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GOVERNING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THENEBRASKA HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE ASSOCIATION

1. Organization

This is the official handbook of the Nebraska High School Lacrosse Association (NELAX).

2. Goals and Guiding Principles of NELAX

2.1.Mission Statement The purpose of the NELAX is to promote the sport of lacrosse in the States of Nebraska and Iowa at the high school level through sportsmanship and serious competition; to teach both new and experienced players respect for this Native American game; and to provide an outlet for physical activity, social interaction, and bonding experiences for team members and their families.

2.2.Goals 2.2.1. Develop youth to be role models and leaders in our communities.

Teach Life Lessons Teach Honor and Integrity Develop Athletic Achievement Develop Community Involvement

2.2.2. Develop Coaches as Educators of future leaders.2.2.3. Develop a transforming culture in local youth sports through honoring

the game by players, coaches, officials, parents, spectators and the general community.

2.2.4. Develop and advance the sport of lacrosse as a vehicle for positive community development. Continually advance the overall level of play Provide a competitive environment to maintain player and program

motivation. Provide a positive, fun and physically and emotionally safe

environment for players.

2.3.NELAX Guiding Principles 2.3.1. In concert with the NELAX Code of Conduct, these principles form a model

against which all actions, behavior and decisions shall be judged. These principles describe the expectations for all members of the NELAX community (Players, Coaches, Team Management, NELAX Management, Officials, Parents and Spectators.)

2.3.2. We exist to develop high school youth as role models and leaders in our communities.

2.3.3. We “Honor the Game” by:

NELAX Operating Procedures 2.24.16

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Honoring the letter and the intent of all “Rules”, policies and guidelines. We never teach or encourage our players to bend or beat the rules or take unfair advantage of an opponent.

Honoring our “Opponents” on the field and working cooperatively with other organizations in our communities.

Honoring “Officials” on the field and leaders/managers in our organizations and communities who are appointed with authority for our activities.

Honoring our “Teammates” and associates by supporting team and organizational goals in a positive, proactive and cooperative manner.

Honoring “Self” by maintaining high standards of personal integrity, conduct and interpersonal interaction.

2.3.4. We follow a model that focuses on developing individual and team excellence, which ultimately leads to winning teams, but subordinate this goal to teaching life lessons and honoring the game to develop our high school youth for their future role in our communities.

2.3.5. We provide opportunities for high school youth to participate in Lacrosse.2.3.6. We follow the PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance) “Positive Coach Mental

Model” as an expectation for all coaches.2.3.7. We actively expect and engage parents and spectators in our Guiding

Principles and behavioral expectations.2.3.8. We actively engage our officials in our Guiding Principles and the development

of our youth.2.3.9. We hold adult leaders, coaches and officials to a very high standard of

Honor, Personal Integrity/Ethics and Behavior on and off the field and in our communities. They are expected to be outstanding role models.

2.3.10. We value scholastic achievement, sportsmanship and individual life skill development for our youth above winning lacrosse games.

2.3.11. The physical and emotional safety of our players and members is important above all other considerations. Dangerous or demeaning behavior is unacceptable.

2.3.12. We win with class and character and we lose with honor and dignity. Through this higher standard we become winners regardless of the score of a particular contest.

3. League Governance

3.1.NELAX 3.1.1. Name: NELAX shall be governed by Team Representatives and an elected

Board of Directors (B.O.D.).3.1.2. Qualification: Members that make up the B.O.D. shall be at least 23

years of age and shall agree to demonstrate behavior as good role models in accordance with the adopted Goals and Guiding Principles of NELAX, and further agree to be active participates in the role as representative of their constituency of NELAX.

3.1.3. Appointment Vacancies and Removal: Board of Directors


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The affairs of the NELAX shall be managed by the Board of Directors who shall have and may exercise all the powers of the Corporation.

Appointed representatives will be elected, by a majority vote, Officers who will carry out the operation of NELAX and will be responsible for the administrative oversight of the Corporation. These Officers serve as voting members of the Board of Directors, with each Officer possessing one (1) vote each. An Officer of the Board of Directors may not simultaneously serve as the appointed team representative, and can only serve in one officer position at one time.

3.1.4. Officers of the NELAX shall be as follows:3.1.4.1. The listed order of the Officers of the Board of Directors reflects

the succession of power in the event of resignation or removal from office. Other Officers shall be placed in order that their office was created.

