INTRODUCTION

This USA Coaching Ethics Code and Code of Conduct are available on the USA Hockey website.  These documents were used to generate the coaches code of conduct for the CCYHA.  The following items represent the expectation of the CCYHA from its volunteer coaches.

 

Code of Conduct

• Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the player than winning the game.
• 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; be careful about providing feedback publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t berate players.
• Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach players the basics.
• Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players.
• Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.
• Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits.

Code of Ethics

COMPETENCE

Coaches will maintain a standard of excellence with regard to education and information related to coaching and make an on-going effort to maintain competence in the skills they use.

 

INTEGRITY

Coaches will exercise integrity in the practice of coaching and be honest, fair, and respectful of others.

 

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY

Coaches will uphold professional standards, clarify professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for behavior, and adapt methods to the needs of participants.

 

RESPECT FOR PARTICIPANTS

Coaches will respect the fundamental rights, welfare, dignity, values, opinions, and worth of all participants.

 

CONCERN FOR PARTICIPANTS

Coaches will be sensitive to different roles and responsibilities of all participants and not exploit or mislead them.

 

RESPONSIBLE COACHING

Coaches will be aware of ethical responsibilities to society and the community in which they work and live as well as comply with the law and encourage the development of policies which serve the interest of the sport and USA Hockey.

 

DISCRIMINATION

Coaches will not engage in or condone discrimination based upon age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socio-economic status, or any other basis prescribed by law.

 

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

Coaches will not engage in sexual harassment which includes but is not necessarily limited to sexual solicitation, unwelcome physical advances, and verbal or non-verbal conduct.

 

HAZING/BULLYING

Coaches will not engage in or condone behavior which is harassing, harmful, or demeaning to participants.

 

PERSONAL PROBLEMS AND CONFLICTS

Coaches will recognize a personal problem may harm participants. Coaches have an obligation to take reasonable steps to prevent impaired performance by recognizing a personal problem and seeking assistance for it.

 

AVOIDING HARM

Coaches will take reasonable steps to avoid harm being caused to participants whether it be physical, verbal, or through electronic/ social media.

 

MISUSE OF INFLUENCE

Coaches will guard against the misuse of influence and understand any action or judgment may have an effect on participants.

 

OUTSIDE RELATIONSHIPS

Coaches will refrain from entering into personal, professional, financial, or other relationships with anyone if such a relationship may impair objectivity, interfere with properly performing coaching functions, or directly or indirectly exploit or harm participants. Coaches will refrain from taking on obligations if a pre-existing relationship may create a conflict of interest.

 

EXPLOITATION

Coaches will not exploit or have a sexual or intimate relationship with participants.

 

STATEMENTS

Coaches will not make a statement which is deceptive, false, fraudulent, or misleading.

 

COMMUNICATION WITH PARTICIPANTS

To avoid any misunderstanding with participants, coaches will discuss the nature and course of training with them and answer any questions they may have.

 

RELATIONSHIP INVOLVING COACHES, PARTICIPANTS, AND PARENTS

Coaches will clarify the role of each party and any service provided relative to a relationship with participants and parents.

 

ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND TOBACCO

Coaches will refrain from using and discourage the availability or use of performance enhancing or recreational drugs in conjunction with, including travelling to or from, any USA Hockey competition, training or practice session and prohibit the use of performance enhancing or recreational drugs by participants.  Legal use of alcohol and tobacco should be separated from CCYHA events far enough to ensure that their effects do not impact the coaches’ duties or their ability to abide by the code of conduct.

 

PORNOGRAPHY

Coaches will refrain from and prohibit the use of pornographic or sexually explicit material around all children.  Explicit material found in possession by children should be confiscated and parents notified.

 

RECRUITING

Players are able to participate on multiple teams depending on many circumstances.  Any recruiting must cease if there is any conflict to any team the participant is previously committed to for the applicable season.  Recruiting for future seasons is not limited.  Refer to the CAHA rules on tampering, appendix E, section 14.

 

EVALUATING PARTICIPANTS

Coaches will evaluate participants on actual ability, attitude, and performance and in a manner consistent with the Code.

 

FAMILIARITY WITH CODE

Coaches will be familiar with the Code. Lack of awareness or misunderstanding of general principles or ethical standards included in the Code will not excuse violations of the Code.

 

CONFRONTING ISSUES

Coaches will consult with other coaches when they are uncertain if a particular situation or course of action violates the Code.

 

ORGANIZATIONAL CONFLICTS

Coaches will clarify the nature of any conflict between the demands of an organization and the Code, make known their commitment to the Code, and seek to resolve the conflict in a way which adheres to the Code.

 

REPORTING VIOLATIONS

Coaches will inform participants of any perceived violation of the Code and their right to report any violation to the CCYHA Board of Directors.  Any violation of the Code shall be addressed via the CCYHA bylaws and disciplinary policies.

 

COOPERATION WITH INVESTIGATIONS, PROCEEDINGS, AND RESOLUTIONS

Coaches will cooperate with any investigation, proceeding or resolution related to a perceived violation of the Code as mandated by USA Hockey or any of its member organizations. Failure to cooperate in itself is a violation of the Code.

 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Coaches have read and understand the CCYHA coaches code of conduct.  Coaches understand the expectation to follow the code at all CCYHA functions.

 

Signed:_________________________________

 

Date:___________________________________