*SpVJSA interprets coaches to mean all team officials who are required to pass a background check (i.e., head coaches, assistant coaches, team managers, trainers and treasurers).
The Coach’s Code of Conduct and Coaches Code of Ethics are applicable to each head coach and assistant coach of any team registered with the Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association (“SpVJSA”). Every coach agrees to abide by the SpVJSA Coaches Code of Ethics when they accept the privilege of the role of coach within SpVJSA. Serving as a coach is a unique opportunity to mold and grow the future of our youth, of soccer and of our organizations through example. SpVJSA coaches are expected to portray and teach the highest example of good citizenship and sportsmanship as they teach the game of soccer. Coaches are therefore expected to accept the responsibilities which are implicit in this role, both to their players and their families and to the organizations that support them. These responsibilities are outlined in the SpVJSA Coaches Code of Ethics and Coaches Code of Conduct.
SPVJSA COACHES CODE OF ETHICS
Purpose: This code of ethics has been developed to clarify and distinguish approved and accepted professional, ethical and moral behavior from that which is detrimental to the development of soccer within the Spokane Valley Junior Soccer Association (SpVJSA).
ARTICLE I – RESPONSIBILITIES TO PLAYERS
- The coach shall never place the value of winning over the safety and welfare of players.
- Coaches shall instruct players to play within the written laws of the game and within the spirit of the game at all times.
- Coaches shall not seek unfair advantage by teaching deliberate unsportsmanlike behavior to players.
- Coaches should not tolerate inappropriate behavior from players regardless of the situation.
- Coaches must never encourage players to violate SpVJSA recruitment, eligibility, or player’s rules and policies.
ARTICLE II – RESPONSIBILITIES REGARDING SCOUTING AND RECRUITING
- All SpVJSA rules pertaining to recruiting shall be strictly observed by a coach, manager, or any team responsibility.
- It is inappropriate to recruit (players) actively playing for another team.
- It is unethical for a player to be recruited or enticed from the Olympic Development Program (ODP) setting, either by his ODP coach or any other coach, manager, player, parent or team representative.
- When discussing the advantages of his/her organization, the coach has an obligation to be forthright and refrain from making derogatory remarks regarding other coaches, teams and organizations.
- It is unethical for any coach to make a statement to a prospective athlete which cannot be fulfilled; illegal to promise any kind of compensation or inducement for play; and immoral to deliver the same.
- Coaches shall not scout any team, by any means whatsoever, except in regularly scheduled games.
ARTICLE III – RESPONSIBILITY OF PUBLIC RELATIONS
- Coaches have a responsibility to promote the game of soccer to the public. Comments and critiques of governing bodies, teams, coaches, players, parents or media should be positive and constructive.
- Coaches have the responsibility to assist their players in conducting themselves properly when in public and when representing their team, member association, and SpVJSA.
- Coaches must not attempt to influence member associations or SpVJSA in political or financial dealings outside the framework of their own rules and bylaws.
NONCOMPLIANCE – CONSEQUENCES OF VIOLATIONS
The SpVJSA Board of Directors has the sole and exclusive right to make a determination of action in response to coaches who fail to follow the SpVJSA COACHES* ETHICS in any manner. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, immediate termination of coaching assignment, probation, suspension, or ban from SpVJSA.