Boys Youth Lacrosse of Washington,
Rules and Regulations, 2005
MISSION
STATEMENT:
Boys Youth Lacrosse of Washington intends to promote
and develop the game of lacrosse and to provide a safe and fun opportunity
for children in grades 3rd -8th who register with us
to play club lacrosse. We will emphasize the development of self-esteem,
good sportsmanship, respect for oneself and others, fitness, achievement,
teamwork and skill through the playing of the game of lacrosse.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF BYLW:
The responsibilities
of the Boys Youth Lacrosse of Washington hereinafter will be referred
to as BYLW shall be to organize, develop and promote boys youth
lacrosse in Washington. It shall further be the responsibility of the BYLW
to supervise and administer boy�s youth lacrosse in Washington
Definitions
Organization- An independent system that fields at least one team
with-in BYLW. It must have a President, Secretary, and Treasurer (or
equivalent title). Each organization in BYLW will operate and maintain their
franchises and be responsible for their own sign-up registrations,
insurance, equipment, fields, and coaches. BYLW organizations will
operate their own boards, fundraisers, and maintain their own separate
finances. Each organization of the BYLW will abide by all decisions voted on
by the majority or otherwise stated. Each member organization receives one
vote.
Franchise-
A team or teams from a community represented by a coordinator (Or
equivalent title) and is a member of an organization.
Team- A
single squad of players within a franchise.
SECTION I
BOYS YOUTH
LACROSSE OF WASHINGTON ADMINISTRATION
1) BYLW will be
comprised of organizations that are independent with their own board of
directors and financial resources to fund their own program. The board of
directors must include at least a president, secretary and treasurer. (Or
equivalent title)
2) All BYLW members must sign the " Compliance
Agreement " clause in Section XV of this document. Failure to
sign this agreement will result in the exclusion of the organization from
BYLW.
3) The name Boys Youth Lacrosse of Washington refers to
the league as a whole. Organizations operate under their own name with their
own identity. BYLW allows organizations and their franchises to share in the
planning and decision making while playing under the same rules and
regulations.
4) THE BYLW REQUIRES THAT ALL COACHES AND SUPPORT STAFF
HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND THE COMPLIANCE
AGREEMENT.
SECTION II
FRANCHISE COSTS
1) The BYLW Board of Directors will determine League
dues and fees. Every team in BYLW will pay these dues and fees to the
League Treasurer on the date announced by the BYLW Board of Directors.
Failure to pay regular fees or dues shall cause the team�s games to be
forfeited until all fees and dues are paid.
2) Each BYLW organization will pay their share for
officials based on the number of teams they field for the current year.
Official�s fees may vary depending on Division. Every team in the BYLW will
pay these fees on the date announced by the BYLW Board of Directors.
Failure to pay official�s fees shall cause the team�s games to be forfeited
until all official�s fees are paid.
3) All home field costs are the responsibilities of
each organization, which secure those fields.
4) All players and Coaches must have liability
insurance. (Section III.5.6)
SECTION III
ORGANIZATION
ELIGIBILITY
1) BYLW will be comprised of independent organizations
playing together as a league. Any organization that wishes to play in BYLW
will be welcome to join as a member organization if agreed upon by a
majority vote of the current BYLW Board.
2) Any vote on a new organization admitted to the
league will be taken after a current season ends but before a new season
begins. A simple majority vote is needed to accept a new organization into
BYLW.
3) Each new member organization will be on a one-year
probationary term. At the end of the probationary term the league
members will then take a vote at the pre-season meeting. A majority vote
will be required to give the new member organization permanent status.
4) No organization may be expelled from BYLW without a
majority vote by the BYLW Board of Directors. This vote will take place at
the last meeting of the year.
5) A
vote to expel an organization can be called only after these conditions are
met:
-
An organization shows a repeated disrespect for the by-laws,
rules and codes set forth by the BYLW Board. This can be quantified by an
unusually high number of grievances brought against an organization and
formally submitted to the BYLW Board.
