NYSWCAA Code Of Ethics

A.			The Coach
			The fundamental purpose of competitive activities is to provide a desirable learning situation that enables players to acquire, or develop more fully, desirable personal qualities. The coach has a unique role because her philosophy, attitude, and behavior will influence the lives of her players. The coach should know each player, have concern for her individual growth, and should recognize each player's innate worth as a human being. She should use wise judgment on their behalf at all times and especially when the inherent stress in the competitive situation occurs. She should recognize the psychological reactions of the participants and be able to understand, avoid or curtail emotional reactions of the players, spectators, and others who are associated with her team.

	1.		Ethical Considerations
			Each coach should:
		a.	Be a desirable model for emulation.
		b.	Show respect for and be cordial to the opposing coach and players.
		c.	Respect the integrity and judgment of the officials. The coach should only speak with the officials at the appropriate time, according to game rules, when there is a difference of opinion regarding a rule, its interpretation, or an officiating technique.
		d.	Recognize and encourage each player on the team to develop those qualities which are consistent with leadership, initiative, self-control, responsibility, fair play, courtesy and honesty.
		e.	Uphold and make known to players accepted standards of appearance, language, conduct and sportsmanship under which they will play or compete and make known to the players why these standards are important.
		f.	Consider the welfare of the players:
			1.	Schedule the number and length of practice sessions and games or meets.
			2.	Require all players to adhere to the same established standards and team rules.
			3.	Do not exhibit a player for glory or fame.
			4.	Attempt to provide honest and fair competition by playing teams of equal or comparable ability.
			5.	Emphasize the ideals of sportsmanship and fair play in training sessions as well as in the game.
			6.	Direct constructive criticism toward players in an objective and appropriate manner.
			7.	Do not use players in the game who are injured, overly fatigued or emotionally upset.

	2.		Standard for Quality in Conduct of Program
			Each coach should:
		a.	Keep herself up to date and well-informed regarding the latest techniques of the sport.
		b.	Have thorough understanding of the rules of the sport.
		c.	Know the proper fundamentals of training and conditioning.
		d.	Have knowledge of safety factors relating to the sport.

B.			The Player
			The competitive program is established to provide meaningful experiences that contribute to the physical, social, and emotional growth of each player. The direction of her growth will be greatly influenced by the nature of the ethical environment she experiences during practices and competition. The nature of her growth will be greatly influenced by the nature of the ethical environment she experiences during practices and competition.

	1.		Ethical Considerations
			Each player should:
		a.	Develop and utilize knowledge and skills toward her optimum.
		b.	Recognize that she is an integral part of the team and that her first responsibility is to that team.
		c.	Be discreet in her communication with teammates, opponents, officials, coaches, and spectators.
		d.	Play the game within the intent of the rule.
		e.	Abide by the standards established by and for the team.

	2.		Standards for Quality in Conduct of Program
			Each player should:
		a.	Know the rules of the game.
		b.	Support her teammates during a competitive experience by understanding that individual's best effort does not always effect the best results.
		c.	Accept defeat or victory gracefully and in a mature and discriminating fashion.
		d.	Respect decisions made by the coach.
		e.	Demonstrate a sincere interest in her opponents by acknowledging their contributions to the game.
		f.	Recognize the contributions the official makes to the competitive experience.

C.			NCAA Sportsmanship and Verbal Conduct
			Intercollegiate athletics exists to foster sportsmanship and personal development, as well as competitive excellence. Coaches and athletics personnel are charged to teach values and sportsmanship in word and in deed. Coaches and athletes serve as role models for young people. The NCAA Presidents Commission expresses its concern regarding the linguistic behavior of coaches and student-athletes and urges presidents, athletic directors, coaches, officiating organizations and student-athletes to take steps to protect canons of good sportsmanship as they relate to verbal conduct.