The coach's primary role is to facilitate
the process of individual development through achievement of athletic potential.
This role accepts the athletes' long-term interests as of greater importance
than short-term athletic considerations. To fulfil this role the coach must
behave in an ethical manner respecting the following points:
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Coaches must respect the basic human
rights, that is the equal rights, of each athlete with no discrimination on
the grounds of sex, race, colour, language, religion, political or other
opinion, national or social origin. association with a national minority,
birth or other status.
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Coaches must respect the dignity and recognise the contribution of each
individual. This includes the right from freedom from physical or sexual
harassment and advances. They must ensure that the practical environments are
safe and appropriate. This appropriateness must take into consideration the
age, maturity and skill level of the athlete. This is particularly important
in the case of younger or less developed athletes.
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Coaches must acknowledge and respect the Rules of Competition. This respect
should extend to the spirit as well as to the letter of the rules, in both
training and competition, to ensure fairness of competitive opportunity
between all athletes.
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Coaches must exhibit an active respect for officials, by accepting the role of
the officials in providing judgement to ensure that competitions are conducted
fairly and according to the established rules.
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Coaches must accept final responsibility for the performance and conduct of
the athletes they coach, while at the same time encouraging the independence
and self determination of each athlete by their acceptance of responsibility
for their own decisions, conduct and performance.
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Coaches must assert a positive and active leadership role to prevent any use
of prohibited drugs or other disallowed performance enhancing substances or
practices. This leadership by coaches includes education of the athletes of
the harmful effects of prohibited substances and practices.
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The coach must acknowledge that all coaches have an equal right to desire the
success of the athletes they coach - competing within the rules. Observations,
recommendations and criticism should be directed to the appropriate person
outside the view or hearing of the public domain.
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Coaches should never solicit, either overtly or covertly, athletes who are
already receiving coaching to join their squad.
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Coaches should hold recognised coaching qualifications. Coaches should respect
that the gaining of coaching qualifications is an ongoing commitment, achieved
through the upgrading of their knowledge by attendance at accredited courses
and through practical coaching experience.
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Coaches should enter into full co-operation with all individuals and agencies
that could play a role in the development of the athletes they coach. Coaches
also have a responsibility to share the knowledge and practical experience
they gain.
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Coaches should work openly with other coaches, use the expertise of sports
scientists and sports physicians, and display an active support of Scottish
Athletics
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Coaches must respect the image of the coach and continuously maintain the
highest standards of personal conduct, reflected in both the manner of
appearance and behaviour.
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Coaches should never smoke while coaching, nor consume alcohol beverages so
soon before coaching that it affects their competence or that the smell of
alcohol is on their breath.
