As we begin the 2008-2009 middle school fall sports season, below are five points of emphasis, the WCPSS Mission, and the WCPSS Athletic Mission. Please use this information to educate coaches, students, and parents.
- Eligibility - All coaches must view the DPI Eligibility PowerPoint presentation prior to coaching. This is located on the WCPSS intranet and internet sites, click on departments, click on athletics.
- Coaching Education - The NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching Class is recommended for all coaches, but new coaches (1st or 2nd year coaching) and all non-faculty coaches should take the class. Many states require this class in order to coach. At this time, DPI and the NCHSAA recommend the class, but do not require the class. This class is offered each month.
- Code of Ethics/Code of Conduct - All athletic stakeholders are accountable. Coaches must follow National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Code of Ethics and North Carolina Coaches Association Code of Ethics. Students must follow the Student Code of Conduct, and parents must follow the Parent Code of Conduct. Note: This is found in the Middle School Athletic Manual (pages A1 – A4).
- Sportsmanship-No Ejections - Coaches and players should be reminded of the Sportsmanship/Ejection Policy on page C10 of the Middle School Manual. Each school’s goal is to have no ejections for the 2008-2009 school year.
- Sportsmanship-Running up scores – Teams should do everything possible to keep from running up the score. Coaches can look at page D13 (Sportsmanship – Running Up Scores) for specific sports suggestions including point totals for when specific sports suggestions should begin. Athletic directors and administrators should monitor this point of emphasis.
WCPSS Mission: The Wake County Public School System will educate each student to be a responsible and productive citizen who can effectively manage future challenges.
WCPSS Athletic Mission: The Wake County Public School System athletic program is an integral part of education that will provide meaningful activities that promote learning, and strive for students to excel in the development of life skills, healthy lifestyle, sportsmanship, and citizenship.
National Federation of State High School Associations Coaches Code of Ethics
The function of a coach is to educate students through participation in interscholastic competition. An interscholastic program should be designed to enhance academic achievement and should never interfere with opportunities for academic success. Each student should be treated with the utmost respect and his or her welfare should be considered in decisions by coach at all times. Accordingly, the following guidelines for coaches have been adopted by the NFHS Board of Directors.
- The coach shall be aware that he she has a tremendous influence, for either good or ill, on the education of the student and, thus, shall never place the value of winning above the value of instilling the highest ideals of character.
- The coach shall uphold the honor and dignity of the profession. In all personal contact with students, officials, athletic directors, school administrators, the state high school athletic association, the media, and the public, the coach shall strive to set an example of the highest ethical and moral conduct.
- The coach shall take and active role in the prevention of drug, alcohol and tobacco use.
- The coach shall avoid use of alcohol and tobacco products when in contact with players.
- The coach shall promote the entire interscholastic program of the school and direct his of her program in harmony with the total school program.
- The coach shall master the contest rules and shall teach them to his or her team members. The coach shall not seek an advantage by circumvention of the spirit or letter of the rules.
- The coach shall exert his or her influence to enhance sportsmanship by spectators, both directly and by working closely with cheerleaders, pep club sponsors, booster clubs, and administrators.
- The coach shall respect and support contest officials. The coach shall not indulge in conduct which would incite players or spectators against the officials. Public criticism of officials or players is unethical.
- The coach should meet and exchange cordial greetings with the opposing coach to set the correct tone for the event before and after the contest.
- The coach shall not exert pressure on faculty members to give students special consideration.
- The coach shall not scout opponents by any means other than those adopted by the league and/or state high school athletic association.
North Carolina Coaches Association Code of Ethics/Coaches Responsibilities
When entering the coaching profession, a coach accepts certain obligations and responsibilities to the players, fellow coaches, and to the game each coach directs. If we are to keep the coaching profession on a high level, we must assume all the responsibilities in such a way that we will give our profession honor and dignity.
- The coach, in contact with each player, should by principle and example set a pattern of behavior for each student, for he/she influences those more does than any other person. Parents put their dearest possessions under the coach’s guidance and therefore coaches should be sure to see that athletes are better for having played under them.
- The coach should meet rival coaches before and after each game and exchange greetings.
- The coach should see that every injured athlete is given immediate medical attention.
- The coach should remember the first function is to educate a student through participation in athletics.
- Coaches should remember the position they hold in the school system and that they must support the administration in all policies, rules, and regulations. Where there are differences, they should be discussed behind closed doors.
- The coach should be sure that every participant fulfills all the rules and regulations for eligibility. Anyone who attempts to circumvent eligibility rules and to use ineligible players should be guilty of unethical conduct.
- The coach should inspire every student to achieve the highest academic success possible.
- The coach should give help to the athletic council.
- Every coach should have a good knowledge of all rules of the game that he/she is in charge. Coaches should never attempt to disregard any rules to their advantage.
- Coaches should stress good sportsmanship, and if they defend the use of unsportsmanlike tactics, they should be considered guilty of a break of coaching ethics.
- Every coach should advise players as to the proper conduct in meetings with the press/radio, and how to conduct him/herself in player interviews, both for the athlete’s protection and to avoid any embarrassment.
Student Code of Conduct
All students will adhere to the WCPSS Code of Student Conduct. In addition, all students will sign the athletic participation form acknowledging acceptance of the Student-Athlete Pledge.
Student-Athlete Pledge – As a student-athlete, I am a role model. I understand the spirit of fair play while playing hard. I will refrain from engaging in all types of disrespectful behavior, including inappropriate language, taunting, trash talking, and unnecessary physical contact. I know the behavior expectations of my school and my conference, and hereby accept the responsibility and privilege of representing this school and community as a student-athlete.
Conduct Guidelines
- Be respectful by using appropriate language
- Treat everyone fairly
- Treat everyone with dignity and respect
- Avoid tobacco products or alcoholic beverages
- Avoid the use of performance-enhancing or mind-altering recreational drugs
- Arrive on time for all practices, meetings, and contests
- Play by the rules, demonstrating and encouraging good sportsmanship
- Respect the dignity of others by not sexually harassing or molesting them
- Protect the integrity of the game by not gambling on the sport or having any involvement with those who do
- Represent your school and self in a manner that reflects self-control
- Comply will all school and team rules and policies
- Report any injury or aggravating condition to an athletic trainer
From Successful Coaching, Third Edition, by Rainer Martens, 2004, Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics
Note: Disciplinary actions for violation of WCPSS Code of Student Conduct are named in WCPSS Board Policy 6500. Consequences for violation of student athlete pledge and conduct guidelines can result in suspension from team based on NCHSAA guidelines for high schools, State Board of Education guidelines for middle schools, and/or school athletic departments.
Parent Code of Conduct
Parents will sign the athletic participation form acknowledging acceptance of the Parent Pledge.
Parent Pledge – As a parent, I acknowledge that I am a role model. I will remember that school athletics is an extension of the classroom, offering learning experiences for the students. I must show respect for all players, coaches, spectators, and support groups. I will participate in cheers that support, encourage, and uplift the teams involved. I understand the spirit of fair play and the good sportsmanship expected by our school, and our conference. I hereby accept my responsibility to be a model of good sportsmanship that comes with being the parent of a student athlete.
Conduct Guidelines
- Let the coaches do the coaching for all team members
- Support the program
- Be your child’s best fan
- Encourage your child to talk with the coaches
- Understand and display appropriate game behavior
- Help your child keeping his or her priorities straight
- Keep sport in its proper perspective
From National Association for Sport and Physical Education, December 2003
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