3.1.4.2. Offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary shall be elected at a meeting prior to the commencement of the next fiscal year by a majority vote of a quorum of the NELAX.

Officers shall take office at the time of the meeting following the elections and shall serve for a period of two (2) years. For the 2012 fiscal year the offices of President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary will be elected. Beginning in the 2013 fiscal year, the offices of President and Treasurer will be elected in odd years while the offices of Vice-President and Secretary will be elected in even years. Candidates are allowed to offer a speech prior to the election.3.1.4.3. The Board of Directors may not be a member that is under the

age of 23, nor may any individual serve in more than one position of the Board of Directors at the same time. At all times the officers of the Board of Directors must be members of US Lacrosse.

3.1.4.4. An Officer may be suspended or removed with or without cause by vote of a 75% vote of the NELAX. This can occur at any special meeting called for such purpose or at any regular meeting. The Officer in question will have the right to reasonable notice and the opportunity to be heard.

3.1.4.5. An Officer may resign by delivering his or her written resignation to the President, Vice President, Treasurer or Secretary of the Board of Directors, to a meeting of the NELAX, or to NELAX at its principal office. Such a resignation shall be effective upon receipt (unless specified to be effective at some other time), and acceptance thereof shall not be necessary to make it effective unless it so states.

3.1.4.6. The procedure to fill vacancies of the NELAX Officers will be as follows: during the following meeting held by the NELAX after an Officer has been removed or resigned, an emergency election will take place to fill the vacancy of the Officer by a majority vote of a quorum of the NELAX.

3.1.4.7. If you are elected to a position in an off year, the candidate will have to seek reelection at the end of the year. The reelection will then start the first of the two two year terms.


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3.1.5. Duties of Officers3.1.5.1. President: The executive power of the NELAX is vested in the

President. He or she is responsible for conducting all official business of NELAX. The President shall preside over all meetings, has the power to establish committees, standing or special that will further the purpose of the NELAX and nominate their respected officers and committee members The President is charged with preparing a written agenda for all meetings and has the power to open and close all discussions and proceedings within the meetings. The President of the NELAX may only serve two (2) consecutive terms as President. The President shall take care that the Bylaws of this the Nebraska High School Lacrosse Association be faithfully executed.

3.1.5.2. Vice President: The Vice President is vested with the responsibility of conducting business of the NELAX in the absence of the President. If the President is unable to continue his or her work as President of the NELAX, then the Vice President will serve as the interim President until a special election takes place as outlined in (3.1.4.7). The Vice-President is responsible for orchestrating and managing the State Lacrosse Tournament. The Vice President of the NELAX may serve only two (2) consecutive terms as Vice President.

3.1.5.3. Treasurer: The Treasurer shall be the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Accounting Officer of NELAX. The treasurer shall be in charge of its financial affairs, funds, securities and valuable papers, and shall keep full and accurate records thereof. The Treasurer shall be the chairperson of the Finance Committee. The Treasurer shall have such other duties and powers as designated by the NELAX. The Treasurer may serve only two (2) consecutive terms as Treasurer.

3.1.5.4. Secretary: The Secretary shall record and maintain records of all proceedings of the NELAX in a book or series of books kept for that purpose, which book or books shall be kept in the principal office of NELAX or at the office of its Secretary or its resident agent and shall be open at all reasonable times to the inspection of any member. Such book or books shall contain records of all meetings of incorporators and the original, or attested copies, of the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws and names of all members and the Board of Directors and the address of each. If the Secretary is absent from any meeting, a temporary Secretary chosen at the meeting by the President shall exercise the duties of the Secretary at the meeting. The Secretary may serve only two (2) consecutive terms as Secretary.

3.1.6. Appointment, Vacancies and Removal:3.1.6.1. Team Representative: Members that make up the Team

Representative shall be at least 20 years of age and shall agree to demonstrate behavior as good role models in accordance with the adopted Goals and Guiding Principles of NELAX, and further agree to be active participants in the role as representatives of their constituency of NELAX.

3 . 1 . 6 . 2 . It shall be the decision of each Team to determine the term of their


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respective designated Team Parent Board Member’s service on the NELAX League Council

3.1.6.3. Each Program shall also determine any other criteria that shall be used for filling vacancies, and grounds for removal.

