Download Coaches Code of Conduct - South Lyon Area Recreation!

To All Youth Program Participant Parents & Coaches:
On behalf of the South Lyon Area Recreation Authority (SLARA), we
would like to take a moment to address with each parent “bullying” in
youth programs. The SLARA takes the issue of bullying and harassment
very seriously. In order for our organization to carry out its duty of providing all children with a safe environment in which to learn, grow and develop - we must enlist the support and cooperation of all parents! The purpose of this memo is to share with parents, signs that they should be alert to in regard to bullying, parent/coach
behavior on-site at games, practices and programs.
“Bulling is a systematic and repeated abuse of power. In general bullying may be defined as: dominating or
hurting someone, unfair action by the perpetrator(s) and an imbalance of power, or a lack of adequate defense by
the target and feelings of oppression and humiliation.” Bullying can take many forms; physical, verbal, social,
psychological or cyber. The SLARA does not condone bullying of or in any form.
Please remember that the SLARA programs are created to be “fun” experiences. We understand that competition
will always be an aspect, but it should not be first and foremost. Parents and all adults need to set good examples for the kids. If there are concerns about issues such as behavior, physicality of the game, etc..., they should
first be brought to the attention of the coaches and/or staff. However, this should only be happening during
game/program breaks. No parents should be on the court/field during the programs. Coaches in turn will address
the issues with officials and/or site supervisors, again during breaks. Coaches should be addressing respectful and
safe game play with all their players not just at games but during practices as well. We have been training staff
on how to deal with specific situations when they arise and continue to add to our trainings. All we can do is
strive to improve and share feedback.
We are asking that parents refrain from using foul language or addressing children or other parents/coaches directly or while viewing programs. Children look to adults for guidance. If they see parents yelling about unfair
calls or using bad language, they will in turn model this behavior. It is in no way appropriate for a parent or spectator to call a child names or shame them during a program. It is also not appropriate for them to do so to other
coaches or parents. Any issues should be addressed calmly and with respect. Again, remember that your children
will model your behavior.
As always, we ask that you follow the guidelines in reference to complaints. First, address coaches/staff during
breaks or after the program concludes for the day. Coaches/staff will contact the SLARA each week to go over
any specific issues. We try our best to address each situation as it arises. Much of this communication is done
behind the scenes, not in public. Please don’t assume if you do not see our staff directly talking with someone at
this program that this means it has not been addressed. A lot goes on in our office that most people are not
aware of. We are continually having conversations with staff, coaches and concerned parents.
We at SLARA strive to offer quality programs. In sports programs such as this, we also expect our volunteer
coaches and parents to display good sportsmanship, positive behavior and respectful communication. We ask that
you please act in a way that you would want your children to model. If we all work together, the SLARA sports
programs will again be the “fun” environment they were meant to be.
Amy L. Allen
Recreation Director
South Lyon Area Recreation Authority
318 W. Lake Street
South Lyon, MI 48178
Phone: 248-437-8105
Fax: 248-437-4324
[email protected]
www.slrec.net
Follow us on Twitter @SLRecreation1
or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/southlyonarearecreation
COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT
Purpose
This code of conduct has been developed by the SLARA to clarify and distinguish
approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from that which
is detrimental to the development of children within the SLARA programs.
Policy
Coaching is a privilege offered and granted to individuals who perform capably during SLARA sanctioned and affiliated
activities. It carries with it an obligation for each individual coach to uphold and promote the stated goals and objectives. Any conduct considered unethical or a conflict of interest shall be subject to discipline by the SLARA.
Article I – Responsibilities to Players
• The coach shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
• Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all
times.
• Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
• Coaches shall not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.
• Coaches shall direct players to seek proper medical attention for injuries and to follow the physician’s instructions
regarding treatment and recovery.
Article II – Responsibility to the SLARA
• Adherence to all SLARA rules and policies. It is the responsibility of each coach to know and understand these
rules.
• Any problems that cannot be resolved between coaches should be referred to the appropriate SLARA staff member.
Article III – Responsibilities to the Laws of the Game
• Coaches shall be thoroughly acquainted with and demonstrate a working knowledge of the Laws of the Game.
• Coaches are responsible to assure their players understand the intent as well as the application of the Laws.
• Coaches must adhere to the letter and spirit of the Laws of the Game.
• Coaches are responsible for their players’ actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with intent of
causing injury to opposing players.
• The coach must constantly strive to teach good sporting behavior.
Article IV – Responsibility to Officials
• Officials must have the support of coaches, players and spectators. Coaches must always refrain from criticizing
officials in the presence of players or spectators.
• Professional respect, before, during and after the game must be mutual. There must be no demeaning dialogue or
gestures between official, coach or player.
• Coaches must not incite players or spectators or attempt to disrupt the flow of the game.
• Comments regarding an official should be made in writing to the SLARA.
Article V – Other Responsibilities
• The behavior of coaches must be such as to bring credit to themselves and the SLARA.
• While the concept of rivalry is wholly embraced, it cannot take precedence over exemplary professional conduct.
• The attitude and conduct of the coach towards officials, players, spectators and coaches must be controlled and
undemonstrative.
• It is unacceptable for a coach to have any verbal altercation with an official, opposing coach or bench before, during or after the game.
• Coaches must use their influence on spectators that demonstrate intimidating and/or unacceptable behavior towards officials, player(s) and opposing team members.
By signing this document I certify that I understand that should I breach this code of ethics that I am permitting the
SLARA to remove me from current and future coaching positions.
Name of Coach (Print):________________________________________________ Date:__________________
Signature of Coach:__________________________________________________________________________
Program Individual is Coaching:___________________________________________
Please Circle Program Season:
Fall
Winter
Spring/Summer
Year: 20___________