-
Repeated attempts are made by the BYLW Board of Directors to get the
offending organization into compliance and the offending organization
refuses to correct the problems.
-
At
the end of season meeting with the BYLW Board of Directors and the
organization in question in attendance, the issue will be debated and
discussed. An agreement can be reached to correct the problems or the
BYLW Board of Directors call for a silent majority vote if no agreement
can be reached. The result of the vote will be final.
-
If
an organization is expelled, a letter from the BYLW Board of Directors
will be sent to the expelled organization president detailing the reasons.
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An
expelled organization can re-apply for membership after a one-year period.
-
It
is mandatory that all BYLW organizations have team liability / medical
insurance. If a team/ franchise or organization is found not to have
liability insurance they will be immediately suspended from and league
functions.
PLAYER
DIVISIONS, PLAYER ELIGIBILITY, ROSTERS, COACHES ELIGIBILITY
1) Boys Youth Lacrosse
of Washington will be based on the following three (3) divisions based on
grade with age exceptions, with exceptions noted in rule, (Section
IV.4). The player�s age before September 1st shall be the
player�s league age for the current season. No fifteen- (15) year olds
prior to September 1st of the current season or ninth (9th)
graders are allowed to play in BYLW. A valid birth certificate will
determine the player's age and division of play
Junior � 10, 11, 12 years /5th and 6th
grade (No 13 year olds prior to September 1st)
Senior - 12, 13, 14 years / 7th and 8th
grade (No 15 year olds prior to September 1st)
2) A valid copy of each participant�s birth certificate
will be on file with each BYLW member organization to insure the correct
division of play as well to settle any protests that may occur as to a
player�s eligibility.
3) A player can play in only one division (in his/her
age/grade division), on one team per season.
4) All official rosters (BYLW form 101) will be set by
Friday of week two (2) in the regular season. A signed copy must be on file
with the League Secretary by that date. Head coaches must have their team�s
official roster with player�s name, grade, age and game jersey number
available on game day to verify player's eligibility if needed. Only the
opposing head coach can challenge a player's status. The head coach must
then follow the protest and grievance rule, Section VII, 10.1 of this
document.
5) All coaches must submit to a Washington State
background check with host organization before having contact with players.
It is suggested that all head coaches are trained in CPR and First Aid and
hold a valid current card. Each team will have a properly stocked first aid
kit on the sidelines of all BYLW league games and practices.
SECTION V
BOUNDARIES
1) Boys Youth Lacrosse of Washington member
organizations will have no boundaries. Any player can play on any
organization they sign up with. It�s unfair to dictate to parents as to
where it�s best for their child to play. A player that has never played
before may be recruited by any member organization. A player may only play
for one organization in any given season. Any coach can coach for any
organization they sign up with. A coach may only coach one team in any given
season.
2) If a player chooses to change to another
organization from one year to the next, both organization presidents must be
informed that this has happened. In some cases a player and or parent has
been expelled (Examples: Owing fees, holding equipment, rules violations)
from individual organizations or BYLW and might be trying to play or coach
while under expulsion. This will protect member organizations from these
situations. A member organization can recruit a player that has participated
in BYLW only if that player has not played in BYLW for a period of one year.
3) Although BYLW has
no boundaries, it is understood that upon entering High School and WHSBLA, a
players will be required to play for the team affiliated with the school
that he attends and absent of a team at that school, he must play for the
team that is closest to his home.
SECTION VI
GAME &
PRACTICE REGULATIONS / OFFICIALS
1) Each
organization will provide their own home field and will be responsible for
field markings and field supervision. It�s also required of all home fields
to have access to toilet facilities for all participants.
2) This will always be the desired option and
priority- If BYLW can secure official association referees for the
season the BYLW Referee Coordinator and Treasurer will work with the
official�s association representative to ensure all fees are paid, all
schedules agreed to, and all requirements are met.
3) Each organization that doesn�t have an operating
scoreboard must furnish a regulation clock as well as a penalty clock and
horn with an adult to run them.
