The purpose of this coaches “Responsibility/Code of Conduct” is to outline coaching and behavior expectations and the consequences of choices made by those who coach. After reading the following, please sign and return the contract to a member of the VEHA Coaching Committee for insertion into the Team Credentials Book.
Coaches Responsibility
§ MAINTAINING THE PRINCIPLES, INTEGRITY AND DIGNITY OF “THE GAME”
Coaches are role models and mentors to the youth being coached. As such, they shall ALWAYS conduct themselves so as to maintain the highest principles and levels of integrity, and dignity of “The Game”.
The safety and welfare of the players should always be uppermost in the coaches’ minds and these values must never be sacrificed for personal prestige or personal gain. Coaches should NEVER place the value of a win above the objectives of instilling the highest ideals and character traits in their players.
§ THE GAME IS ABOUT THE PLAYERS
Coaches are entrusted with the hearts and minds of children and young adults who want to learn to play hockey and have fun doing it. Coaches are to understand the game is about the players, NOT the coaches, team parents or the spectators.
§ POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT
Coaches shall stress positive reinforcement, rather than negative, to enhance learning and skill development. Coach EVERY player on the team, not just the most talented or favorites. Keep practices and games well organized, educational and fun for ALL participants.
§ VEHA PRACTICE POLICIES
Coaches are mandated to follow practice policies established by VEHA. Successful coaches are able to teach skills at a level the player can understand and utilize. Teach skills for best player development, reduced injury potential and to keep players motivated. A successful coach helps young athletes master new skills, compete with dignity and pride and feel good about themselves.
§ KNOW THE VEHA “PLAYER CODE OF CONDUCT”
Coaches shall become familiar with and understand the VEHA “Player Code of Conduct”. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players at all VEHA sponsored events, including but not limited to, league games, tournament games and practice sessions.
It is the coaches’ RESPONSIBILITY to timely assess and enforce the appropriate disciplinary measures on players exhibiting unsportsmanlike behavior, behavior that violates team and VEHA rules, and behavior detrimental to the VEHA “Player Agreement/Code of Conduct”.
§ “ZERO TOLERANCE” AND “PARENT AGREEMENT/CODE OF CONDUCT”
Coaches shall become familiar with and understand all applicable “Zero Tolerance Rules” and the VEHA “Parent Agreement/Code of Conduct”.
It is within the coaches’ sound judgment to determine the degree of rules violations and to notify the appropriate authority of the violation(s) and all disciplinary action to be taken. This includes game officials, venue facility managers, law enforcement and VEHA Administration officials.
Coaches Code of Conduct:
§ RULES AND REGULATIONS COMPLIANCE
Coaches shall embrace and abide by all rules and regulations of USA Hockey, Colorado Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA), Vail-Eagle Hockey Association (VEHA) and all other league/association for which the team may be registered. Appropriate age-level USA Hockey coaching education certification is REQUIRED to coach within VEHA.
§ ON/OFF ICE CONDUCT
Coaches shall conduct themselves on and off the ice in a manner that demonstrates the trust and respect of players, parents, VEHA and the community. Coaches shall exemplify honesty, integrity, fair play, and sportsmanship of the game, whether at practice or games, and regardless of the outcome of the competition.
§ Coaches will maintain control of their emotions. Profanity and vulgarity are NOT to be used while coaching or addressing players.
§ While at the practice or game venue, coaches shall refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs.
§ COACHING PREPARATIONS
Coaches shall strive to continually educate themselves and gain knowledge of the game. Coaches are to conduct practice plans according to any guidelines that might be established by VEHA and/or the Coaching Committee. Thoroughly make preparations, to the best of your ability, to lead your team.
§ PLAYER WELL BEING
Coaches shall ensure that the health, mental well being, safety and development of athletes take precedence over the win/loss record of the team.
§ THE COACH AS ROLE MODEL
Understand the power of the coach and act as a positive role model for players and team parents at all times.
§ TEAM RULES
Issue written team rules and expectations specific to your team/age group. Supply the individual team rules to the VEHA Coaching Committee and administrative Board of Directors. Communicate team rules EFFECTIVELY to all players and team parents.
§ COACHING ACCOUNTIBILITY
Coaches are to be held accountable. FIRST - to the Coaching Committee within the VEHA Administrative Board. SECONDLY - to the VEHA administrative Board of Directors. Coaches are subject to the same terms and disciplinary action as stated in the Player and Parent “Agreements/Code of Conduct”.
§ EQUITABLE PLAY
Coaches must understand that the players who comprise their team “want to play hockey”. It is up to the coach to play all players as equitably as possible.
§ CONFIDENTIALITY
Coaches shall maintain confidentiality when appropriate and avoid situations that would create a conflict of interest or exploit the athlete.
Disciplinary Action for the Coach
A. Coaches shall abide by the same rules as stated in the VEHA “Player Agreement”, the “Parent/Guardian Agreement” and the “Coaches Code of Conduct”. Additionally, the coach is subject to the terms identified as Category 1, 2, & 3 in both of these agreements, not including the legal use of tobacco and alcohol.
B. The coach is accountable to the VEHA Coaches Committee and to the VEHA Administrative Board of Directors.
C. A violation relating to the coach shall be handled in following way:
1. A review of the violation by the VEHA Coaches Committee will be made. The VEHA Coaches Committee will have the authority to issue either a verbal warning or written warning to the coach if an infraction has been identified.
2. Should the Coaches Committee identify an infraction that indicates a suspension or removal from coaching, the VEHA administrative Board of Directors will review and take appropriate action according to the rules identified in item (A.) above.