheVicePresidentoftheNELAX mayserveonlytwo(2)consecutivetermsasVicePresident.

3.1.5.3.Treasurer: TheTreasurershallbetheChiefFinancialOfficerandtheChiefAccountingOfficerofNELAX.Thetreasurershallbeinchargeof itsfinancialaffairs,funds,securitiesandvaluablepapers,andshallkeepfullandaccuraterecordsthereof. TheTreasurershallbethe chairpersonoftheFinanceCommittee. TheTreasurershallhavesuchotherdutiesandpowersasdesignatedbythe NELAX. TheTreasurermayserveonlytwo(2)consecutivetermsasTreasurer.

3.1.5.4.Secretary: TheSecretaryshallrecordandmaintainrecordsofall proceedingsoftheNELAXinabookorseries ofbookskeptforthatpurpose,whichbookorbooksshallbekeptintheprincipalofficeofNELAXorattheofficeofitsSecretaryor itsresidentagentandshallbeopenatallreasonabletimestothe inspectionofany member. Suchbookorbooksshallcontainrecordsofallmeetingsofincorporatorsandtheoriginal,orattestedcopies,oftheArticlesofIncorporationandBylawsandnamesofall membersand theBoard of Directorsandtheaddressofeach. IftheSecretaryis absentfromanymeeting,atemporarySecretarychosenatthemeetingbythePresidentshallexercisethedutiesoftheSecretaryatthe meeting. TheSecretarymayserveonlytwo(2)consecutivetermsasSecretary.

3.1.6.Appointment,VacanciesandRemoval:

3.1.6.1.Team Representative:Membersthatmakeupthe Team Representativeshallbeatleast20yearsofageandshallagreetodemonstratebehaviorasgoodrolemodelsinaccordancewiththeadoptedGoalsandGuidingPrinciplesofNELAX,andfurtheragreetobeactiveparticipantsintheroleasrepresentativesoftheirconstituencyofNELAX.

3.1.6.2.ItshallbethedecisionofeachTeam todeterminethetermoftheirrespectivedesignatedTeam Parent BoardMember’sserviceontheNELAX League Council

3.1.6.3.EachProgram shallalsodetermineanyothercriteriathatshallbeusedforfillingvacancies,andgroundsforremoval.

3.1.6.4.Oncedesignated,eachNELAX membershallprovidehis/hercontactinformationtoNELAX,andupdatewhennecessary.

3.1.6.5.Each Team shall have one representative that may serve on the NELAX.

3.2.Meetings:

3.2.1.Anannualleaguemeetingwillbeheldtoelectofficersset dues,andtodiscussotherissuesconcerningtheupcomingseason. Additionalmeetingswillbeheldwhendeemednecessaryandproperby theBoard of Directors ofNELAX.

3.2.1.1.There are certain dates that facilitate meetings, such as game scheduling deadlines, coaching clinics, etc. These events and dates can be found in the appendix/attachment at the end of this document. Note: This document needs to be created.

3.2.2.NocallornoticeshallberequiredforregularmeetingsoftheBoard of Directors,providedthatreasonablenotice:(i)ofthe firstregularmeetingfollowingthedeterminationbytheBoard of Directorsofthetimesandplacesforregularmeetingsshallbegiven toabsentmembers;(ii)specifyingthepurposedofaregularmeeting shallbegiventoeachmemberoftheBoardofDirectorifeither contactsortransactionsofNELAXwithinterestedpersonsor amendmentstotheseby-lawsaretobeconsideredatthemeeting;and (iii)shallbegivenasotherwiserequiredbylaw,thearticlesororganizationoftheseby-laws.

3.2.3.Reasonablenoticeofthetimeandplaceofspecialmeetings ofthe Board of DirectorsshallbegiventoeachDirector. Suchnotice neednotspecifythepurposesofameeting,unlessotherwiserequired bylaw,theArticlesofIncorporationortheseby-lawsorunlessthere istobeconsideredatthemeeting:(i)contactsortransactionsofthe NELAXwithinterestedpersons;(ii)amendmentstotheseby-laws;(iii)anincreaseordecreaseinthenumberofBoard of Directors;or(iv) removalorsuspensionofamemberoftheBoardDirectors.

