Youth Lacrosse of Minnesota 2012 Coaches Meeting

1. Youth Lacrosseof Minnesota2012 Coaches Meeting www.youthlaxmn.org

2. Agenda • YLM General Information • YLM Operational Guidelines • YLM Player Boundary Rules • Boys Lacrosse Rules of Play • US Lacrosse Information • The Role of the Coach • YLM Coaching Information • Discipline Policy • Coach Code of Conduct • Certified Coach • Resources

3. YLM General Information • YLM Mission Statement • While placing the best interest of our participants at the forefront, our mission is to provide a safe, fun and unified environment for the development and further advancement of youth lacrosse in Minnesota. • Youth Lacrosse of Minnesota is a not-for-profit organization • 2012 Season • Boys youth lacrosse will be organized by the YLM • Girls are allowed to participate, but should be discouraged at Junior (7th/8th) Division • Girls youth lacrosse will be organized by MSSLAX and all girls are encouraged to play in this league • (http://eteamz.active.com/msslax/)

4. YLM Operational Guidelines • Grade of player is defined as the grade he was enrolled in at the close of the school year • 3rd/4th Grade Division – rules based on U9 modifications • 5th/6thGrade A Division – rules based on U11 modifications • 5th/6th Grade B Division – rules based on U11modifications • 7th/8th Grade A Division – rules based on U13 modifications • 7th/8th Grade B Division – rules based on U13 modifications • A Divisions are designated as competitive • B Divisions are designated as non-competitive and intended for player development • Communities with 2 or more 7/8 teams must field at least 1 A team • Multiple teams within a program should be balanced • Each YLM Association is to determine the composition of their teams • Keep in mind the spirit of fair play and the advancement of lacrosse in Minnesota • All players, coaches and officials must have a US Lacrosse Membership

5. YLM Operational Guidelines Do Not Run up the Score in 3/4 Games

6. YLM Player Boundary Rules • All associations within the YLM shall limit their enrollment to those players who reside within their community’s public high school attendance area as defined by local school district maps (defined as: Residing Community) • Exceptions • A player who has open-enrolled to a public school located outside the residing community • A player who does not have a YLM association within their public high school attendance area, must register with the nearest neighboring YLM association, but may not displace a player from that residing community • In addition, no more than 20% of a team can be made up of players outside the attendance area.  • Waivers • All players seeking to register with a YLM team outside their residing community, MUST obtain a YLM waiver prior to registration. Waivers will be granted in only special circumstances. Waivers must be submitted on a YLM Waiver form. Waiver will be reviewed, and approved or denied by the YLM Vice President of Operations.

7. YLM Player Boundary Rules (continued) • Violations • Any association found to be in willful violation of this policy will receive a written warning from the YLM Vice President of Operations. Policy violators will be required to correct their registration practices immediately. Failure to comply will result in ultimate expulsion from membership in the YLM, or such other sanctions as may be provided in YLM rules or as determined by the YLM board. • Appeals • Members do have the right to appeal the decision of the Vice President by request at a future YLM board meeting ** Please note that 7/8th grade players who are also on “traveling” or “elite” summer teams must play on an association’s A team if one exists.

8. The Perfect Lacrosse Game: Well coached Knowledge of rules Help keep the game safe Support kids in their love of the game Well played Good use of fundamentals Ball is moved around the field with passing Minimal penalties Well refereed Proper use of rules and emphasis on safety Good fundamentals of officiating right preparation, right position, right call Support coaches/kids in playing the game correctly Well watched Fan behavior is respectful of coaches,officials/players Fans are knowledgeable/appreciative of good play YLM Emphasis: Well coached Knowledge of rules/US Lacrosse Level 1 YLM Certification/Background Checks Emphasis on the positive roles we play Well played Proper rules emphasis at each level Game structure & length Well refereed Emphasis on referee training Better use of senior/junior officials Emphasis on proper dress and conduct Well watched Sideline manager program Blue sportsmanship card The Perfect Lacrosse Game

