North Andover Booster Club Cheerleading: Coaches Code of Conduct

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

The NABC is concerned about the conduct of all coaches, officials, players and fans during games at all levels. The NABC wants to ensure that games are fair, positive and an enjoyable experience for all of the children and adults involved.  The games should be friendly and unifying – a spirited social and athletic occasion for player, coaches, officials and spectators.

To clarify expectations of coach’s conduct, the NABC expect all coaches to conform to this code of conduct. This conduct is to be adhered to at all times that the coach is with his/her players. Examples: Games, Practices, or Field Trips.

1. First and foremost, as a coach it is your responsibility to ensure that you create an environment that is filled with learning, fun and positive reinforcement.
2. You will treat all your players fairly and with respect. If you show your players respect then you will get it back and then some.
3. It is very important that you communicate your expectations with your players and their parents as early as possible. That way there will be no questions asked during the season.
4. Before, during and after the game, be an example of dignity, patience, and positive spirit.
5. Before a game, introduce yourself to the opposing coach and to the officials.
6. During the game, you are responsible for the sportsmanship of your players. If one of your players is disrespectful, irresponsible or overly aggressive, take the player out of the game at least long enough for him/her to calm down.
7. During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of the parents of your players. It is imperative to explain acceptable player and parent behavior in a preseason meeting. Encourage them to applaud and cheer for good plays by either team. Discourage them (you may need to be forceful and direct) from yelling at players and officials.
8. During the game, you are also responsible for the conduct of spectators rooting for your team.
9. During the game, do not address the official(s) inappropriately. If you have an issue, discuss it with the official calmly and patiently. If you have a major complaint, or if you think the official was unfair, biased, unfit or incompetent, report your opinion in writing to your league commissioner. Your reactions will be taken seriously if they are presented objectively and formally.
10. After the game, thank the official(s) and ask your players to do the same.

Your example(s) are powerful, for better or worse. If you insist on fair play, if you concentrate on your players’ enjoyment of the game and their overall, long term development, and if you support the officials, your player and parents will notice. If you encourage (or allow) your players to play outside the rules, if you are overly concerned about results, and if you criticize the officials harshly, your players and parents will also notice.

Think about what you are doing during a game! If you follow the expectations described above, the spirit of the game will be alive and well.

Coaches who do not follow the expectations described above will be disciplined or removed in accordance with the NABC by-laws.

11.1 Suspension

Under no circumstances will a coach ever strike a child (player). If this happens the coach will be immediately terminated from coaching any sport associated with the North Andover Booster Club.

Any coach who is found to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs during a game or practice will be immediately terminated from coaching any sport associated with the North Andover Booster Club.

Any coach who verbally abuses a player with or without using foul language will be suspended on the spot. The commissioner of that sport will determine the length of the suspension. Suspension will start immediately. That commissioner must then inform the board in wiring within twenty-four (24) hours of the suspension.

Any coach that the Booster Club feels does not comply with the “Coaches Code of Conduct” will be given a warning. A second warning will be cause for suspension. The suspension will be determined by the commissioner of that sport.

Once a coach is suspended he/she will not receive any more warnings or suspensions. If another incident should occur, that coach will be terminated from coaching any sport associated with the North Andover Booster Club.

11.2 Appeals

A coach has the right to appeal a warning, suspension or termination to the Booster Board. The appeal must be in written form and be submitted within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident.

The appeal will be acted upon by the Booster Board as soon as possible. This could be the next scheduled meeting or the President could call for an emergency meeting. The coach asking for the appeal as well as the commissioner of that sport must be present.