3.1.6.4. Once designated, each NELAX member shall provide his/her contact information to NELAX, and update when necessary.

3.1.6.5. Each Team shall have one representative that may serve on the NELAX.

3.2.Meetings: 3.2.1. An annual league meeting will be held to elect officers set dues, and to

discuss other issues concerning the upcoming season. Additional meetings will be held when deemed necessary and proper by the Board of Directors of NELAX.

3.2.1.1. There are certain dates that facilitate meetings, such as game scheduling deadlines, coaching clinics, etc. These events and dates can be found in the appendix/attachment at the end of this document. Note: This document needs to be created.

3.2.2. No call or notice shall be required for regular meetings of the Board of Directors, provided that reasonable notice: (i) of the first regular meeting following the determination by the Board of Directors of the times and places for regular meetings shall be given to absent members; (ii) specifying the purposed of a regular meeting shall be given to each member of the Board of Director if either contacts or transactions of NELAX with interested persons or amendments to these by-laws are to be considered at the meeting ; and (iii) shall be given as otherwise required by law, the articles or organization of these by-laws.

3.2.3. Reasonable notice of the time and place of special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be given to each Director. Such notice need not specify the purposes of a meeting, unless otherwise required by law, the Articles of Incorporation or these by-laws or unless there is to be considered at the meeting: (i) contacts or transactions of the NELAX with interested persons; (ii) amendments to these by-laws; (iii) an increase or decrease in the number of Board of Directors; or (iv) removal or suspension of a member of the Board Directors.

3.2.4. Except as otherwise expressly provided, it shall be reasonable and sufficient notice to a member of the Board of Directors to send notice by mail, e-mail, text or other social media, at least three (3) days in advance, or to give notice to the member of the Board of Directors in person or by telephone at least two (2) days before the meeting.

3.2.5. A quorum will consist of a majority of Board of Directors present.3.2.6. A quorum of the NELAX shall be present in order for any official business to

be conducted by the NELAX. Official business shall include election of officers, setting of dues, and any other major decision affecting the organization.

3.3.NELAX League Council :3.3.1. The NELAX shall hold its Annual Meeting at a location to be determined by


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the Board of Directors, with at least 30 days prior written notice of the meeting.3.3.2. It shall be the obligation of the Board of Directors and Team Representative

to notify all members of any meetings by providing the appropriate advanced written notice as set forth above. Notices of meetings shall be deemed effective if sent to the email address last provided to the NELAX by each Program.

3.3.3. The Board of Directors and the NELAX shall meet no fewer than six (6) times in a calendar year.

3.3.4. The frequency, time, duration and location of the meetings shall be determined by the Board of Directors

3.3.5. The President of NELAX shall conduct all meetings. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall conduct the meetings.

3.3.6. Meeting agendas shall be initiated by the President and circulated for comment to all NELAX members prior to the scheduled meeting.

3.3.7. Notwithstanding, in the event of an emergency the President may call a meeting with 48 hours’ notice to all Board of Directors and Team Representative members. Notice shall be deemed effective if sent to the email address last provided to the Board of Directors by each member.

3.3.8. Except for emergency meetings called by the Board of Directors, all NELAX meetings shall be open to the public.

3.3.9. Boards of Directors are encouraged to reach out to the Team Representatives and they represent for input and, if appropriate, conduct meetings prior to any meetings.

3.3.10. The Secretary shall keep accurate minutes of the proceedings and decisions of NELAX

3.3.11. The Secretary shall be responsible for posting a summary of approved minutes of any Board of Directors meetings on the League Website.

3.4. Decisions and Responsibilities of NELAX League Council: 3.4.1. The NELAX League Council shall, by majority vote, have the exclusive

authority and responsibility to:3.4.2. Determine League alignment, regions, and conferences3.4.3. Admission of new teams to the League;3.4.4. Establish Program and player fees to participate in the NELAX;3.4.5. Determine league and playoff structure;3.4.6. Approval of budgets;3.4.7. Vote on and approve general League Policies or amendments thereto.

3.5. Decisions and Responsibilities of Board of Directors: 3.5.1. The Board of Directors shall have the exclusive authority and responsibility to

manage the day-to-day affairs of the League or to appoint an administrator to do so;

3.5.2. Appoint committees to accomplish specific tasks as it determines prudent (e.g. awards, rules and officiating);

3.5.3. Consider and decide petitions brought to it regarding player transfer requests, team-specific requests, or other petitions that do not affect the League generally;


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3.5.4. Impose sanctions for the violation of the rules and standards set forth herein; and take any and all other actions necessary to manage and oversee the affairs of the NELAX constituency.

