Code of Conduct for Coaches

Coaches are key to establishing and upholding the ethics in soccer. Their concept of ethics and their attitude directly affects the behavior of players under their supervision. Coaches are, therefore, expected to pay particular care to the moral aspect of their conduct.

Coaches have to be aware that almost all of their everyday decisions and choices of actions have ethical implications.

It is natural that winning constitutes a basic concern for coaches. This code is not intended to conflict with that. However, the code calls for coaches to disassociate themselves from a win-at-all-costs attitude.

Increased responsibility is requested from coaches involved in coaching young people. The health, safety, welfare and moral education of young people are a first priority, before the achievement or the reputation of the club, school, coach or parent.

1. Coaches must respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person and treat each equally within the context of the sport, regardless of gender place of origin, color, sexual orientation, political belief or economic status.

2. Coaches must place the well-being and safety of each player above all other considerations. Coaches must never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of the players.

3. Coaches must adhere to all guidelines laid down by governing bodies.
4. Coaches must direct comments or criticism at performance rather than the athlete.
5. Coaches must not exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward.
6. Coaches must encourage and guide players to accept responsibility for their own behavior and performance.
7. Coaches must ensure that the activities they institute are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the players.
8. Coaches must abstain from the use of tobacco products and alcohol while in the presence of athletes.
9. Coaches must co-operate fully with other specialists (eg. other coaches, officials, sports scientists, doctors, physiotherapists) in the best interests of the player.
10. Coaches must always promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg. fair play) and never condone violations of the Laws of the Game, behavior contrary to the spirit of the Laws of the Game or relevant rules and regulations or the use of prohibited substances or techniques.
11. Coaches must consistently display high standards of behavior and appearance.
12. Coaches must not use or tolerate inappropriate language.
13. Coaches must regularly seek ways of increasing professional development and continuing coaching education.