9. Boys Lacrosse Rules of Play • All coaches must understand and teach the following rules of play • The rules for all YLM games are the NFHS Rules with the Minnesota Youth Rules supplement that includes the US Lacrosse Youth Rules. • The YLM and MBSLA worked together to ensure the rules regarding play of the game are the same for all youth games • It is highly recommended that every head coach has a copy of the 2012 NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules Book and the Minnesota Youth Rules modifications document at every game. • The rule book should be sent to you as part of your US Lacrosse Membership • The Minnesota Youth Rules modifications (with USL youth rules included) is available from the YLM website and the officials website (umloa.org). • NOTE: Minnesota Youth rule modifications will be discussed later in the presentation

10. YLM Operational Guidelines Not Every Player must score a goal in every game

11. Required Field Player Equipment • Lacrosse Helmet (NOCSAE Approved) • Helmet with a cupped four point chin strap fastened to all four hookups • Hockey helmets are not acceptable for any player • Mouthpiece • The mouthpiece must be a highly visible color (cannot be clear or white) • Gloves • The cutting or altering of gloves is prohibited • Other Protective Equipment • Shoulder pads • Arm pads • Athletic supporters and protective cups • Recommended Equipment • Rib pads • Cleats (no steel spikes)

12. Required Goalkeeper Equipment • Lacrosse Helmet (NOCSAE Approved) • Helmet with a cupped four point chin strap fastened to all four hookups • Hockey helmets are not acceptable for any player • Throat Protector • Attached to the helmet (foam or plastic is acceptable) • Mouthpiece • The mouthpiece must be a highly visible color (cannot be clear or white) • Gloves • The cutting or altering of gloves is prohibited • Other Protective Equipment • Chest protector • Athletic supporters and protective cups • Recommended Equipment • Shin guards / football pants • Cleats (no steel spikes)

13. Crosse Requirements • Crosse Lengths • 3rd/4th Grade Division • 37 to 42 inches long only except for the goalie’s crosse • No “long” crosses • Goalie’s crosse may be 37 to 52 inches long • 5th/6th Grade Division • 37 to 42 inches long for “short” crosses • 47 to 52 inches long for “long” crosses • Goalie’s crosse may be 37 to 52 inches long • The use of “long” crosses at this level is discouraged by USL and YLM • 7th/8th Grade Division • 40 to 42 inches long for “short” crosses • 52 to 72 inches long for “long” crosses • Goalie’s crosse may be 40 to 72inches long

14. Crosse Requirements Continued • Pocket • The pocket of a crosse shall be deemed illegal if the top surface of a lacrosse ball, when placed in the head of the crosse, is below the bottom edge of the side wall • The ball must freely roll out of the pocket – see rule book for details • No stringers / leathers longer than 2” – • End Cap Requirement – NEW FOR 2012 • All hollow shafts shall have cap manufactured for a lacrosse stick • Tape alone is no longer accepted – not penalized but must be fixed immediately • Crosse Dimensions • The head of the crosse must be 6.5 to 10 inches wide (field players) • The minimum length from throat to top outside of the stick is 10inches • Equipment Inspections • Officials will conduct random equipment inspections • The player’s crosse will be included – NEW IN 2012 • Focus on the pocket depth and roll out not length and width • Coaches may request inspections

15. NFHS Rules: Personal Fouls • The penalty for a personal foul shall be • Suspension from the game of the offending player for 1 to 3 minutes, depending on the official’s judgement of the severity and perceived intent of the personal foul • Ball is given to the team fouled • Served whether or not a goal is scored • Cross Check • A player may not check his opponent with the handle of the crosse that • is between the player’s hands, either by thrusting away from the body or by • holding it extended from the body • Illegal Body Check • Body checking of an opponent who is not in possession of the ball or within five yards of a loose ball • Avoidable body check of an opponent after he has passed or shot the ball • Body checking of an opponent from the rear or at or below the waist • Body checking of an opponent in which contact is made above the shoulders • Body checking of an opponent who has any part of his body on the ground

