Sportsmanship Issues

Good sportsmanship is at the very core of the ROOTS to Honoring the Game and the foundation by which we operate as a group:

Rules:  We don’t bend the rules to win.
Opponents:  A worthy opponent is a gift that forces us to play to our highest potential.
Officials:  We treat officials with respect even when we disagree.
Teammates:  We never do anything that would embarrass our team on or off the field.
Self:  We live up to our own standards regardless of what others do.

Visit www.positivecoach.org for more information

Unsportsmanlike behavior on the part of any player, coach and/or parent MUST be reported to the League within 48 hours of the incident. 

Reporting of unsportsmanlike conduct should follow this protocol:

–        Send e-mail to Sportsmanship@NJJGLL.com and your Conference President with CC to President@NJJGLL.com and Umpire@NJJGLL.com.

–        Indicate the Arbiter Game # (if known), date, location and teams involved in the incident.

–        Provide a sufficient amount of detail to describe the unsportsmanlike behavior and what you did to address it in a positive manner or to diffuse the situation.

–        If the incident is unable to be resolved locally it may be elevated to the League’s Grievance Committee.

Age Groups

League play is divided into three (3) age groups:

The NJJGLL does not allow single grade teams.  Girls may “play up” to the next higher age group (e.g. a 5/6 may play on a 7/8 team).   Players are not permitted to “play down” (e.g. 5^th graders may not play on a 3/4 team against another 3/4 team.)  Please note:  fifth and sixth graders may not “play up” on Developmental teams.

Home Town Program Participation

Players must participate in their home town program.  A player may participate in a program outside her own town only if her town does not offer a girl’s lacrosse program in her age group.  In such a case, she must join a program in a contiguous town or, if none exists, in the program nearest to her hometown.  NJJGLL member programs are instructed to respect the geographical boundaries of neighboring programs and player poaching is prohibited.  Exceptions to the Home Town Program Participation requirement can only be granted by NJJGLL Conference Presidents.

Team Ability

If any town has more than one (1) team participating in one (1) age category, the League requires that the town create teams of relatively equal ability and not teams based on skill level.  

It is important that this rule be followed to ensure a good playing experience for all of the teams.  At any time during the season when you notice a discrepancy in your own teams, you must make roster changes going forward. 

If you notice a discrepancy in another town’s teams, the method to resolve the problem should be to first speak to the town’s representative to the League.  If the issue remains unresolved then follow the protocol for reporting Sportsmanship Issues outlined earlier in this document. 

Annual League Dues and Member Program Attestation

By the end of March of each year member programs must pay Dues in the amount of $100.  The Treasurer will notify members when Dues invoices are available for download from the NJJGLL web site. 

As part of the Dues payment process a representative from each NJJGLL member program must attest to the Board that their program is in compliance with all NJJGLL rules.

Game Season Start Date

For the 2010 season, the Board has approved that the game season begins on April 14. 

The League’s Umpire Assignor for teams in Conferences A, B, C and D will not schedule umpires for regular league games scheduled prior to the above noted date. 

Programs are encouraged to contact the League’s Umpire Assignor (Umpire@njjgll.org) if they wish to host preseason scrimmages or playdays to facilitate the pre-season umpire rating/certification process. 

Dates and procedures differ for teams in the E Conference, please contact the E Conference President for more information.

Each town should schedule at least four (4) home and away games with other towns in their NJJGLL Conference.   Additional out of Conference games may also be scheduled. The recommended maximum number of games per team is twelve (12) per season.

Umpire Fees for 2010

The umpires are required to be paid before the game begins by either cash, check or voucher, there are no exceptions.

Grades 5/6 & 7/8
Two umpires at game - $60 per person per game
One umpire at game - $90 per game 

Grades 3/4 - $45 per game for half field games.  If playing full field at 3/4 the fees for 5/6 and 7/8 apply.

Umpire Scheduling

The home team is responsible for obtaining, confirming, and paying umpires.  At least one (1) US Lacrosse-certified umpire must officiate any 5/6 or 7/8 game.  The Umpire Assignor will make every effort to assign two (2) umpires to all 5/6 and 7/8 games. 

