Coaches Code of Ethics

• The sports coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. The coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
• Before and after contests, coaches for the competing teams should meet and exchange cordial greetings to set the correct tone for the event.
• The coach shall master the contest rules and shall teach them to his or her team members. The sports coach shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.
• A coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give student-athletes special consideration. 
• The coach shall take an active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.
• The function of a coach is to educate students through participation in interscholastic competition.
• The coach shall avoid the use of alcohol and tobacco products when in contact with players.
• The coach shall be aware that he or she has a tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the education of the student-athlete and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.
• The coach shall exert his or her influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators, both directly and by working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, booster clubs, and administrators.
• The coach shall respect officials. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical.

—Adapted from NHFS Code of Ethics

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