NJCAA Coaching Ethics Code

Introduction
This ethics code is intended to provide standards of professional conduct that can be applied by the National Junior College Athletic Association and its member institutions. Whether or not a coach has violated the ethics code does not by itself determine whether he or she is legally liable in a court action, whether a contract is enforceable, or whether other legal consequences occur. These results are based on legal rather than ethical rules. However, compliance with or violation of the ethics code can be admissible as evidence in some legal proceedings depending on the circumstances.

The code is intended to provide both the general principles and the decision rules to cover most of the situations encountered by coaches. It has as the primary goal the welfare and protection of the individuals and groups with whom the coach work. The code also provides a common set of values upon which coaches build their professional work. It is the individual responsibility of each coach to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct. Coaches respect and protect human and civil rights and do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.

The first section of this code is devoted to specific principles designed to enhance the experience of those athletes and individuals participating in athletic programs sponsored by member institutions of the National Junior College Athletic Association. As a member of the United States Olympic Committee family, the National Junior College Athletic Association has also elected to adopt the United States Olympic Committee''''s Coaching Code of Ethics. The second section of this document encompasses the general principles and standards of that code.

National Junior College Coaching Principles

Principle I - Professional Practices
As coaches involved in an athletic program sponsored by the National Junior College Athletic Association, I will:

• Use my knowledge, skills and professional association(s) for the benefit of the athletes I serve.
• Continue personal and professional growth, remaining current on new developments in the field through continuing education.
• Always strive to be truthful and put colleagues, the National Junior College Athletic Association and other member institutions in a positive light.

Principle II - Coach/Athlete Relationships
A. Conduct all of my relationships from a perspective of dignity and sound educational and scientific practice to:

• Direct comments or criticism relative to the performance and not the athlete.
• Ensure that all activities I provide are suitable for the experience and ability levels of the athletes that I coach.
• Educate athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment and do my best to ensure that all facilities and equipment meet safety standards and that they are appropriate for the ability level of my athletes.
• Consider the athlete's future health and well-being as foremost when making decisions regarding an injured athlete's ability to continue competing or training and seek professional medical opinions to serve as a basis for my decisions.
• Be aware of the academic responsibilities of my student athletes and conduct practices and competitive schedules in a manner so as not to unduly interfere with their academic success. Never encourage, condone or require any behavior that threatens the eligibility of the athlete. Strive always to reinforce the importance of the athlete''s academic performance.
• Comply with all of the ethical guidelines for recruiting practices as defined by the National Junior College Athletic Association and my region/conference.
• Strive to develop individual and team respect for the ability of opponents. Set standards that reinforce the importance of maintaining that respect during competition.
• Prioritize being present at all practices and competitions and, when unable to, assure knowledgeable and safe supervision.

B. Work with and strive to develop every member of the team.

C. Show sensitive regard for the moral, social, religious and sexual orientations of others and communities. I will not impose my beliefs on others.

D. Recognize the trust placed in, and the unique power of, the coach and athlete relationship. I will not exploit the dependency of athletes and will avoid dual relationships (e.g., business or close personal relationships) that could impair my professional judgment, compromise the integrity of the process and/or take advantage of the relationship for my own gain.

E. While serving in a professional capacity or as a role model, avoid any drug, tobacco or alcohol use while in the presence of athletes. I will discourage by way of education any consumption of these substances by minors and will remain at all times within the limits of the law with regard to legal substances. I will avoid illegal ones entirely

F. Not engage in physical, verbal or emotional harassment, abusive words or actions, or exploitative coercion of current or former athletes. I will report any suspected cases of abuse to the appropriate authorities immediately.

G. Recognize that all forms of sexual abuse, assault or harassment with athletes are illegal and unethical, even when an athlete invites or consents to such behavior or involvement. Sexual abuse and harassment is defined as, but not limited to, repeated comments, gestures or physical contacts of a sexual nature. I will report all suspected cases of sexual assault or abuse to law enforcement as required by law.

Principle III - Confidentiality
I will respect the integrity and protect the welfare of all persons with whom I am working and pledge to safeguard information about them that has been learned or obtained during the coaching relationship, including performance reviews, statistics and all personal confidences. Further, I will obtain permission from athletes before sharing videotape recordings or other data of them with anyone excepting the recognized coaching staff; when current or former athletes are referred to in a publication, while teaching or in a public presentation that is not laudatory, their identity will be thoroughly disguised. The only exception to this will be that I will not use these standards of confidentiality to avoid intervention when it is necessary (e.g., when there is evidence of physical abuse or psychological abuse or minors or legal issues).

Principle IV – Staff/Employee Relationships
All relationships with employees and staff will be maintained on a professional and confidential basis, and I will avoid exploiting their trust and dependency.

Principle V - Process Relating to Violation of Code
This code of ethics is administered under the authority of the National Junior College Athletic Association and its member regions and institutions. A violation of this code is subject to the processes and disciplinary action of those bodies.