3.6. Decision Making Principles 3.6.1. All decisions made of the Team Representatives and Board of Directors shall

be made in accordance with the Goals and Guiding Principles of the NELAX3.6.2. General business decisions by the Board of Directors shall require 100% of

the Board of Directors to be in attendance, for a vote to be taken. Votes and decisions on imposed sanctions shall require a three-quarters majority.

3.6.3. Every Board of Director member shall be a voting member. Votes should be cast in person whenever possible, however, with prior notice to the Chair, a member of the Board may cast his or her vote electronically, however, he/she must be have been able to listen to the Board of Directors discussion (either via phone conference or video conference device) regarding the matter being voted upon to be able to cast a vote. In the event of a tie, the matter must be submitted to the NELAX League Council for determination. A record of votes shall be kept by the Secretary and shall indicate each person casting a vote and his or her vote.

4 League Participation 4.1 Program and Team Requirement

4.1.1. Active High School Program Defined: 4.1.1.1 An Active High School Program shall be a high school program that

participated in the most recent NELAX spring season, or has submitted to the Board of Directors a Letter of Intent to Play in the upcoming season, on or before October 1 of the summer immediately preceding the year the program intends to participate in the NELAX season competition.

4.2 Program Governance 4.2.1 Each program will shou ld operate under direction from a host school

and have a parent board, with their own set of bylaws.A Parent Board who oversees eligibility, coaches/player conduct and general

management. If there is a parent board, best practices are they should have bylaws.

4.2.2 Teams newly admitted to NELAX and not working under direction of a host school should establish a Parent Board prior to the October 1st intent to play deadline.

4.2.3 At minimum, the Parent Board will include a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The board may also include other officers or representatives.

4.2.4 The varsity head coach may NOT be a voting member of the parent board.

4.3 Participating Teams4.3.1 Each program may have only one Varsity team to compete in NELAX.

All subsequent teams established from the same program will be


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established as either Junior Varsity or Freshman/Sophomore teams.

4.3.2 Junior Varsity will be comprised of players from 9th – 12th grade. or 8th grade, if a NELAX bylaw wavier is signed and all contingencies are met. Permission to bring an 8th grader up must be received from the NELAX board, by one month, prior to the start of the season. If the 8th grader plays up, they cannot play on a U15 team, the same season. Note: Enforcement might be an issue4.3.3 Freshman/Sophomore teams will be comprised of 9th - 11th grade

players. After fielding (1) a varsity, (2) a junior varsity and (3) a freshman/sophomore team, programs may choose to field either another junior varsity or freshman/sophomore level team if the league has a freshman/sophomore program.

4.3.4 To field a varsity team, a program must have a minimum of 18 registered players. To field a junior varsity team requires a minimum of 18 registered players (total number in the varsity swing category and junior varsity). To field a freshman/sophomore team or a second junior varsity team requires a minimum of 18 registered (jv only registered)

i.e. – Varsity (18 min, 50% can swing to 1st JV), 25 max 1st JV (18 min, can be the 50% swing, plus JV only), 25 max 2nd JV or Fresh/Soph (18 min, JV only) 25 max4.3.5 Varsity players cannot play down on a JV or Freshman/Sophomore

team. JV, Freshman or Sophomore players may swing up to Varsity. Maximum number of players for a Varsity roster will be 25. 50% of

those Varsity players must be named as Varsity players. The remaining players may swing up from a 1st JV.

4.4 League Mandated Items 4.4.1 All players, coaches and parents shall have signed the appropriate codes

of conduct and medical releases prior to player participation in any NELAX contest. These documents shall be available at each game. All registration must be completed by the first practice. Any team found to be using players without the waivers, in a NELAX event, will incur a penalty.

4.4.2 All players shall be registered with the NELAX prior to league participation.

4.4.3 Every team will pay league registration fees to be determined by the NELAX by January 1st. Specific dates will be determined and communicated each year. In the unfortunate event that a team decides to fold during the season, any League fees paid will be kept by the League.

