Coach Code of Conduct

As a coach of the Fort Macleod Minor Hockey Association, I agree that I will:

1. Remember that winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor always the most important one. I will care more about the athlete than winning the game. I will remember that athletes are involved in hockey for development, competition and above all to have fun and must be encouraged to have confidence in themselves.
2. Be reasonable when scheduling games and practices remembering that young athletes have other interests and obligations.
3. Teach my athletes to play fairly and to respect the rules, officials, opponents and teammates. This includes giving all athletes the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem both in practice and game situations. This supports that all athletes receive equal instruction and support with appropriate and fair playing time, in accordance with the FMMHA Fair Play Policy/age associated pathways (where implemented).
4. Remember that athletes need a coach they can respect. I will be a positive role model to my athletes. I will display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of all athletes. I will keep my emotions under control and avoid using foul or vulgar language when speaking with an athlete, official, coach or parent.
5. Be generous with my praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; I will not criticize athletes publicly; I will continuously work on feedback received from athletes and/or others to enhance my coaching skills. I will dedicate myself and my bench staff to personal improvement and maintenance of required skills.
6. Attempt to adjust to the personal needs and problems of my athletes; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse an athlete or official; I will not ridicule or yell at any athletes, game officials or other team officials for making (perceived) mistakes or for poor performance.
7. At all times, refrain from comments or behaviours which are disrespectful, offensive, abusive, racist or sexist. I understand and accept that behaviour which constitutes a violation of the FMMHA operational policies and procedures, including harassment or abuse will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with accordingly. I understand that failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Discipline Policy of the FMMHA. Such actions may result in me losing coaching privileges both at the time and in the future.
8. Remember that children athletes play to have fun and I will create an environment where they will develop self-confidence, trust, and respect. I will organize practices that are fun and challenging for my athletes. I will create an environment that supports team players and will address any actions that do not support this type of team environment swiftly and appropriately as outlined in the player code of conduct.
9. Be aware of and respect the pressures that may be placed on all athletes as they strive to balance the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of their lives. I will conduct practices and participation in competition in a manner so as to allow success in all areas of their lives.
10. Consider the future health and well-being of the athlete when making decisions regarding an injured athlete's ability to continue playing or training. I will ensure that any injury that occurs during practice or games is reported within 24 hours to the Safety Leader with the appropriate documents. I will continue to update the Safety Leader on the athlete's progress.
11. Know all playing rules, their interpretations and their proper application to support officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. This includes familiarizing myself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey and the organizations/tournaments my team will be involved with.
12. Maintain an open line of communication with my athletes' parents including explaining the goals and objectives of the team and association documents.
13. Ensure that at all times I adhere to the FMMHA's operational policies and procedures, to rules and regulations governing FMMHA/Hockey AB events and activities, and to rules and regulations governing any competitions in which any member participates on behalf of the FMMHA.   
14. Work in cooperation with officials for the benefit of the game. I will remember that every member of the FMMHA Executive and bench staff are volunteers and are to be treated with respect at all times, regardless of the circumstances. 
15. Abide by the FMMHA Social Media policy.
16. Ensure to follow the rules of communication when dealing with any team issues/concerns and will maintain privacy of the athletes/parents where possible and ethical to do so. This includes abiding with the FMMHA 24-Hour Rule. I will answer all reasonable questions and requests and use honesty and integrity when answering questions.
17. Coach is responsible work with team manager on the team budget and sign off on expenses as well as team funds requests. If a head coach and manager are spouses, another bench staff will take the role of the team funds signee in place of the head coach.  
18. I have reviewed the Coach Code of Conduct and I commit to adhering to it and to sharing this conduct code with the parents and athletes of my team.
    
    I agree to receive any feedback, educational resources or learning opportunities as deemed appropriate by the FMMHA. I also agree to abide by the rules, regulations, and decisions as set by the FMMHA and Hockey AB.

*FMMHA 24-Hour Rule - If any person(s) determine that any concerns, events, methodologies, or conduct requires to be brought forward for attention, then that person(s) is to wait 24 hours after the event prior to initiating the contact. This 24-hour rule allows for emotions to be set aside, placing the event in perspective, and enabling the opportunity for an objective evaluation and approach. The recipient of the information is then allowed 24 hours to respond, for the same purposes.