CORE VALUES AND ETHICAL STANDARDS
The Code of Conduct has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of the sport of soccer. The term “coach” shall include, but is not limited to Head Coach, Assistant Coaches, Manager/Trainers, Team representative.
► The coach must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players. Winning should be the result of preparation and discipline with the emphasis placed on the highest ideal and character traits.
► Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the sprit of the game at all times.
► Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
► Coaches are responsible for their player’s actions on the field and must not permit them to perform with the intent of causing injury to opposing players.
► If coaches permit, encourage, or condone performance that is not in the letter or spirit of the laws, they are derelict in their responsibilities to players, Member Associations, TN Soccer and the sport worldwide. The coach must strive constantly to teach good sporting behavior.
► Demands on players’ time should never be extensive as to interfere with academic goals and progress. Motivation for excellence should include academics as well as athletics.
► Coaches must never encourage players to violate TN Soccer recruitment eligibility or guest player rules and policies.
► Under no circumstances should coaches authorize or encourage the use of medical or performance enhancing drugs. Player should be directed to see proper medical attention for injuries and to follow physician’s instructions regarding treatments and recovery. At no time should a player be put at risk by returning from injury prematurely or being forced to play while injured.
► Criticism of officials undermines their purpose in the game. Coaches must always try to refrain from criticizing officials in the presence of their players.
► Coaches should know and understand the laws of the game and instruct players to play within the laws and the spirit of the game at all times.
► Coaches should continue their own education in the sport in order to be able to educate the player in technical, tactical, physical and psychological demands of the game for their level.
► Coaches should be sensitive to each child’s developmental needs, strive to have each player reach his/her full potential and be prepared to move to the next stage of development.
► Coaches and team representatives shall strictly adhere to TN Soccer and league rules pertaining to recruitment.
► It is illegal recruitment to promise any kind of compensation or inducement to a player. It is unethical for a coach or team representative to provide compensation or inducement to a player. It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete, which cannot be fulfilled.
► The coach has an ethical obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams, players or organizations when discussing the advantages of his/her organization.