4) The home team is responsible to make sure that they
do not have the same colored jerseys as the away team. Each organization
must indicate their colors for home and away at the start of the season. In
the interest of cost, it�s desirable to use one color for home and away.
5) Each organization will operate their home field as
the host and may elect to have concessions. It is not a requirement that a
franchise have concessions. All teams must make sure that their sidelines
are cleaned up after each game.
6) Game times will be set at the time the schedule is
made. Field availability at each home field will also determine game times.
SECTION VII
PLAYING RULES
Playing rules will be National Federation of High
Schools (NFHS) rules with the following exceptions:
1) Only shoes with pliable, molded, non-detachable
cleats will be allowed. An illegal shoe, defined by the Referee Association,
is a shoe with cleats that can produce a cutting edge. Hard plastic cleats
are not permitted
2) Rule 1- Field & Equipment a. Arm pads are
required at all divisions for each player and are optional for the goalie.
Junior/Senior NFSHSA Rules Apply � Crosse � Dimensions The Crosse shall
be an overall fixed length of either 40 to 42 inches (Short crosse) or 52 to
72 inches (Long crosse), except for the goalkeeper�s crosse, which may be a
length of 72 inches or less. No long crosses are allowed in Lighting
Division.
3) Responsibilities of the home team SECTION
3.a. Game balls and adequate number of balls must be maintained at the end
lines b. Ball. c. Home teams are responsible for contrasting jersey colors
and will wear pennies if needed.
3) Rule 3 � Time Factors and Scoring
a. Games
will consist of four quarters each lasting 10 minutes stopped clock, and, if
necessary, sudden victory 4-minute overtime periods.
b.
Overtime � in the event of a tie, two (2) four (4) minute (sudden
victory) overtime periods will be played. If, after two (2) overtime periods
the score is tied, additional sudden victory overtime periods may be played
until a winner is determined; provided time permits and coaches and
officials are in agreement.
c.
Timeouts- two (2) timeouts are permitted per half, one (1) timeout
for overtime.
4) Rule 4 � Play of the Game The game is to be
played with emphasis on the proper development of stick, team, and
sportsmanship skills:
a.
No 10-second count
b.
Body checking is permitted, however, no take-out checks are permitted
by any player. Definition � Take�out checks: Checks in which the player
lowers his head or shoulder with the force and intent to take out (*put on
the ground) the other player. Players may make contact in an upright
position within five yards of the ball.
c.
In any game and at any point during a game when there is a four-point
lead, the team that is behind will be given the ball at the midfield line in
lieu of a face-off as long as the four-point lead is maintained, unless
waived by the coach of the trailing team.
d.
If any player in a single game receives more than 4 personal fouls of
any type (see section VII.5 on Personal Fouls), he/she will be ejected from
the game/play.
5) Rule 5a. Conduct/Personal Fouls
In addition to the NFHS
rule of 5 personal fouls, any player or coach who uses derogatory language
or taunts on/from the field or bench, whether addressing a player, coach, or
referee will receive: First Offense, 1 minute non-releasable penalty.
Second Offense, 3 minute non-releasable penalty. Third Offense,
ejection/ expulsion from the game. Physical altercations before, during
or after a game by players, coaches, officials or spectators will result in
the ejection of that player, parent, coach, or spectator from the field
location by the Field Manager (see section X.3). Ejection of players,
coaches, or spectators by officials for any reason will result in the
automatic suspension from participating in all BYLW functions, including all
practices, for a period to include the next scheduled game. The BYLW Board
of Directors will review the incident with the players, parents,
coaches, or spectators during the suspension period. At that time a silent
vote will be taken to allow or disallow the individual to continue
participation in league activities. The BYLW Board of Directors can take
action up to and including banning the individual from BYLW. If the
individual is allowed to continue participation and is involved in a second
offense; it will result in the automatic suspension from league play or
participation for the remainder of the current year. Any ballplayer
ejected from a game will not be eligible to play the next schedule game.