3.2.4.Exceptasotherwiseexpresslyprovided,itshallbe reasonableandsufficientnoticetoamemberoftheBoard of Directorstosendnoticebymail,e-mail, text or other social media,atleastthree(3)daysinadvance,ortogivenoticetothememberoftheBoard of Directorsinpersonorby telephoneatleasttwo(2)daysbeforethemeeting.

3.2.5.Aquorumwillconsistofamajorityof Board of Directors present.

3.2.6.AquorumoftheNELAXshallbepresentin orderforanyofficialbusinesstobeconductedbytheNELAX.Official businessshallincludeelectionofofficers,settingofdues,andany othermajordecisionaffectingtheorganization.

3.3.NELAX LeagueCouncil:

3.3.1.TheNELAX shallholditsAnnualMeetingatalocationtobedeterminedbytheBoard of Directors,withatleast30dayspriorwrittennoticeofthemeeting.

3.3.2.ItshallbetheobligationoftheBoard of Directors and Team Representativetonotifyallmembersofanymeetingsbyprovidingtheappropriateadvancedwrittennoticeassetforthabove.NoticesofmeetingsshallbedeemedeffectiveifsenttotheemailaddresslastprovidedtotheNELAXbyeachProgram.

3.3.3.TheBoard of Directors and the NELAXshallmeetnofewerthansix(6)timesinacalendaryear.

3.3.4.Thefrequency,time,durationandlocationofthemeetingsshallbedeterminedbytheBoard of Directors

3.3.5.ThePresident ofNELAXshallconductallmeetings.IntheabsenceofthePresident,theVice Presidentshallconductthemeetings.

3.3.6.MeetingagendasshallbeinitiatedbythePresidentandcirculatedforcommenttoallNELAX memberspriortothescheduledmeeting.

3.3.7.Notwithstanding,intheeventofanemergencythePresidentmaycallameetingwith48hours’noticetoallBoard of Directors and Team Representative members.NoticeshallbedeemedeffectiveifsenttotheemailaddresslastprovidedtotheBoard of Directorsbyeachmember.

3.3.8.Exceptfor emergency meetings called by the Board of Directors,allNELAXmeetingsshallbeopentothepublic.

3.3.9.Boards of Directors areencouragedtoreachouttotheTeam Representatives andtheyrepresentforinputand,ifappropriate,conductmeetingspriortoany meetings.

3.3.10.The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of the proceedings anddecisionsofNELAX

3.3.11.TheSecretary shallberesponsibleforpostingasummaryofapprovedminutesofanyBoard of Directors meetings on the League Website.

3.4.DecisionsandResponsibilitiesofNELAX LeagueCouncil:

3.4.1.TheNELAX League Councilshall,bymajorityvote,havetheexclusiveauthorityandresponsibilityto:

3.4.2.DetermineLeaguealignment, regions,andconferences

3.4.3.Admission of newteamstotheLeague;

3.4.4.EstablishProgramandplayerfeestoparticipateintheNELAX;

3.4.5.Determineleagueandplayoffstructure;

3.4.6.Approvalofbudgets;

3.4.7.VoteonandapprovegeneralLeaguePoliciesoramendmentsthereto.

3.5.DecisionsandResponsibilitiesofBoard of Directors:

3.5.1.The Board of Directorsshallhavetheexclusiveauthorityandresponsibilityto managetheday-to-dayaffairsoftheLeagueortoappointanadministratortodoso;

3.5.2.Appointcommitteestoaccomplishspecifictasksasitdeterminesprudent(e.g.awards,rulesandofficiating);

3.5.3.Consideranddecidepetitionsbroughttoitregardingplayertransferrequests,team-specificrequests,orotherpetitionsthatdonotaffecttheLeaguegenerally;

3.5.4.Imposesanctionsfortheviolationoftherulesandstandardssetforthherein;and takeanyandallotheractionsnecessarytomanageandoverseetheaffairsoftheNELAXconstituency.

3.6. Decision Making Principles

3.6.

3.6.1.AlldecisionsmadeoftheTeam RepresentativesandBoard of DirectorsshallbemadeinaccordancewiththeGoalsandGuidingPrinciplesoftheNELAX

3.6.2.GeneralbusinessdecisionsbytheBoard of Directorsshallrequire 100%oftheBoard of Directorstobeinattendance,foravotetobetaken.Votes and decisionsonimposedsanctionsshallrequireathree-quarters majority.

