Helena Lacrosse Club Operations Guide Table of Contents

Helena Lacrosse Club Operations Guide Table of Contents 1. INTRODUCTION 2. CODE OF CONDUCT AND SPORTSMANSHIP 3. COACHES REQUIREMENTS 4. HEAD COACH INTERVIEW AND SELECTION 5. PLAYERS EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS 6. MEDICAL CONCERNS AND INJURED PLAYERS 7. PRACTICES 8. TEAMS 9. NON LEAGUE GAMES / TOURNAMENTS 10.REFUND POLICY 11. FEE DISPERSANT Page 1

Helena Lacrosse Club Operations Guide 1. THE PURPOSE OF HELENA LACROSSE IS: To foster, promote, and advance the understanding and development of the sport of lacrosse in the Helena, Montana area. To teach the game of lacrosse to the youth and adults of the Helena area; to maintain, operate, equip, and support lacrosse players, teams, and leagues; to operate and conduct lacrosse clinics, games, athletic events, exhibitions, and recreation for the general public; to acquire, hold, operate, and dispose of any and all privileges, rights, franchises, and concessions. To promote goodwill, sportsmanship, and good welfare among its members. To affiliate with other lacrosse organizations for the furtherance of the corporation s purposes. To conduct fund raising projects and otherwise solicit and receive donations and funds for the accomplishment of its exempt purposes. To do all and everything suitable or proper for the accomplishment of any of the exempt purposes or the attainment of any of the objects herein set forth, and to do every other act or acts, thing or things incidental or appurtenant to or growing out of or connected with the corporation. 2. COACHES, PLAYERS & ADULT CODE OF CONDUCT & SPORTSMANSHIP All coaches, players, administrators, and adults will abide by a Code of Conduct which includes the following provisions. If any of these rules are broken, HLC shall have the authority to impose a penalty. Coaches Code of Conduct Refrain from engaging in any action which reflects negatively on, or causes embarrassment to, HLC. Not smoke and/or use smokeless tobacco in the vicinity of practice or game fields. Abstain from the possession and drinking of alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance in the vicinity of the game and practice fields. Not criticize players in front of spectators, but reserve constructive criticism for later, in private, or in the presence of team members if others might benefit, without causing harm to an individual player. Accept decisions of the game officials on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of said officials. Not criticize an opposing team, its players, coaches, or fans by word of mouth or by gesture. Strive to make every lacrosse activity serve as a training ground for life, and a basis for good mental and physical health. Emphasize that winning is the result of good teamwork. Together with team officials, be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of team fans and spectators. Any fan who becomes a nuisance and out of control will be asked to leave. Not use abusive or profane language at any time. Not verbally abuse anyone. Verbal abuse includes but not limited to: belittling, patronizing, blaming, harassment, invalidation, mocking, threats aimed at anyone. Not recommend or distribute any medication, controlled or over the counter, except as specifically prescribed by participant s physician. Not permit an ineligible player to participate in a game. Not deliberately incite or applaud unsportsmanlike conduct. Remove from a game or practice any participant when even slightly in doubt about his/her health, whether or not as a result of injury, until competent medical advice is available. Not physically assault anyone. The term physical assault includes, but is not limited to: hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking or striking in any way with any part of the body or any physical implement. Uphold all rules and regulations of HLC Offensive Language Rule Adoption: MLA has a defined set of consequences for individuals that use offensive language. HLC will follow these set of consequences: An official shall eject from the game any player, substitute, non-playing member of a team, coach, assistant coach or anyone officially connected with a competing team or fan using a racial slur or derogatory term related to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. Page 2

A coach or assistant coach ejected by an official for using a racial slur or derogatory term related to race, religion, color, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity shall be immediately suspended from coaching any MLA team for the remainder of the season. Any player that is ejected twice in a season by an official for using a racial slur or derogatory term shall be suspended from playing in the MLA for the remainder of the season. In the event that a racial slur or derogatory term is not heard by the official, the offended player(s) should inform their coach at the earliest possible time. At the next official time out, the coach should inform the head referee or umpire, who should in turn inform the opposing coach of the allegation. The offended player(s) and any others who heard the comments are encouraged to file a Sportsmanship Incident report with the MLA as soon as possible after the game, which gives the MLA a basis to conduct an investigation and take action as deemed appropriate. Ejections: MLA has a defined set of consequences