The following article was shared to us by Mitch Cole from Texas A&M Men’s Basketball. The Codes of Conduct come from Joe Ehrmann’s book, Inside Out Coaching. In case you missed it, check out Coaches’ Code of Conduct.
Below are the Codes or Expectations for Parents and Players that participate in their programs. Coaches should meet with parents at least one time before each season to make sure everyone understands the level of commitment and expectation required to have a positive experience.
What is the level of Clarity in Communication in your program between Coaches, Parents and Players? Are there clear expectations for everyone involved? What guidelines do you have that insure everyone is working together for a common cause?
As we evaluate our programs in the off-season, this may be a good area to explore as we move forward. Whether you agree with all of the wording on his contracts is up to you. You could probably tweak these to fit your situation or level of coaching. Either way, I hope this was helpful in your quest to build a strong level of clarity in communication on your team and in your program!
Parents’ Code of Conduct
- Understand and endorse the purpose of our program: to help boys become men of empathy and integrity who will lead, be responsible, and change the world for good.
- Support the coaches by applauding behavior in your child and his teammates that demonstrates characteristics of integrity, empathy, sacrifice, and responsibility.
- Acknowledge and appreciate players’ growth toward maturity and their effort toward establishing stronger relationships with teammates, coaches, and themselves.
- Affirm your son and his teammates when good character, healthy sportsmanship, and other centered behavior are displayed. Do not affirm only his athletic performance or a victory.
- Serve as role models for our players, talking politely and acting courteously towardcoaches, officials, other parents, visiting team parents, and spectators atpractices, games and meetings.
- Model good sportsmanship. Acknowledge and applaud the efforts of team members andopponents. Accept defeat graciously by congratulating the members of the opposing team on a game well played. Support the team regardless of how much or how little your son plays or what the win-loss record is.
- Encourage your child and his teammates with positive statements, even when they make mistakes. At every practice they are growing physically and emotionally. Atevery practice they are learning moral and ethical lessons. At every practice they are developing character.
- Refrain from boasting about your child’s accomplishments.
- When problems or questions arise, please have your son present the problem to his position coach. We want players to develop self-advocacy. After meeting with this position coach, if the issue requires more clarity, contact the head coach.
- Because I am a parent with the power and platform to make a positive difference in the life of every player, I commit to this code of conduct. When failing to live up to these standards, I will allow for accountability and take responsibly for my actions.
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Players’ Code of Conduct
- I accept responsibility for my behavior on an off the court. I understand that what I do and say affects my teammates, my school, and other people either positively or negatively.
- I lead courageously and live with integrity by speaking up against injustice and on behalf of others even with it is hard or unpopular.
- I act with respect toward myself and the people and things around me, including my parents, my coaches, my teammates, my teachers, my opponents, and the spectators.
- I do not put people in boxes according to their race, sex, religion, neighborhood, sexual orientation, or abilities. I judge people by the content of their character.
- I act with empathy. I try to understand what is going on in the hearts and minds of others and what is causing those feelings so that I can be supportive and encouraging. I ask, “How can I help you?”
- I serve as a role model at all times by talking politely and acting courteously toward coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators. I understand that it is a privilege to represent my family, school, and community as a student-athlete.
- I give 100 percent effort to practices, games, and events. I understand that that effort demonstrates my commitment to the team and my respect for my coaches and teammates.
- I display good sportsmanship. I acknowledge and applaud the efforts of others. I encourage my teammates with positive statements. I refrain from boasting to my teammates and “trash-talking” to members of other teams. I accept defeat graciously by congratulating my opponents on a game well played.
- Because I represent my family, school, and team, I abide by the policies, rules, and guidelines of the school, team, and coaches.
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