3.6.3.EveryBoard of Directormembershallbeavotingmember.Votesshouldbecastinpersonwheneverpossible,however,withpriornoticetotheChair,a member of the Board maycasthisorhervoteelectronically,however,he/shemustbehavebeenabletolistentotheBoard of Directorsdiscussion(eitherviaphoneconferenceorvideoconferencedevice)regardingthematterbeingvotedupontobeabletocastavote.In theeventofatie,themattermustbesubmittedtothe NELAX LeagueCouncilfordetermination.ArecordofvotesshallbekeptbytheSecretaryandshallindicateeachpersoncastingavoteandhisorhervote.

4LeagueParticipation

4.1 Program and Team Requirement

4.1.1. ActiveHighSchoolProgramDefined:

4.1.1.1 AnActiveHighSchoolProgramshallbeahighschoolprogramthatparticipatedinthemostrecentNELAXspringseason,orhassubmittedtotheBoard of DirectorsaLetterofIntenttoPlayintheupcomingseason,onorbeforeOctober1ofthesummerimmediatelyprecedingtheyeartheprogramintendstoparticipateintheNELAXseasoncompetition.

4.2 ProgramGovernance

4.2.1Eachprogramwillshould operateunderdirectionfromahostschool and have a parent board, with their own set of bylaws.

AParent Boardwhooverseeseligibility,coaches/playerconductandgeneralmanagement. If there is a parent board, best practices are they should have bylaws.

4.2.2TeamsnewlyadmittedtoNELAXand notworkingunder direction ofahostschoolshouldestablisha Parent Board prior to the October 1st intent to play deadline.

4.2.3Atminimum,the Parent BoardwillincludeaPresident,VicePresident, Secretaryand Treasurer.The board mayalsoinclude otherofficers orrepresentatives.

4.2.4ThevarsityheadcoachmayNOTbeavotingmemberofthe parent board.

4.3 ParticipatingTeams

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.

3.7.2

3.7.2

3.7.2

3.7.2

3.7.1.

3.7.2.

3.7.3.

4.3.1 EachprogrammayhaveonlyoneVarsityteamtocompeteinNELAX.AllsubsequentteamsestablishedfromthesameprogramwillbeestablishedaseitherJuniorVarsityorFreshman/Sophomoreteams.

4.3.2 JuniorVarsitywillbecomprisedofplayersfrom9th–12thgrade.or 8th grade, if a NELAX bylaw wavier is signed and all contingencies are met. Permission to bring an 8th grader up must be received from the NELAX board, by one month, prior to the start of the season. If the 8th grader plays up, they cannot play on a U15 team, the same season. Note: Enforcement might be an issue

4.3.3 Freshman/Sophomore teams will be comprised of 9th - 11th grade players. After fielding (1) a varsity, (2) a junior varsity and (3) a freshman/sophomore team, programs may choose to field either another junior varsity or freshman/sophomore level team if the league has a freshman/sophomore program.

4.3.4 To field a varsity team, a program must have a minimum of 18 registered players. To field a junior varsity team requires a minimum of 18 registered players (total number in the varsity swing category and junior varsity). To field a freshman/sophomore team or a second junior varsity team requires a minimum of 18 registered (jv only registered)

i.e. –Varsity (18 min, 50% can swing to 1st JV), 25 max

1st JV (18 min, can be the 50% swing, plus JV only), 25 max

2nd JV or Fresh/Soph (18 min, JV only) 25 max

4.3.5 Varsity players cannot play down on a JV or Freshman/Sophomore team. JV, Freshman or Sophomore players may swing up to Varsity.

Maximum number of players for a Varsity roster will be 25. 50% of those Varsity players must be named as Varsity players. The remaining players may swing up from a 1stJV.

4.4 LeagueMandatedItems

4.4.1 All players, coaches and parents shall have signedthe appropriatecodesofconduct and medical releasespriorto playerparticipation in anyNELAX contest.Thesedocumentsshallbeavailableateach game. All registration must be completed by the first practice. Any team found to be using players without the waivers, in a NELAX event, will incur a penalty.