16. NFHS Rules: Personal Fouls (continued) • Illegal Crosse • A crosse may be found illegal if the pocket is too deep or if any otherpart of the crosse was altered to gain an advantage • Use of Illegal Equipment • A player may not use equipment that does not conform to specifications • Fingers or palms may not be cut of the gloves • Gloves altered in a way that compromises their protective features • A player not wearing the required equipment (shoulder or arm pads, etc) • Slashing • Swinging a crosse at an opponent’s crosse or body with deliberateviciousness or reckless abandon • Striking an opponent in an attempt to dislodge the ball from his crosse • Striking an opponent in any part of the face, neck, chest, back, shoulders,groin or on the head with the crosse • Repeatedly striking the opponents lower gloved hand with no attemptto dislodge the ball

17. NFHS Rules: Personal Fouls (continued) • Tripping • A player may not trip an opponent with any part of his body or crosse • Tripping is obstructing an opponent at or below the waist with the crosse,hands, arms, feet or legs, by any positive primary action if the obstructingplayer is on his feet or by any secondary action when the obstructingplayer is not on his feet • Unnecessary Roughness • An excessively violent infraction of the rules against holding and pushing • Deliberate and excessively violent contact made by a defensive playeragainst an offensive player who has established a screening position • Any avoidable act that is deliberate and excessively violent,whether it be with the body or crosse • A check delivered with the gloved hand or hands may not be deliveredwith a punching blow • Entering the field (either from a penalty or substitution on the fly) andimmediately body check a vulnerable opponent

18. NFHS Rules: Personal Fouls (continued) • Targeting the Head and Neck • No player, substitute, non playing member of a squad, coach, oranyone officially connected with a competing team shall: • Enter into an argument with an official as to any decision thathas been made or in any way attempt to influence the decision • Use threatening, profane or obscene language or gestures at any time during the game • Bait or call undue attention to oneself, or any other act consideredunsportsmanlike by the officials • These are non-releasable penalties

19. NFHS Rules: Personal Fouls (continued) • Unsportsmanlike Conduct (USC) • No player, substitute, non playing member of a squad, coach, oranyone officially connected with a competing team shall: • Enter into an argument with an official as to any decision thathas been made or in any way attempt to influence the decision • Use threatening, profane or obscene language or gestures at any time during the game • Bait or call undue attention to oneself, or any other act consideredunsportsmanlike by the officials • These are non-releasable penalties • Ejection • A player, substitute, coach, non playing member of a team or anyoneofficially connected with the team shall be ejected for: • Deliberately striking or attempting to strike anyone orleaving the bench area during an altercation • Use of tobacco or smokeless tobacco • Second non-releasable, unsportsmanlike foul • Any action deemed by the officials to be flagrant misconduct

20. NFHS Rules: Technical Fouls • The penalty for a technical foul shall be either a • 30-second suspension of the offending player from the game (if the team fouled had possession of the ball at the time the foul was committed) OR • Simply the awarding of the ball to the team fouled • Crease Violation / Goalkeeper Interference • Any crease violation or interference with the goalkeeper of a technical nature while the ball is in possession of the defensive team outside of the crease • Any crease violation or interference with the goalkeeper while he and the ball are in the crease, whether or not he has possession of the ball • Holding • A player may not: • Use the portion of the handle that is between his hands to hold an opponent • Step on the crosse of an opponent • Hold an opponent with his crosse • Hold or pin an opponent’s crosse against the body of theopponent with his crosse • Hold an opponent with his free hand that is off the crosse

21. NFHS Rules: Technical Fouls (continued) • Illegal Procedure • Touching the ball with the hands (except the goalie) • Illegal actions with crosse – a player shall not: • Throw his crosse under any circumstances • Take part in the play in any manner without his crosse • Crosse in face of opponent • A player shall not push at, thrust or flick his crosse in the face of an opponent • Entering the game from the penalty area before authorized • Delay of game • Participation in the play of the game by a player out of bounds • Any player not in his restraining area at the time of the face-off whistle • Failure to remain 5 yards from a player having a free play • Having more than 10 players in the game at any time, including the penalty box • Having more than four long crosses in the game (excluding the goalie) • Deliberately creating a loose ball to circumvent the rules of failure to advance • Failure to advance the ball beyond the midfield line into the goal area in 10 sec