for coaches that are ejected. HLC will follow these set of consequences: A coach who is ejected from a game must leave the field immediately and is barred from coaching the next game. If a coach is ejected from a game a second time, he/she is barred from coaching any team in the MLA for the remainder of the season. Violations For Violation of any part of Coaches Code of Conduct or any other conduct deemed unacceptable by the HLC board the penalty shall be: First offense - One week (7 days) suspension Second offense - Suspension for the remainder of the season Major offense - Minimum one year suspension Players Code of Conduct Display good sportsmanship and set a positive example at all times on and off the field. Encourage my teammates at all times and put my team first ahead of my personal needs. Respect your teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents at all times. Accept decisions of the game officials on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of said officials. Play with heart and hustle. Wear the required equipment at all games and practices. Come to your practices and games on time and ready to play. Treat our fields and our host fields with respect. Not use abusive or profane language at any time. Not be disruptive or distracting at practice or games. Not physically assault anyone. The term physical assault includes, but is not limited to: hitting, slapping, pushing, spitting, kicking or striking in any way with any part of the body or any physical implement. Not smoke and/or use smokeless tobacco and vaporizers on the field. Abstain from the possession and drinking of alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance in the vicinity of the game and practice fields. Abstain from the use of tobacco, including smokeless tobacco and vaporizers. Abstain from the possession of use of alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substances in the vicinity of the game, practice fields, and during the lacrosse season. If we are going to mirror suspension from school we need to add in the use of substances as well this has been a large issue with the older teams and several players have been upset that nothing is done about it. We need to hold people accountable, they are representing our club.if suspended from school for any reason, suspension from HLC practice and games will be mirrored I will respect the game. Ejections: MLA has a defined set of consequences for players that are ejected. HLC will follow these set of consequences: The first time a player is ejected from a game he/she is barred from playing in the next game. The second time the same player is ejected from a game, he/she is barred from playing the next three games. A third ejection will result in expulsion for the remainder of the season. This rule does not apply in the case of a player s disqualification from the current game. The disqualified player may no longer participate in the current contest. They can remain in uniform within the team box during the remainder of the game. Disqualification does not limit the player s participation in future games. Violations For Violation of any part of Player Code of Conduct or any other conduct deemed unacceptable by the HLC board the penalty shall be: Page 3

First offense - One week (7 days) suspension Second offense - Suspension for the remainder of the season Major offense - Minimum one year suspension Adult Code of Conduct At any lacrosse event, practice or game, any adult who: verbally abuses; attempts to intimidate; is flagrantly rude, or, cannot control their language or action with an official, coach, or volunteer will be asked to immediately leave the event. His/her child(ren) may be immediately removed from the event. Any adult who physically assaults an official, coach or HLC volunteer will be banned from HLC and their child may be removed from the HLC program for one year from the date of the offense. After one year, the parent may apply for re-instatement of his or her child. If the adult commits a second offense, he or she may be banned from HLC and the child(ren) may be permanently banned from HLC. Not smoke and/or use smokeless tobacco on the field. Abstain from the possession and drinking of alcoholic beverages and the possession or use of any illegal substance in the vicinity of the game and practice fields. Not criticize players in front of spectators, but reserve constructive criticism for later, in private, or in the presence of team members if others might benefit. Accept decisions of the game officials on the field as being fair and called to the best ability of said officials. Not criticize an opposing team, its players, coaches, or fans by word of mouth or by gesture. Emphasize that winning is the result of good teamwork. Not use abusive or profane language at any time. Not deliberately incite or applaud unsportsmanlike conduct. Uphold all rules and regulations of HLC. Ejections: MLA has a defined set of consequences for adults that are ejected. HLC will follow these set of consequences: A parent who is ejected from a game must immediately leave the field and surrounding area and will be barred from attending his/her child s next game. If a parent is ejected from a game a second time, he/she is barred from attending her/her child s games for the rest of the season. Violations For Violation of any part of Adult Code of Conduct or any other conduct deemed