Coaches’ Code of Conduct
- Be reasonable in your demands on young athlete’s time, energy and enthusiasm
- Teach athletes the rules of the sport are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break
- Whenever possible, group athletes to give a reasonable chance of success
- Avoid over-coaching the better performing athletes, the “just average” athletes need and deserve equal time
- Ensure any physical contact with athletes is appropriate to the situation and necessary for the athlete’s skills development
- Avoid situations with your athletes that could be construed as compromising
- Remember that children participate for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their enjoyment. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing an event.
- Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the age and ability of the athletes
- Take into consideration the maturity level of the children when scheduling and determining the length of training times and competition
- Coaches should never solicit, whether overtly or covertly, or by actively recruiting athletes who are already being coached to join their squad
- Develop respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgement of officials and coaches
- Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured athlete is ready to recommence training or competition
- Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of children
- Demonstrate appropriate social behaviour, by not harassing athletes, other coaches or officials, smoking on the arena or being intoxicated
- Not publicly criticise or disagree with the work of other coaches
- Hold a current Working with Children Check
- Avoid use of bad language