Code of Conduct - Coaches | Catholic Youth Ministry Policy Manual

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Code of Conduct - Coaches

Last Revised on August 08, 2022

All persons serving in a role as a head coach or an assistant coach will have expectations to fulfill throughout the season.

Head Coaches are expected to:

Build relationships with the players, teaching the sport to the best of their ability
Foster environment conducive to learning, growing and developing positive attitudes
Encourage positive sportsmanship from all players, coaches and spectators
Act as a positive role model for all players, assistant coaches, and spectators
Treat officials, players, coaches and spectators with respect
Develop a positive sense of Church community into the program, through prayer or Mass, etc.

Assistant Coaches are expected to:

Assist the head coach with tasks listed above

Cover for the head coach in times of absence
Serve in other functions (ex. Scorekeeper/Clock Operator) during athletic contests (it is important to note that when serving in this capacity, they should not also serve as a coach unless it is half time where there is plenty of time to recover back to their primary role for that contest)

Assistant Coaches are expected not to:

Speak to or argue with any official
Circumvent the head coach during practices/games

No head coach or assistant coach should ever approach spectators, other team members or other athletes during an athletic contest unless asked to do so by the officials of that contest.

Unsportsmanlike conduct can include (but is not limited to):

Arguing or berating any official
Berating any player
Negative banter between coaches before, during or after a game
Causing disruption during a post-game handshake line
Encouraging or not preventing poor sportsmanship behavior from own team

*CYM will monitor conduct before, during and after all athletic contests, including events that occur in public places (such as parking lots, restaurants, etc.).

Coaches should be cognizant of what they post on social media and ensure it is not offensive, inappropriate or derogatory in any way towards players, parents, officials or spectators from all teams.

Any violations of these guidelines could result in sanctions implemented against the coach, team or entire parish/school athletic program. Sanctions could include warnings or suspensions. Violations could also result in a coach(es) or entire teams being ruled ineligible for post season/tournament play or even expulsion from the league.

Specifically:

Any coach who verbally or physically mistreats an official, another coach, any player or any spectator or behaves in an unsportsmanlike manner at any time during the season (regardless of whether an ejection, technical foul or other cautionary violations are issued) may be suspended from coaching in CYM Sports.
Any coach who is ejected from any athletic contest will serve an automatic suspension (head coaches – 1 game; assistant coaches – 2 games) and will be subject to further, more severe discipline as deemed necessary by the CYM Director of Youth Sports.
During the suspension period the coach is permitted to attend practices unless the sanctions specifically restrict this.
No coach on suspension is permitted to be in the gym or at the field/track during an athletic contest while serving the suspension. If they are the primary means of transportation for their child they must remain in their vehicle until they leave the facility grounds.
Parishes/Schools may impose additional penalties (but they cannot be less severe)

Related Policies:

It is the responsibility of all coaches to ensure that the "For the Sake of God's Children" policies for the Diocese of Wilmington are followed at all practices, games and team activities. 2112

If the actions or attitude of a coach are found to be detrimental to the athletes or the CYM program, that coach will be subject to review and discipline. Disciplinary action can include, but is not limited to, probation, suspension or dismissal, depending upon the circumstances. 2113

Upon completion of a period of suspension lasting more than 5 athletic contests, a coach must request reinstatement in writing to the CYM Athletic Advisory Committee. The letter must indicate that the suspended coach has reviewed and will support the Statement of Purpose and Philosophy of CYM Athletics. The letter must also be reviewed and approved by the pastor of the parish or principal of the regional/consolidated/private school where the coach will be participating. 2118

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Athletics

Commentary » Athletics