USHPDB Guiding Principles for Coaches and Athletes

For coaches and athletes, understanding ethics and morals is essential not only for competitive success but for personal growth and team integrity.

Ethics and Morals Defined

Morals are personal beliefs about right and wrong. They guide individual behavior, such as being honest about your effort in training or admitting when you make a mistake. Ethics, on the other hand, are shared standards or rules that govern behavior within a group—like team sportsmanship expectations. 

Our Values. Our Standards.

We are coaches and athletes who choose excellence. We train with intention. We compete with honor. High performance demands more than strength. It demands character.

Athlete Health Comes First

We recognize that longevity is part of performance. Safety over ego. Smart training over reckless intensity. 

Respect in a High-Intensity Environment

High standards do not excuse disrespect. We reject bullying, harassment, public shaming, and retaliation. We challenge one another fiercely and treat one another with dignity. Coaches and Athletes have a moral responsibility to give their best, support teammates, encourage those who are struggling, and avoid gossip or divisive behavior.

Excellence with Integrity

We pursue high performance while honoring the rules and spirit of the sport. We do not cut ethical corners. We do not compromise fairness. Winning matters. Integrity matters more.

Teamwork and Collective Responsibility

Dragon boating depends entirely on power, performance, strategies and personal responsibility.

Ethical behavior means showing up on time, being prepared, listening to the coach and steersperson, and giving best effort. It also means respecting roles—whether you are a paddler, drummer, or steersperson—understanding that no single athlete is more important than the crew.

Stewardship & Leadership

We protect resources, manage finances responsibly, avoid conflicts of interest, and represent the organization with professionalism on and off the water. We leave the organization stronger than we found it.

Leadership and Personal Growth

Leadership is not limited to coaches and captains. Every athlete sets an example through attitude and work ethic. Ethical leaders model discipline, fairness, and composure. Athletes should strive for continuous improvement while maintaining humility.

Conclusion

Ethics and morals are the foundation of the USHPDB guiding principles. When all involved commit to fairness, accountability, respect, and teamwork, we create an environment where both performance and personal development thrive. 

Our Creed

We have fun.

We paddle hard. 

We support each other. 

We speak honestly. 

We act ethically. 

We compete fiercely. 

We respect deeply.