X. Coaches Code of Conduct and Responsibility

Code of Conduct

The athlete/coach relationship is a privileged one Coaches play a critical role in the personal as well as athletic development of their athletes They must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it Coaches must also recognize that they are conduits through which the values and goals of a sport organization are channeled Thus how an athlete regards his/her sport is often dependent on the behavior of the coach The following Code of Conduct has been developed to aid coaches in achieving a level of behavior, which will allow their athletes to become well-rounded, self-confident and productive human beings

Although this code is directed toward coaching conduct it equally applies to other members of the “Team Leadership Staff” i.e. volunteers and assistants. It is assumed that these people act in cooperation with one another to construct a suitable environment for the athlete

Coaches Responsibilities

1 As a coach of an Oak Farm Montessori team you will be the major influence in installing the values and beliefs of the school in the sport you are coaching. All athletes and coaches are expected to reflect the values stated in the school’s mission, philosophy and code of conduct

2. Treat everyone fairly within the context of their activity, regardless of gender, place of origin, color, sexual orientation, religion, political belief or economic status

3. Direct comments of criticism at the performance rather than the athlete.

4 Consistently display high personal standards and project a favorable image of their sport and coaching

5. Ensure that the activity being undertaken is suitable for the age, experience, and ability and fitness level of the athlete and educate athletes as to their responsibilities in contributing to a safe environment

6 Refrain from public criticism of fellow coaches, athletes, officials and volunteers especially when speaking to the media or recruiting athletes

7 Abstain from the use of tobacco products while in the presence of his/her athletes

8 Abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages when working with athletes

9 Refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language in the conduct of his/her duties

10 Communicate and cooperate with registered medical practitioners in the diagnoses, treatment and management of their athletes’ medical and psychological problems Consider the athletes’ future health and well-being as foremost when making decisions regarding injured athletes and their ability to continue playing or training

11 Recognize and accept when to refer athletes to other coaches or sport specialists Allow athletes’ goals to take precedence over them.

12 Regularly seek ways of increasing professional development and self-awareness

13. Treat opponents and officials with due respect both in victory and defeat and encourage athletes to act accordingly Actively encourage athletes to uphold the rules of their sport and the spirit of such rules

14. In the case of minors, communicate and cooperate with the athletes’ parents or legal guardians, involving them in management decisions pertaining to their child’s development

15. Be aware of the many pressures placed on athletes as they strive to balance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives and conduct practices and games in a manner so as to allow optimum success.

XI. Policies

Anti-Hazing Policy

Hazing in any form is neither tolerated nor consistent with any educational or athletic goal at Oak Farm Montessori School

“Hazing” refers to any activity expected of someone joining a student organization that humiliates, degrades, or risks emotional and/or physical harm, regardless of the person’s willingness to participate

Hazing activities generally considered: physical abuse, hazardous, and/or sexually violating. The specific behaviors or activities within these categories vary widely among participants, groups and settings

Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism that subjects a student to extreme mental stress, embarrassment, shame or humiliation that adversely affects the mental health or dignity of the student or discourages the student from remaining in school is considered Hazing

Hazing in any form will not be tolerated at Oak Farm Montessori School and will result in disciplinary actions There may be other disciplinary consequences as well administered by the Coach, Athletic Department, Head of School , and/or Board of Directors

Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying in any form is neither tolerated nor consistent with any educational or athletic goal at Oak Farm Montessori School Bullying in any form will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary actions (see Addendum II for complete policy)

Playing Time Policy

While it is true that our coaches and administrative personnel believe it to be important to broaden the experience of Oak Farm Montessori athletes, and that broadening is enhanced by playing time, it is also an important goal of the Oak Farm Montessori School athletic program to strive toward excellence Therefore, there is no minimum per game playing time provisions for the athletes. Playing time decisions are left up to the individual coaches.

Attendance at Practices and Games

Each member of an Oak Farm Montessori School Athletic team must assume the responsibilities associated with such a position. The athlete has an ethical obligation to the team and the school. This obligation includes regular attendance at practices and athletic contests Commitment to Oak Farm Montessori teams should come before any club or outside team. If a practice or competition is missed due to outside commitments, there will be consequences for missing the Oak Farm Montessori practice or competition

It is possible, of course, that emergency situations may arise (e g , illness, death in a family etc ) that render it impossible for an athlete to attend a practice session or an athletic contest Absences should be few and far between and arranged with the coach as early as possible

If a student athlete misses five (5) to ten (10) consecutive days of practice/contest, he/she is required to participate in four (4) practices before returning to contest play If a student-athlete misses more than ten (10) consecutive days of practice/contests, he/she is required to participate in six (6) practices before returning to contest play

Absences from practice sessions or athletic contests will be handled in the following manner:

Absence

Unexcused