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:
- I will uphold the rules and regulations of Kitchener Minor Baseball
- I will uphold the rules of baseball, the spirit of the rules, and expect players to do the same.
- I will place the emotional, developmental & physical well being of players ahead of the desire to win
- I will treat all players fairly and equitably, refraining from discrimination with respect to race, colour, ancestry, place of origin, religion, family status, physical or mental disability, gender or sexual orientation.
- I will treat opponents and officials with due respect and encourage players to act accordingly.
- I will consider the player’s future health and well being as foremost when making decisions regarding an injured player’s ability to continue playing or training; communication with registered medical practitioners and the parents in the diagnosis is recommended.
- I will not use foul, profane, harassing or offensive language or gestures in the conduct of their duties.
- I will not use physical force in any kind in the conduct of coaching duties.
- I will not under any circumstances, endorse, recommend or suggest the use of performance enhancing drugs or supplements by any player.
- I will abstain from the use of tobacco products and alcohol while in the presence of players and enforce the players’ code of conduct in regards to their use by players.
- I will not under any circumstances encourage or require a player to become involved in any external program or alternate baseball program while performing their duties as a coach with Kitchener Minor Baseball
- I will ensure and educate players as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment.
- 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.
- I will ensure an environment for players that is free of harassment. Harassment takes many forms but can generally be defined as behaviors, including comments and/or conduct, that are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals or which creates an uncomfortable environment.
- I will abide by the dress code at all times by wearing an approved Kitchener Minor Baseball uniform while on the field during pre-game warm-up and games.
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
- Suspension for games
- Suspension for season including postseason
- Being expelled from the league