Coaches_CodeofConduct_ElectronicSignature

Coach’s Code of Conduct

The following Coach’s Code of Conduct is offered here to exemplify the behavior of an ideal coach, and each coach (Head Coach or Assistant Coach) for the Lakota Sports Organization (LSO) is required and expected to understand, agree with, and abide by this code of conduct before participating in any LSO sanctioned activities.

Be Knowledgeable!

Learn the laws of the game and teach them to your players. Read the rulebook for your sport and attend available clinics to enhance your knowledge of the game. Become certified to coach your sport at the appropriate level for the ages of the kids you coach.
Abide by the laws of the game.
Pre-plan all practice sessions in detail to be interesting and fast paced. Involve all team members as much as possible. Have a written plan in case of your absence.

Be Positive and Fair!

Help maintain a climate of enjoyment among spectators by discouraging negative remarks and/or harassment of players, officials, other coaches and other spectators.
Coach clean, skillful, honest and sportsmanlike play by stressing playing hard to win over winning itself.
Stress good sportsmanship to the players and parents because the coach is responsible for their conduct when they are together as a team.
Work at team morale as hard as ball skills and tactics. Be a “fun leader”. Stress individual skill development more than tactics especially at the younger ages. Minimize lectures, maximize demonstrations. Stress having fun and participation.
Maximize praise and minimize criticisms when dealing with players. Make corrections slowly and calmly in a manner tailored to the individual.
Coach talented and non-talented players with equal vigor. Allow players more than their minimum playing time whenever possible.

Be Respectful and a Role Model!

Treat the game official with respect, no matter what the call.
Exhibit exemplary conduct at both practices and games because the team’s discipline reflects the coach’s attitude 100%. This includes abstaining from the use of tobacco and alcohol.
Refrain from profanity or vulgar language because you are helping to mold the character of your players.
Minimize coaching from the sidelines/dugout during games. Avoid screaming during the game because it does not accomplish much.
Welcome feedback from players and parents alike concerning potential problems and ways to improve.
Publicly support LSO as a whole and work to improve the areas that you disagree with if necessary. Be protective of LSO’s equipment and return your team’s equipment promptly and in good condition at the end of each season. Be protective of LSO’s facilities and not deface the dugouts, fences, signs etc. with graffiti.

Violating the Coach’s Code of Conduct:

A coach may be called in to attend a regular or special session of the sport Board to be confronted with a reported Coach’s Code of Conduct violation. The coach’s side of the story will be heard and the sport Board will assess any appropriate penalties. All penalties may be appealed by the coach to the LSO Board. However, all decisions reached by the LSO Board will be final.

The following are only examples of violations of the Coach’s Code of Conduct, and additional penalties may be administered by a participating league outside of LSO.

	1^st Offense	2^nd Offense	3^rd Offense
Entering the field of play without permission of the official.	Warning & probation	Ejection with one game suspension	Penalty to be determined by the sport Board
Threatening action or words toward officials, coaches, players, or spectators.	Ejection with two game suspension & probation	Expulsion from LSO
Abusive language to an official.	Ejection with one game suspension & probation	Ejection with two game suspension	Expulsion from LSO
Aggressive physical contact with any official, player, or spectator. (i.e. grabbing the arm, turning individual around abruptly, poking, bumping, pushing, spitting, etc.)	Ejection with two game suspension & probation	Expulsion from LSO
Striking an official, player, coach or spectator.	Expulsion from LSO
Refusal to leave the playing field after an ejection.	Forfeiture of game (regardless of length of game played)
Constant and excessive verbal harassment of the officials or players.	Warning & probation	Ejection with one game suspension	Penalty to be determined by the sport Board
Instructing players to play in a dangerous or unsportsmanlike manner.	Ejection with two game suspension & probation	Expulsion from LSO
Instructing players to play in a dangerous or un-sportsman-like manner with deliberate intent to harm.	Expulsion from LSO
Playing an illegal player.	Forfeiture of game (regardless of length of game played) & probation
Playing an illegal player deliberately and with full knowledge.	Expulsion from LSO
Refusing a background check.	Warning & suspension	Forfeiture of game (regardless of length of game played)
Probation – A coach will be placed on a one year probationary status starting on the day of the first offense. Any subsequent violations will be deemed a second offense if the violation occurs during the probationary period. Game Suspension – A coach may not participate in any way nor attend any game his/her team plays during his/her suspension. There is no such thing as “attending as a parent” unless the coach surrenders his/her desire to be a coach for LSO. Expulsion from LSO – A coach is out of the program indefinitely. The LSO Board may make reinstatement only after a favorable review. An expelled coach may not act in a coaching, managerial, or supervisory capacity of any team, nor be elected for or remain as an LSO Board member. Violating an expulsion from LSO will result in possible game forfeiture and/or elimination of the team from league play and/or necessary legal action against the violator.

I have read and understand the above Coach’s Code of Conduct and agree to abide by both the letter and the spirit of this document in my activities as an LSO Coach.