This article was provided by Coaches Network
Every coach should have a Code of Conduct. If your athletic department doesn’t have one, please consider creating one—or speak with your athletic director about creating one. If you and your athletic department do have a Code of Conduct, consider adding some of the points that have been selected from these four Code of Conducts:
From the USA Hockey website (click here to see their Code of Conduct):
• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.
• Be a positive role model to your players. Display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.
• Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t yell at players.
Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
• To play the game is great, to love the game is greater
From the American Baseball Coaches Association (click here to see their Code of Conduct):
• The coach shall maintain appropriate professional relationships with student/athletes, managers, and trainers and respect proper coach/player boundaries.
• The coach shall treat news media with courtesy, honesty, and respect.
• The coach shall teach his players how to conduct themselves in interviews in the best interest of the team and the game.
• The coach shall instruct his players that any disciplinary, academic, or personal problems are “family affairs” and not to be made public.
• The coach shall act toward other coaches in a manner characterized by courtesy, good faith, and respect.
From the Park Ridge Baseball & Softball Association in Park Ridge, Ill. (click here to see their Code of Conduct):
As a head coach or assistant coach, I will conduct myself at all times in a way that demonstrates my commitment to the following:
• Coaches must create a positive and fun environment for their players.
• Coaches must provide open communication with parents and enlist their help and support with the team.
• Coaches must be educators, placing the development of player skills and knowledge ahead of winning games. They must encourage team play over individual efforts.
• Coaches must help players develop their own internal motivation and critical self-observation skills.
• Coaches must be positive role models for players. They must show emotional maturity by controlling their anger and never using obscene language or gestures.
• Coaches must always put player safety and health first by dealing aggressively with unsafe situations or player conduct. They should encourage their players with appropriate safety and health leadership in all areas of their lives.
• Coaches must continue to work to develop their skills as a coach.
From USA Basketball (click here to see their Code of Conduct):
I will:
• Conduct myself in a dignified manner relating to emotions, language, attitude and actions
• Demonstrate respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of referees, officials and opposing coaches
• Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person, including opponents, other coaches, officials, administrators, parents, athletes, and spectators
• Be aware and understand the role and influence of a coach as an educator, imparting knowledge of skill as well as proper personal, academic, and social behavior
• Be reasonable in my demands on athletes’ time, energy and enthusiasm
• Provide an opportunity for all athletes to play the sport
• Seek to learn the latest coaching practices that take into account the principles of growth and development of athletes