4.4.2 AllplayersshallberegisteredwiththeNELAXpriortoleagueparticipation.

4.4.3 EveryteamwillpayleagueregistrationfeestobedeterminedbytheNELAX by January 1st. Specificdateswillbedeterminedandcommunicatedeachyear. Intheunfortunateeventthatateamdecidestofoldduringtheseason,anyLeaguefeespaidwillbekeptbytheLeague.

4.4.4 All players must have had concussion/impact baseline testing, prior to their first practice. Testing from other sports, will be accepted as long as the dates of testing meet the requirements

4.5 AdmissionofNewTeams

4.5.1 Newteamswillcompletethe applicationfor provisionalmembershippriorto1October, prior to the next seasonaswellas:

  • AgreetoabidebytheNELAXBylaws and Operating Proceduresprovisions.
  • Provideahomefieldforhostinggames.
  • ProvideacoachmeetingqualificationsestablishedbytheNELAX.
  • SufficientorganizationalsupporttoconvincetheBoard thatthenewteamwillbeviablefortheensuingseason.
  • DesiretoenterasaVarsity or Junior Varsityteam.
  • Have a team representative who can serve on the NELAX Board
  • Be voted into the league by a majority vote of the NELAX Board

4.5.2 PlayerAssignment

Whenanewteamforms,allplayersattendingschoolsdeemedwithinthatnewteam’sdesignatedboundaries mustplayforthe newteamwiththeexceptionofseniorswhomay playtheirfinal seasonfortheiroriginalteam (unless otherwise deemed by participating school district and NELAX Board).

4.6 TransportationtoGames

4.6.1 Teamsareresponsiblefortheirowntransportationtogamesandarecautionedtofollowallapplicablelawsandordinancestoensurethesafetyoftheirstaffandplayers.

Teamsareencouragedtoensurethatalldriversareadultsandthatanyplayerridingwithapersonotherthanhisparent/guardianhasspecificpermissiontodoso.

4.7Finances

4.7.1The fiscal year of NELAX is July 1st through June 30th

4.7.2Teamsareencouragedtoensuredetailedoversightofallmonetarytransactionsandaccountingforanymonetarydisbursement.Followingallapplicablelocal,stateandfederallaws,includingIRSregulations,iscritical.Goingaboveandbeyondtheregulationstoensuretotallytransparentfinancialdealingswillhelpprotectallmembersofanorganization.

4.7.3If a team within NELAX dissolves, all team NELAX funds will be placed into the general fund of NELAX and used at the discretion of the Board of Directors

5. RequirementsofHeadCoach/CoachingStaff

5.1. TheHeadCoachofeachprogramintheLeaguewillbeheldresponsibleforknowingtherulesandensuringthatallthosecoachingandactingundertheHeadCoachcomplywiththerulesofNELAX.TheVarsityHeadCoach,alongwithprogram parent leadership/Board of Directorsisresponsibleforallteamswithintheirparticularprogram(Varsity,JuniorVarsity,Freshman/Sophomore).

5.2 Rules/PoliciestrainingshallbeprovidedforallcoachesasdirectedbytheBoard HeadcoachesandTeamOrganizationheads/ParentRepsshallattendseveralmandatorymeetingseachyearasdeterminedbytheBoard

MinimumQualifications (fees incurred for certification will be the responsibility of the Team Parent Board and/or the Coach)

HEAD COACH (only)

  • TheHeadCoachofaprogram shallbeatleast20 yearsold.
  • AllHeadCoachesshouldbeFirstAidcertifiedandCPRqualifiedandprovideevidenceofsuchcertificationandqualificationtoNELAX (Note: all games will have a certified trainer, so this is a suggestion, not a mandatory requirement).Each head coach mustcompleteUSLacrosseLevelIandLevelIIOn-lineandClinictraining before their first scheduled Varsity game. All assistant coaching staff must complete a minimum of US Lacrosse Level I and encouraged to complete Level II or higher prior to their first practice.
  • All Head CoachesshallcompletePositiveCoachingAlliance(PCA)trainingpriortothefirstgameoftheirfirstseasonasacoach.

