SNYL youth program emphasizes the importance of being a good person, first and foremost, a good student, a good teammate, and then a good lacrosse player. Commitment to family and school comes before the commitment to lacrosse. Our players are taught to be respectful to their coaches and teammates. They will respectfully conduct themselves at all times and primarily when representing our league at games or other functions. Our parents are expected to behave with restraint on the sidelines and cheer positively. SNYL is a developmental and growing program, and the expectation is for each player to have the opportunity to improve his or her lacrosse skills during the season.

SNYL will instill the ideals of good sportsmanship and provide an enjoyable program that develops the fundamental skills, leadership, self-discipline, and team play associated with lacrosse. SNYL competes with our peers from other communities and encourages friendships and associations with our counterparts that could last a lifetime. 

SNYL CODE OF CONDUCT
(Adopted from  MYL  Rules of Conduct and Disciplinary Action)
A code of conduct will be outlined and observed for those involved in the SNYL program as an official, parent, coach, or player.  SNYL will encourage good sportsmanship and fair play.  Each SNYL coach or site supervisor will be responsible for the conduct of himself/herself, his/her players, and his/her respective spectators.  Absolutely no abusive or vulgar language will be tolerated and it could result in team penalties.  Unsportsmanlike conduct or disrespect for the referees will not be tolerated as well.  Both players and coaches will refrain, at all times, from abusive and unwarranted disruptions.

Code of Respect:
Players must show respect to their coaches, and league officials must show decency and consideration for their players.

Parent Conduct:
It is imperative that parents, at all times, properly conduct themselves.  No swearing or harassment will be permitted.  If conduct is unacceptable, the Board of Directors may take disciplinary action, including suspension from the program. No coach or spectator shall use signs, gestures, degrading personal comments, or any act which will reflect unfavorably upon opposing coaches, players, officials, or spectators.

• SNYL encourages and requires good sportsmanship and respect for all of the participants.  SNYL will enforce this policy to the maximum.
• GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP / CODES OF CONDUCT

Coach’s code:

• Be reasonable in your demands on the young player’s time, energy, enthusiasm, and performance on the field.
• Impress upon your players that they must always abide by the rules of the game.
• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents and the judgment of referees and opposing coaches.
• Ensure that your players’ experience is one of fun and enjoyment
• Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game.
• Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved.  Children need a coach that they can respect.
• Keep informed about sound coaching, growth, and development principles relating to children.
• Enlist the support of your team’s parents in your efforts to develop the proper attitudes and values in the players.

Parent's Code:

• Remember that children are involved in organized sports for enjoyment, not yours.
• Teach your child that hard work and an honest effort are often more important than a victory.
• Help your child work toward skill improvement and good sportsmanship in every game.
• Your child will then be a winner, even in defeat.
• Do not ridicule your child for making a mistake or losing a game.
• Set a good example. Children learn best by good examples.
• Applaud good plays by your team.
• Do not publicly question an official’s judgment.
• Recognize the value and importance of volunteer coaches, referees, and officials and give them their due respect.  
• Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from youth sporting activities.
• Do not confront a coach about your player’s playing time, coaching decisions, etc., after the game or practice. Email the coach and schedule a time to discuss.

Player’s Code:

• Live by the motto ”Team First, Teammate Second, Self-Last.” Win without boasting, lose without excuses, and never quit.
• Honor the Game: Play hard, but play within the rules.
• Offer personal best physical and mental effort 100% of the time.
• Respect for coaches and their decisions.
• Respect the time and effort of teammates and coaches. Make coming to practice a priority, arrive on time, and come with a positive attitude, alertness, and readiness to learn and contribute.
• Respect the game officials and opponents at all times, particularly while on the field.
• Take care of one's body, practice good nutrition and strive to keep one's body in good physical shape.
• Remember that the game aims to have fun, improve skills, and build camaraderie.  
• Cooperate with your coaches, teammates, opponents, and referees.
• Check-in with your teammates to see if they are okay.

MYL Philosophy

Mission, Philosophy, Season Goals, and Our History

As Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse (MYL) continues to celebrate and support Community-based Youth Lacrosse programs while also looking for ways to improve our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization for future seasons, we’d like to reinforce our mission, philosophy, and season goals; as well as share some history and reasons why MYL continues to grow and thrive today.

Mission:
Our mission is to teach, grow, and honor the game of lacrosse in your community and every town/city across Massachusetts by providing leadership, guidance, training, and structure to all our community member programs participating in MYL’s spring game schedule and our annual Mass Youth Lax Jamboree held in June at the end of our season.

Philosophy:
Our philosophy in MYL's Classic league is all players participate equally (i.e. equal playing time) in all Classic games, on evenly balanced teams (based on player’s grade, age, skill & experience), playing a local game schedule:  Level 7/8 (7th & 8th graders), 5/6 (5th & 6th graders), 3/4 (3rd & 4th graders) & 1/2 (1st & 2nd graders).  There are NO ‘A’ or ‘B’ or ‘stacked’ teams, nor standings or playoffs, at any level in our Classic league & our traditional Sunday scheduled games.  Our MYL Select league is an additional & complementary community-based playing opportunity (and NOT a replacement for) a player’s participation in the MYL Classic league play.  MYL Select players must also participate on their MYL Classic team (Why?  See Goals below).  MYL Select league has Division standings, playoffs, Championships, & single-Grade All-Star games. Our coaches are certified and trained to be teachers of the game and role models focused on character development, team camaraderie, and players learning the fundamentals—especially the ‘fun’ part.  MYL is an inclusive organization open to all MA communities where, collectively, we strive to provide a safe, enjoyable learning experience for all participants in an environment NOT swept up in the pressure-filled, win-at-all-cost mania still too common in youth sports today.

Goals:
Our primary goal is for all players, coaches, parents, officials & program leaders to have a fun, rewarding experience while consistently demonstrating sportsmanship on & off the field as we learn, share & teach the fundamental skills and teamwork required to play the game well.  Our shared objective is for more boys & girls to enjoy youth lacrosse at all levels. MYL provides training, certification & grade + age-specific rules of play for all our member programs, coaches, players & officials, focusing on player safety, sportsmanship & fair play for a positive, fun experience for all participants. 

Honor the Game:
We honor the game by practicing positive coaching, teaching life lessons beyond the playing field, and developing a strong community among all players, coaches, parents, officials, program leaders & fans that will last a lifetime. 
As MYL member programs, we continue to improve our lacrosse knowledge and program capabilities each season. Together, we learn, share & teach the game based on speed, stick skills, athleticism & teamwork—NOT physical intimidation.