4.4.4 All players must have had concussion/impact baseline testing, prior to their first practice. Testing from other sports, will be accepted as long as the dates of testing meet the requirements

4.5 Admission of New Teams4.5.1 New teams will complete the application for provisional membership prior to

1 October, prior to the next season as well as:


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Agree to abide by the NELAX Bylaws and Operating Procedures provisions.

Provide a home field for hosting games. Provide a coach meeting qualifications established by the NELAX. Sufficient organizational support to convince the Board that the

new team will be viable for the ensuing season. Desire to enter as a Varsity or Junior Varsity team. Have a team representative who can serve on the NELAX Board Be voted into the league by a majority vote of the NELAX Board

4.5.2 Player AssignmentWhen a new team forms, all players attending schools deemed within that new team’s designated boundaries must play for the new team with the exception of seniors who may play their final season for their original team (unless otherwise deemed by participating school district and NELAX Board).

4.6 Transportation to Games4.6.1 Teams are responsible for their own transportation to games and are cautioned to follow all applicable laws and ordinances to ensure the safety of their staff and players. Teams are encouraged to ensure that all drivers are adults and that any player riding with a person other than his parent/guardian has specific permission to do so.

4.7 Finances4.7.1 The fiscal year of NELAX is July 1st through June 30 th

4.7.2 Teams are encouraged to ensure detailed oversight of all monetary transactions and accounting for any monetary disbursement. Following all applicable local, state and federal laws, including IRS regulations, is critical. Going above and beyond the regulations to ensure totally transparent financial dealings will help protect all members of an organization.

4.7.3 If a team within NELAX dissolves, all team NELAX funds will be placed into the general fund of NELAX and used at the discretion of the Board of Directors

5. Requirements of Head Coach / Coaching Staff 5.1. The Head Coach of each program in the League will be held responsible for

knowing the rules and ensuring that all those coaching and acting under the Head Coach comply with the rules of NELAX. The Varsity Head Coach, along with program parent leadership/Board of Directors is responsible for all teams within their particular program (Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman/Sophomore).

5.2 Rules/Policies training shall be provided for all coaches as directed by the Board Head coaches and Team Organization heads/Parent Reps shall attend several mandatory meetings each year as determined by the Board


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Minimum Qualifications (fees incurred for certification will be the responsibility of the Team Parent Board and/or the Coach)

HEAD COACH (only) The Head Coach of a program shall be at least 20 years old. All Head Coaches should be First Aid certified and CPR qualified and

provide evidence of such certification and qualification to NELAX (Note: all games will have a certified trainer, so this is a suggestion, not a mandatory requirement). Each head coach must complete US Lacrosse Level I and Level II On-line and Clinic training before their first scheduled Varsity game. All assistant coaching staff must complete a minimum of US Lacrosse Level I and encouraged to complete Level II or higher prior to their first practice.

All Head Coaches shall complete Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) training prior to the first game of their first season as a coach.

ALL COACHES All Coaches shall be members of US Lacrosse and be registered with US

Lacrosse as a coach. This facilitates the automatic US Lacrosse background check.

All members of the coaching staff must have undergone a NELAX approved background check (this could be the US Lacrosse background check) prior to any contact with participants and shall have their badge in their possession to be able to be present in the Coaches Box at any game. Failure to have coaches with badges in the coaches’ box may result in game forfeiture prior to starting

As part of the US Lacrosse registration, all Coaches shall read and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for Coaches.

It is recommended that all members of the coaching staff be First Aid certified, CPR qualified, and Concussion trained. It is recommended that there be a certified individual at all practices, scrimmages and games immediately available to respond to an emergency.

6. Player Requirements 6.1 Age Restrictions

6.1.1. No player shall participate in program activities who has reached nineteen years of age prior to the first day of September of the school year in which such participation is intended.

6.1.2 Players must be in at least 9th grade to participate in the NELAX, unless the Board of NELAX has granted an 8th grade waiver.

6.1.3 A player must be a member of US Lacrosse prior to participating in any league or team practice or game. A team may perform introductory sessions


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with prospective players that do not include any physical contact. 6.1.4 All players must complete and turn in to their coach all NELAX required forms

prior to participation in practices or games.

6.2 Academic Eligibility6.2.1 A player must have obtained a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or its

equivalent in the preceding grading period. A student who has failed to meet the minimum requirements set forth shall be ineligible for participation throughout the next grading period.

6.2.2 Eligibility under this rule is determined when grades are posted. Teams shall require players to submit their grades to the Head Coach or Team Organization representative to determine eligibility.

