PAL0610-121B Police Athletic League – Code of Conduct Policy Coach Code of Conduct Policy Approved by Police Athletic League’s Board of Directors on 8 June 2010. Coaches have a strong influence on young athletes and should act as positive role models for the young people they come in contact with. As a coach, I will display the highest ethical and professional standards in all situations. I will remember that the sport is a game and that young people participate to have fun, develop social and physical skills, and learn important life lessons. As coach of the team, I promise to behave in ways consistent with the following values: Respectfulness Treat athletes respectfully, praise their efforts, and actively encourage athletes to work cooperatively through positive words and examples. Use constructive criticism and positive language; avoid excessively harsh criticism when coaching or disciplining an athlete. Cooperate with officials’ decisions and not argue with, question, or indicate disagreement with any official’s decision. Actively discourage athletes from criticizing or talking negatively about officials; discipline athletes who publicly criticize officials. Show respect for opponents by speaking cordially with and shaking the hand of the opposing coach before and after the game. Use positive words, even when being critical, and avoid vulgar or offensive language or gestures and aggressive or taunting actions or language when involved in any sport activity. Speak positively of the opposing team’s play, regardless of outcome. Meet with parents as needed and answer parents’ questions respectfully and honestly. Ensure that facilities, equipment, and uniforms are treated with respect and care by the athletes and others involved in the sport. Contain my emotions both in victory and defeat. Maintain a professional relationship with all athletes; avoid engaging in conduct, gestures, actions, or comments of a sexual nature with any athlete; report any incident of sexual harassment to the appropriate authorities. Treat confidentially all personal information about an athlete and not discuss it with anyone else without permission from the athlete. Responsibility Be a positive role model for athletes and always act in the best interest of athletes’ health, safety, and well-being. Fulfill my commitments by being punctual, attending all practices and games, arranging for alternative supervision or coaching if I cannot attend a practice or game, and except in cases of extreme or unpredicted difficulty, remain in the positive through the end of my oral contract. Not use excessive physical exercise as a form of punishment or discipline in any situation. PAL0610-121B Provide athletes and parents a verbal or written description of expectations at the start of the season and meet with athletes and parents before the season starts to discuss these expectations Take an active role in ensuring that all athletes meet the minimum academic requirements; monitor grades of struggling student athletes. Act in the best interest of PAL and the community; actively promote a positive image of PAL and the community. Provide the PAL Commissioner or PAL Representative with accurate information about the team’s stats after the game, before leaving the PAL field. Not participate in or display violent behavior or incite athletes or spectators to act violently; discourage or prevent violent behavior during any sport activity. Dress appropriately at all team practices and games and set an example for the kids. Avoid any real or apparent conflict of interest by avoiding commitments or relationships that might prevent me from effectively performing my coaching obligations; declare any possible conflict of interest in advance. I will make every effort to attend meetings and if I’m not able to attend I will have the courtesy to call the Commissioner or PAL and let them know I will not be there. I will turn in all required paper work and meet appropriate deadlines. I will make every effort to make sure the equipment assigned to my team is returned as the players quit or the season is finished, especially the PAL jerseys. I will play all athletes according to the PAL rules and always have the best interest of the athlete in mind. Caring Teach athletes to cooperate with and to care about teammates, actively encourage athletes to play for the good of the team, and discipline athletes who act selfishly. Consider my athletes’ health, safety, and well-being as top priorities; encourage athletes to look out for one another. Not permit an injured or ill athlete to practice or compete unless cleared by a physician and a written release from the attending physician is provided to PAL. Honesty Check all facts discussed or included in written communication with athletes, parents, and others involved in sport; not withhold any relevant information from an athlete or parent. Be loyal to the team and PAL and put the team’s interests ahead of personal interests and glory. Play strictly by both the written and unwritten rules without ever bending or knowingly breaking a rule to gain an advantage. Fairness Play by the written rules of the sport, ensure that competition is fair, and never evade or bend rules to the team’s advantage (or allow athletes to do so). Act as a role model of good sportsmanship and encourage athletes to demonstrate good sportsmanship by acknowledging sportsmanlike behavior. Good Citizenship Encourage athletes to continually improve and to strive for excellence; acknowledge effort and outstanding performance regardless of outcome. PAL0610-121B Play an active role in discouraging athletes’ use of tobacco, alcohol and controlled substance. I will not use tobacco products or consume or be under the influence of alcohol or any controlled substance in the presence of athletes, not provide these to athletes, nor have athletes attend any PAL team get together with tobacco products, alcohol or a controlled substance present. I will encourage my team to clean the facility we’re using after practice and games. I understand the rules on pages 1 – 3 and agree to abide by them. If I fail to do so, my services for the Police Athletic League, as a volunteer, will no longer be needed. _________________________________ Print Name _________________________________ Signature . Board Approved 10 August 2010 ________________________________ Date