SMBA Coach Code Of Conduct Policy

Purpose

1. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within Sackville Minor Basketball (SMBA) programs, activities, and events) by making all individuals aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour.
2. SMBA is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect. Individuals are expected to conduct themselves at all times in a manner that shows integrity, respect and fairness to all. Disrespect toward anyone will not be tolerated.
3. Conduct that violates this Code of Conduct may be subject to sanctions from the SMBA, Basketball Nova Scotia, or Canada Basketball.

Application of this Code

1. This Code of Conduct applies to conduct that may arise during the course of SMBA business, activities, and events, including but not limited to: competitions, practices, training camps, tryouts, travel, and any meetings of the SMBA.
2. This Code of Conduct also applies to the conduct of individuals that may occur outside of the SMBA’s business, activities, events, and meetings when such conduct adversely affects relationships within the SMBA and is detrimental to the image and reputation of the SMBA.

As a coach with SMBA, you will be representing your team as well as the SMBA and commit to following the Fair Play Policy and Fair Play Code For Coaches as per below:

Fair Play Policy

SMBA follows the Fair and Safe Play Program policies and procedures accredited by the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission. The principles of fair play in sport combine integrity, fairness, and respect. These principles include:

• Respect the rules
• Respect the officials and their decisions
• Respect your opponent
• Maintain your self-control at all times
• All athletes will play in a game. Playing time will depend on the team’s rules and goals

As a coach, you want every child’s experience in sport to be a positive one. Although you would like to win, emphasis will be placed on the importance of skill development and fun. You believe in the Fair Play Program and that it should be taught to your athletes.

Fair Play Code of Conduct for Coaches

1. I will remember that children play to have fun and must be encouraged to help boost their confidence levels.
2. I will remember that children need a coach they can respect. I will be generous with praise and set a positive example.
3. I will show respect at all times to athletes, teammates, officials and parents. I will be competitive, but not disrespectful toward other teams or clubs.
4. I will teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials and opponents.
5. I will obtain SMBA’s mandatory coach training before the season starts and continue to upgrade my coaching skills and abilities.
6. I will ensure that all athletes are provided with equal instruction and support. I will not display favoritism.
7. I will not ridicule or yell at my athletes for making mistakes or performing poorly.
8. I will remember when scheduling “extra” games and practices, that young athletes have other interests and obligations. They will not be penalized for not being able to attend the “extras”.
9. I will make sure that equipment and facilities are safe and match the athletes’ ages and abilities.
10. I will ensure that all athletes on my team play in every game.
11. I will ensure that my team leaves the bench & surrounding area clean (e.g. clears drink bottles, any garbage) after each game to show respect to the facility staff and/or next group using the space.
12. I will not compromise the present and or future health of my athletes. I will communicate and cooperate with medical professionals in the management of an athletes’ medical and psychological treatments. For example, if an athlete is injured, I will ensure that they do not return to play without a medical clearance note from a physician.
13. I will dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively.
14. I will use professional, inclusive, respectful language, taking into account the audience being addressed.
15. My electronic communications and presence on professional or personal social media platforms should be considered “public” and permanent. I understand and expect that parents and/or your young players may be looking at my online content and so I will ensure that my content supports my presence as a positive role model and does not in any way reflect negatively on SMBA. I will ensure that my social media presence does not contain any content that others could find offensive including but not limited to vulgar language or images, use of profanity or images of unprofessional behavior (e.g. photos promoting being inebriated), etc. I can make my social media accounts private if needed.
16. I will not provide, promote, or condone the use of drugs (other than properly prescribed medications) or performance-enhancing substances and, in the case of minors, alcohol, recreational drugs and/or tobacco.
17. I will not engage in a sexual relationship where a power of imbalance exists. I understand that once a Coach-Athlete, Coach-Junior Coach relationship is established in the age group that I am coaching, that a power imbalance is presumed to exist.
18. I will enforce SMBA’s Athlete Code of Conduct. Players not following the association or individual team rules can be subject to different levels of remediation. I will ensure that all remedial measures will be discussed with the athlete, parent and also a member of the SMBA Executive.

Download as PDF