The following rules apply to teams in Conferences A, B, C and D.  Teams in the E Conference should contact the Conference President for details on the procedures for scheduling umpires.

Arbiter.net will again be our web-based game scheduling program.  Log-in information and details for inputting games will be provided by to member programs in February 2010.  Home games only MUST be input no later than March 1, 2010.  For scheduling purposes multiple teams within an age group must be given a different name (e.g. Anytown 5/6 Blue, Anytown 5/6 Red).

Games during the week cannot be scheduled before 6:00 PM and on Saturdays games should not be scheduled before 1 PM.  Starting on the third Saturday each May games may be scheduled on Saturdays before 1 PM.

Member programs scheduling umpires through the League’s Umpire Assignor will pay a $120 per year per team fee at the 5/6 and 7/8 levels.  Each 5/6 and 7/8 team will be entitled to schedule twelve (12) games per $120 fee.  If you require more games than twelve (12) per team an additional $120 fee per team is required.   

Member programs with “D” teams will pay a separate $100 fee to the League entitling them to schedule umpires for up to six full game equivalents. 

Please note the League’s Umpire Assignor does not schedule umpires for grades 3/4.

Scheduling Games

Each Conference will hold a scheduling meeting for teams to arrange games against other teams in their Conference, usually in the month of January.  Contact your Conference President for more details.

Town representatives are also encouraged to contact representatives from teams in other Conferences to fill out their schedules. 

Towns with “D” teams should give priority to Friday evenings and Sundays for those games over scheduling regular 7/8 games to avoid conflicts for their players.

  NJJGLL Conduct Rules

Good sportsmanship on the part of all players, coaches and fans is always the standard.  Each town must ensure that their coaches/players/fans abide by the standards of good behavior outlined by the League.  The following Code of Conduct and League administrative rules are expected to be followed by all towns participating in the League:

Rules:

Each team (home and away) will provide a Sideline Administrator (SA) for each game.   The SA is responsible for maintaining the following rules on any non-participant.  Details on the SA role including instructions on using “Blue Cards” are available on the US Lacrosse website.

All (Players, Coaches, Fans)

1.      Be respectful

2.      No profanity

3.      No threatening behavior

4.      No interference (physical or verbal) with play

5.      Clean up after yourselves at game sites

Players

1.      Good sportsmanship is expected

2.      Do not make derogatory comments about other players, coaches, or umpires

3.      Do not argue with the umpires

4.      Do not throw equipment

Coaches

1.      Coach with positive techniques rather than negative ones

2.      Remember this is youth lacrosse – not the NCAA finals - put things in perspective and relax

3.      Understand that many times youth lacrosse is where inexperienced refs and cadets gain experience – do not expect perfection – do not verbally attack the umpires

4.      Do not make derogatory comments about players, coaches, or umpires

5.      All coaches should know the rules of women’s / youth lacrosse

Fans

1.      No berating umpires, players or coaches

2.      Do not approach the coaches during the game

3.      Do not approach umpires after the game

4.      Try not to coach your kids from the sidelines – what you are telling them might be contrary to the coaches instructions

Enforcement

1.      All coaches, players and parents must read and agree to the Conduct Rules

2.      Coaches will be responsible for their players and fans

3.      Umpires will file complaints regarding players, coaches, and parents with the league.  Multiple infractions will be disciplined.

4.      Players ejected from games will sit out next game.

5.      Coaches (both teams) and umpires are required to meet just prior to games to go over league rules and any grounds rules that may apply

Click here to download NJJGLL Coach’s Code of Conduct form

NJJGLL Developmental Teams and Level FC Play

The NJJGLL offers each member program that satisfies certain US Lacrosse and NJJGLL mandated criteria the opportunity to field a “Developmental” or “D” team in addition to their recreational/travel teams at the 7/8 grade level.

Through its Developmental Team Program the NJJGLL provides our older, more experienced players and their US Lacrosse certified coaches with more competitive play afforded under US Lacrosse Level FC rules while still protecting the basic league policies and bylaws.