6.2.3 Teams may institute higher academic eligibility standards at their discretion for their team.

6.2.4 Decisions by parents/legal guardians to raise academic eligibility standards for their player shall be accepted with full support.

6.3 Program / Team Participation 6.3.1 Basic Policy

6.3.1.1 Individuals must play for the team affiliated with the school they attend. (Attendance means the school they are registered with and attend the majority of their classes.) Change of attendance requires them to change teams.

6.3.1.2 Once initial High School attendance and eligibility is established, movement to any other team requires Board approval before they play or practice with that team.

6.3.2 Policy Details6.3.2.1 A player attending a public school without a lacrosse program is eligible to

play for the lacrosse program for the school that is nearest to the school that he attends. A player attending a non-boundary school without a lacrosse program is eligible to play for the lacrosse program based on the public high school boundaries of his home address. For purposes of this rule, distance shall be determined by driving distance as shown by Google maps. For reference, a boundary document has been created and will be maintained to address commonly-asked questions regarding affiliations between public schools without lacrosse programs and those with programs.

6.3.2.2 Home-based instruction students shall participate with the team affiliated with the resident public school that the student would normally attend.

6.3.2.3 If a new team forms, players attending the school affiliated with that new team shall play for that team. Seniors may be excluded from this requirement based on their desire to remain with their previous team for their final year.

7. League Rules and Regulations NELAX Operating Procedures 2.24.16

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7.1 Structural Philosophy / League Alignment Teams must be aligned with a high school. Grandfathered teams, have

two years (until start of the 2018 season), to achieve this requirement. Teams will be assigned a league division, based on the recommendation of

the NELAX Board

7.2 Game RegulationsAll games will abide by the current US Lacrosse High School rulebook

7.3 Regular Season Contest LimitA game is defined in Game Regulations with at least one paid official present.All games and tournaments played during the season shall be listed on the team schedule on the NELAX website.Statistics for all NELAX full length regulation games shall count towards end of season awards and shall be recorded on the Team Statistics pages on the NELAX Website.Scheduling

All conference games are scheduled by the Scheduling Committee by January 15 for the upcoming year.

Each team shall schedule at least 12 NELAX League games to be eligible for post season play and end-of-season awards.

Games scheduled individually by coaches (i.e. not the League) are considered Non-Conference games. These games are scheduled at the discretion of the coaches involved and NELAX guidance.

Any change to a scheduled game must be agreed upon between coaches of both teams, referees, and trainers.

Changes to a scheduled game are handled in accordance with procedures of the H A L O Assignor and the league game cancellation policy found on the NELAX website.

The Board of Directors shall adjudicate any issues related to any team’s refusal to play and shall ensure that consideration is given to the willingness of teams to cooperate in reacting to situations where a team could not reasonably be expected to play a particular game due to circumstances beyond their immediate control and/or ability to predict..

Head coaches (or parent representative) are responsible for inputting scheduled games into the NELAX website. All game schedules and rosters (to include name, grade and jersey number) shall be input by the first game of the season.Varsity impact players are not eligible to play in JV or sophomore games.

7.4 Statistics


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At every game there shall be qualified personnel from each team at the scorer’s table, supervising table activities.

In accordance with NFHS/US Lacrosse rules, the home team scorer maintains the official record of the game, but both teams shall keep scoring, assist, penalty and goalie save statistics for both teams. Table duties and guidelines are contained in the Nebraska High School Lacrosse League Scoring Handbook and shall be followed for all NELAX sponsored games.

Statistics will be kept by each team for each full-length regulation game and uploaded to the league website. It is encouraged that all statistics be entered within 48 hours after the end of each contest.

7.5 Reciprocal Policy

Disciplinary actions taken by another entity within NELAX, US Lacrosse or local schools against players, coaches, parents or fans shall be upheld.

7.6 Inclement Weather Policy

Lightning or Thunder Disturbance Policy

NELAX follows the NFHS Guidelines on Handling Practices and Contests during Lightning or Thunder Disturbances found in the NFHS Boys Lacrosse Rulebook. The criteria for suspension and resumption of play are:

a. When thunder is heard or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, the leading edge of the thunderstorm is close enough to strike your location with lightning. Suspend play for thirty minutes and take shelter immediately.

b. Thirty-minute rule. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play.

c. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.

