• Be reasonable in your demands on young players’ time, energy and enthusiasm. Treat

all players with respect at all times. Be fair, considerate, honest and consistent with

them.

• Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements which no one should

evade or break. Accept and respect the role of Officials and teach the players to do the

same.

• Whenever possible, group players according to age, height, skills and physical

maturity.

• Avoid over-playing the talented player. The “just-average” players need and deserve

equal time.

• Remember that children play for fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of

their motivation. Never ridicule or yell at the children for making mistakes or losing a

competition. Refrain from conduct which could be regarded as harassment towards

your players and other coaches, officials or parents.

• Do not be aggressive. Teach your players not to be aggressive. If you see aggression

by any of your players, Official, parent, spectator or other player, report it. Do not take

the law into your own hands.

• Provide feedback to players and other participants in a manner sensitive to their needs.

Avoid overly negative feedback.

• Treat all players fairly within the context of their sporting activities, regardless of

gender, race, place of origin, athletic potential, colour, sexual orientation, religion,

political beliefs, socio-economic status and other conditions.

• Encourage players to respect one another and expect respect for their worth as

individuals regardless of their level of play. Involve the players in decisions that affect

them.

• Ensure any physical contact with players is appropriate to the situation and necessary

for the player’s skill development.

• Be acutely aware of the power that you as a coach develop with your players in the

coaching relationship and avoid any sexual intimacy with players that could develop as

a result.

• Avoid situations with your players that could be construed as compromising.

• Actively discourage the use of performance enhancing drugs, the use of alcohol and

tobacco and illegal substances.

• Do not exploit any coaching relationship, to further the personal, political or business

interests at the expense of the best interests of your players.

• Ensure that equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are appropriate to the

age and ability of the players.

• The scheduling and length of practice times and competition should take into

consideration the maturity level of the children.

• Develop team respect for the ability of opponents as well as for the judgment of

officials and opposing coaches.

• Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principals

and the principals of growth and development of children. Recognise player’s rights to

consult with other coaches, advisors or specialists.