Embedded Files
Form of Address (taken from the MN Coaches Association)
Require that athletes call you "Coach" or Mr., Miss, or Mrs. as appropriate. Keep a professional distance between yourself and your athletes.
Language
Please carefully consider the language you use when speaking to or in the vicinity of any of our students, parents, and members of the community. Remember that Bloomington Jefferson High School is an educational institution first and foremost and that you are now part of a team of educators. The language and habits that your students observe will undoubtedly become a part of their make-up. If you lose control of your emotions, it is difficult to expect the athletes under your direction to maintain theirs. Sport officials and other judgers are becoming more sensitive to profane outbursts and those individuals who either use or tolerate the use of profanity are sure to be penalized. Let's insure a fair and positive experience for all!
Sportsmanship/Conduct
As role models, coaches have a unique opportunity to impact that which, in some areas, can determine the future health and support of high school athletics… sportsmanship. Because the values we seek from activities cannot exist without good sportsmanship we can insure support from educational institutions only if those involved in high school activities promote the highest sportsmanship possible. Good sportsmanship does not happen accidentally. It takes a lot of hard work, a great deal of courage and dedication to stand up and tell people when they are wrong or take the extra time to make sure things happen right. As coaches/advisors this is one of our most important responsibilities and if we are successful in this, we will have attained a more lasting mark than any championship could bring.
Ejection from a Game/Competition
Ejection from a game is a serious offense. If you are ejected from a game you will be required to meet with the Activities Director. If a coach/advisor is ejected a second time during the season the building principal will be charged with a disciplinary review and establishing consequences.
You Are the Coach/advisor, Not Their Peer
Always remember, wherever you are with your students/athletes, you are an extension of Bloomington Jefferson High School and all school rules need to be followed. You may strive to be friendly, but do not attempt to be a close friend with a student of this age. Be sure to establish clear boundaries on topics of conversation and remember Bloomington Jefferson High School has a variety of resources that can you work with students in challenging areas. Never be afraid of seeking help and guidance from colleagues, counselors and principals.
Never Be Alone With a Student
It is important that we avoid finding ourselves in a closed room with just one other student. While there may be times this is unavoidable, such as talking about something that should only be done in private, it is in your best interest not to put yourself in the position of being alone. Always keep a door open to protect yourself and the athlete.
Remember that if you must exchange emails, Tweets, Facebook messages or texts with a student you must be very careful of what you say and share. It is a good general rule to speak only face to face with team members because electronic information can often be misinterpreted. If electronic communications must be used the message should be to all team members & coaches and sent at an appropriate time (generally between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.). If you need to communicate to an individual make sure to include another coach on the electronic exchange. Remember that all electronic messages are part of public data and can/may be shared in a variety of unintended venues.
District Electronic Technologies Acceptable Use Policy
Coaches/Advisors May Not Transport Athletes/Students
Players/students will travel in team arranged district transportation when provided. Coaches may not provide personal
transportation to any athlete at any time or organize player/student transportation to any games or practices. In an emergency, call upon parents or school administrators. If there is no other option, include another athlete and drop off students together.
Private Training
Coaches may not offer private training or skill development to any Bloomington Jefferson student while their sport is “in season”. This includes anytime once open gym, field practice and tryouts begin as well as after school hours and weekends.
Avoid an Inordinate Amount of Practice with One Athlete and Not Alone
As a coach, you need to be careful in how you relate to your athletes. It is not in your best interest to spend an excessive amount of time with one athlete or to coach them alone. Other athletes may feel that you favor certain athletes and it is not conducive to team chemistry.
Do Not Take Students to Your Residence
Do not take a student to your residence, nor should you visit an athlete’s residence. The only appropriate exception is when there is a team function at a residence, and the entire team is present as well as parents.
Do Not Allow Hazing of Athletes/Students
As a coach/advisor you are liable if your athletes/Students are involved in "hazing”. This type of behavior is not considered as team building and is banned by the MSHSL. As coach/advisor of the team/group you are responsible for the safety of all your athletes and should take proactive steps to ensure no hazing occurs.
Examples of hazing would be: tying an athlete/student to a pole, putting athletes/students up on the roof of the campus, any type of embarrassing dress, early morning home visits, any type of physical attack and anything that would make somebody uncomfortable or threaten their personal safety and dignity. Even if the student receiving the inappropriate treatment indicates it’s acceptable hazing charges can still be pressed by the administration.
Student Apparel
Teams often want a team t-shirt or sweatshirt for personal purposes and to build team unity. It is the coaches’ responsibility to approve apparel requests by students/parents. Any slogans, pictures/photos or messages on the apparel must be appropriate and in good taste. Slogans and messages must be pre-approved by the Activities Director or their designee. Coaches should be sensitive to the price of this merchandise so that athletes or families are not put in an embarrassing position.
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