A Coach's Code of Conduct

The coaching profession features passionate men and women who represent nearly every personality type imaginable. Despite their differences, most coaches operate using the same basic code of conduct with regard to how they approach their players, opposing teams and the sport in general.

  1. Function

    • Coaches must follow a code of conduct to ensure they abide by the rules and ethics governing their respective sports or federations. This includes respect for all participants, including officials, and responsible coaching methods that ensure the safety of all players while maintaining the integrity of the sport in which they coach.

    Relationships

    • Coaches have a responsibility to maintain appropriate relationships with their players, fellow coaches and officials. This includes refraining from serious verbal or physical confrontations with players, coaches or officials, or any comments or actions that may be interpreted as a form of harassment. Coaches must also avoid getting involved romantically with a player.

    Benefits

    • When coaches obey a code of conduct, everyone benefits. Players can develop their skills without having to worry about potentially explosive confrontations with their coaches. Following the code of conduct also greatly reduces the chances a coach will enter into an inappropriate relationship with an athlete, which in turn, increases the likelihood that all players will be treated fairly.