code of conduct

GYL CODE OF CONDUCT

Greenwich Youth Lacrosse, US Lacrosse, the Connecticut-New York Youth Lacrosse Association (CONNY) and the CT Champter of US Lacrosse abide by the US Lacrosse Youth Council Code of Conduct governing all coaches, players, officials, and parents. The purpose of the code is to ensure that all of those people associated with lacrosse treat each other with dignity and respect.

The Code of Conduct is a condition of membership for all players, parents, coaches, and officials. All members who join Greenwich Youth Lacrosse agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and to be subject to the consequences of violating the code. Every registration form for Greenwich Youth Lacrosse includes the Code of Conduct, either directly or by reference.

All enforcement decisions made by the officials of Greenwich Youth Lacrosse are final and not subject to review. No refunds will be granted to those players dismissed from the club for violating the Code of Conduct.

US Lacrosse Youth Council Code of Conduct Statement

I, as a player, coach, parent, spectator or official, pledge to conduct myself in a manner that complies with the US Lacrosse Youth Council "Code of Conduct" at all times. Accordingly, I pledge to:

"Honor the Game"

• Demonstrate respect to other players, coaches, and parents; officials; and spectators;

• Uphold the essential elements of the USL Youth Council "Code of Conduct", which are

HONESTY and INTEGRITY

• Demonstrate and encourage good sportsmanship and the concepts of fair play;

• Focus on fun and participation;

• Know and abide by the rules of lacrosse, the established guidelines, and all eligibility requirements;

• Understand that the safety and welfare of all concerned is the top priority;

• Support the drug, alcohol, and tobacco free environment that is important for all youth sporting events;

Further, I pledge NOT to:

• Ever use profanity at a youth event;

• Criticize coaches, players, or game officials;

• Touch an opposing player, coach, or game official in a threatening manner

I agree to abide by and uphold the above stated "Code of Conduct" and understanding that violating this Code either by commission or omission will be subject to penalties as stated in the "Code of Conduct" which has been provided to all chapters, coaches, and officials.

Click here for the full version of the US Lacrosse Youth Council Code of Conduct.

In order to ensure that all of our players' spring seasons are fulfilling and productive, GYL adheres to a straight forward commitment policy. A player's first unexcused absence from a practice or game will result in he or she sitting out half a game. A second unexcused absence will result in sitting out an entire game. Following a third unexcused absence, the player's case will be referred to the GYL Board for review. Players may be dismissed if the Board determines they have failed to show sufficient dedication to their team. Late arrivals or early departures, due to unexcused conflicts, will be treated as absences.

GYL understands that our players have many commitments, and we excuse all mandatory school, religious, and family conflicts. GYL promotes all players participating in multiple sports, for balanced development, and so we also excuse conflicts with winter sports "post-seasons" for hockey, skiing, basketball, swimming, etc. GYL is respectful of family spring break vacations, and will excuse those conflicts as well. Outside of these exceptions, we ask that all players commit to GYL as their spring season's primary extracurricular activity. If you can navigate other activities around GYL, that is your family's decision.

This commitment policy isn't about punishing those who miss, it's about supporting the players and coaches who are committed to their teams, and have made a choice to play for GYL over other things. It is not fair to have spots go to players who are less than 100% committed.

Greenwich Youth Lacrosse (“GYL”) has a zero tolerance policy against the use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco by spectators, coaches and players at any GYL event. This includes, but is not limited to, use or possession on the fields, spectator areas, and parking lots. Individuals who violate this policy will be required to leave the venue and will be subject to further disciplinary action. Illegal activities will be reported to the police for appropriate action.

Greenwich Youth Lacrosse (“GYL”) will not tolerate bullying of any kind towards children, parents, coaches, officials, or volunteers at any practice, game or other events associated with our program. If bullying does occur, we will be subject to disciplinary action, including expulsion from the GYL program. Bullying includes, but is not limited to, unwanted physical contact, verbal torments, racist taunts, and emotional torment. Any or serious activities will be reported to the police for appropriate action.

Greenwich Youth Lacrosse (“GYL”) holds registration in the beginning of January each year. GYL reserves the right to limit enrollment in each age group to maintain our high quality program. Once registration fills for any particular program we will create a “wait list” - we encourage you to register for the “wait list”. We may elect to release wait-listed children to the program and we will do so without any notice to prospective players. After registration closes you can still express interest to register through the “Feedback” link at the bottom of every GYL web page Registrations after the closing date, particularly for our travel program, are rare and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

GYL serves the Town of Greenwich only. We cannot register any families who are not residents of Greenwich.

Should you require a refund, we can accommodate this (less a $50 fee) if you make your request by e-mailing Pat Coleman before midnight on February 25th for the 2024 season. No refunds will be made after February 25th.

GYL enrollment and play is subject to the CONNY Age Segmentation policy. Should you knowingly violate this policy, it could result in dismissal from GYL. It could also cause your child’s travel team to forfeit their games and be ineligible for the post-season CONNY Championship tournament.

GYL plays "rain or shine" and we encourage parents to check the weather and ensure your child is dressed appropriately.  Under some circumstances GYL may cancel or suspend activities.  These include:

• Town of Greenwich closes fields

• Thunder or lightning

  • at the first sign of either of these events we will clear the fields for 30 minutes and seek shelter

  • If there is inclement weather in the forecast we encourage parents must stay nearby so there is indoor shelter for your child

  • Play will resume 30 minutes after the last sign of thunder or lightning

  • If there is 30 minutes left in the event (practice, game, clinic) then we will send children home

  • Your child's head coach (travel) or the supervising GYL Board Member (Friday Night Clinics or House League) will relay information to all participants at the field