The NJJGLL encourages member programs to use an open, fair and transparent “D” team selection process.  The exact player selection process and criteria used to form a “D” team is up to the discretion of each NJJGLL member program fielding a “D” team. 

The NJJGLL suggests that “D” team rosters consist of 18 – 22 players.

Member programs may join together to form a “D” team but such combination should be reasonably contiguous.  Players must play for their program’s “D” team unless released by that program. 

Member programs may only field one “D” team per season.  There will be no centralized standings kept nor will there be a championship.

New for 2010 - NJJGLL “D” team/Level FC games will be played with regular US Lacrosse Women’s Rules with the following modifications:

·         Any check to the head is a mandatory red card.  The red carded player must sit out her team’s next game.

·         25 minute halves (max), running time.

The switch to regular US Lacrosse Women’s rules will affect “D” team/Level FC games in following two areas:

·         Umpires will no longer call the “3 seconds when closely guarded/marked” youth rule during “D” team/Level FC games. 

·         Regular Women’s Goal Circle Rules as described on page 33 of the “2010 Women’s Rules”  will apply on crosses following through into the goal circle (e.g. follow through into the goal circle of a shooter’s crosse or by the crosse of the defender directly marking the shooter will be allowed.)  Please see the “2010 Women’s Rules” for a complete discussion of the Goal Circle Rules.

NJJGLL and US Lacrosse Mandated Criteria for “D” Team/Level FC Play

·         Players on “D” teams MUST play on a consistent basis for their regular NJJGLL 7/8 team.

·         Players MUST have mastered the basic skills.  Playing time is earned through playing on their regular NJJGLL team, skill, attitude, and attendance.

·         The NJJGLL member program sponsoring a “D” team must be in existence for at least 5 years, and must have progressed players through Levels B or C to Level A before playing Level FC.

·         All players on the team must be in the 7th or 8th grade and players must average at least 3 years of playing experience.

·         All coaches of participating “D” teams must have US Lacrosse Level I coaching certification.

·         Games must be officiated by two US Lacrosse rated officials, both of whom must have held a Local rating for a minimum of 2 years.

The NJJGLL strongly recommends that “D” team players play no more than a total of five full game equivalents (1 full game equivalent = 50 minutes playing time) for their regular NJJGLL 7/8 team and “D” team per week.

All head and assistant coaches must present proof of Level 1 (or higher) certification to the NJJGLL D Team Chair prior to the end of March of each year.  Proof will be in the form of:

1)      A photocopy of a US Lacrosse Membership card showing the coach’s certification level or

2)      A Certification e-mail from US Lacrosse that a card is forthcoming. 

There will be no exceptions to the Level I certification requirement.

“D” teams will play other “D” teams in either full length games (50 minutes each) or playday settings where  play consists of multiple 25 minute mini games.  Over the course of the season “D” teams will be limited to 300 minutes total playing time which can be made up of full (50 minute) games and/or mini (25 minute) games, or any combination thereof.

The D team game season runs from May 1st to May 31st each year.  NJJGLL D teams should schedule no more than 20% of their games against teams who are not part of the D team program.  

D teams may play in up to two "weekend style" tournaments in addition to their annual six full game equivalent playing time allotment during the D team season.

The first "weekend style" tournament is not counted towards the 20% rule; and the first and second "weekend style" tournaments do not count towards the weekly game cap.  Coaches and program administrators should keep in mind that scheduling extra games outside of the scope of the NJJGLL D team program may create stress on our players and their families.  The D team coordinator may grant D team programs one exception per season to the 20% rule when geographical or other unusual circumstances impact a team's ability to set games.

“D” team games will only be scheduled on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons.  Member programs must designate “D” teams as “D7/8” when scheduling umpires so qualified umpires can be assigned.  Umpire fees will be shared equally by participating programs at each game or playday.  The NJJGLL fee for each “D” team is $100 and is payable as part of your program’s annual NJJGLL dues.

You can download a sample letter to send to parents and players about “D” team tryouts and other information from the NJJGLL website.

 Annual D Team Timeline

January - Notify “D” team Chair via email to dteam@njjgll.com  of your plan to participate in “D” team program for upcoming season.  Email should include contact information for “D” team coaches and person responsible for “D” team scheduling.

