FHF Coaches & Managers Code of Conduct
The coach/athlete relationship is a privileged one, not a right. Coaches play a critical role in the personal and athletic development of their athletes. Therefore, coaches are expected to model and present the fundamentally positive aspects of sport. Coaches are responsible for their own behavior as well as that of their athletes.
The Coach's and Managers Code of Conduct (“Coach’s Code”) enumerates basic requirements, organized under four principles. They are: 1) Setting a good example; 2) Keeping players safe; 3) Ensuring that all participants have a positive experience; and 4) Relating to game officials in an exemplary manner and encouraging players to do the same. The Coach’s Code includes the following:
(Setting a good example) The Coach:
1. Must know their example is powerful. If a coach insists on fair play, concentrates on players' enjoyment of the game and their overall, long-term development, and supports the umpire, players will notice. If a coach discourages (or allows) players to play outside the rules, is overly concerned about the results, and/or criticizes the umpire or opposing coach, players will notice.
2. Should know above all, players deserve a coach they can respect.
3. Shall uphold the rules, regulations, and codes of conduct of Field Hockey Federation, the USA Field Hockey, and the International Hockey Federation.
4. Shall know all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application and understand the "spirit" of the rules.
5. Shall actively uphold the spirit of the rules of the sport and encourage players to do the same.
6. Shall make each player aware of the code of conduct.
7. Shall not use foul, profane, harassing, or offensive language or gestures in the conduct of coaching duties.
8. In all contact with players, coaches, umpires, and spectators should strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct. Before, during, and after the game, they should be an example of dignity, patience, and positive spirit.
9. Should meet the opposing coach before the game and exchange greetings to set the proper tone for the game.
10. After games, the teams and coaches should meet and congratulate each other in a sportsmanlike manner.
11. Should ensure that their players’ experience is one of fun and enjoyment, and improvement in skill (winning is only part of it). Players should never be yelled at, lectured, or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game. Coaches should be generous with praise when it is deserved.
12. Should avoid any conduct which could be construed as physically or verbally abusive.
13. Should completely refrain from verbal dissent during a game with an opposing coach's bench.
14. Must know that their behavior and values should bring credit to the team, league, and the sport of field hockey.
15. Shall abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages while at the field coaching players, either during a practice or a game.
(Keeping players safe) Coaches:
1. Should always have the safety of the players as their priority.
2. Should be familiar with the fields on which their teams practice and play.
3. Should be informed of the affairs the league.
4. Shall never encourage or condone dangerously aggressive play.
5. Shall not use physical force of any kind in the conduct of coaching duties.
6. During a game, and in an absence of medical advice, should err on the side of caution in permitting an injured player to return to play.
(Creating a positive experience) Coaches:
1. Shall treat all participants fairly and equitably, by refraining from discriminating against any player based on gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief, or economic status.
2. Know that the league wants to ensure that games are fair, positive, and enjoyable experiences for all involved. A game should be friendly and unifying a spirited social and athletic occasion for players, coaches, umpires, and spectators.
3. Should require all players and spectators to always adhere to the highest level of sportsmanship.
4. During the game, are responsible for the sportsmanship of the players. If a player is carded or is disrespectful, irresponsible, or overly aggressive, the coach should remove the player from the game at least long enough for the player to calm down.
(Relating to officials) Coaches:
1. Should demonstrate respect for the umpire and his/her role. Coaches can help umpires improve by letting them concentrate on the game, accepting their inevitable, occasional mistakes, and offering constructive post-game comments.
2. Should introduce themselves to the umpire before the start of the game. During the game, they should never address the umpire. After the game, they should thank the umpire and ask players to do the same.
3. Shall respect the judgment and interpretation of umpires without gesture or argument and require players to do the same.
4. With a small disagreement should be discussed with the umpire calmly after the game. For major complaints, or if the umpire appeared to be unfair, biased, unfit, or incompetent, report opinions to the Umpiring Chairperson.
Avoid Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Unsportsmanlike Conduct occurs when a player, coach, or spectator at any time while on field or around a Field Hockey Federation or Cal Cup event conducts her/himself in an abusive, offensive, or illegal manner prior to, during, or after an event. This includes but is not limited to:
1. fighting
2. causing property damage
3. entering an argument with an umpire as to a decision that has been made
4. attempting in any way to influence the decision of an umpire
5. using threatening, profane, or obscene language or gestures at any time during a game
6. baiting, taunting, or any other act which is intended or designed to embarrass, ridicule, or demean others under any circumstances, including based on place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief, or economic status.
Consequences: Violation of the Coach’s Code may result in a written report submitted to the FHF Executive Board for further action, and loss of opportunity to participate as a coach in future programs conducted under the auspices of the FHF.
Acknowledgement and Acceptance:
I certify that all the information I have provided is correct and complete and realize that falsification or misrepresentation, including omission, on this or any other record, may lead to disciplinary action. The undersigned, having read the above Coach’s Code of conduct, agrees to the terms and conditions therein.
By signing this Electronic Signature Acknowledgment Online Form, I agree that my electronic signature is the legally binding equivalent to my handwritten signature. Whenever I execute an electronic signature, it has the same validity and meaning as my handwritten signature. I will not, at any time in the future, repudiate the meaning of my electronic signature or claim that my electronic signature is not legally binding.
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