22. NFHS Rules: Technical Fouls (continued) • Illegal Offensive Screening • No offensive player shall move into and make contact with a defensive • player with the purpose of blocking a defensive player from the man he • is playing, nor shall the offensive player hold his crosse rigid or extend • his crosse rigid to impede the normal movements of the defensive man • Conduct Foul • A coach shall not enter the field of play without the permission of an official, except to attend to an injured player, to warm up a goalkeeper, or during half time • A player, coach, trainer or other person officially connected with the team shall not: • Leave the bench area and/or coaches area on his side of the field • Object to an official’s decision by arguing or gesturing • Interference • A player shall not interfere in any manner with the free movement of an opponent, except when that opponent has possession, the ball is in flight and within 5 yards, or both players are within 5 yards of a loose ball

23. NFHS Rules: Technical Fouls (continued) • Offside • The ball is awarded to the offended team in its offensive side of the field at the face-off X if the attacking team is offside withpossession of the ball. • Pushing • A player shall not thrust or shove an opponent from the rear • Pushing is permitted from the front or side when an opponenthas possession of the ball or is within 5 yards of a loose ball • Pushing shall be done with either closed hand, shoulder or forearm, and both hands shall be on the crosse • Offensive Stalling • During the last two minutes of regulation play, offensive stallingrules are in effect for the team that is ahead (7th/8th Grade)

24. NFHS Rules: Technical Fouls (continued) • Warding Off • A player in possession of the ball shall not use his free hand or arm or any other part of his body to hold, push or control the direction of themovement of the crosse or body of the player applying a check • Withholding Ball From Play • When a loose ball is on the ground, a player shall not lie on the ball,trap it with his crosse longer than necessary to control the ball and pick it up with one continuous motion, or withhold the ball from play in any other manner

25. Game Equipment and Personnel Requirements • Game Balls • New for 2012 – EACH team must supply game balls for one end line • The Home Team is responsible for (even at neutral site games): • Scorers table with: • Game clock and penalty clock • Score board • Horn to end quarters and game • Copy of the Minnesota Youth Rules and NFHS Boys Lacrosse rule book • CHILL Manager (see next two slides) • Adult time keeper • Adult score keeper • Properly lined and marked fields • Legal goals that are safe for play • Sanitation facilities and water - it is recommended that these services are provided in the vicinity of the fields; due to varying resources this is not mandatory

26. CHILL Manager Job Description • Each team is required to have a CHILL Manager (Cool Heads Instill Life Lessons) • Maintain a positive and sportsmanlike environment around the playing field, including both sidelines. The officials will handle on-field sportsmanship issues. • Your coach should introduce you to your team which consists of yourself, the opposing team’s CHILL manager, the officials, the coaches and everyone “Honoring the Game”. • You should partner with the other CHILL Manager and feel free to discuss issues with him/her. Please also feel free to discuss concerns with the coaches and officials. You may stop the game to speak with officials by asking the timer/scorer to soundthe horn at a dead ball/on a whistle. • Behavior that does not “Honor the Game” includes: • Entering the field of play, bench or table area or throwing objects onto the field • Continued berating of officials or others involved with the game • Verbal threats of bodily harm, injury or death • The use of obscene or highly abusive language • Fighting

27. CHILL Manager Job Description (continued) • Intervention • In as private and calm a manner as possible ask the misbehaving person "Do you think you are Honoring the Game right now?" or say to them "You seem pretty upset." Remind them that part of the way we do things here is that we respect the official even if we disagree with a call. "You may be right about that call being incorrect, but here, we Honor the Game and show respect to officials even if they are wrong." • Assertive Statement: Sometimes a person will not respond to your more subtle interventions. Here are some further things you can say: • "That's not the way we do things in here!" • "Yelling at the official is not Honoring the Game." • "It's not okay to act like that here." • "That kind of behavior has no place here." • Hand the person the sportsmanship card and walk away. Head immediately to timer/scorer area and have them signal the officials. Inform the officials of the situation in as much detail as possible. The officials will give you any further instructions. • If you feel the behavior warrants it, you may administer the sportsmanship card immediately. Don’t place yourself at risk. Remember to respect personal space, as you do not want to create another incident. • The community will back up your judgment(s)…rest assured • If you need help…get back-up

