Mustang Code of Conduct
PLAYERS - Every player is expected to:
· Respect your teammates, coaches, referees, and opponents at all times.
· Give 100% effort at each practice and game.
· Know the rules of the game of lacrosse and abide by them.
· Support and encourage your teammates, set a positive example.
· Wear the required equipment at all games and practices. Keep equipment well maintained.
· Display good sportsmanship at all times on and off the field.
· Don't be afraid to make a mistake. That is part of learning
· Refrain from addressing officials or commenting on their decisions during or after the game.
· Maintain control of his emotions. This includes avoiding abusive language, taunting or humiliating remarks, gestures and/or physical assault upon another player at any time.
· Avoid profane language or inappropriate conduct at all Mustangs events. Your actions are a direct reflection of you and of the Mustang program. Act in a manner that reflects positively on the player, the family, the team and the program.
· Be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
PARENTS - Every parent is expected to NOT:
· Coach from the sidelines.
· Referee the game from the sidelines.
· Criticize the game officials.
· Blame defeat on poor coaching or poor officiating.
· Engage in negative conversations with the opposing teams parents or fans
PLAYER – COACH RELATIONSHIP
Encinitas Mustangs believes that in order for the player to develop as an individual, self-advocacy is a skill which needs to be developed. We encourage the player to be the first person to raise an issue with his or her coach. If the matter has not been satisfactorily addressed after the player raises the issue with the coach, then the parent should communicate with the Director of Coaching or one of the team liaisons assigned to the team by the Board of Directors.
PARENT - COACH RELATIONSHIP
Parenting and coaching are both extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the others and provide a greater benefit to children. As parents, when your child is involved in our program, you have the right to understand what expectations are placed on him or her. This begins with clear communication from the coach of the sport.
COMMUNICATIONS COACHES EXPECT FROM ATHLETES AND PARENTS
· Concerns are expressed directly to the coach.
· Notification of any schedule conflicts in advance.
· Notification of illness or injury as soon as possible.
· If there is a question as to what is expected: Ask.
APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH COACHES
· The treatment of your child.
· Ways to help your child improve.
· Concerns about your child's behavior.
SCHEDULES
· Start times for practices or games are not synonymous with arrival times. Players are expected to be on the field, to have their equipment on and to be ready to begin playing at the designated time.
· Late arrivals to practices or games are disruptive to the whole team.
· Due to daylight savings time, the beginning of the Spring season has limited available sunlight. Practice schedules can shift once the clocks change and more daylight is available.
Remember that lacrosse is a game. Treat players and coaches on other teams as opponents, not as enemies.