CODE OF CONDUCT & POLICIES

South Windsor Girls' Youth Lacrosse abides by the USA Lacrosse Youth Council Code of Conduct governing all coaches, players, officials, and parents. The essential elements in this "Code of Conduct" are honesty and integrity.

*To access the full version of the USA Lacrosse Code of Conduct click below

Our core values are Competitive, Positive, and Responsible (CPR).

To our players, coaches, and parents these values are the heart of who we are and what we do. It is the league's expectation that we are:

COMPETITIVE 

Persistent: We challenge ourselves. Always modeling consistent effort and dedication.

Determined: We demonstrate a relentless commitment to teamwork, sportsmanship, and personal growth.

Focused: We always give 100%.

POSITIVE

Ambitious: We understand that “failure” is just the first step towards success. We love challenges. 

Resilient: We embrace challenges, learn from setbacks, and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth and success. 

RESPONSIBLE

Caring: We care about our team and ourselves and cultivate a positive and inclusive environment.

Reliable: We rely on and trust our teammates, and foster open and honest communication.

Accountable: We take suggestions to improve to heart and take responsibility for our actions.

Dependable: We prioritize open communication, a willingness to support others, and strive to meet collective goals.

In addition to the core values, our attendance and commutation expectations are as follows:

ATTENDANCE AND COMMUNICATION

Attendance: Players will attend all practices and games unless they communicate a conflict with coaches before the practice/game.

Plan: Players should arrive 5 minutes before the start of practice to get onto the field and get prepared to start on time. The game arrival time will be communicated via the team calendar.

Communication: Players should (with parent support as needed) communicate directly with a coach via phone call, email, or text message when they will not be in attendance. 

Why We’re Grade-Based, Not Skill-Based

At South Windsor Girls Lacrosse, we don’t level teams, make cuts, or move players up. Our teams are intentionally grade-based, keeping athletes of all abilities together.

This philosophy is rooted in the vision of our program founders and is about growing the whole person, not just the athlete.

We believe players learn leadership, empathy, and teamwork by growing alongside their peers. Many of our top athletes, including D1 players and USA U-19 champions, came through this exact model.

For those seeking an extra challenge, we offer optional opportunities for individual growth but, at our core, we’re about more than lacrosse, we’re building great teammates, leaders, and people.

South Windsor Girls’ Lacrosse requires formal registration of all players participating in the program. Additionally, an up-to-date USA Lacrosse membership is required for all players and coaches. This is required for any child playing on any team, in any town, and is a yearly membership fee to be paid separately from your registration fee. A USA Lacrosse membership provides many benefits including insurance for our players, coaches and the club. This membership is good for 1 year and can be used to register for lacrosse programs, camps or clinics outside of the SWGL program as well.

January 31 is a firm deadline for Spring Lacrosse registration. In order to support proper planning, scheduling, uniform ordering, and a high-quality experience for all participants, registrations will not be accepted after 12pm on January 31.

If you miss the deadline but are interested in future opportunities, including clinics or try lacrosse events, you are welcome to join our email list to receive updates and announcements.

Requests for refunds will only be considered prior to the season's Opening Night event. No refunds will be granted once the season has begun. Please note: we cannot refund the cost of USA Lacrosse memberships or the uniform fee.

We understand that sports participation fees can be a concern for some families. Please know that we are committed to making lacrosse accessible to everyone. If you require financial assistance for fees, don't hesitate to reach out to us. 

In regards to inclement weather, the coach or the SWGL Board may:

• Conclude practices/games before inclement weather arrives, or to preserve field conditions or player and spectator safety.
• Cancel the practice/game in its entirety.
• If thunder or lightning is observed, play will be suspended immediately, and players and spectators will be asked to leave the field(s). Play will be allowed to resume 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or sighting of lightning is observed which will be determined by the coaching staff.

We follow all town field closure guidelines and your child's head coach will relay information via email before the canceled practice or game.

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for all athletes, families, coaches, officials, and community members participating in our league.

As a program we expect all participants to uphold the values of sportsmanship, integrity, leadership, and respect. This policy outlines expectations and consequences for conduct that violates the SWGYL Code of Conduct, Player Expectations, and/or the USA Lacrosse Code of Conduct.

Player, Parent, and Spectator Conduct

As a member of the SWGYL community you represent not only yourself, but our team, coaches, families, and the South Windsor Girls Lacrosse League. A “strike” may be issued for actions including, but not limited to:

• Derogatory, abusive, or disrespectful language directed toward a teammate, coach, official, parent, or opponent.
• Unsportsmanlike conduct during practices, games, or tournaments.
• Behavior that undermines team culture, safety, or respect.
• Behavior that goes against our player/parent expectations and Code of Conduct, even after feedback, support, or prior intervention.

What to Expect:

First Strike: One game suspension.

Second Strike: Suspension for two games.

Third Strike:

• Dismissal from SWGYL for the remainder of the season.

• Player and family must meet with the SWGYL Board to discuss potential reinstatement in a future season.

SWGYL will fully support and not override disciplinary actions issued by:

• Connecticut Valley Youth Lacrosse League
• USA Lacrosse
• Assigned game officials and referee associations

If conduct violates league or governing body rules, those sanctions will be honored in addition to any SWGYL disciplinary measures.

*Strikes and documented conduct concerns may carry over from one season to the next to ensure accountability and protect the integrity and safety of our program.