Code of Conduct

At Whatcom Girls Youth Lacrosse (WGYL), we are committed to providing a positive, inclusive, and respectful environment for all athletes, families, coaches, and officials. Our Code of Conduct ensures that every member of our community understands and upholds our shared values of integrity, teamwork, and sportsmanship.

Treat teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials with kindness and respect at all times — on and off the field.

Work hard in practice and games, have a positive attitude, and stay focused on improving.

Support and encourage my teammates. Celebrate their successes and help lift them up when things are tough.

Be on time, come prepared, listen to coaches, and take ownership of my attitude and actions. Communicate absences in advance.

I understand I represent my team, school, and community. I will act with integrity online, in school, and in public.

Win with humility, lose with grace, and always respect the game.

Encourage good sportsmanship by showing respect to players, coaches, officials, and other families — both on and off the field. Celebrate effort over outcomes, support all players, and model composure and respect at all times.

Trust our coaches to manage practices, games, and player development. Please refrain from coaching from the sidelines or criticizing referees.

Concerns should be shared respectfully and through the proper team communication channels.

If you have a concern regarding coaching decisions or gameplay, please wait at least 24 hours after the game or practice before reaching out to the coach. This helps ensure discussions happen calmly and respectfully.

Help your player attend practices and games consistently and on time. Let coaches know as soon as possible if your child will miss an event.

Communicate Absences Early:

• Let us know at the start of each week if you’ll be missing practice — or at least by the day before. Consistent communication helps us plan more effectively.

Come Prepared with All Gear:

• Stick
• Cleats
• Goggles
• Mouthguard
• Water
• Tennis shoes (for gym/weight room work)

Tip: Keep your tennis shoes in your lacrosse bag at all times.

Be On Time, Ready to Go

• Practice starts promptly
• Arrive 15 minutes early and ready to start warm-ups 5 minutes before.

Effort in Practice = Opportunity in Games

• Playing time and starting roles are influenced by your attendance, effort, and attitude at practice. Show up, work hard, and earn your spot!

Pre-Game

• Warm-ups begin 1 hour before game time. Arrive early enough to be dressed and ready — this includes having your mouthguard and goggles on, and all jewelry off before warm-ups begin.
• Bring everything, every game. Always have both uniforms with you — even if you think you’ll only need one.
• Confidence is key!
• Use positive self-talk. Believe in yourself and your teammates.
• Starting lineups are earned through attendance, effort, and attitude. Starting is a reward, but not starting is not a punishment — everyone contributes to the team's success.

During the Game

• Show respect — to yourself, your teammates, coaches, refs, opponents, and volunteers. If you’re frustrated, pull yourself out and regroup. No back talk.
• Trust each other. Trust yourself. Play smart, play together.
• Always work to be the better team, in both skill and sportsmanship.

Post-Game

• Home games: Players help clean up the field — tables, cones, and other gear.
• All players attend the post-game huddle before greeting friends and family.
• 24-hour rule: Parents/players may only share positive feedback with coaches or players for 24 hours after a game.

Note for Parents:

We’re proud of our strong reputation with other teams and officials. Please help us maintain that! If you disagree with a call — keep it to yourself and set a positive example.

We are here to play lacrosse, learn and grow as athletes, and compete with heart — but just as importantly, we are here to support each other as friends, teammates, and mentors.

Winning is not our only goal.

We will work hard to compete in every game, but it matters even more that you’re becoming the best version of yourself — on and off the field.

Be a good human.

• Speak to yourself and others with respect and kindness.
• Use positive self-talk and offer constructive feedback — never criticism without care.
• Drama stays out of lacrosse — no exceptions.

Respect and Trust Matter.

Respect everyone involved — teammates, coaches, referees, and opponents.

Trust your coaches. Trust your teammates. Trust yourself.

We are your coaches — and we care about you.

We’re here to teach and guide, but also to listen, support, and help with whatever you need.

Off days happen.

We don’t expect perfection. We ask for effort. Show up. Try your best. That’s what makes you a great teammate.