Coaches' Code of Conduct

Joe Ehrmann
InSideOut Coaching:
How Sports Can Transform Lives,
pp. 191-193
 used with permission


The purpose of our coaching is to help boys become men of empathy and integrity who will lead, be responsible, and change the world for good.

Be mindful never to shame a player, but to correct him in an uplifting way. Affirmation!

Believe in every player. Remember, "In youth is where miracles are made."

Protect our players. Be big enough to build up, not tear down. Our kids are getting attacked from many places that we don't often see and of which we are not aware.

Remember our job is to put our players in a position where they can develop to their fullest potential through proper teaching and nurturing.

Each player is part of our family, deserves every chance to succeed, and deserves the utmost respect.

Coaches can disagree in meetings but never in front of our players or anyone else outside our family. Disagreements are saved for private meetings.

Our players are student-athletes and we are teacher-coaches. We hold ourselves accountable as teachers of young men and the lessons they need in order to navigate masculinity and life.

If you do not know, say so and get appropriate information. Don't bluff our kids! They know the difference.

Remember that parents are our partners. We strive to work with each family in helping their sons to succeed. "Every boy is a son to his mother and father."

Love your players and the other coaches.

No profanity!

Know the difference between shaming and coaching. No screaming, shaming, swearing, or sarcasm.

Don't be afraid to apologize! We all make mistakes. When mistakes are made publicly, apologize publicly; when mistakes are made personally, apologize personally.

We are nurturing successful people, not just successful athletes. Treat all opposing coaches and their teams with the honor true competitors deserve.

Respect all referees, officials, and timekeepers. They are imperfect and trying their best just as we are.

Regardless of our wins and losses, we will be successful if we carry out the above items.

Because I am a role model who has the power, position, and platform to make a positive difference in the lives of my players, I commit to this code of conduct. When failing to live up to our standards I will allow for accountability and take responsibility for my actions.


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