unacceptable by the HLC board the penalty shall be: First offense - One week (7days) suspension Second offense - Suspension for the remainder of the season Major offense - Minimum one year suspension Line of Communications In order to handle questions and concerns in an efficient and orderly manner, protocol has been established regarding lines of communication. Parents should address the coach first at the appropriate time and place. We encourage all communication to take place before or after practice. If your concern is emotionally charged it is best to wait 24 hours and then contact the coach to set up an appropriate time to discuss your concerns. Parents should address the team representative if the issue pertains to an administrative component of the club (uniforms, hotels and travel, etc.). Parents should contact HLC Board President if they do not get a satisfactory resolution from the coach or team representative Complaint against a HLC Coach, player or parent When HLC Board receives a complaint about an HLC coach, parent, or player within twenty-four hours (24) the HLC Board will initiate a review process that includes: Gather information and document eyewitness accounts of the event(s) that took place from interested parties involved to determine if a violation of the letter or intent of the Code of Conduct has occurred. This may include the game officials, other coaches, parents and children. Meet with the coach/parent/player to address the complaint and to offer his/her side of the incident. This meeting will be documented. HLC Board has the authority to determine the severity of the situation and whether or not the affected individual has violated the expected behaviors outlined under the Code of Conduct. The President, after approval from HLC Board, has the authority to enforce the appropriate range of disciplinary actions outlined in the HLC Code of Conduct. This information will be logged in the member s file. 3. COACHES REQUIREMENTS Page 4

Mandatory Background Checks HLC shall not permit any person to participate in any manner, whose background check reveals a conviction for, or guilty plea to, any crime involving or against a minor. In addition, other charges and convictions may be an indication of an unfit volunteer, and therefore HLC may prohibit any individual from participating as a volunteer if HLC deems the individual unfit to work with minors, as long as HLC applies the same criteria uniformly for ALL individuals seeking to volunteer. HLC must require that all volunteers are screened by conducting a search of the applicable government operated statewide sex offender registry for the state in which the volunteer resides and HLC must require a statewide criminal background check through the appropriate governmental agency, unless prohibited by law. HLC may also perform a multi-state search of a national database, such as rapsheet.com, as long as that database includes the sex offender registry of the state wherein the applicant resides. If a local organization becomes aware of information, by any means whatsoever, that an individual, including, but not limited to, volunteers, players and hired workers, has been convicted of or pled guilty to any crime involving or against a minor, HLC must immediately contact the applicable government agency to confirm the accuracy of the information. Upon confirmation of a conviction for, or guilty plea to, a crime against or involving a minor, HLC must prohibit the individual from participating in any manner. First Aid to be - implemented Spring 2018 Even if there is a physician, registered nurse, paramedic or EMT affiliated with the team, each coach (head and assistants) of the team must be the holder of valid Red Cross certificates in community CPR and First Aid, or its equivalent, before practice starts. The P.R.E.P.A.R.E. On-line Course by the National Center for Sport Safety may be completed to satisfy the CPR and First Aid requirement. A first aid kit is to be at every practice and game. HLC will provide the first aid kits. Concussion Screening Certification General Regulations Coaches do not make team or league policy. Rather, they carry it out. However, on the playing and practice fields, the coaching staff is in complete charge and shall not be interfered with except in cases of rules violations and any other conduct deemed by higher authority to be contrary to the welfare of youth. The Head Coach will have a Parent meeting at the 1st practice to discuss their expectations for the upcoming season. The Head Coach has the right to remove any player(s) from the practice or game field that is being distracting/disruptive. If severe enough, the coach will call the parent to come pick up the player(s). The Head Coach shall make certain that all players are involved in practice sessions: game time play is earned at practice. The Head Coach has the discretion to give and take game time play based on attendance and behavior expectations. All practices must be attended by one staff member holding a Red Cross Community CPR and First Aid Certificate, or its equivalent (implemented Spring 2018) Coaches within HLC will set an example at all times to the players, parents and fans. Each Head Coach and 1 assistant coach must be US Lacrosse level 1 certified. EACH HEAD COACH AND STAFF MEMBER are expected to read and understand all stated rules in this booklet, all rules and regulations stated in the Montana Lacrosse Association and Regulations and the US Lacrosse. 