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Springfield Hockey Association

Coaches Code of Conduct


The coach/athlete relationship is a privileged one. Coaches play a critical role in the personal and athletic development of their athletes. Therefore, coaches are expected to model the fundamentally positive aspects of sport. Coaches are responsible for their own behaviour as well as that of their athletes.

The Coach's Code enumerates basic requirements, organized under four principles. They are: setting a good example; keeping players safe; ensuring that all participants have a positive experience; and relating to game officials in an exemplary manner and encouraging players to do the same.

(Setting a good example) The coach:
   1.   Must know their example is powerful. If a coach insists on fair play, concentrates on players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development,
         and supports the umpire, players will notice. If a coach discourages (or allows) players to play outside the rules, is overly concerned about the results, and/or
         criticizes the umpire or opposing coach, players will notice.
   2.   Should know above all, players deserve a coach they can respect.
   3.   Shall uphold the rules, regulations and codes of conduct of Springfield, Field Hockey Ontario, Field Hockey Canada and International Hockey Federation.
   4.   Shall know all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application. Understand the "spirit" of the rules.
   5.   Shall actively uphold the spirit of the rules of the sport and encourage players to do the same.
   6.   Shall make each player aware of the code of conduct.
   7.   Shall not use foul, profane, harassing or offensive language or gestures in the conduct of coaching duties.
   8.   In all contact with players, coaches, umpires and spectators should strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct. Before, during, and after
         the game, they should be an example of dignity, patience and positive spirit.
   9.   Should meet the opposing coach before the game and exchange greetings to set the proper tone for the game. After games, the teams and coaches should
         meet and congratulate each other in a sportsmanlike manner.
   10. Should ensure that their players’s experience is one of fun and enjoyment, and improvement in skill (winning is only part of it). Players should never be
         yelled at, lectured or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game. Coaches should be generous with praise when it is deserved.
   11. Should avoid any conduct which could be construed as physically or verbally abusive.
   12. Should completely refrain from verbal dissent during a game with an opposing coach's bench.
   13. Must know that their behavior and values should bring credit to the team, league and the sport of women’s field hockey.
   14. Shall abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages while at the field coaching players, either during a practice or a game.

(Keeping players safe) Coaches:
   1. Should have the safety of the players as their first priority at all times.
   2. Should be familiar with the fields on which their teams practice and play.
   3. Should be informed of the affairs the league.
   4. Shall never encourage or condone dangerously aggressive play.
   5. Shall not use physical force of any kind in the conduct of coaching duties.
   6. During a game, and in an absence of medical advice, should err on the side of caution in permitting an injured player to return to play.

(Creating a positive experience) Coaches:
   1. Shall treat all participants fairly and equitably, by refraining from discriminating against any player on the basis of gender, place of origin, color, sexual
       orientation, religion, political belief, or economic status.
   2. Know that the league wants to ensure that games are fair, positive and enjoyable experiences for all involved. A game should be friendly and unifying a spirited
       social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, umpires, and spectators.
   3. Should require all players and spectators to adhere to the highest level of sportsmanship at all times.
   4. During the game, are responsible for the sportsmanship of the players. If a player is carded or is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, the coach
       should remove the player from the game at least long enough for the player to calm down.

(Relating to officials) Coaches:
   1. Should demonstrate respect for the umpire and his/her role. Coaches can help umpires improve by letting them concentrate on the game, accepting their
       inevitable, occasional mistakes, and offering constructive post-game comments.
   2. Should introduce themselves to the umpire before the start of the game. During the game, they should never address the umpire. After the game, they should
       thank the umpire and ask players to do the same.
   3. Shall respect the judgment and interpretation of umpires without gesture or argument, and require players to do the same.
   4. With a small disagreement should be discussed with the umpire calmly after the game. For major complaints, or if the umpire appeared to be unfair, biased,
       unfit, or incompetent, report opinions to the Umpiring Chairperson.

Avoid Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike Conduct occurs when a player, coach, or spectator at any time while on field or in the area of a Springfield game conducts her/himself in an abusive, offensive, or illegal manner prior to, during, or after a game. This includes but is not limited to:
   a) fighting
   b) causing property damage at a game site
   c) entering into an argument with an umpire as to a decision that has been made
   d) attempting in any way to influence the decision of an umpire
   e) using threatening, profane, or obscene language or gestures at any time during a game
   f) baiting, taunting, or any other act which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule, or demean others under any circumstances, including on the basis of
      gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief, or economic status.

Failure to adhere to the code of conduct may result in suspension or expulsion from league play.

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