NELAX policy requires coaches to ensure that all team personnel are in vehicles, permanent structures, or other safe area during lightning delays.

The officials may suspend the game, the site manager may suspend the game, and neither party can overrule the other.

Generally, the officials will wait up to one hour unless arrangements can be made with them. Normally, if the game cannot be resumed safely within one hour (i.e., after 31 minutes of wait time, if there is still lightning or thunder), the officials are released. A second delay after the game has been resumed also releases the officials.


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Suspended / Interrupted Game Policy

Once play begins the officials shall have the authority to interrupt or suspend the game due to dangerous weather or field conditions. The official’s decision is final. A game is considered legal and complete if 80% of playing time has elapsed. An interrupted game continued on the same day shall be restarted from its point of interruption.

If a suspended game (one in which less than 80% of playing time has elapse) is replayed another day, it must be played from the point of interruption. A suspended game may be terminated and considered complete by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches. The score at the point of termination will be the official score of the game.

If 80% of the playing time has elapsed and the game is tied, the game shall be considered suspended. A suspended game may be terminated and considered complete by mutual agreement of the opposing coaches. The score at the point of termination will be the official score of the game.

All stats from a suspended game (goals, penalties, etc.) should carry over from one part of a game to another even if it is played on a separate day.

Note:1. If Player A is disqualified from Game 2 because of an ejection received in Game 1, and

Game 2 is suspended because of weather, etc., Player A may not participate in the completion of Game 2 no matter how much later in the season the game is played to completion. He may play in Game 3 if it is played before the completion of Game 2.

2. If Player A is disqualified during the play of Game 2 because of an ejection in Game 2, and Game 2 is suspended because of weather, etc., Player A may not play in Game 3 and he may not play the completion of Game 2 no matter how much later in the season that game takes place.

3. If Player A is disqualified during the play of Game 3 because of an ejection received in Game, and his previous game, Game 2, was suspended because of weather, etc., Player A may play in the completion of Game 2 even if it occurs immediately after Game 3. He may not participate in Game 4.

4. If Player A is disqualified from Game 2 because of an ejection in Game 1, and Game 2 is suspended because of weather, etc., but not played to completion by mutual agreement of the coaches, Player A does not have to sit out any additional time in Game 3. Game 2 is considered and official game and his suspension has been served.

7.7 Hazing


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Hazing of any type will not be tolerated. Hazing by any member or members of a team will be reviewed by the coaches council and may result in forfeiture of all games that season.

Any incident of hazing that is known by the coach, assistant coach, parent rep, etc. and is not reported to the NELAX may result in that person being excluded from any NELAX activity for a period of one year in addition to other sanctions of the program.

7.8 Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco Policy

Every practical effort shall be made at all levels of NELAX to eradicate the promotion, use or abuse of alcohol, drugs and tobacco to include performance- enhancing substances.Limitation for participation of players regarding the use of alcohol, tobacco products and other drugs during a sports season:

First offense: Suspension from two consecutive games. Practice may be continued following a personal assessment of the student

by a licensed substance abuse intervention or treatment program and/or participation in an intervention program.

Second offense: A six-week suspension from participation and mandatory completion of an intervention program prior to reinstatement.

Third offense: An eighteen-week suspension from participation and mandatory completion of an intervention program prior to reinstatement.

A fourth offense shall end future participation.

Teams may institute more stringent requirements.Program staff and coaches shall fully support the elements of this policy in their behavior when interacting with players in all situations and shall report any known violations to the NELAX immediately.

7.9 Procedure for petition to play for another programA petition to move programs must be in writing and submitted by the player or parent in the form of a Petition to the Executive Council. The Petition shall:

Be written. Set forth all the circumstances surrounding the appeal. Be submitted to the Board of Directors who will review

the Petition and either:o Grant the Petition.o Deny the Petition, oro Request more information from the player before making a

decision. The decision of the Board of Directors shall be in writing and shall be

delivered to the player in a reasonable period of time. Any Board of Director member who is involved with the circumstances surrounding a


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specific eligibility issue will not participate in any vote of the Board of Directors concerning that issue.

If a player is attempting to transfer to a given program to play lacrosse and the petition is denied by the Board of Directors, the player shall not be allowed to play for that program at any level.

