Principles & Conduct

• Our goal is to teach girls and boys how to work hard, get better and have fun while playing lacrosse.
• We place an emphasis on developing our boys and girls into fundamentally sound lacrosse players.
• We will never count a child out! Every child has the potential to improve and make a contribution to their team.
• Our coaches will work hard to teach the important fundamental aspects of the game. They will provide a positive learning environment for each of our players, so that they develop a life-time love for playing lacrosse.
• The club will not dwell on winning or losing. Our coaches will focus on player development over winning. Victories will be achieved after concentrating on learning how to win ground balls, to successfully throw and catch, positively communicate, work hard, and respect each other.
• Coaches will encourage children to practice at home.
• Children will earn fair playing time during a game by working hard at practice and in game situations, by listening and coming to practice.
• Our players and coaches will respect the officials. Anything less than that is unacceptable because it will be a poor reflection on our organization and our community.
• The club will provide our coaches with opportunities to learn more and expand their knowledge about the game of lacrosse in order to enhance our players experience.
• While our parents are watching on the sidelines we would ask that that they help support
• our philosophy and core values
• to positively encourage our players to “work hard” during a game
• focus on the children’s effort and not on a child’s execution.  As long as they work hard, they will continue to improve!
• The Club, their coaches and fans must respect the officials who are calling our games.
• School is a priority over lacrosse, therefore it is important that players attend all school classes possible. Leaving school early to “get on the road” is not encouraged will result in unexcused absences which could lead to possible suspensions for games.

The purpose of the player code of conduct is to insure that there will be a safe and healthy environment for both players and coaches that participate in the game of lacrosse for the TYLA. Therefore, I pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience, and accept and participate in the following player’s code of conduct pledge.

• I enjoy the game of lacrosse and want to do my best for my team.
• I understand that how I practice, and play is as important as whether we win or lose.
• I will do my best at every practice and game to work hard and remain focused – and notify my coach in advance if I cannot attend a practice or a game.
• I will be on-time and ready to play (equipment on) at practice and for warm-up prior to a game.
• I will not speak or distract others while coaches are speaking or providing feedback.
• I will fully support my teammates at all times and will not provide them with any negative criticism
• I understand that sportsmanship and respect for my teammates, coaches, referees and opponents is critical to how I conduct myself, at all times on the field.
• I will win with character and lose with dignity.
• I will respect referees, their calls and decision by not talking back, or showing any inappropriate negative reaction (displays of temper)
• I will play by the rules and abide by all game and competitive rules
• I will refrain from bullying, trash-talking, taunting, boastful celebrations, the use of profanity, vulgarity and other offensive language and gestures.
• I will lead by example, with a positive “can do” attitude
• I will not use the phrase, “I can’t”, because I know with hard work and dedication to the sport of lacrosse, that I will be able to do it.
• I have read and understand the requirements of this code of conduct, and will abide by this code.
• I understand that my academics are more important than lacrosse and that my coaches reserve the right to hold me out of practices and games if they learn about negative academic performance from my parents or teachers.
• I am proud to be a Miner

It is important to hold players of the Telluride Boys and Girls Lacrosse Club to the code of conduct pledge they agreed to abide by.  The following procedure will be used to help ensure the consistent application of our code of conduct.

1st Infraction of Breaking the Code of Conduct

• If the same player breaks the same facet of the code of conduct or another section of the code of conduct, the coach will ask the player to sit-out the remaining portion of either the practice or game.
• That player will then be suspended for one game.
• At this time, the coach and President of the Telluride Lacrosse club and a coach will meet with the parents to discuss the player’s infraction, and future expectations for abiding by the code of conduct.

2nd Infraction of Breaking the Code of Conduct

• The player will sit-out the remaining portion of either the practice or the game.
• The coach and President of the TYLA will meet with the parents to discuss the player’s infraction. The President and board will consider either the possibility of another game, or season suspension, or the permanent removal of that player from the our organization. The next step is up to the discretion of the President and board the players’ coach, and a designated individual from the respective boys or girls’ side or the club.