ALL COACHES

  • AllCoachesshallbemembersofUSLacrosse and be registered with US Lacrosse as a coach. This facilitates the automatic US Lacrosse background check.
  • Allmembersofthecoachingstaffmusthave undergone aNELAXapprovedbackgroundcheck (this could be the US Lacrosse background check) priortoanycontactwithparticipantsandshallhavetheirbadgeintheirpossessiontobeabletobepresentintheCoachesBoxatanygame.Failuretohavecoacheswithbadgesinthecoaches’boxmayresultingameforfeiturepriortostarting
  • As part of the US Lacrosse registration, allCoachesshallreadandagreetoabidebytheCodeofConductforCoaches.
  • It isrecommendedthatallmembersofthecoachingstaffbeFirstAidcertified,CPRqualified, and Concussion trained. Itisrecommendedthat therebea certifiedindividualat allpractices,scrimmagesandgamesimmediatelyavailabletorespondtoanemergency.

6. PlayerRequirements

6.1AgeRestrictions

6.1.1. NoplayershallparticipateinprogramactivitieswhohasreachednineteenyearsofagepriortothefirstdayofSeptemberoftheschoolyearinwhich suchparticipationisintended.

6.1.2 Playersmustbeinatleast9thgradetoparticipateintheNELAX, unless the Board of NELAX has granted an 8th grade waiver.

6.1.3AplayermustbeamemberofUSLacrossepriortoparticipatinginanyleagueorteampracticeorgame.Ateammayperformintroductorysessionswithprospectiveplayersthatdonotincludeanyphysicalcontact.

6.1.4AllplayersmustcompleteandturnintotheircoachallNELAXrequiredformspriortoparticipationinpracticesorgames.

6.2 AcademicEligibility

6.2.1 Aplayermusthaveobtainedaminimumgradepointaverage(GPA)of 2.0oritsequivalentintheprecedinggradingperiod. Astudentwhohasfailedtomeettheminimumrequirementssetforthshallbeineligibleforparticipationthroughoutthenextgrading period.

6.2.2Eligibilityunderthisruleisdeterminedwhengradesareposted.TeamsshallrequireplayerstosubmittheirgradestotheHeadCoachorTeamOrganizationrepresentativetodetermineeligibility.

6.2.3Teamsmayinstitutehigheracademiceligibilitystandardsattheirdiscretionfortheirteam.

6.2.4 Decisions by parents/legal guardians to raise academic eligibilitystandardsfortheirplayershallbeacceptedwithfullsupport.

6.3 Program/TeamParticipation

6.3.1 BasicPolicy

6.3.1.1 Individualsmustplayfortheteamaffiliatedwiththeschooltheyattend.(Attendancemeanstheschooltheyareregisteredwithandattendthemajorityoftheirclasses.)Changeofattendancerequiresthemtochangeteams.

6.3.1.2 OnceinitialHighSchoolattendanceandeligibilityisestablished,movementtoanyotherteamrequiresBoardapprovalbeforetheyplayorpracticewiththatteam.

6.3.2 PolicyDetails

6.3.2.1 Aplayerattendingapublicschoolwithoutalacrosseprogramiseligibletoplayforthelacrosseprogramfortheschoolthatisnearesttotheschoolthatheattends.Aplayerattendinganon-boundaryschoolwithoutalacrosseprogramiseligibletoplayforthelacrosseprogrambasedonthepublichighschoolboundariesofhishomeaddress.Forpurposesofthisrule,distanceshallbedeterminedbydrivingdistanceasshownbyGooglemaps.Forreference,aboundarydocumenthasbeencreatedandwillbemaintainedtoaddresscommonly-askedquestionsregardingaffiliationsbetweenpublicschoolswithoutlacrosseprogramsandthosewithprograms.

6.3.2.2 Home-basedinstructionstudentsshallparticipatewiththeteamaffiliatedwiththeresidentpublicschoolthatthestudentwouldnormallyattend.

6.3.2.3 Ifanewteamforms,playersattendingtheschoolaffiliatedwiththatnewteamshallplayforthatteam.Seniorsmaybeexcludedfromthisrequirementbasedontheirdesiretoremainwiththeirpreviousteamfortheirfinalyear.

7. LeagueRulesandRegulations

7.1 StructuralPhilosophy/LeagueAlignment

  • Teams must be aligned with a high school. Grandfathered teams, have two years (until start of the 2018 season), to achieve this requirement.
  • Teams will be assigned a league division, based on the recommendation of the NELAX Board

7.2GameRegulations

All games will abide by the current US Lacrosse High School rulebook

7.3RegularSeasonContestLimit

AgameisdefinedinGameRegulationswithatleastonepaidofficialpresent.