March - Proof of Level 1 Coach Certification must be submitted “D” team Chair.  Game and playday schedules should be finalized by the end of the month.  Programs forming “D” teams should notify players and their parents of “D” team tryouts.

April - “D” team player selection should be finalized and all players should be notified.

May - All “D” team games and playdays.

“D” team questions should be directed to the NJJGLL “D” Team Chair at: dteam@njjgll.com

US Lacrosse Rules with NJJGLL Modifications

The League follows the Official Rules for Girls & Women’s Lacrosse as established by US Lacrosse and as modified below for the NJJGLL.  These rules are written with the safety of all players being of utmost importance.  Girl’s lacrosse should be fun, challenging and safe.  To that end, the umpires shall have the authority to penalize any foul, unsafe play, or unacceptable behavior not covered specifically in these rules.  Play should be as continuous as possible, and any foul which does not gain an advantage for the offender or her team should result in a “held” whistle whenever possible.

General Rules for all Age Groups

n       New for 2010 - All NJJGLL coaches must read, sign and submit a NJJGLL Coach’s Code of Conduct to their program administrator each year.

n       Relatively equal playing time for each player is expected; each player must play a minimum of one quarter (1/4) of each game allowing for coaches’ discretion in playing time based on the player’s participation and attendance at practice, game readiness, etc.

n       The player bench areas must be located on the opposite side of the field from the spectators.  Coaches are responsible for ensuring the parents of their players are seated on the opposite side of the field from the players.

n       The defender should be favored in any judgment calls.  Excessive body/stick to body contact should be penalized.

n       An indirect free position will be taken by the team with fewer goals if a four or more goal differential exists unless waived by the coach of the trailing team.

SPECIAL POINTS OF EMPHASIS FOR 2010

Coaches must work to ensure a positive experience for all involved with youth lacrosse by encouraging team play.

Coaches must agree to abide by the NJJGLL Coach’s Code of Conduct.

Each team must also identify to the opposing coach and umpires their Sideline Administrator.

Teams at all levels are strongly discouraged from running up scores.  Goal differentials should never be greater than ten (10) goals.  Before hitting a ten (10) goal differential the dominant team should add additional passes before going to goal, have players play with their non-dominant hand, remove high scorers from game, etc.

Three (3) Seconds Closely Guarded:

No holding the ball for more than three (3) seconds when:

• Closely guarded / marked (defender is within a stick’s length of offensive player)
• Defense has BOTH hands on stick
• Defense is in position to legally check were checking allowed

The umpire will give an audible and visible 3-second count.    The count should follow this sequence: one-one thousand, two-one thousand, immediately followed by a whistle when the third hand chop reaches its full extension thus marking count number three without saying three-one thousand.

If the offensive player moves her stick out of a checkable position (e.g. by switching her stick from one side of her body to the other) the count ceases and will only be restarted if the offensive player’s stick is returned to a checkable position or the defender repositions herself to a spot where she could make a legal check if checking were allowed. 

Please see page 81 of the 2010 Rule book published by US Lacrosse for a more complete discussion of the closely guarded/marked rule.

Grades 7/8 – “D” team/Level FC Rules:  NJJGLL “D” team/Level FC games will be played with regular US Lacrosse Women’s Rules with the following modifications:

·         Any check to the head is a mandatory red card.  The red carded player must sit out her team’s next game.

·         Full games will consist of two 25 minute maximum running time halves.  Mini games will use running time and will be 25 minutes in length.

·         3 seconds closely guarded/marked youth lacrosse rule will not be used for “D” team play in 2010.

·         Pre-game meeting required.  Coaches and umpires must meet before all games to go over any ground rules and review Level FC rules.  Each team must also identify to the opposing coach and umpires their Sideline Administrator.

