Coaches Code of Conduct

The athlete/coach relationship is a privileged one. Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as athletic development of their athletes. They must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. Coaches must also recognize that they are conduits through which the values and goals of our Basketball organization are channelled. How an athlete regards his/her sport is often dependent on the behaviour of the coach.

All coaches must conduct themselves in a manner that is above reproach at all times. We are all placed in the category of a teacher or parent, and cannot be perceived as a peer to the children that we have in our care and custody. Coaches must be a mature role model for the players to identify with, and respect.

In order to protect the children in our care, and the Sarnia Huron Lakers Girls Basketball Club coaches from possible allegations as to inappropriate behaviour, the following are suggestions to eliminate occasions where coaches may be open to criticism:

1. Coaches should refrain from inappropriate physical contact with all players.

2. Coaches should not be involved any inappropriate verbal discussions with any player, i.e. other players, parents, coaches, intimate or sexual discussions.

3. Coaches should refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of his/her duties.

4. Coach should respect an athlete’s dignity; verbal or physical behaviours that constitute harassment or abuse will not be tolerated.

5. Coaches should avoid transporting players without another adult or another player in the vehicle.

6. Coaches should attempt to not be left alone with only one or two players.

7. Coaches should not have players staying in their hotel/motel room.

8. Coaches should exercise a high degree of personal modesty when changing uniforms or when dressing while on the road with children present!

9. Coaches should be aware of the many pressures placed on athletes as they strive to balance the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of their lives and conduct practices and games in a manner that allows optimum success.

COACHES WHO DO NOT ABIDE BY THESE GUIDELINES ARE SUBJECT TO REVIEW AND POSSIBLE TERMINATION FROM THE HURON LAKERS PROGRAM.