AllgamesandtournamentsplayedduringtheseasonshallbelistedontheteamscheduleontheNELAXwebsite.

StatisticsforallNELAXfulllengthregulationgamesshallcounttowardsendofseasonawardsandshallberecordedontheTeamStatisticspagesontheNELAXWebsite.

Scheduling

  • AllconferencegamesarescheduledbytheScheduling CommitteebyJanuary15fortheupcomingyear.
  • Eachteamshallscheduleatleast12NELAXLeaguegamestobeeligibleforpostseasonplayandend-of-seasonawards.
  • Games scheduledindividuallybycoaches(i.e.notthe League)areconsideredNon-Conferencegames.ThesegamesarescheduledatthediscretionofthecoachesinvolvedandNELAXguidance.
  • Anychangetoascheduledgamemustbeagreeduponbetweencoachesofbothteams, referees, and trainers.
  • ChangestoascheduledgamearehandledinaccordancewithproceduresoftheHALO AssignorandtheleaguegamecancellationpolicyfoundontheNELAXwebsite.

The Board of Directorsshalladjudicateanyissuesrelatedtoanyteam’srefusal to play and shall ensure that consideration is given to the willingnessofteamstocooperateinreactingtosituationswhereateamcouldnotreasonablybeexpectedto playaparticulargameduetocircumstancesbeyondtheirimmediatecontroland/orabilitytopredict..

Headcoaches (or parent representative)areresponsibleforinputtingscheduledgamesintotheNELAXwebsite.Allgameschedules androsters (toincludename,gradeandjerseynumber)shallbeinputbythefirstgameoftheseason.

Varsityimpactplayers arenoteligibletoplayinJVorsophomoregames.

7.4Statistics

Ateverygamethereshallbequalifiedpersonnelfromeachteamatthescorer’stable,supervisingtableactivities.

InaccordancewithNFHS/USLacrosserules,thehometeamscorermaintainstheofficialrecordofthegame,butbothteamsshallkeepscoring,assist,penaltyandgoaliesavestatisticsforbothteams.TabledutiesandguidelinesarecontainedintheNebraska HighSchoolLacrosseLeagueScoringHandbookandshallbefollowedforallNELAXsponsoredgames.

Statisticswillbekeptbyeachteam foreachfull-lengthregulationgameanduploaded to the league website. Itisencouragedthatallstatisticsbeenteredwithin48hoursaftertheendofeachcontest.

7.5ReciprocalPolicy

DisciplinaryactionstakenbyanotherentitywithinNELAX,USLacrosseorlocalschoolsagainstplayers,coaches,parentsorfansshallbeupheld.

7.6Inclement Weather Policy

Lightning or Thunder Disturbance Policy

NELAX follows the NFHS Guidelines on Handling Practices and Contests during Lightning or Thunder Disturbances found in the NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rulebook. The criteria for suspension and resumption of play are:

a. When thunder is heard or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the leading edge of the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play for thirty minutes and take shelter immediately.

b. Thirty-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.

c. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.

NELAX policy requires coaches to ensure that all team personnel are invehicles, permanent structures, or other safe area during lightning delays.

The officials may suspend the game, the site manager may suspend the game, and neither party can overrule the other.

Generally, the officials will wait up to one hour unless arrangements can be made with them. Normally, if the game cannot be resumed safely within one hour (i.e., after 31 minutes of wait time, if there is still lightning or thunder), the officials are released. A second delay after the game has been resumed also releases the officials.

Suspended/ Interrupted Game Policy

Once play begins the officials shall have the authority to interrupt or suspend the game due to dangerous weather or field conditions. The official’s decision is final. A game is considered legal and complete if 80% of playing time has elapsed. An interrupted game continued on the same day shall be restarted from its point of interruption.

If a suspended game (one in which less than 80% of playing time has elapse) is replayed another day, it must be played from the point of interruption. A suspended game may be terminated and considered complete by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches. The score at the point of termination will be the official score of the game.

If 80% of the playing time has elapsed and the game is tied, the game shall be considered suspended. A suspended game may be terminated and considered complete by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches. The score at the point of termination will be the official score of the game.