Grades 5/6 and 7/8 – US Lacrosse Level A Youth Rules:

1. Eleven (11) field players, one (1) goal keeper
2. Field Size: 100yds between the goal lines X 70 yds. wide with a minimum of ten (10) yards from goal line to the near end line recommended
3. Regular field markings, including restraining line.
4. Regular women’s crosse, regulation pocket
5. Modified checking (only when entire stick is below the shoulder)
6. May shoot from direct free position
7. Games are comprised of two 25 minute running time halves with the clock stopping and restarting on whistles in the final two minutes of each half.
8. Pre-game meeting required.  Coaches and umpires must meet before all games to go over any ground rules and review age level specific NJJGLL rules.  Each team must also identify to the opposing coach and umpires their Sideline Administrator.

Suggestion for easing the transition from 3/4 to 5/6 from the 2009 “5/6 Rules Summit”

Hold at least one full field, 12 v 12 intrasquad scrimmage with two umpires to familiarize your players with the rules of play at the 5/6 level prior to the start of your game season.  Request that umpires take the time to explain all their calls especially with regard to “3 seconds” and “shooting space” in the 8 meter arc .

Grade 3/4 - US Lacrosse Level C Rules with NJJGLL Modifications:

1. Seven (7) field players, no goal keepers*
2. Field Size: 50yds.between the goal lines X 25 yds. wide with a minimum of 10 yards from goal line to near end line.
3. Modified field markings:  Regulation creases, 8 meter arcs and center line to be used as restraining line
4. Youth sticks (mesh allowed) or regular women’s crosse, modified pocket
5. May NOT shoot from a direct free position unless a modified goal opening (e.g. shot blocker or inverted cage) or goalie is used
6. Play is comprised of four 10 minute quarters.  Clock stops and restarts on whistles in the final minute of each quarter.
7. Use center line as restraining line.  If playing 7 v. 7 each team never have more than five players in either their attacking or defending zone. 
8. NJJGLL 2-pass rule applies. 
9. On shot attempts that result in a dead ball in the crease the umpire will blow the whistle stopping play.  The ball will be awarded to the defender nearest the crease and play will be restarted with a whistle.
10. Pre-game meeting required.  Coaches and umpires must meet before all games to go over any ground rules and review age level specific NJJGLL rules.  Each team must also identify to the opposing coach and umpires their Sideline Administrator.

*By mutual prior agreement of the coaches 3/4 teams can play 9 v. 9 (no goalies), 10 v. 10 (3 mid, 3 defenders, 3 attackers, 1 goalie) or 12 v. 12 on a larger field with regular markings. 

Please note: The above 3/4 rules apply to 3/4 games played between NJJGLL member programs.   Individual NJJGLL member programs operating “in town only” or “house” recreational lacrosse programs for girls in grades 3 and 4 (or below) are free to structure their programs as they deem appropriate.  If an “in town only” or “house” 3/4 team does schedule games against another NJJGLL member program the “in town only” or “house” team will be expected to abide by all NJJGLL rules and play by NJJGLL 3/4 rules as outlined above.

Suggestions for easing the transition from 3/4 to 5/6

1)       Have your 3/4s play 9 v 9 on a larger field instead of playing 7 v 7.

2)       Toward the end of your 3/4 season have your 3/4s play full field, 11 v 11 or 12 v 12, against another program or do it as an intrasquad scrimmage.

3)       At end of season have your 4^th graders scrimmage your 5^th graders.   Play full field, 12 v 12 with umpires.  Request that umpires take the time to explain all their calls.

US Lacrosse Rule Changes for the 2010 Season

The NJJGLL urges all program administrators to confirm that all coaches have received and read the 2010 Women’s Rules – Official Rules for Girls and Women’s Lacrosse published by US Lacrosse. 

The following is an abbreviated discussion of the significant US Lacrosse rule changes for the upcoming season.  Changes to the rules appear in italics below.  Please review the 2010 Rule Book for a complete discussion of all rule changes.

Pre-game or post-game misconduct by coaches or players

The rules have been expanded giving umpires the authority to penalize unsportsmanlike conduct by players and coaches which takes place before or after games.

Under Rule 3 – Game Personnel – The Umpires (page 21)

The umpire’s jurisdiction extends from 30 minutes before the game until the umpires leave the playing venue.

