|
COACHES
CODE OF ETHICS AND CONDUCT
USA
VOLLEYBALL
USA
Volleyball has adopted, in its entirety, the United States Olympic
Committee's Coaching Ethics Code, and it is my responsibility to
familiarize myself with that document and conduct myself according to
its tenets. Failure to understand any of the principles of these
documents does not constitute a defense for violation of its rules. The
principles outlined in this document are intended to be clarifications
or expansions on the USOC document, and are an emphasis on the values of
USAV; this document should not be considered to be the full scope of
regulations and Ethics Codes required of coaches. Further, where this
document supersedes, contradicts or exceeds the scope of the USOC
Coaching Ethics Code, I will adhere to the principles and intent of the
USAV Code. I recognize that this Code of Ethics goes beyond the scope of
the law, and should be treated with the same, or greater, respect and
gravity with which I treat the laws and standards of my community.
PRINCIPLE
I - PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES
I
pledge to maintain practices that protect the public and advance my
profession; I will:
A.
Maintain responsible association with USA Volleyball, its national
programs and member organizations.
B.
Continue personal and professional growth, remaining current on new
developments in the field through continuing education.
C.
Use my knowledge and professional association(s) for the benefit of the
people I serve.
D.
Always strive to be truthful and put colleagues or other professionals
in a positive light.
E.
Avoid discrimination in all of its forms.
PRINCIPLE
II- COACH/ATHLETE RELATIONSHIPS
I
pledge to maintain relationships with athletes on a professional basis;
I will:
A.
Conduct all my relationships from a perspective of dignity and sound
educational and scientific foundation to:
1.
Direct comments or criticism relative to the performance, not the
athlete.
2.
Ensure that all activities are suitable for the age, experience
and ability of the athletes.
3.
Educate athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to
a safe environment, and to do my best to ensure that all facilities and
equipment meet safety standards and that they
are age/ability appropriate.
4.
Consider the athlete's future health and well being as foremost
when making decisions regarding an injured athlete's ability to continue
competing or training, and seek professional medical opinions to serve
as a basis for my decisions.
5.
Be aware of academic responsibilities;
conduct practices and match schedules in a manner so as not to unduly
interfere with academic success. Never encourage, condone, or require
any behavior that threatens an athlete's high school, USA Volleyball,
collegiate eligibility or amateur status.
6.
Comply with regulations and ethical guidelines for recruiting
practices as defined by governing sport organizations.
7.
Strive to develop individual and team respect for the ability of
opponents.
8.
Prioritize being present at all practices and competitions and,
when unable to, assure knowledgeable and safe supervision.
B.
Work with and strive to develop every member of the team.
C.
Show sensitive regard for the moral, social, religious and sexual
orientations of others and communities. I will not impose my beliefs on
others.
D.
Recognize the trust placed in, and the unique power of, the coach and
athlete relationship. I will not exploit the dependency of athletes and
will avoid dual relationships (e.g., business or close personal
relationships) which could impair my professional judgment, compromise
the integrity of the process and/or take advantage of the relationship
for my own gain.
E.
While serving in a professional capacity or as a role model, avoid
any drug, tobacco or alcohol use while in the presence of athletes.
I will discourage by way of education any consumption of these
substances by minors and will remain at all times within the limits of
the law with regard to legal substances.
I will avoid illegal ones entirely.
F.
Not engage in physical, verbal or emotional harassment, abusive
words or actions, or exploitative coercion of current or former
athletes. I will report any
suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities immediately.
G.
Recognize that all forms of sexual abuse, assault or harassment with
athletes are illegal and unethical, even when an athlete invites or
consents to such behavior or involvement. Sexual abuse and harassment is
defined as, but not limited to, repeated comments, gestures or physical
contacts of a sexual nature. I
will report all suspected cases of sexual assault or abuse to law
enforcement as required by law.
PRINCIPLE
III - CONFIDENTIALITY
I
will respect the integrity and protect the welfare of all persons with
whom I am working
and pledge to safeguard information about them that has
been learned or obtained during the coaching relationship, including
performance reviews, statistics and all personal confidences. Further, I
will obtain permission from athletes before sharing videotape recordings
or other data of them with anyone excepting the recognized coaching
staff; when current or former athletes are referred to in a publication,
while teaching or in a public presentation that is not laudatory, their
identity will be thoroughly disguised. The only exception to this will
be that I will not use these standards of confidentiality to avoid
intervention when it is necessary (e.g., when there is evidence of
physical or psychological abuse of minors, or legal issues).
PRINCIPLE
IV - STAFF/EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIPS
All
relationships with employees and staff will be maintained on a
professional and confidential basis, and I will avoid exploiting their
trust and dependency.
PRINCIPLE
V - PROCESS RELATING TO VIOLATION OF CODE
I
acknowledge that this Ethics Code is administered under the authority of
USA Volleyball or other responsible organization and that a violation of
this Code subjects me to the processes of USA Volleyball or other such
organization required to be provided in the event of disciplinary
action.
|