All stats from a suspended game (goals, penalties, etc.) should carry over from one part of a game to another even if it is played on a separate day.

Note:

  1. If Player A is disqualified from Game 2 because of an ejection received in Game 1, and Game 2 is suspended because of weather, etc., Player A may not participate in the completion of Game 2 no matter how much later in the season the game is played to completion. He may play in Game 3 if it is played before the completion of Game 2.
  1. If Player A is disqualified during the play of Game 2 because of an ejection in Game 2, and Game 2 is suspended because of weather, etc., Player A may not play in Game 3 and he may not play the completion of Game 2 no matter how much later in the season that game takes place.
  1. If Player A is disqualified during the play of Game 3 because of an ejection received in Game, and his previous game, Game 2, was suspended because of weather, etc., Player A may play in the completion of Game 2 even if it occurs immediately after Game 3. He may not participate in Game 4.
  1. If Player A is disqualified from Game 2 because of an ejection in Game 1, and Game 2 is suspended because of weather, etc., but not played to completion by mutual agreement of the coaches, Player A does not have to sit out any additional time in Game 3. Game 2 is considered and official game and his suspension has been served.

7.7Hazing

Hazingofanytypewillnotbetolerated.Hazingbyanymemberormembersofateamwillbereviewedbythecoachescouncilandmayresultinforfeitureofallgamesthatseason.

Anyincidentofhazingthatisknownbythecoach,assistantcoach,parentrep,etc.andisnotreportedtotheNELAXmayresultinthatpersonbeingexcludedfromanyNELAXactivityforaperiodofoneyear inadditiontoothersanctionsoftheprogram.

7.8Drug,AlcoholandTobaccoPolicy

EverypracticaleffortshallbemadeatalllevelsofNELAXtoeradicatethepromotion,useorabuseofalcohol,drugsandtobaccotoincludeperformance-enhancingsubstances.

Limitation for participation of players regarding the use of alcohol, tobaccoproductsandotherdrugsduringasportsseason:

  • Firstoffense:Suspensionfromtwoconsecutivegames.
  • Practicemaybecontinuedfollowingapersonalassessmentofthestudentbyalicensedsubstanceabuseinterventionortreatmentprogramand/orparticipationinaninterventionprogram.
  • Secondoffense: Asix-weeksuspensionfromparticipationandmandatorycompletion ofaninterventionprogrampriortoreinstatement.
  • Thirdoffense:Aneighteen-weeksuspensionfromparticipationandmandatorycompletionofaninterventionprogram priortoreinstatement.
  • Afourthoffenseshallendfutureparticipation.

Teamsmayinstitutemorestringentrequirements.

ProgramstaffandcoachesshallfullysupporttheelementsofthispolicyintheirbehaviorwheninteractingwithplayersinallsituationsandshallreportanyknownviolationstotheNELAXimmediately.

7.9Procedureforpetitiontoplayforanotherprogram

ApetitiontomoveprogramsmustbeinwritingandsubmittedbytheplayerorparentintheformofaPetitiontotheExecutiveCouncil.

ThePetitionshall:

  • Bewritten.
  • Setforthallthecircumstancessurroundingtheappeal.
  • BesubmittedtotheBoard of Directors who willreviewthePetitionandeither:
  • GrantthePetition.
  • DenythePetition,or
  • Requestmoreinformationfromtheplayerbeforemakingadecision.
  • ThedecisionoftheBoard of Directorsshallbeinwritingandshallbedeliveredtotheplayerinareasonableperiodoftime.AnyBoard of Director memberwhoisinvolvedwiththecircumstancessurroundingaspecificeligibilityissuewillnotparticipateinanyvoteoftheBoard of Directorsconcerningthatissue.

IfaplayerisattemptingtotransfertoagivenprogramtoplaylacrosseandthepetitionisdeniedbytheBoard of Directors,theplayershallnotbeallowedtoplayforthatprogramatanylevel.

7.10IncidentReporting

Allincidentsassociated withtheLeaguethatmayaffecttheeffectivemanagementof theLeague,causeharmtothereputationoftheLeague or presentthepossibilityoflegalliabilitytotheLeagueshallbereported using the league online incident reporting form.