28. Game Format • Field Layout • Standard NFHS field dimensions (see next slide) • Seven (7) orange cones required • Corners of the field (4), midfield opposite benches (1), and sub area (2) • For Bantam (3/4) fields, it is acceptable to play on a smaller field • 40 yards x 80 yards minimum with goals 10-15 yards from the endlines • Parents and other fans must be on the opposite side of the field from players/coaches • Game Traditions • Pre-game Lineup • ALL players will line-up (not just the starters) – NEW FOR 2012 • Referees explain any special ground rules • Goalies shake hands • Player shake hands • End of Game • Yell a cheer to honor the opposing team • End of game hand shake - remove equipment to shake opponent’s hands

29. Field Markings

30. Game Format (continued) • Game Format • (4) 12 minute quarters – running clock • 1 timeout per half – maximum 2 minutes long • Coaches must stay inside the coaches area during timeouts • 2 minute intermission between first/second and third/fourth quarters • 5 minute intermission at half • Teams change ends to start each quarter • No overtime – ties stand • Face-offs begin each game unless there is a pre-game penalty • Point Differential for 3rd/4th and 5th/6th Grade Divisions only • When a team has a four-goal lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in lieu of a faceoff as long as the four-goal lead is maintained. • Applies to ALL faceoffs unless a team is due possession because of a penalty. • The trailing team’s head coach may ask the officials to administer a faceoff instead of awarding the ball.

31. Game Format (continued) • Referees • All referees are required to be certified and be at least High School Sophomores • Referees shall understand and enforce the NFHS Rules with the Minnesota Youth Rule modifications. • A minimum of 2 officials are needed at all games • Referee discretion • The Referees’ main objectives are to call the game fairly and, most importantly, protect the players from injury • Anything play that is considered dangerous shall be considered illegal • Officials control the game from the start – if in doubt, a penalty will be called • Always err on the side of safety • Referees will be assigned and paid by the YLM – NEW FOR 2012

32. Game Format (continued) • Penalty Enforcement For All Divisions (NEW IN 2012 FOR 3rd/4th Grade) • Due to running time play penalty times are 150% of what is described in the rules • Example: 30 second penalty becomes a 45 second penalty • Example: 1 minute penalty becomes a 1 minute and 30 second penalty • This includes all personal fouls and time-serving technical fouls • Non-releasable penalties include the following: • Equipment (illegal stick, missing mouth guard) • Unsportsmanlike behavior (swearing or foul/abusive/taunting language by players, coaches or fans) • Checks that target the head or neck or are initiated with the head or helmet • Non-releasable Unsportsmanlike Conduct penalties will be enforced as follows: • First offense: 1 minute non-releasable penalty • Second offense: 3 minute non-releasable penalty and ejection • Fighting will be grounds for immediate ejection from the game, followed by possible League sanctions for multiple violations

33. YLM Rules of Play Exceptions • The National Federation of State High School Associations Boys Lacrosse Rules Book and Minnesota Youth Rules Modifications (which includes the US Lacrosse Youth Rules) governs all YLM play. • No 20 second defensive count • No 10 second offensive count in the 3rd/4th and 5th/6th Grade Divisions • Slashing • Shall be strictly enforced • YLM Points of Emphasis • Coaches should review these points of emphasis with players • Official should pay special attention to these rules • No One-handed Checks -- Even if contact isn’t made, a penalty will be enforced • No Take Out Checks -- Checks in which the player lowers his head or shoulders with the force and intent knock another player to the ground are illegal • No Pushing from Behind – Players should avoid contact with the back of another player and officials should not let such contact go un-called. • Coaches are expected to review the rules document and instruct players accordingly

34. YLM Rules of Play Exceptions (continued) • Game cancellations • Any of the following: head coaches, time keeper or officials can decide if a game should be canceled due to weather conditions • It is the home team's responsibility to reschedule a canceled game • Rescheduling of games must be done through the YLM Scheduler – NEW IN 2012 • Interrupted or Delayed Games • If a game is interrupted or delayed but can still be played or restarted, the game should still end at the originally planned time. • Example: A game is scheduled for 6:15 to 7:15 but there is a long delay for an injured player. The game should still be concluded at 7:15 even if the full game time is not complete. • Example: a team arrives late for a game and it starts 15 minutes late. The game should be shortened to end on time. • A game is considered complete if play has advanced midway into the 3rd quarter of play YLM rules are posted on the YLM website and should be printed and at each game

35. Ejection Policy • Players or coaches who are ejected from a regular-season game will be suspended for the remainder of that game plus the next two (2) games – NEW IN 2012 • Players or coaches who are ejected during post-season play will be suspended for the remainder of the season.   • Players or coaches who are ejected and are unable to complete their suspension may be required to serve the suspension at the beginning of the following season, if applicable. 

