Conduct Policy

HSLL Code of Conduct

Everyone in the HSLL community—coaches, managers, families, fans, players, officials, and leadership—plays a vital part in creating memorable lacrosse experiences for our young people. Our roles may differ, but our goals are shared, and we can reach them by abiding by some simple common sense principles of good sportsmanship and good citizenship.

This universal code of conduct applies to all league players, parents, fans, coaches and participants of any type.

All members of our community are expected to:

• Commit to an overarching culture of positivity, respectfulness and camaraderie. Don't think US and THEM. Think WE.
• Make a conscious choice to not vilify those who make mistakes. Calls will be missed; plays will be botched; rules will be broken...and life and lacrosse will go on.
• Treat and address everyone you encounter with civility and respect: on the sidelines, in the stands, and through social media
• Not judge others by rumor or what you've heard. Assume the best intentions, not the worst motivations.
• Not be confrontational. If things get tense, work to de-escalate through respectful communication, then move on.
• Hold no grudges. When a game ends, so should the battle.
• Report issues that concern you. And if you can, work with others to help resolve them.
• Appreciate and support those who play the game, and those who make playing it possible.
• Be your best during the time spent with this game we all love, and look for the best in those around you. It is something to celebrate.

If you feel a sense of "outrage," take a few minutes to walk away and consider the source of your frustration. Take stock of the situation, the event, the individuals involved, and their intent. Once calm and settled, report the issue if you still think it is appropriate.

Specifically, all participants are required to:

• Conduct themselves in accordance with this code, understanding that there will be consequences if they fail to do so.
• Remember that youth sports are for children and teenagers. Adults should support, facilitate, encourage, and witness the fun.
• Be positive role models and show respect, courtesy and support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators. Always adhere to the highest standards of sportsmanship and fair play.
• Not participate in or encourage unsportsmanlike conduct, including, but not limited to: booing; taunting; refusing to shake hands; using profane language, slurs or gestures; initiating fights or arguments; inflammatory social media use; or verbal or physical threats.
• Not direct any remarks beyond general encouragement to players, coaches and officials from the stands or sidelines during competitions and practices—these folks are at work, leave them to their jobs.
• Resolve disagreements without resorting to insults, hostility or violence. Teach the players to do the same.
• Not use profanity.
• Never participate in a league activity of any kind while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Learn and abide by the rules of lacrosse and the policies of the league, program and team. Help others do the same.
• Promote the emotional and physical well-being of the players ahead of any personal desire to win.
• Win with grace; lose with dignity.

Parents are further required to:

• Support coaches and programs by doing best to get players to events on time, and consider assisting in team or league operations.
• Inform league and coaches of any physical disability or ailment that might affect the safety of a player or the safety of others.
• Parents, fans and coaches should remember that, as adults, you are modeling behavior to our collective youth.

Coaches are further required to:

• Be prepared for all practices and games, teach the fundamental skills, and give all players an opportunity to improve through active participation.
• Uphold the authority of officials and assist their efforts to conduct a fair and impartial contest.
• Address officials at appropriate times; always with a respectful manner and open mind.
• Cooperate with the league in the enforcement of rules and regulations.
• Complete and maintain all requirements for coaching as determined by the program and the league.

Coaches should understand that as persons entrusted by all to work directly with our youth from a position of authority, they will be held to a very high standard.

Players are further required to:

• Respect the authority of coaches, referees, and league officials.
• Respect the efforts of other players and understand that there are people with different levels of skill, ability, and athleticism.
• Encourage the progress of teammates and your opponents. It benefits all.
• Remember that they are modeling behavior to teammates as well as younger players.

Parents, Spectators, Coaches and Players all attest that:

Failure to abide by these codes will make them be subject to disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Verbal warning from an official, head coach, program and/or the league;
• Written warning from program and/or the league;
• Suspension or immediate ejection from a game by an official, program and/or the league;
• Game forfeit through an official, coach program and/or league;
• Suspension from participation in HSLL programs and events.

Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

The High Sierra Lacrosse League (HSLL) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and positive environment free from all forms of discrimination and harassment for all participants, including players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and spectators. All individuals are expected to treat one another with dignity and respect.

Prohibited Discrimination

Discrimination is strictly prohibited on the basis of a person's:

• Race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, or ancestry.
• Sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
• Age.
• Disability or medical condition.
• Religion or creed.

This policy applies to all HSLL programs, activities, contests, and events.

Prohibited Harassment

Harassment is defined as unwelcome verbal, visual, or physical conduct based on one of the protected characteristics listed above, which has the purpose or effect of creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

• Verbal Conduct: Epithets, derogatory comments, or slurs.
• Visual Conduct: Derogatory posters, photographs, cartoons, drawings, or gestures.
• Physical Conduct: Unwanted touching, blocking normal movement, unwelcome physical contact, or threatening, intimidating, or hostile behavior.
• Sexual Harassment: Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Examples include leering, sexually explicit jokes or remarks, or repeated, unwanted requests for dates.

Reporting and Consequences

1. Reporting: Any participant who believes they have been subjected to or witnessed discrimination or harassment is strongly encouraged to immediately report the incident to their Head Coach, Program Leadership, or the HSLL Commissioner. There is no need to follow a formal chain of command; concerns can be reported to any HSLL leader.
2. Investigation and Action: The High Sierra Lacrosse League will promptly and thoroughly investigate all reports. If a report is substantiated, remedial action will be taken, commensurate with the severity of the offense, up to and including game suspension, season suspension, or permanent expulsion from the league.
3. Non-Retaliation: The High Sierra Lacrosse League strictly prohibits retaliation against any individual who, in good faith, reports or participates in an investigation of discrimination or harassment. Any act of retaliation will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination or permanent expulsion from the league.