Injuries,toincludeallsuspectedconcussionsandanyinjuryrequiringprofessionalinteraction/evaluationandanyinjurythatmayresultinprofessionalinteraction/evaluationinthefutureshallbereported.

Fights,conflictswithofficials,spectatorincidents,and conflictswithfieldownersorcommunityinfrastructure,forfeits,significantarguments,oranyincidentreflectingpoorlyonourgoalsandprinciplesshallbereported.

7.11RuleViolationsandPenalties

ThestrengthoftheNELAXlies in the willingnessand abilityofthemembershiptosupportthegoals,guidelines,rulesandregulationsadoptedand,ifnecessary,tosupportthepenaltiesplaceduponmembers,ifitisdeterminedthatthose same guidelines,rulesandregulationshavebeenviolated.

ViolationofNELAXBy-Laws,policies,rulesandregulationscanresultin,butisnotlimitedto,sanctionsplaceduponindividualplayers,coaches,programleadership,spectators,officialsand/orprogramsasawhole.

Sanctionscanincludebutarenotlimitedtogamesuspension,seasonsuspension,forfeitureofgames,forfeitureofpost-seasonplay(playoffs),fines,probationandexpulsionfromtheLeague.EachsituationisuniqueandwillbehandledatthediscretionoftheBoard of Directors.Multiple,repeatedinfractions,thosedeemedtointentionallydefyleaguepolicy,thosethatrepresentlapsesinintegrity/ethics,thosethatplaceindividualsatphysicaloremotionalrisk,andthosethatpotentiallydosignificantharmtotheHonoroftheGamewillresultinstiffersanctions.

7.12Useofanineligibleplayer

Theuseofanineligibleplayershallresultinforfeitureofallgamesinwhichthatplayertookpart.

Anineligibleplayer“takespart”inagamewhenaplayerstepsontotheplayingfieldinuniformduringcompetitionofacontestinwhichhe/sheisineligible.Coachesarestronglyencouragedtokeepineligibleplayersdistinctlyawayfromthesidelineareaofacontestforwhichtheyareineligible.Anineligibleplayermaynotbeonthesidelines inuniform.

IntentionalorknowingviolationsofthispolicyshallbetreatedasanintegrityviolationwhichaffrontstheHonoroftheGameandshallresultinseverepenaltiesfortheindividualsand/orthecoaches/team/program.

7.13Failuretopostteamrosters

Thefailureofateamtopostaccurateandcompleteschedulesandvarsityrosters(includingplayername,numberandyear)onNELAXwebsitepriortothefirstgameoftheseasonmaycausethatteamtoforfeiteachgameuntiltheinformationisposted.Afterthefirstgameoftheseason,eachteammustmaintainacurrentroster.Allgamesandtournamentsthatfigureintothe20gamelimitshallbeposted.

7.14MisconductbyPlayersandSpectators

Ejections and Appeals

  • An ejection is a judgment call; therefore, there are no appeals. However, if the wrong player is identified, a coach may appeal a player’s ejection to the NELAX Executive Board if it can be verified that the player’s actions did not contribute to the ejection. This applies only to a student-athlete who was wrongfully ejected due to the recording of an incorrect number by the officials.
  • First Ejection - Ineligible for the next contest at that level of competition and all other contests during that interim at any level.
  • Second Ejection - Ineligible for the next two contests at that level of competition and all other contests during that interim at any level.
  • Third Ejection - Cessation of the season for the player concerned.
  • Ejections during a game that is subsequently interrupted or suspended will be subject to the Suspended / Interrupted Game Policy.
  • Appeals: If there is an appeal the following procedure must be followed:
  • Any appeal must be submitted via the Head Coach. The Head Coach must make a written appeal (letter or email) to the NELAX Executive Board within 48 hours.
  • The NELAX Executive Board will review the appeal and make the final decision whether to overturn the ejection or uphold the ejection.

7.15VideoPolicy

WhenaquestionarisesfromanactionduringaNELAXsanctionedgamewherevideooftheactionisavailable,theheadcoachesofboth teams,wherepossible,shallmakethevideoavailabletotheAdministratorforreview.

Iftheactioninquestioninvolvesanofficial’scall,thevideowillbeusedforeducationalpurposes. Noofficial’scallwillbeoverturned.