BALTIMORE - Through the establishment of an organizational Code of Ethics, US Lacrosse has defined a set of guidelines to promote and protect the spirit of the game, safeguard the best interest of the participants, and establish and maintain standards of behavior. The Code is not intended to serve as a set of rules, but rather to outline general principles and guidelines of aspirational virtues and proper ethical standards for all members, volunteers, staff, and any other individuals and organizations that choose to affiliate with US Lacrosse.

"Participation in the sport of lacrosse provides a powerful vehicle for a participant’s personal growth and development," said Steve Stenersen, president and CEO of US Lacrosse. "The ultimate byproduct of amateur sports participation should be exposure to the values of respect, fairness, teamwork, communication, responsibility, truthfulness, non-discrimination, honesty and integrity. These values serve as the core ideals for the US Lacrosse Code of Ethics – ideals that US Lacrosse believes should be embraced and promoted by every amateur lacrosse program."

"US Lacrosse has taken a leadership role among other youth sports organizations by establishing a Code of Ethics which defines appropriate ethical behavior expected of all US Lacrosse members, including athletic administrators, programs, officials, coaches, players, and affiliated individuals and organizations," said Jeanne L. DelSignore, M.D., chair of the US Lacrosse Ethics Advisory Committee. "Through the development and implementation of the Code, US Lacrosse intends to promote the highest possible standards of personal conduct by all who participate in the sport of lacrosse, upholding the best interests of the participants and preserving the integrity and spirit of the game."

The Code of Ethics was created as a direct outcome of US Lacrosse’s 5-year strategic plan, adopted in 2007. The plan includes 17 goals within eight areas of strategic concentration, and they collectively represent the organizational priorities of US Lacrosse for the next five years.

Listed below are the values that US Lacrosse has included in its Code of Ethics statement.

Respect
A key component of ethical behavior is respect, which is defined at individual, team and corporate levels. Individuals should value the opinions, views and roles of others who work to further the mission of the organization. All should safeguard the dignity, privacy and freedom of individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, socio-economic status, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability or nationality. Respect defines the value that US Lacrosse, as an organization, places on honoring the history of the sport, and demonstrates the regard it shows to the various and disparate constituencies that have come together to form US Lacrosse in an effort to further the growth and development of the sport.

Fairness
Fairness is making decisions without favoritism or prejudice. US Lacrosse firmly believes that the concept of fairness is fundamental to sports. Anything that creates an unfair advantage violates the spirit, as well as the integrity, of the sport of lacrosse.

Teamwork
Teamwork is a cooperative and coordinated effort on the part of a group of individuals who work collectively in the interest of a common goal.  US Lacrosse believes there is significant value in promoting teamwork, both on and off the field, in every aspect of the sport.  All members of US Lacrosse, its staff, volunteers, and other affiliated individuals and organizations should adopt and promote the philosophy that greater success can be achieved when individuals sacrifice their desire for personal accomplishment in favor of the benefits of their team, the lacrosse community.

Communication
Communication is the process whereby individuals create shared understanding. It is an active "two way street," requiring a balance of articulating, listening, writing, reading, observing, questioning, analyzing and evaluating. Communication may be verbal, nonverbal or written. It can be sent through various media and transmits a thought provoking idea, gesture, or action.

US Lacrosse members, volunteers, staff, and other affiliated individuals and organizations should communicate with clarity, honesty, timeliness and openness. Communication should include all pertinent information shared transparently with all appropriate recipients. Clear, honest and timely communication allows for collaboration and cooperation, building a stronger game and community for the sport.

Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest is present in any instance in which the actions or activities of an individual, including members, volunteers, staff and affiliates representing or acting on behalf of US Lacrosse, could result in actual or perceived personal gain or advantage, and/or have an adverse effect on the interests, mission or integrity of US Lacrosse. Individuals who represent and serve US Lacrosse, at the local, regional or national levels, have a duty to disclose any financial interest or personal obligation that may actually or perceptually affect the independence of their judgment.

Legality
All members of US Lacrosse, its staff, volunteers, and affiliated individuals and organizations are obligated to comply with all applicable laws. Violation of the law is not tolerated.  

Representing the fastest growing national sport as an emerging force in sports organizations and leadership, US Lacrosse has a duty to provide positive influence over athletic administrators, programs, officials, coaches, players, and affiliated individuals and organizations. The goal of US Lacrosse is to promote sportsmanship and character by teaching, advocating, modeling and enforcing ethical principles, while preserving the integrity of the game.

• To read the complete Code of Ethics statement, please visit http://www.uslacrosse.org/info/codeofethics.phtml.

US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 250,000 members in 60 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.