Under Rule 7 – Penalty Administration – Section 34 (page 56)

If a situation occurs after the game ends and before the umpires leave the playing venue where conduct occurs that would warrant a red card during play, the umpire(s) can issue a post-game ejection to the offending player or coach to be served in the team’s next game.

Pre-game or post-game ejections should be reported via e-mail to Sportsmanship@NJJGLL.com

Team Time Outs

Time outs may now be taken in dead ball situations by the team in possession of the ball. 

Under Rule 4 – Time Factors and Scoring (page 25)

Time out may be requested by a coach or any player on the field after a goal is scored or during a dead ball situation by the team in possession.  If a dead ball possession time out is called, players must leave their crosses in place on the field and return to that same place for the restart of play.  No substitutions will be allowed during this stoppage of play……Successive timeouts will not be allowed.

The game clock should be stopped for any timeouts.  NJJGLL players or coaches may not attempt to “run out the clock” by calling a timeout in the last two minutes of games where the clock cannot be stopped (e.g. in any games governed by a central horn and clock.)

The Draw

Language regarding how crosses are held during the draw has been changed. 

Under Rule 5 – Play of the Game (page 29)

The entire length of both crosses must be contained within the vertical plane of the center line.

Now that the crosses are no longer required to be held parallel to the center line Centers may angle the shaft of their crosse upward or downward within the vertical plane of the center line provided that the entirety of the crosse is held above hip level. NJJGLL coaches are encouraged to have their Centers experiment with different hand positions that comply with the new wording. 

Cross-check

Cross-checking added to illegal use of the crosse examples. 

Under Rule 6 – Fouls (page 41)

Cross-check: use the shaft of the crosse to hit, push or displace an opponent.

NJJGLL coaches are encouraged to teach their players to use their sticks in a legal, safe and effective manner while playing defense.

“Within a stick’s length” Redefined

The words “and an arm’s length extended” have been removed from the definition of “within a stick’s length.”

Under Rule 8 – Definition of Terms (page 62)

Within a stick’s length is when any part of the opponent’s body is inside a crosses’ length.  It is the distance a player must be to her opponent to be actively marking this opponent.

NJJGLL coaches should work to ensure that their players understand that when they are playing defense in the 8 meter arc they must be within a stick’s length to be considered actively marking an opponent.

The 3/4 age group will follow a “2-pass” rule**.  To qualify the pass need not be successfully completed, but a team must maintain possession by winning any resulting ground ball.  Passes must be “overhand” or 4 meters in distance to qualify for the 2-pass rule. 

Please note:  3/4 players may NOT shoot from a direct free position unless a modified goal opening (e.g. shot blocker or inverted cage) or goalie is used.

** An umpire will attempt to indicate by raised fingers, the number of passes needed before a player can shoot on goal.

There are no longer any NJJGLL passing rules for 5/6, 7/8 or for “D” team/Level FC play.

The “5/6 Rules Summit” was held in December 2009 and the group made the following recommendations:

1)      No two pass rule at 5/6 for the 2010 season.

2)      Reinstituting the passing rules will not eliminate single player dominance or excessive “coast to coast” plays. 

3)      NJJGLL Coach’s Code of Conduct will be expanded/developed with a focus on Honoring the Game, teaching team play and encouraging coaches to ensure that all players, regardless of their level of ability, have a positive experience while playing for NJJGLL member programs. 

4)      The onus is on coaches to instruct their own players to play how they want their players to play.  If Coach “A” wants her players to pass the ball a set number of times before going to goal she is free to do so.  If Coach “B” wants her players to always challenge 1 v 1 first and then look for passing options that is her prerogative. 

5)      NJJGLL 3/4 and 5/6 coaches need to spend more time with their teams working on defense.  Coaches must teach their players how to stop fast breaks through redefending, solid 1 v 1 defensive positioning, slides and double teams.

6)      Member programs will instruct their coaches that they are not to request that umpires call the old NJJGLL passing rules at the 5/6 or 7/8 levels.  The NJJGLL Board will advise Umpire Assignor to instruct umpires that they are not to honor any requests by coaches to enforce any passing rules during 5/6 or 7/8 games.