Code of Conduct

For Participation in Hingham Youth Boys Lacrosse (HYBL)

Our mission is to provide a safe, respectful, and positive environment for our athletes to learn and enjoy the sport of lacrosse. To uphold this mission, all participants, including players, parents, coaches, and spectators, must follow this Code of Conduct. Our shared commitment to these standards helps make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.

Respect for All Participants

Treat all players, coaches, referees, and spectators with respect, regardless of the outcome of the game. Verbal abuse, intimidation, or any form of harassment will not be tolerated. Parents and players are expected to show the same level of respect in all on- and off-field interactions.

Positive Behavior on the Sidelines

Spectators must cheer positively and refrain from criticizing players, referees, or coaches. Parents and spectators may not coach from the sidelines, because a consistent message from our coaches is crucial. Want to coach? Contact HinghamYouthBoysLax@gmail.com

Zero Tolerance for Aggression

Physical or verbal altercations among players, parents, spectators, or coaches will result in immediate removal from the venue. Threatening behavior or language directed at referees, players, or coaches will result in disciplinary action, including potential expulsion from the program. Harassing, intimidating, or demeaning language directed toward coaches, officials, or other parents will not be tolerated, whether it happens in person or elsewhere, including on social media.

Support of Officials and Coaches

Arguing with or confronting officials or coaches during or after games is not permitted. Questions or concerns about game management must be directed through appropriate channels, not raised during active games. Contact HinghamYouthBoysLax@gmail.com

Constructive Feedback vs. Harmful Conduct

All parents, coaches, and volunteers are encouraged to raise concerns, disagreements, or criticism of program decisions, policies, or leadership through appropriate channels. These include direct communication with coaches or board members, or written correspondence to the HYBL Board at HinghamYouthBoysLax@gmail.com. Open, honest, and constructive feedback is essential to a healthy program.

However, some negativity serves no constructive purpose beyond eroding trust in the Board, the league, its coaches, or its volunteers, and it harms the program's reputation and long-term viability. Sustained or repeated negativity of this kind, including public complaints, rumors, social media posts, or informal campaigns, is a violation of this Code of Conduct. Individuals found by the Board to have engaged in such conduct may face the consequences outlined below.

Identified Complaints

As a policy, HYBL requires that complaints and concerns be submitted with the name of the person raising them. Anonymous complaints will generally not be considered, because the Board must be able to follow up, gather facts, and give anyone involved a fair chance to respond. HYBL will not tolerate retaliation against anyone who raises a concern in good faith.

This requirement does not apply to concerns in areas covered by SafeSport, including sexual misconduct, physical or emotional abuse, bullying, hazing, and harassment. These concerns may be reported to the Board anonymously, and may also be reported directly to the U.S. Center for SafeSport at uscenterforsafesport.org. Any situation involving immediate danger to a child should be reported to law enforcement first.

Responsibility for Conduct

Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior of their children and accompanying guests. Coaches are role models and must show sportsmanship and professionalism at all times. Because participation in HYBL is a family commitment, the conduct of any family member or guest reflects on the entire registered family.

Enforcement and Consequences

• On-Site Removal: Organization officials or referees may ask individuals to leave the venue for inappropriate behavior. Refusing to leave will result in suspension or expulsion, as described below.
• Suspension: Violators may be suspended from attending or participating in later HYBL events.
• Expulsion: Repeated or egregious behavior may result in permanent removal from the HYBL program or events without refund.
• Family-Wide Consequences: At the Board's discretion, any suspension or expulsion may be extended to other members of the violator's family. This may include removing the family and the registered player(s) from HYBL programs, teams, and events, without refund.
• Board Review: The Board will decide suspensions, expulsions, and family-wide consequences only after the individual has been given notice of the violation and an opportunity to respond.

Acknowledgement

By registering with HYBL, players, parents, and guardians acknowledge that they have read and agree to follow this Code of Conduct, and that violations by any family member may affect the family's participation in the program.