7.10 Incident Reporting

All incidents associated with the League that may affect the effective management of the League, cause harm to the reputation of the League or present the possibility of legal liability to the League shall be reported using the league online incident reporting form.

Injuries, to include all suspected concussions and any injury requiring professional interaction/evaluation and any injury that may result in professional interaction/evaluation in the future shall be reported.

Fights, conflicts with officials, spectator incidents, and conflicts with field owners or community infrastructure, forfeits, significant arguments, or any incident reflecting poorly on our goals and principles shall be reported.

7.11 Rule Violations and Penalties

The strength of the NELAX lies in the willingness and ability of the membership to support the goals, guidelines, rules and regulations adopted and, if necessary, to support the penalties placed upon members, if it is determined that those same guidelines, rules and regulations have been violated. Violation of NELAX By-Laws, policies, rules and regulations can result in, but is not limited to, sanctions placed upon individual players, coaches, program leadership, spectators, officials and/or programs as a whole. Sanctions can include but are not limited to game suspension, season suspension, forfeiture of games, forfeiture of post-season play (playoffs), fines, probation and expulsion from the League. Each situation is unique and will be handled at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Multiple, repeated infractions, those deemed to intentionally defy league policy, those that represent lapses in integrity/ethics, those that place individuals at physical or emotional risk, and those that potentially do significant harm to the Honor of the Game will result in stiffer sanctions.

7.12 Use of an ineligible player

The use of an ineligible player shall result in forfeiture of all games in which that player took part.An ineligible player “takes part” in a game when a player steps onto the playing field in uniform during competition of a contest in which he/she is ineligible. Coaches are strongly encouraged to keep ineligible players distinctly away from


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the sideline area of a contest for which they are ineligible. An ineligible player may not be on the sidelines in uniform.Intentional or knowing violations of this policy shall be treated as an integrity violation which affronts the Honor of the Game and shall result in severe penalties for the individuals and/or the coaches/team/program.

7.13 Failure to post team rosters

The failure of a team to post accurate and complete schedules and varsity rosters (including player name, number and year) on NELAX website prior to the first game of the season may cause that team to forfeit each game until the information is posted. After the first game of the season, each team must maintain a current roster. All games and tournaments that figure into the 20 game limit shall be posted.

7.14 Misconduct by Players and Spectators

Ejections and Appeals

o An ejection is a judgment call; therefore, there are no appeals. However, if the wrong player is identified, a coach may appeal a player’s ejection to the NELAX Executive Board if it can be verified that the player’s actions did not contribute to the ejection. This applies only to a student-athlete who was wrongfully ejected due to the recording of an incorrect number by the officials.

o First Ejection - Ineligible for the next contest at that level of competition and all other contests during that interim at any level.

o Second Ejection - Ineligible for the next two contests at that level of competition and all other contests during that interim at any level.

o Third Ejection - Cessation of the season for the player concerned.

o Ejections during a game that is subsequently interrupted or suspended will be subject to the Suspended / Interrupted Game Policy.

o Appeals: If there is an appeal the following procedure must be followed:

o Any appeal must be submitted via the Head Coach. The Head Coach must make a written appeal (letter or email) to the NELAX Executive Board within 48 hours.

o The NELAX Executive Board will review the appeal and make the final decision whether to overturn the ejection or uphold the ejection.

7.15 Video Policy


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When a question arises from an action during a NELAX sanctioned game where video of the action is available, the head coaches of both teams, where possible, shall make the video available to the Administrator for review.

If the action in question involves an official’s call, the video will be used for educational purposes. No official’s call will be overturned.

If the situation involves actions by a player, coach, parent or fan, the Administrator shall review the video and recommend appropriate disciplinary action to the Executive Council.

Filming of other team’s practices is prohibited.

7.16 Social Media

All NELAX players that communicate through social media, and post content that references or refers to the culture of lacrosse in Nebraska or write anything related to Nebraska Lacrosse players, coaches, and referees on a blog or some other online space, that contains abusive, vulgar, offensive, racist, threatening or harassing comments, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms that target specific individuals or groups shall be subject to suspension or removal from the NELAX.

The NELAX logo is not for public use unless given permission by the NELAX. Players or coaches may not use this logo without permission.

All violations of the NELAX Logo shall be subject to the takedown procedure for complaints of copyright violation under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Footnote: This document was approved by a majority vote of NELAX Board members at the Feb 24th, 2016 meeting. See the minutes for details.


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