Coach Code of Conduct
The player/coach relationship is a privileged one. Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as the athletic development of their players. They must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it. Coaches must also recognize that they are conduits through which the values and goals Kitchener Minor Baseball are channeled. Thus how a player regards playing baseball is often dependent on the behavior of the coach.
Kitchener Minor Baseball entrusts the execution of our programs to our coaches. Coaches are obligated to understand and promote the tenets of the KMBA program and must not exploit their privileged relationship with Kitchener Minor Baseball for advantage.
This Code of Conduct has been developed to aid coaches in achieving a level of behavior that will allow them to assist their players in becoming well-rounded, self confident and productive citizens.
As a Kitchener Minor Baseball coach I agree to abide by the following code of conduct:
- Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of each and every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport.
- Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations, including the development of performance.
- Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down within the Constitution and the rules of KMBA.
- Coaches must develop an appropriate working relationship with each player based on mutual trust and respect.
- Coaches must NOT exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
- Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
- Coaches must ensure that the activities they direct or advocate are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of players.
- Coaches should, at the outset, clarify with the player (and, where appropriate, their parents) exactly what is expected of them and also what they are entitled to expect from their coach.
- Coaches must cooperate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
- Coaches must always promote the appropriate Code of Conduct and positive aspects of the sport (e.g. fair play) to players, parents and spectators alike. Never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behavior contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
- Coaches must consistently display high standards of behavior and experience and be a role model for players, parents, and spectators.
- Coaches must adhere to the KMBA training program guidelines for their age group.I will be aware of the academic pressures placed on players and conduct practices and games in a manner so as to allow for academic success.
- Failure to comply with this code of conduct will result in disciplinary action.
- Communicating and interacting with KMBA volunteers and staff, and league volunteers and staff, whether it is verbal or written, not excluding social media communication, will be respectful at all times.
I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action levied by the Kitchener Minor Baseball Board of Directors or Code of Conduct Committee that could include but is not limited to the following:
- Verbal warning
- Written warning
- Request to not attend for a number of games
- Request to not attend for remainder of season including postseason
- Associated player suspension from games
- Associated player suspension for remainder of season including postseason
- Associated player expulsion from the league
- Attendance at mandatory training arranged by the association
- Involvement of police or other officials as required
Note: Ejection of a coach from a game will immediately result in immediate removal from the following game