U.S. FIGURE SKATING

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT

OF ETHICS, STANDARDS AND CONDUCT

MISSION STATEMENT:  To provide a standardized guideline of ethics, standards and conduct to ensure the quality, integrity and moral environment of the United States Figure Skating Association.

PURPOSE:  This information is intended to provide both the general principles and the decision rules to cover most situations encountered by coaches and instructors.  It has, as it’s primary goal, the welfare and protections of the individuals and groups with whom coaches work.  This is also designed to provide a common set of values.  It is the individual responsibility of each coach to aspire to the highest possible standards of conduct.  Coaches should respect and protect human civil rights, and should not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.  Above all, coaches of young people can have great influence on developing athletes who are reliant on these coaches for the basic instruction and guidance necessary to reach the top levels.   Coaches  can have tremendous power over these athletes in their quest to the top.  This power must not be abused.  Therefore, we have set forth these codes of ethics and conduct to guide our coaches and protect our athletes for the mutual benefit of all concerned.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES:

·         Competence:  Coaches strive to maintain high standards of excellence in their work.  They recognize the boundaries of their particular competencies and the limitations of their expertise.  They provide only those services and use only those techniques for which they are qualified by education, training and/or experience.  In those areas, where recognized professional standards, do not yet exist, coaches exercise careful judgment and take appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom they work.  They maintain knowledge or relevant scientific and professional information related to the services they render, and they recognize the need for ongoing education. Coaches make appropriate use of scientific, professional, technical and administrative resources.

·         Integrity:  Coaches seek to promote integrity in the practice of coaches.  Coaches are honest, fair and respectful of others.  In describing or reporting their qualifications, services, products, or fees, they do not make statements that are false, misleading or deceptive.  Coaches strive to be aware of their own belief systems, values, needs and limitations and the effect of these on their work.  To the extent feasible, they attempt to clarify for relevant parties, the roles they are performing and to function appropriately in accordance with those roles.  Coaches avoid improper and potentially harmful dual relationships.

·         Professional Responsibility:  Coaches uphold professional standards of conduct, clarify their professional roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for their behavior, and adapt their methods to the needs of different athletes.  Coaches consult with, refer to, or cooperate with other professionals and institutions to the extent needed to serve the best interest of their athletes, or other recipients of their services.  Coaches moral standards and conduct are personal matters to the same degree as is true for any other person, except when the coaches conduct may compromise their responsibilities or reduce the public’s trust in coaching.  Coaches are concerned about the ethical compliance of their colleagues’ conduct.  When appropriate, they consult with their colleagues in order to prevent or avoid unethical conduct.

·         Respect for Participants and Dignity:  Coaches respect the fundamental rights, dignity and worth of all participants.  Coaches are aware of cultural, individual and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language and socioeconomic status.  Coaches try to eliminate the effect on their work of biases based on those factors, and they do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair discriminatory practices.

·         Concern for Others Welfare:  Coaches seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom they interact.  In their actions, coaches consider the welfare and rights of their athletes and other participants.  When conflicts occur among coaches obligations or concerns, they attempt to resolve these conflicts and to perform their roles in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm.  Coaches are sensitive to differences in power between themselves and others, and they do not exploit nor mislead other people during or after their relationship.

·         Responsible Coaching:  Coaches are aware of their ethical responsibility to the community and the society in which they work and live.  They apply and make public their knowledge of sport in order to contribute to human welfare.  Coaches try to avoid misuse of their work.  Coaches comply with the law and encourage the development of law and policies that serve the interest of sport or activity.  The coach shall strive to serve as a leader and model in the development of appropriate conduct for the athlete both within and beyond the United States Figure Skating Association setting.  The coach shall strive to use strategies in practice and competition and that are designed to encourage play within the letter and spirit of the rules.  The coach shall strive to keep the concepts of winning and losing in proper perspective.  The coach shall strive to enforce policies and rules with fairness, consistency and an appreciation for individual differences.

ETHICAL STANDARDS:

·         Competence:  Coaches should not undertake these duties until they have first obtained the proper training, study and advise that they are competent to do so.

·         Maintaining Expertise: Coaches should maintain a level of experience through continued education and experience and shall strive to acquire additional education and experience through sources available to them.

·         Respecting Others:  Coaches shall respect the rights of others values, opinions and beliefs even if they differ from their own.

·         Nondiscrimination:  Coaches should not engage in discrimination based upon age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any other basis as proscribed by law.

·         Sexual Harassment:  Coaches do not, under any circumstances, engage in sexual harassment which includes solicitation, physical advances, verbal or non-verbal conduct which is sexual in nature and will respond to complaints of such a nature to respondents with dignity and respect.

·         Personal Problems or Conflicts:  Coaches have a responsibility to be aware if there are personal problems or conflicts, which may affect their ability to work with athletes.   They should also be able to identify problems affecting their athletes, which could potentially create situations that place their athletes in harm or danger of injury, and take the appropriate steps to remove the athlete from this environment.

COACHES CODE OF CONDUCT:

·         Obey and abide by all United States Figure Skating Association published rules, regulations and procedures.

·         Maintain exemplary standards of personal conduct.

·         Obey all State, National and International Laws.

·         Do not use alcohol, illegal drugs or substances, which could impair your ability or judgment as a coach.

·         Refrain from using any profane or abusive language.

·         Accept no gratuities or gifts from Athlete members.

·         Refrain from fraternization with Athletes.

·         No sexual harassment or sexual misconduct with any Athlete

·         Teach and support the Athletes fairly and equitably.

·         Do not discriminate against any Athlete

I understand that as a United States Figure Skating Association coach, I have assumed certain responsibilities to prepare, develop and be an advocate and role model for United States Figure Skating Association.  I agree to the “Coaches Code of Conduct”, have read the “Coaches Code of Conduct” and understand what is expected of me.

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