6) Rule 6- Technical Fouls a. Offensive stalling
shall be enforced. The winning team is to keep the ball in the box during
the last two minutes of the game
7)
Points of emphasis from BYLW:
-
Body checks for
Juniors should be limited to one step toward the opposing player.
-
Juniors &
Seniors � Any poke check not making contact with the gloved hand while
holding the stick itself should be considered a slash. Also, any
one-handed check should be considered a slash
-
By prior mutual
agreement, Lighting and Junior Coaches may stop play while their team
controls the ball to instruct their ballplayers on a rule violation they
may have committed.
8) Game spectators
Parents and spectators are to be situated on the
opposite side of the field from the players box (were
applicable).
9) Game Protests
-
Game Protest must be based on an
interpretation of the rules (i.e., playing rules). Only the objecting Head
Coach, at the time the play occurs, must notify the head referee and
opposing coach that the game is being played in protest. All protested
games will be played out to the finish of the game. The coach must then
submit a written protest to BYLW Board of Directors
within 48 hours of the completion of the
game. The BYLW Grievance Committee will then review the protest and decide
on a coarse of action. A decision is to be made before the next weeks
scheduled games.
10) Other
Protests
-
Ineligible
players, coaches, or parents � unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches,
players, or parents - player equipment or field setup infractions, Only
the objecting Head Coach, at the time the infraction occurs, must notify
the head referee and opposing coach that the game is being played in
protest. All protested games will be played out to the finish of the game.
The coach must then submit a written protest to BYLW Board of
Directors within 48 hours of the
completion of the game. The BYLW Grievance Committee
will then review the protest and decide
on a coarse of action. A decision is to be made before the next weeks
scheduled games.
11) Grievance Committee
-
The Grievance Committee will be made up of the
current year BYLW Board members. A minimum of three (3) BYLW Board members
must be in attendance for a hearing to occur. If a Board member is a
direct party to the dispute, that Board member will not sit on the
Grievance Committee for that instance. The BYLW President will chair the
Committee but will not have a vote. All parties involved will be present
and state their case before a silent vote can be taken to determine the
outcome. If the vote results in a tie then the BYLW President will cast
the determining vote. When a silent vote is taken the results are final
and all organizations agree to abide by the decision of the �Grievance
Committee.
SECTION VIII
UNIFORMS
1) All players must be suited in full uniform.
A uniform consists of a CERTIFIED NOCSAE helmet with a warning sticker,
mouth guard, shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, team jersey, and shoes. It is
highly recommended that all male participants must also wear a protective
cup. All goalies will wear appropriate chest protection and throat
protection.
2) Players are
not allowed to wear jewelry during practice or games. Emergency I.D.
bracelets may be worn but must be covered with white athletic tape.
SECTION IX
SCHEDULES
AND PLAYOFFS
1) League games counting toward playoff standings
are to be scheduled by an assigned scheduler. Exhibition or non-league
games are scheduled at the discretion of the coach, but must be reported to
the BYLW Board of Directors. Any change to a scheduled game must be agreed
upon between coaches of both teams. Changes to a scheduled game must be
reported to the referee scheduler 48 hours prior to the originally scheduled
date and time. It is the responsibility of the coach requesting the change
to contact the referee scheduler.
2) No organization or team will be allowed to be a
member of BYLW who refuses to play a league-scheduled game with another BYLW
team. Any BYLW team refusing to play another BYLW team shall lose the
privilege of playing any/all teams in the BYLW to include participation in
the year-end tournament.
3) Each organization will have a home field if
possible. This will encourage community involvement in the league.
Organizations may choose to share a home field if they desire. Seniors- The
Monday after each Saturday or Sunday game, a representative from the home
team will update the game scores on the Walax.com, so standings can
be kept. Lightning and Juniors- Game scores will not be posted on the
Walax.com.
