Weston Youth Lacrosse Protocol for Coaches to Address Inappropriate Player Behavior

Background:

This is a protocol for coaches to address player inappropriate behavioral issues that may come up from time to time at practices and/or games. Both WYL coaches and players are held to high standards and their actions reflect both on our program and our town.

Coaches are to use their individual discretion on a case by case basis within this framework. Player safety is the primary concern to WYL. The level of punishment implemented should be appropriate to address the unacceptable behavior, but also help teach the player learn a life lesson beyond the field and lacrosse, which is fundamental role to the WYL mission.

Ideally all issues should be addressed between the Head Coach or Assistant Coach and the player.

Issues such as bad sportsmanship, disrespect of players/coaches/referees, distraction to other players, bad language, taunting or bullying, etc. may be disciplined in the following manner:

  • Run a lap
  • Sit out a of drill, part of practice, or part of game
  • Limit player playing time
  • Sit out the remainder of the practice or game

More serious issues such asfighting, deliberately causing injury may be disciplined in the following manner:

  • Game(s) suspension
  • Season suspension

*Internal Reporting Hierarchy of Concern

  1. Head Coach or Assistant Coach to Player
  2. Coach to Age Group Coordinator
  3. Age Group Coordinator to Group Head
  4. Group Head to President
  5. President to WYL Board

* It is important to try to resolve improper player conduct between the player and the coach without having to involve the parent. Players are solely responsible for their own behavior.WYL encourages the Coach, Age Group Coordinator, and Age Group Head to utilize their discretion to collaborate and coordinate when a parent needs to be contacted. It is important to keep the President informed of all major behavior issues.

League Issues:(including behavior by other team’s players, coaches and parents, referees, player eligibility, etc.)

  1. Head Coach to Age Group Coordinator
  2. Age Group Coordinator to Group Head
  3. WYL Group Head to Opposing Town Group Head
  4. WYL Group Head to League Competition Committee

If games are out of control, for whatever reason, and your player’s safety is at risk, call a timeout and discuss your concerns with the referee and the opposing coach, if appropriate. These discussions should take placeaway from the players and the parents. If after play resumes safety issues remain,remove your players from the field, suspend the game and send your players home. Hopefully the situation will not intensify to this level, but don’t hesitate to suspend the game.

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