4. HEAD COACHES INTERVIEW AND SELECTION Those individuals interested in coaching for HLC will be interviewed by the board for consideration of coaching. Reimbursements Coaches (All) will be reimbursed for the coaching clinic fees, copy of payment receipt is required. 5. PLAYER S EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS Uniform The parent/guardian of a player assumes full and complete responsibility for the proper care and maintenance of all uniforms and equipment rented by HLC to said player. All uniforms and equipment shall be used for HLC activities only and all equipment remains the legal property of HLC. o A $125 uniform deposit check (returnable) is required at the time the uniform is handed out. Equipment o Boys: $50 rental equipment fee and a $200 rented equipment deposit check (returnable) is required upon equipment check out. o Girls: $25 rental equipment fee and a $100 rented equipment deposit check (returnable) is required upon equipment check out. HLC will cash the deposit check for any and all uniforms and/or equipment that is lost or damaged. Participants who do not return their uniforms/equipment and checks do not clear, will be refused membership for the entire family in subsequent seasons so long as the uniforms/equipment is not returned or paid for. HLC requires all uniform / equipment be washed and returned in a bag with players name and age group identified on outside of the bag. Page 5

o Check out / in dates to be announced by HLC. They will be by age group. Full Protective Equipment Required At ALL practices each player must be dressed in the full complement of protective equipment described in Required Equipment. If helmets are to be used, ALL players must wear them or none at all. The league is not responsible to provide equipment. Unless, it has been rented under the rental program. Required Equipment The following items shall be worn by players in all divisions beginning with physical contact in practice sessions: Uniform and Equipment must meet US Lacrosse rules. BOYS o Helmet, must be white in color o Shoulder Pads o Elbow Pads o Gloves o Mouth guards - The mouthpiece must be a highly visible color and is mandatory (updated 3/13/17) o Athletic Supporter (male players only) o Cross (lacrosse stick) o Undergarments MUST be all black in color GIRLS o Goggles (Eye Wear) o Mouth guard o Helmet (optional ALL players must wear them or none at all.) MUST be white in color (must be girl approved helmets NOT BOYS) o Undergarments MUST be all black in color o Cross (girls lacrosse stick) If any piece of required equipment is missing, the player cannot play; no exceptions. 6. MEDICAL CONCERNS AND INJURED PLAYERS 1. Any participant, who has been checked by a doctor as a result of a lacrosse activity, must have a written doctor s release in order for the participant to resume play. 2. Any participant, who has been injured in an activity outside of lacrosse, must have a written doctor s release in order for the participant to resume play. 3. Any player suspected of having been injured, who leaves the field under his own power, may not return to the game until at least one play has been completed and the team s trainer or other team staff member has evaluated the player and determined the player is fit to return to the game. 4. A player, who is unable to leave the field under his own power by reason of injury, shall not reenter the game without the approval of a physician, registered nurse, paramedic, or EMT. 5. A player who re-enters a game without proper approval is considered an ineligible player. 7. PRACTICES 1. Coaches must have a practice plan in place to utilize all the time allotted. 2. It is expected that the practice plan consist of both conditioning and fundamentals. 3. Attendance is to be kept at every practice. 4. Participation/attendance in the majority of scheduled practices is necessary to play in the upcoming games. Extenuating circumstances will be considered and must be discussed in advance with the Head Coach. (ie overlapping sports) 5. Game time play is earned at practice. The Head Coach has the discretion to give and take game time play based on practice attendance and practice behavior expectations. 6. Practice only program (U9 Boys and Youth U11 Girls - Parents must register player with US Lacrosse and no registration fee to HLC is due (this means that NO games will be played even in town). Provide HLC with US Lacrosse member number, all contact information for parent(s) and player(s) name; phone(s), address, & email address(s). Equipment / Uniform rental policy applies. 8. TEAMS Formation of teams will be age based. Example (U15, U13, etc..) Eligibility is determined by the age of the player as of August 31. Roster size will be determined by the HLC board. If not enough player s register for a certain division, HLC will evaluate the need to move players up, consolidate age groups and/or discontinuing a division. If we have more than enough players to make more than 1 team at a certain division, HLC and Coaches will evaluate the need to divide up Page 6

