Coaches shall provide a copy of the Coach’s and Player’s Code of Ethics to each athlete in their program.
Coaches shall put the welfare of their athletes above all else while maintaining professional relationships with them.
All games shall be conducted within the letter and intent of the rules of Softball.
Coaches shall encourage the athletes to exhibit sportsmanship at all times.
Coaches shall not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sexual orientation, age, national or ethnic origin, or qualified handicapped or disabled persons.
Coaches shall follow league, national governing body and Provincial/Territorial rules regarding drug, alcohol and tobacco use.
Commitment to your Program:
Coaches shall behave in such a way that they shall bring credit to themselves.
Coaches shall exhibit professionalism in their actions, words and attire.
Coaches shall act in full accordance with league, Provincial/Territorial and National Governing Body rules.
Coaches shall immediately report any violation of league or governing body rules regardless of how minor they believe the violation to be.
Dissatisfaction with the implementation of league and governing body rules shall be addressed through the proper channels and not through the media and through public opinion.
Commitment to Other Coaches:
A coach has an obligation to be honest and forthright during the recruiting process. A coach must refrain from making derogatory statements about another coach or program.
Coaches shall treat their colleagues with dignity and respect.
Coaches shall honor all relationships with their colleagues. They shall avoid conflicts of interest and exploitation of these relationships.
Coaches must make athletes aware that they may move anytime between August 15th and March 15th without penalty or consequence. They may attend more than one try-out camp without penalty (elite leagues).
Between March 15th and August 15th, registered players on teams may not be contacted or picked up to play in any other competition by other coaches without their own team's coaches’ knowledge and consent. The only exception being "after the completion of the Provincials", where
Westerns and Canadian Championships are concerned. Athletes’ Championships must be completed until any contact can be made.
Commitment to Umpires:
All game umpires shall be treated in a professional and respectable manner at all times.
Any displeasure with an umpire’s actions or conduct shall be addressed through the proper channels and not through the media or through public opinion.
Softball Manitoba participants shall strive to develop positive working relations with the umpires.
Coach’s Fair Play Code:
Be reasonable in your demands on the young player’s time, energy and enthusiasm. Remember that they have other interests.
Teach your players that rules of the game are mutual agreements, which no one should evade or break.
Avoid over coaching the talented players. The “just average” players need and deserve equal opportunity.
Remember that children play for the fun and enjoyment and that winning is only part of it. Never ridicule or yell at the players for making mistakes or losing a competition.
Develop team respect for the ability of opponents, as well as for the judgment of officials and opposing coaches.
Follow the advice of a physician when determining when an injured player is ready to play again.
Remember that players need a coach that they can respect. Be generous with your praise when it is deserved and set a good example.
Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed on the newest coaching principles and techniques.
Create opportunities to teach sportsmanship.
Help players understand the fundamental philosophical differences between the games they play and professional games shown on TV. The professional is an entertainer and a wage earner whose play often reflects these facts.
Make athletes aware of the physical fitness values of sports and their life-long recreational value.
Remember no recruiting between March 15th and August 15th. (Or longer - Athletes’ Championships must be completed until any contact can be made).
Coaches shall actively use their influence to enhance sportsmanship by their spectators working closely with parents and other fans.
Coach’s Recruiting Code:
Recruitment of players during the competitive season shall be prohibited. Have respect for athletes and do not place players in positions of torn loyalties.
Allow a “cooling off” period after a season before discussing a team change with a player.
Have respect for fellow coaches and their programs.
Between March 15th and August 15th, registered players on teams may not be contacted or picked up to play in any other competition by other coaches without their own team's coaches’ knowledge and consent. The only exception being "after the completion of the Provincials", where
Westerns and Canadian Championships are concerned. Athletes’ Championships must be completed until any contact can be made.
Sell your program and accomplishments only. Don’t degrade and down talk opposing coaches and programs.
Let athletes and parents know how the player fits into your program in the short term and the long term. REMEMBER A PROMISE IS A COMMITMENT.
Recruit only for your own program. Cross recruiting is strictly prohibited.
Always show professionalism. Be courteous and respectful.
The use of sponsorships/scholarships or cash rewards as “bribery” shall be prohibited in the recruitment of players.