36. 3rd/4th Grade Division Rule Modifications • The game is to be played with the emphasis on the proper development of stick, team and sportsmanship skills following NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules with the following exceptions: • Time Serving Penalties – NEW IN 2012 Players will serve penalties and teams will play “man-down” in the 3rd/4th Grade Division • Two Pass Rule The offensive team is prohibited from shooting until it has been declared “hot.” Once declared “hot,” the offense remains hot until the defense gains possession, a goal is scored, or the period ends resulting in a faceoff. It is a technical foul on the offense if they shoot and are not hot. Officials will declare a team hot when it has completed two passes without the ball touching the ground and one of those passes originates from the team’s offensive half of the field. Officials will verbally count “one” on the first complete pass and raise a hand with their index finger up. Upon completion of the second pass, the officials will verbally say “Hot” (or “Two”) and briefly point in the direction of play. If the ball touches the ground after the first pass, the officials will verbally call “reset” and give the reset signal (circling one hand in the air) and start the process over.

37. 5th/6th Grade Division Rules Modifications • The game is to be played with the emphasis on the proper development of stick, team and sportsmanship skills following NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules with the following exceptions: • No Body Checking • No offensive stalling rules • Incidental Body Contact is acceptable • Contact made on the field that is considered incidental by the Referee is allowed • Incidental body contact is defined as • Equal opposing pressure • Positional ground ball contact • Accidental collisions • It is the referee’s decision if contact was incidental – Safety First! • Goalie Protection • Players are allowed to step in front of driving players in order to protect the goalie

38. Junior (7th/8th) Division Rules of Play Exceptions • The game is to be played with the emphasis on the proper development of stick, team and sportsmanship skills following NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rules including the following: • Body checks • Body contact made by a player taking more than four steps (run up hit) is an illegal body check • Offensive stalling will not be enforced outside of final two minutes • Final two minutes of play • The team leading will be required to keep the ball in the box once entered - referee signals this situation by calling “Keep it In!” • Goalie Protection • Players are allowed to step in front of driving players in order to protect the goalie

39. US Lacrosse: The Role of the Coach • A Positive Coach: • Is a positive motivator and refuses to motivate through fear, intimidation or shame. He establishes order and discipline in a positive manner. • Works to remain positive even through losing streaks. He recognizes that it is often when things go wrong that a coach can have the most positive impact and teach the most important lessons. Regardless of the adversity involved, he refuses to demean himself or his players by resorting to fear, intimidation or shame. He always treats athletes with respect regardless of how well they perform. • Coaches for mastery rather than victory, which he sees as a by-product of the pursuit of excellence. He focuses on effort rather than outcome, learning rather than comparison to others. • Recognizes that mistakes are an important and inevitable part of learning and encourages an environment in which players are willing to risk making a mistake.

40. US Lacrosse: The Role of the Coach (continued) • A Positive Coach (continued): • Sets standards of continuous learning and improvement for herself and her players. She encourages and inspires her players, whatever their level of mastery, to strive to get better without threatening them. She is committed to becoming the best coach she can be and continually seeks to improve her own effectiveness. • "Honors the Game." He feels an obligation to the sport he coaches. He loves his sport and shares his love and enjoyment with his players. He feels privileged to be able to take part in his sport. • Respects her opponents, recognizing that a worthy opponent will push her and her team to do their best. • Understands the important role that officials play and strives to show them respect even when he disagrees with their decisions. • Values the rich tradition of her sport and works to honor the spirit as well as the letter of its rules. • Demonstrates personal integrity and would rather lose than win by dishonoring the game. Dishonoring the game is worse than defeat.

