Coaches/Advisor Code of Ethics

Coaching Expectations and Responsibility

Coaches Professional and Personal Relationships and Expectations. There is a definite need for precise criteria to measure coaching accomplishments within the framework of the Aitkin School District objectives. For each activity, these major performance areas stand out above others;

2. 1. Leadership – Diligence, enthusiasm, honesty and a love for the game are all part of a professional pride that should be exhibited by any coach. Personal appearance, dress, physical condition – all should be exemplary. Dressing appropriately for practice, following practice schedules and building positive attitudes while being supportive of the athletes is very important.

   2. Discipline – Every facet of discipline is the coach’s responsibility. Individually, the coach becomes a model of all that the program represents – observation of school codes, training rules, rules of the game, ideals of good sportsmanship, behavior of participants throughout the season – at home and away, and the conduct of the crowd – especially where the student body is concerned. Desire to do well, to win well, to lose well, should be emphasized. Staff, players and spectators should be motivated toward established goals.

   3. Improvement – A coach must constantly take advantage of opportunities presented for self-improvement. Attendance at district and conference meetings, rules, clinics, special workshops and clinics in specific fields and similar in- service training programs is strongly encouraged. Membership should be maintained in professional organizations, coaches’ associations, and similar groups whose programs are geared toward greater achievement and fuller performance. Keeping abreast of current literature in professional journals, newspapers and magazines, and utilizing enrichment material available in other media forms is also encouraged. Coaches are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of their athletes’ off-season improvement. Examples may include summer camps, clinics, weight room and leagues.

2. 4. Cooperation – The district expects give and take between all individuals and groups; team personnel, the student body, the professional staff (faculty, administration, maintenance, etc.), the community as a whole, spectators, officials, fellow coaches in the conference, the parents of the coaches players and media representatives. Good rapport and an image of competency are invaluable for the coach.

2. Coaching Techniques

   1. Use sound and acceptable teaching practices.

   2. Run well-organized practice sessions.

   3. Complete pre-season planning well in advance of starting date.

   4. Adhere to highly efficient and technically sound program of injury prevention. When injuries do occur, follow a prescribed routine and maintain good communication with the patient, trainer (if available), doctor (if necessary), and parents.

   5. Construct a well-organized game plan.

   6. Develop a sound system for equipment accountability, including seasonal inventory, repair, reconditioning and replacement. All purchasing should be accomplished through the budget, as determined by the Activities Director.

   7. Keep assistant coaches, captains, student managers and statisticians well informed as to what is expected. Cooperate fully with maintenance staff, transportation people and others similarly involved in the overall program.

3. Coaches’ Responsibilities

   1. To the players – The main reason for having activities program within the school is to help provide opportunities for young people to develop their respective capabilities to the fullest extent. Development of positive attitudes is an important means to accomplishing this aim. We must promote and teach only clean, aggressive and fair play, while stressing good sportsmanship at all times. The coach must be the leader and set the example.

   2. The coach should be fair and unprejudiced with players and should consider the teams’ needs as well as individual differences, needs, interests, temperaments, attitudes and environment.

   3. Players have the right to expect coaches to have a genuine and up to date knowledge of that which they propose to teach.

   4. The safety and welfare of players should always be uppermost in the coaches’ minds.

   5. Your actions and statements should always reflect confidence and respect for the Aitkin School District. Much can be done by the coach in public contacts to build and maintain a high level of confidence in the athletic program and the school district.

   6. To the Community – A coach is responsible for promoting their sport throughout the community. The coach should assist with clinics for coaches and players. Also the coach should be available to help/advise the city recreation and community education programs relating to their sport.

   7. To Fellow Coaches – The makeup of a coaching staff is basically a quasi- autocratic society. The head coach must always be in command. Despite this position of authority, the wise head coach will encourage independent thought on part of the staff. An important factor is human relations’ skills, which provide for an open exchange of ideas in a courteous, thoughtful manner.

      1. 1. 1. 1. It is wise to praise assistants and award recognition whenever possible. Misunderstandings between coaches should be discussed as soon as possible and in an appropriate location away from the athletes and other people concerned with the program.

               2. The head coach expects all staff to contribute a full measure of time, effort, thought and energy to the program. The assistant coaches must be willing and able to do things that they may not wish to do or even like to do. They must fulfill the responsibility to the head coach, the athletes and the sport itself. The success of the school, the team and the coaching staff is dependent upon the quality and effort of the entire coaching staff.

      2. To Other Coaches in Your School – One must always bear in mind that the sport you coach is not the only sport; it is only part of the total athletic educational program of the school. Therefore, it is important to support, promote and cooperate with all the other coaches and activity sponsors for the well being of the total program.