Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being. Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of sex, disability, ethnic origin or religion.
Ensure the athlete’s time spent with you is a positive one overall. All athletes are deserving of equal attention and opportunities.
Treat each athlete as an individual. Respect the talent, development stage and goals of each individual athlete; help each athlete reach their full potential.
Be fair, considerate and honest with athletes. Be professional and accept responsibility for your actions. Language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation should display high standards. Display control, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved in the sport - this includes opponents, coach’s officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your athletes. Seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing coach education. Provide a training program which is planned and sequential.
Operate within the rules of your sport. Please contact Vanguard Aqatics for a rule book and any relevant policies. Coaches should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency).
Provide a Drug Free Environment - Do not advocate, prescribe, recommend, support, administer or participate in the use of drugs, stimulates, or doping practices with respect to any athlete under your coaching and direction and abide by the Anti-Doping Policy of USADA or Anti Doping Policy adopted by USA Water Polo Inc. Coaches should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with USADA .
Any physical contact with athletes should be: a) Appropriate to the situation. b) Necessary for the athlete’s skill development.
Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards your athletes. This includes verbal, physical and emotional abuse. Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards your athletes from other sources while they are in your care.
Refrain from any form of harassment. This includes sexual harassment, racial vilification and harassment on the grounds of disability. You should not only refrain from initiating a relationship with an athlete but should also discourage any attempt by an athlete to initiate a sexual relationship with you, explaining the ethical basis of your refusal.
Provide a safe environment for training and competition. Ensure equipment and facilities meet safety standards. Equipment, rules, training and the environment need to be appropriate for the age of the athletes.
Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes. Provide a modified training program where appropriate. Encourage athletes to seek medical advice when required. Maintain the same interest and support towards sick and injured athletes.
Be a positive role model for your sport and athletes. Abuse and insults directed at officials or parents.
Refrain from inappropriate behavior towards officials and parents.
