The USOC Code of Ethics

The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) published its current Coaching Code of Ethics in 2005. The primary objective of the code of ethics is "the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom coaches work." The code outlines six general principles, lettered from A to F, which coaches should follow in the course of training any Olympic athletes. Outside of these principles, the code also prohibits the coach from engaging in any behavior that might be construed as harassment and from allowing any performance-enhancing drug use.

  1. Principle A: Competence

    • The first principle rules that coaches must only provide the services and training they are competent to perform. This principle also provides that coaches educate themselves in all the scientific and professional information relevant to their particular sport to ensure the welfare of the athletes they coach.

    Principle B: Integrity

    • The second principle dictates that coaches should always strive to participate in fair play. They should not mislead the athletes they coach by exaggerating or falsifying their level of experience or their education, their skills or their fees. Coaches should explicitly clarify what products or services they are providing and should behave appropriately in the performance of those roles.

    Principle C: Professional Responsibility

    • This principle states that coaches must at all times behave in a responsible manner and must accept responsibility for their behavior. They must watch for unethical behavior in other professionals in the field and are responsible for taking the appropriate steps to stop any unethical behavior they observe. They should always comply with the best advice from other professionals or institutions to ensure that the needs of their athletes are met.

    Principle D: Respect for Participants and Dignity

    • There should be no bias based on color or socioeconomic status.

      This principle dictates that coaches should treat any person they encounter with dignity and respect. Coaches should not discriminate or hold biases based on a person's age, race, gender, religion, nationality or culture. Coaches must also respect every individual's human rights and treat everyone equally.

    Principle E: Concern for Others' Welfare

    • This principle mandates that coaches should always maintain the welfare of their athletes in the course of their coaching. Coaching should be conducted responsibly and professionally in a manner that will not cause the athlete any undue harm. The code also advises that coaches should be careful not to exploit or mislead anyone in their professional role and should actively attempt to improve the welfare of both their athletes and other participating athletes.

    Principle F: Responsible Coaching

    • This principle advocates that coaches should maintain a charitable approach to their coaching experience and knowledge. Coaches should try to give some of their skills for little or no pay and should not withhold any professional knowledge from the public. Their knowledge must be made public so that it may be used by others. They must work to help implement or suggest laws that may benefit their sport.