Let’s begin by explaining what a Responsible Coach is not. A Responsible Coach is not:

• soft
• a source of empty, unearned praise
• satisfied with everyone just having fun

Responsible Coaching actually is more difficult, challenging and rewarding than coaching with a win-at-all-cost approach. In addition to learning all you can about your sport, honing your "x’s and o’s," and competing fiercely for wins, you also are committed to:

• Ensuring player safety
• Placing education and character development before wins
• Coaching beyond the "X’s and O’s"
• Coaching athletes to master their sports
• Filling "Emotional Tanks" to improve performance and instill love of sport
• Living and coaching by a code of Honoring the Game

A Responsible Coach is someone who:

Exhibits a high level of coaching competence

• Personal commitment to coaching excellence – on and off the field
• Commitment to constant development of personal coaching skills
• Collaborates and partners with other coaches for personal and game improvement

Achieves and maintains excellence on-the-field

• Maintains paramount concern for the health and safety of the athletes
• Focuses on mastery of skills over winning; effort over outcome
• Fosters success through positive feedback, valuing teamwork and consistently providing support to players

Demonstrates an on-going commitment to the well-being and development of athletes off-the-field

• Concerned for the development of the athlete as a whole person – emotional, physical and intellectual
• Understands and embraces their role as mentor and role model
• Respects the rights, dignity and worth of every athlete and treats everyone equally regardless of background or ability
  

Honors and respects the Game

• Upholds the spirit as well as the letter of the rules of the game
• Respects all opponents, officials and opposing players
• Instills a love of the game to players and parents alike

Learn more about Responsible Sports.