CODE OF ETHICS
From The National Alliance for Youth Sports Web Site
 

COACH
CODE OF ETHICS

• I hereby pledge to live up to my certification as a NYSCA Coach by following the NYSCA Coaches’ Code of Ethics.
• I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win.
• I will treat each player as an individual, remembering the large range of emotional and physical development for the same age group.
• I will do my best to provide a safe playing situation for my players.
• I will promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries of my players.
• I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.
• I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.
• I will be knowledgeable in the rules of each sport that I coach, and I will teach these rules to my players.
• I will use those coaching techniques appropriate for all of the skills that I teach.
• I will remember that I am a youth sports coach, and that the game is for children and not adults.

• Teach and enforce good sportsmanship by spending time talking about how to act before, during and after games. Good sportsmanship means no “trash talking” or taunting.
• Understand the rules of the game and always be open to learning more about coaching.
• Setting clear expectations in “Team Rules” will help maintain order and discipline.
• Get to know each player individually so you can praise and reinforce according to his/her individual needs and personality.
• Treat your players, their parents and the officials with respect; no yelling, no sarcasm and no embarrassing anyone. Treat everyone as equals.
• Always plan your practices and end them on a positive note. Make them fun for your players.
• Focus on the fundamentals and help your players to master the basics. Remind them that “hustle” is also a fundamental skill.
• Be patient and help your players to learn from their mistakes. Don’t emphasize the negative effects of the mistake, but instead, point out the good things that will happen if your instructions are followed.
• Use time outs as a way of regaining control of your players during a volatile situation.
• Talk to parents and understand their goals for their child.
• Be fair and be everyone’s coach. Let every player have the opportunity to contribute and emphasize TEAM rather than individual performance.
• Promote fun and avoid getting too serious about winning. If your players aren't having fun, then you are doing something wrong.

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PARENT
CODE OF ETHICS

• I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child participating in youth sports by following this Parents’ Code of Ethics.
• I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, and officials at every game, practice or other youth sports event.
• I will place the emotional and physical well being of my child ahead of my personal desire to win.
• I will insist that my child play in a safe and healthy environment.
• I will require that my child’s coach be trained in the responsibilities of being a youth sports coach and that the coach upholds the Coaches’ Code of Ethics.
• I will support coaches and officials working with my child, in order to encourage a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
• I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and will refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
• I will remember that the game is for youth – not adults.
• I will do my very best to make youth sports fun for my child.
• I will ask my child to treat other players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed or ability.

• Always treat others (coaches, parents, officials and players) the same way you would want your child to be treated. Set the example by showing respect, dignity, and sportsmanship at all times. Make only positive, encouraging comments.
• Be responsible; Get your kids to practices and games on time. Make sure they have their uniform and sneakers and that they have had something to eat and drink. Let the coach know if your child will be missing a game or practice.
• Focus on fun and participation rather than winning and losing.
• Motivate through confidence by trying to identify a positive from every game and practice. Making mistakes is part of the learning process so don ’t criticize and try to avoid too much post-game analysis.
• Act your age; Youth basketball is for kids. If you find yourself becoming too emotionally involved, take a step back and relax. Remember that your childhood is over. Give the young players a chance to enjoy theirs.
• Be seen, not heard; nothing is better for a young player than having parents watch them play. However, nothing is worse for a player than to have a parent boo, taunt, or scream at officials, players or coaches.
• Respect the officials. Even if you don’t agree with a call, accept it and move on. It ’s not your job to officiate the game.
• If you must talk to the coach, do it in private after the game or practice. Better yet, wait until the next day when the heat of the moment has passed. Never create a scene in front of the team.
• Get interested in your child ’s sport and learn the rules.
• Refrain from tobacco or alcohol use at all youth sports events.
• Participate in team activities and volunteer to help.

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PLAYER
CODE OF ETHICS

• I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience and accept responsibility for my participation by following the Players’ Code of Ethics Pledge.
• I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.
• I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.
• I will expect to receive a fair and equal amount of playing time.
• I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.
• I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
• I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun!
• I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
• I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it ’s important to me.
• I will do my very best in school.
• I will remember that sports is an opportunity to learn and have fun.

• Believe in yourself and your abilities. Learn from your mistakes.
• Practice the fundamentals and work hard on areas that need improvement.
• Listen to your coach.
• Be patient with your teammates and remember that everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Basketball is a TEAM sport and success only comes when the entire team plays well together.
• Give 100% in games and practices. It doesn't take special talent to hustle, but it could make all the difference in the game.
• Never question an official. They do not care who wins or loses and want nothing more than to have a game that is fair and safe. Make it easier by not talking back to them.
• Be a good sport and play fair. Put winning and losing in perspective. Remember the Golden Rule.
• Include your parents in your basketball world.
• Have fun and enjoy every moment on the court.

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