Code of Ethics

Purpose

The Sandy Spring Athletic Association ("SSAA") Code of Ethics has been established to promote and protect the best interests of youth sports and coaching. It seeks to define what are correct ethical practices and what practices are considered to be harmful or detrimental. The principles and articles herein reflect honesty, integrity, respect, responsibility, loyalty and fairness.

PRINCIPLE I: Responsibility to Stakeholders and the Organization

ARTICLE A: Players

1. All coaches shall set a positive example and place the academic, emotional, physical and moral well-being of their players above pressures and desires to win.
2. Any attempt to circumvent the rules of the sport to take unfair advantage of an opponent, or teach deliberate unsportsmanlike conduct has no place in coaching youth sports.
3. All coaches shall discourage any player to make unsportsmanlike or uncomplimentary remarks to opponents, officials, spectators, or other coaches.
4. All coaches shall discourage profanity, obscenities, and vulgar language from players, coaches, and all others associated with the team.
5. All coaches shall consider disciplinary action when a player's on or off the field behavior is considered excessive and/or egregious.

ARTICLE B: Officials

1. All coaches shall respect the officials and others charged with conducting the game.
2. All coaches shall discourage anyone to address unsportsmanlike remarks to game officials or to engage in conduct which might incite players or fans against the officials.

ARTICLE C: Parents and Fans

1. All coaches shall treat the parents and fans of his or her players with respect.
2. All coaches shall strive to educate the team?s fans to be respectful and courteous to the opponents while still maintaining enthusiasm and support for their team.

ARTICLE D: Integrity

1. All coaches shall conduct themselves so as to uphold and maintain the integrity and dignity of the organization.
2. If necessary, the head coach shall discuss team-related issues with their sports commissioner and/or the Board of Directors in a professional manner, and then accept and support decisions that have been reached.

PRINCIPLE II: Responsibility to the Rules and Relationships

ARTICLE A: Rules

1. All coaches shall strive to maintain knowledge of the rules of the game and assure that his or her players know and understand the rules regulating their sport.

ARTICLE B: Relationships

1. All coaches shall maintain appropriate relationships with players and other coaches.
2. All coaches shall uphold their responsibility to coaching by bringing unethical or inconsistent behavior of others to the attention of appropriate organization leadership in a manner consistent with this code.

PRINCIPLE III: Responsibility to Others

ARTICLE A: Trustworthiness

1. All coaches shall strive to model high ideals of sportsmanship and always pursue victory with honor while teaching and advocating good character.
2. All coaches shall strive to be trustworthy while teaching his or her players the importance of integrity, honesty, reliability, and loyalty.

ARTICLE B: Respect

1. All coaches shall discourage the use of profanity, obscene gestures, trash talking, taunting, or other actions that are demeaning, or reflect badly on the team and SSAA.
2. All coaches shall strive to use positive coaching methods to increase player self-esteem and enjoyment, and to foster an appreciation for the sport.

ARTICLE C: Conduct

1. All coaches shall strive to maintain control of his or her emotions and avoid language, actions, and/or gestures that may be interpreted as hostile and/or demeaning.
2. All coaches shall put the health and safety of all players above the desire to win, and not permit players to intentionally injure an opponent or engage in reckless behavior that might cause injury to themselves or others.
3. All coaches shall be knowledgeable about injury risk management practices and will encourage players to seek medical attention when required.

ARTICLE D: Fairness

1. All coaches shall strive to be fair and impartial in selecting a team, competitive situations, disciplinary issues, and all other related matters.
2. All coaches shall treat everyone equally regardless of race, gender, religion, ethnic origin, or ability.

*The SSAA Code of Ethics was unanimously approved by the SSAA Board of Directors and also serves as the Code of Conduct for all SSAA coaches*

**The SSAA Board of Directors has the sole authority to review and approve all disciplinary action regarding a coach that has significantly violated the Code of Ethics. Disciplinary action may include, but is not limited to, probation, suspension, and/or removal as a coach**