HoopStars Inc.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT – Effective 26 Aug 2007

Basketball is intended to be a recreational activity for enjoyment and health.  This code of conduct has been developed to give participants some guide to the expectations it has on those participants.  It is intended to assist everyone to obtain the maximum benefit and enjoyment from their involvement in basketball.  As a result, the quality of participation will be improved so people are more likely to start and continue their involvement in basketball.  Enjoy!!

1.             Remember that basketball is for enjoyment.

Remember that basketballers play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of their motivation.  Always make sure that participants re make to feel welcome whenever they attend for training or a match.  Ensure that activities are carefully planned, well structured and varied to provide opportunities for individual and team development.  Be willing to depart from the plan to take advantage of an unexpectedly high interest in a particular activity.  Never ridicule players for making mistakes or losing a competition.  See errors or losses as an opportunity to learn in a constructive way.  Comment in a way that is positive and designed to create interest, involvement and development.

2.             Be reasonable in your demands.

In scheduling training and playing times and days, be reasonable in your demands on players’ time, energy and enthusiasm, taking into account their age, level of play and other commitments such as school and employment.  Young children are likely to have more time but short attention spans.  They may have plenty of energy but are likely to need more guidance.  The differences in physical and mental maturity can be quite marked in younger children of the same age group.  All these factors need to be considered in coaching young children.  Older children have greater demands from their studies and many of them need to work and attend school.  They also have many social demands.  Try to assist them in achieving a good balance between the various demands on them. 

3.             Teach understanding and respect for the rules.

Teach your players that understanding and playing by the rules is their own responsibility and that the rules exist for the safety, proper order and enjoyment of all people involved in basketball.  The lessons to be learned in this respect in basketball are lessons that can and should be carried over into all aspects of their lives.  Do not encourage players to ignore or deliberately break any rules.

4.             Give all players a reasonable amount of court time.

All players need and deserve reasonable court time.  Avoid over-playing the talented players.  It is unfair to both them and those who are not so talented.  Players cannot improve without the opportunity of a reasonable amount of match practice.  Talented players can burn out.  Having no or little time in court can cause players to suffer from morale problems and they can lose interest in the sport altogether.

5.             Develop team respect for the ability of opponents including their coaches.

Part of participation in sport is respect for all participants in the game.  Encourage your players to accept that their opponents are entitled to proper courtesy.  This means teaching them to congratulate the other team and accepting loss gracefully.

6.             Instill in your players respect for officials and an acceptance of their judgement.

Players should be taught to understand that officials have a very difficult task to perform and that without them games could not be played.  They are there to enforce the rules of play but they cannot always be right.  Teach your players to accept bad calls graciously.  Abuse of referees is unacceptable behaviour that should not be tolerated.  Players who consistently dispute decisions or do not accept bad decisions should be singled out for guidance.

7.             Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards.

Coaches should be aware of the danger factors such as heat and dehydration, wet floors and other potentially hazardous environmental situations.  A coach has a responsibility to avoid putting players into dangerous situations.

8.             Be prepared to lose sometimes.

Everyone wins and loses at some time.  Be a fair winner and a good loser.  Disappointment at losing is natural, but it should not be obvious to the point of being unpleasant for others.  Just as unpleasant can be the boastful winner.  Recognise that even in defeat, the loser has achieved something, just by playing.  Losing can be an important learning experience for your wider life goals.  Guide your players to accept a loss in spirit.

9.             As well as imparting knowledge and skills. Promote desirable personal and social behaviours.

Be aware of the role of the coach as an educator.  Particularly with young people, the way they perform in their lives is influenced by many factors.  Coaches often take on the part of role model for many young people.  It is therefore important to ensure that the influence fro coaches is seen in a positive light.  What you say and how you act can be most important in modeling the behaviour of players.

10.          Ensure that any physical contact with a player is appropriate.

Physical contact between a coach and a player except that which would be considered usual social contact such as the shaking of a hand or a “high five” should be rare.  Gestures which can be well meaning, or even considered by some to be acceptable, may be unacceptable to others.

11.          Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person.

Regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background, religion or other factor irrelevant to the game, all persons connected with basketball are entitled to equal treatment and respect.  Avoid any remarks that could be construed as offensive or discriminatory.  Sometimes even a joke may give offence.

12.          Always respect the use of facilities and equipment provided.

Facilities and equipment cost money and will only function properly if kept in good order.  Ensure that you and your players do not abuse anything provided for use.  Discourage players form hanging off hoops or “slam dunking”.  Not only can equipment be damaged but serious injury can occur.