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-
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5) Play-off
Seeding Tiebreaker:
-
Head to head
-
In
the event of a tie, Division seeding will be determined by total season
points allowed. In the event that there is a tie for the last playoff spot
then a mini-playoff consisting of 10-minute halves will be played on the
Tuesday following the last game of the season with the winner advancing as
the #4 seed.
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Individual
player trophies will be the responsibility of each organization.
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This section will be revised every year and
confirmed by majority vote of the general membership.
SECTION X
CONDUCT,
RULES
1) Each organization will
be responsible for the conduct of their coaches, players and spectators. Any
player, coach or spectator who is ejected from a game must follow all BYLW
rules regarding ejection from a game.
2) Each franchise may
choose their own nicknames (providing name is appropriate, as determined by
BYLW board), colors (as long as it�s not already in use), team size, number
of teams, home field but must conduct themselves under the spirit of the
rules of BYLW.
3) Each organization should
provide a field manager for their assigned home games. The field manager has
the right to remove any spectator who is disruptive regardless of which team
the spectator is cheering for.
4) Every parent, player and coach in each franchise
will receive a �Code of Conduct Form� (Form 100). It explains what�s
expected as to their behavior at any and all BYLW functions. Form 100
will be signed by the coach, parent, and player and filed with the player�s
registration forms with each member organization.
6) Physical altercations before, during or after a
game by players, coaches, officials or spectators will result in the
ejection of that player, parent, coach, or spectator from the field location
by the Field Manager. Ejection of players, coaches, or spectators by
officials will result in the automatic suspension from participating in all
BYLW functions, including all practices, for a period to include the next
scheduled game. The BYLW Board of Directors will review the incident with
the players, parents, coaches, or spectators during the suspension period.
At that time a silent vote will be taken to allow or disallow the individual
to continue participation in league activities. The BYLW Board of Directors
can take action up to and including banning the individual from BYLW League.
If the individual is allowed to continue participation and is involved in a
second offense, it will result in the automatic suspension from league play
or participation for the remainder of the current year.
7) Altercations between parents, players, coaches,
officials, or any other spectators will not be tolerated. Franchises must
police themselves and make it clear to their organization that bad behavior
will not be tolerated.
SECTION XII
ETHICS
1) In any
document one can find loopholes or ways to get around a rule. It�s up to the
individual organizations to police themselves so as not to break the spirit
of the codes and rules. An organization is only as good as the people in it
who are willing to play above board in an honest and trusting manner. The
BYLW League was created to bring together strong independent youth Lacrosse
organizations that are willing to work within an environment of mutual
cooperation in which the advancement of Lacrosse and not just the individual
organization are the main priority. The dynamics of youth lacrosse demands
that a youth lacrosse league be operated in this manner. This allows the
community, in which the organization resides to better serve that area, grow
with the area and have a sense of ownership with the community.
2) Member organizations are expected to induce a
spirit of high ideals in their teams. Member organizations are to practice
the highest standards of sportsmanship and coaching ethics.
3) Member organization(s) will be responsible for
providing proof that all their coaches have submitted to the Washington
State background before taking the field. All coaches are required to attend
league sponsored coaching/training clinics.
SECTION XIV
CHANGES
1) At the end
of each season the BYLW Board of Directors will meet from time to time in
the off-season to review these rules. If a rule is to be changed it will
take a two-thirds majority vote by the member organizations (each member
organization receives one vote).
SECTION XV
COMPLIANCE AGREEMENT
By signing this agreement we acknowledge to have
read and understand the rules and regulations of the Boys Youth
Lacrosse of Washington League. By signing this agreement we agree to
attend scheduled meetings, return phone calls, and cooperate with other
member organizations in a timely manner By signing this agreement
we understand that if these rules are broken or ignored by this organization
we run the risk of expulsion from the Boys Youth Lacrosse of Washington
League. Refusal to sign this agreement will exclude this franchise from
League play.
Organization Name:________________________Address:_____________________________________________________
Signature_____________________________________
Position: __________________Phone#: ______________________
Date:_______________
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