the teams based on the Montana Lacrosse Association guidelines. into more than 1 team by first by evaluating number to form age based teams PLAYING UP The "playing up" player(s) should be in the top third of the team that he or she is currently registered for based on age and/or experience. The Head Coach of the team needing players, will have the discretion to choose layers from the top third of the division below, for their division. Once playing up players are determined, the HLC board will contact the parents and offer them the option to move their player up. If a player is moved up mid-season, he/she is allowed to play up in only one game during the season and still be allowed to move back to his/her original team. The same rules apply to moving laterally, from one team to another within the same age bracket. If a player moves up or moves laterally more than once, he/she must remain on the team he/she moved to for the remainder of the season. BIRTH CERTIFICATES REQUIRED All registered lacrosse players will be required to provide a certified copy of their birth certificate at the beginning of the season. *games will not be allowed to play until one is provided* 9. Team Representative The Team Representatives shall be selected through an election by the general membership of the corporation. The Team Representatives Board is responsible for leading the affairs of the corporation and is required to vote on all matters that affect the membership at a whole. The Team Representatives Board of Directors will consist of the elected positions of: *division may be added as needed with growth of the club. BOYS GIRLS High School High School 14U Middle School 12U Youth 10U 8U 1. The Team Representatives Board of Directors shall be nominated and then elected in the same manor has the Executive Board. The term of the Directors will begin January 1 st and shall run until June 30 th. Team Representatives shall be eligible for re-election. 2. Any member of the Team Representatives Board of Directors may resign at any time, upon written notice of his/ her desire to do so deliver to the President or Secretary. A Director may be removed from office by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the Executive Board and Team Representatives Directors for malfeasance, lack of sympathy with the purpose of the organization, refusal to render reasonable assistance in carrying out the purpose of the corporation, or failure to meet the participation requirements outlined in this Article. 3. Any Team Representatives Board Member absenting himself/herself from three (3) consecutive Board meetings during without just cause may have his/her Board position declared vacant at the discretion of the Executive Board of Directors. Page 7

4. The team representative shall be a director and in good faith shall: a. Serves as a member of the Board of Directors; provide guidance and leadership; attends monthly Board Meetings; Serves as a liaison between the Board, parents, and coaches b. Listens to parent comments and concerns and brings them to the board of directors and executive board c. To carry out other duties as may be specifically assigned by the Executive Board of Directors. d. Helps coordinate logistics of in town games for their age group (ie. field preparation, making sure all necessary 'equipment is there on game day, oversees clean up at the end of the day) e. Annually reviews the Treasurer's Roles and Responsibilities and recommends changes are presented to the Board for ratification. 9. NON LEAGUE GAMES / TOURNAMENTS Any non league games or tournaments shall be presented to the board to attend as a Helena Lacrosse Club Team; all players of that age group or HLC team will be invited to participate. If special teams are formed for non league games or tournaments then HLC jerseys will not be used and the Helena Lacrosse Club (Husky s) name will not be affiliated with the team. 10. COMMITTEES / MEMBER AT LARGE 1. The President shall assign Directors and interested members to the following regular committees: each committee must report back to Executive Board. Website Fundraising Facebook Field Coordination Disciplinary Committee i. Consists of the at least Two Executive Board member and Two Team Representatives ii. This board will take all written complaints and code of conduct violation into consideration and execute the necessary action. *Code of Conduct, found in HLC Operations Guide 2. Special or ad hoc committees may be named by the Executive Board or the President from time to time as required. 3. Member at Large; if not a parent of a player must obtain a US Lacrosse membership and provide copy to HLC board of directors. Will be able to head up any committee (besides the disciplinary committee) and will not have voting rights. 10. REFUND POLICY The policy of HLC is to issue no refunds after a child has played in a sanctioned game. Prior to practice starting a refund of the registration fee less a $50 administrative handling fee will be issued. Once practice has started and prior to playing in a sanctioned game a refund of 50% the registration fee will be issued. An official notification must be sent in writing to league administration requesting the refund and arranging for the return of all equipment before a refund is processed. Any refund requests due to a medical reason, will be required to provide a written note from doctor excusing player from lacrosse season, then will be considered by the board Refund Policy for other items and merchandise No refunds for any merchandise sold by the club US Lacrosse Membership fees are paid direct to US Lacrosse and are not refundable by HLC Page 8