41. YLM Discipline Policy • All disciplinary actions are to be initiated by the filing of an Incident Report on the form and in the manner specified on the website. • Initial review will be conducted by the VP of League Operations, including an opportunity for all interested parties to provide information. The VP will have the authority to negotiate an agreeable resolution. Any such resolution will be presented to the Board at its next regular meeting for such action as it deems prudent. • If the VP cannot negotiate a resolution, a complaint or report will be reviewed by the YLM Board as a whole at its next scheduled meeting, or earlier if possible. A decision will be based on the VP report and any other information that may be submitted. • Consequences may range from a private admonishment to suspension for a game or a full season or more at the Board's discretion. • Players illegally playing down to any division will be ejected for the season and the team will be eliminated from any playoffs and ineligible for any titles or awards (rosters will be traded at the beginning of each game)

42. YLM Coach Code of Conduct • As a member of US Lacrosse and a participant in Youth Lacrosse of Minnesota, I have read and understand the following conditions of participation: • Coaches are to conduct themselves in a manner that “Honors the Game” of lacrosse. This includes remembering the ROOTS of lacrosse: • RULES – refusing to bend the rules to win • OPPONENTS – a worthy opponent brings out our best • OFFICIALS – show respect even if we disagree • TEAMMATES – never do anything to embarrass our team • SELF – live up to our own standards even when others don’t • The value of good sportsmanship, the concepts of fair play, and the development of skills should always be placed above winning • The safety and wellness of my players are of primary importance • I must always be aware of the tremendous influence I have on my players and will strive to be a positive role model

43. YLM Coach Code of Conduct (continued) • YLM Coach Code of Conduct continued: • I will demonstrate positive behaviors and reinforce them to my players, parents, officials, and spectators • I will demonstrate utmost respect for officials and reinforce that respect with my players • I will demonstrate a solid knowledge of both the national and local rules of lacrosse, and will adhere to the rules in both the letter and spirit of the game • Grievances or misunderstandings between coaches, officials, or any other involved persons should be communicated through proper channels and procedures, never on the field of play. I will familiarize myself with these channels prior to the onset of games • I understand that a violation of this Code of Conduct may result in a review by the Youth Lacrosse of Minnesota Board of Directors and a possible disciplinary action, including suspension • All coaches need to sign the YLM Coach Code of Conduct before they leave this meeting

44. Certified Coaches • For the 2012 YLM Season, head coaches will be required to be YLM Certified Coaches.  It is strongly encouraged that all assistant coaches also become certified.  The following items must be completed by a coach to be “YLM Certified”: • Active membership of US Lacrosse • Attendance at a YLM Rules Interpretation Meeting • Completion of the US Lacrosse Level 1 Online Training Course (1 time) • Completion of YLM Coach Code of Conduct • Background check (each association is required to perform the background checks) • Once all the above are completed, coaches will receive their YLM Coach’s badge to make them eligible to coach in the YLM • A badged coach must be present with the team • Failure to do so results in a forfeit of the game • Badged coaches are not tied to a team -- if the coach is sick, you can get another certified coach to stand in, even if an assistant coach (uncertified) runs the game

45. Resources: Websites • US Lacrosse • National Organization www.uslacrosse.org • Minnesota Chapter www.mnlacrosse.com • Online Courses • History of lacrosse http://archives.cbc.ca/IDD-1-41-824/sports/lacrosse/ • Videos, Books, etc • e-lacrosse (lacrosse information) www.e-lacrosse.com/ • Inside Lacrosse (lacrosse information) www.insidelacrosse.com • Lacrosse Magazine (lacrosse information) http://laxmagazine.cstv.com/ • Lax Links (lacrosse information) www.laxlinks.com • Lax Power (lacrosse information) www.laxpower.com • Westside Lacrosse (lacrosse information) www.westsidelax.com • Youth Lacrosse USA (coaching information) www.youthlacrosseusa.com • Kudda (coaching information) www.kudda.com • Championship Videos (lacrosse videos) www.championshipproductions.com • Coaching Forum http://www.lacrosseforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=80 • Lacrosse Rules and Officiating Forum http://www.lacrosseforums.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=&f=86

46. Resources: Referee Signals – Procedural Signals

47. Resources: Referee Signals – Technical Fouls

48. Resources: Referee Signals – Personal Fouls