North Allegheny Youth Lacrosse Association (NAYLAX) Spring 2017 – Responsibilities & Commitments
Communication
The NAYLAX program annually consists of more than 150 players in 5-10 teams. There is a great deal of information throughout the season that must be distributed. For this reason, it is your responsibility to know what is going on with your team. Please check your email and/or the Web site routinely.
Decisions are made for the good of the team, not any one individual. All players and their families pay for their participation and therefore are equally valued by NAYLAX. If you have a concern about your son’s team, please speak with a coach directly. If possible, please notify coaches in advance of the need for a private discussion by telephone or after a practice/game. If you have concerns regarding the NAYLAX program, please contact a Board member. Gossip is strongly discouraged; it is harmful and unproductive.
Practice & Games
Players are expected to attend all games and practices. If a player cannot attend, he should notify a coach ahead of time with the reason for the absence. Players who miss practice may see a loss of playing time, at the discretion of the coach.
Players are required to be dressed appropriately and ready for warm-ups at the practice start time. Players late or not prepared/equipped at the start of practice may be required by the coach to stay after practice to make up team conditioning requirements.
Players should bring sufficient water to remain hydrated for duration of practice/game.
Players are required to arrive a minimum of 45 minutes before scheduled game time.
Practice at game speed to be prepared for game conditions.
Players are to encourage teammates and build camaraderie.
No fooling around or horseplay is permitted, especially with sticks. Absolutely no “sword fights.”
Parents, siblings and friends are not permitted to practice or play with a NAYLAX team unless asked to do so by a coach and a current Release/Waiver has been signed.
Parents, siblings and friends are not permitted “team side” during games unless serving as Parent Coach/Manager or a field duty position. (see Parent Involvement)
For our younger players, we understand that many of these responsibilities are fulfilled by his parent(s). However, it is our expectation that older NAYLAX players assume responsibility for their own timeliness, work ethic, performance, communication, and behavior.
"2 Adult Rule"
Safety is a primary focus of NAYLAX, on the field and off. But in both cases, we need the cooperation of all NAYLAX coaches, volunteers, players and families.
NAYLAX has a "2 Adult" rule, which means that all formal and informal NAYLAX activities at which 1 or more minors are present must have 2 Adults present. All NAYLAX coaches have passed criminal record checks this year. This check is performed annually for the safety and security of our players and the program. However, to avoid any misinterpretation of circumstances, etc., we do require that even our coaches be accompanied by another adult when working with minors. This second adult can be another coach or a parent.
For this reason, it is essential that parents drop-off and pick-up their players from practice at the correct times. Should you get to the field and 2 coaches are not yet present, do not leave your player -- Your child remains your responsibility until 2 NAYLAX coaches are on-site.
At least 2 coaches (or 1 coach and 1 parent) must remain at the field until all players have been picked-up. When you are late, you make 2 of our coaches (or a coach and a parent) late for their commitments as well. Please be considerate and make certain you have arranged a timely pick-up.
We understand that families are busy and have complicated schedules; but the safety of our players must never be at risk. We ask your cooperation with this policy.
For our younger players, we understand that many of these responsibilities are fulfilled by his parent(s). However, it is our expectation that older NAYLAX players assume responsibility for their own timeliness, work ethic, performance, communication, and behavior.
