Recognize the value in what we do as coaches, not our accomplishments.
Don’t violate any league rules. Don’t cheat. Don’t circumvent.
Don’t verbalize criticisms of the referee team.
Don’t “direct traffic.” Stay seated in your chair. Stay calm.
Don’t say anything critical about a child to a parent.
Don’t have other parents coach on the team.
Always follow a parent’s request in regards to medical issues. Don’t question. Don’t pry. Don't pressure.
Require a written medical release to return to play after a medical leave.
INTERACTIONS WITH PLAYERS (games, practices, etc.)
Don’t coach your own child.
Don’t touch, grab, detain, or restrain a player.
Don’t threaten a player (of either team).
Don’t criticize, taunt, or belittle a player.
Consequences, yes; punishments, no. (And, don’t use running as a consequence.)
Children are never “strong enough to take it.”
Children are not small adults. Their actions and reactions are not mature, even when their bodies are.
Don’t pay for performance.
Stay positive after losses.
Don’t leave a player alone after a practice or a game.
Don’t be alone with a player. Don’t give rides. Don’t shelter players in your car during a storm.
In regards to medical issues, don’t diagnose.
Don’t medicate or issue medication.
Don’t violate a doctor’s advice.
The game outcome is less important that a child’s well being. Don’t let an injured child play, even if the child or parents request it. Injury = no-play.
Head trauma = no play.
Do not teach dangerous play, violence, retaliation, cheating, or gamesmanship.
Don’t suggest dangerous play, violence, retaliation, cheating, or gamesmanship.
Don’t permit profanity or trash talking.
Don’t permit your parents or spectators to do or say anything you wouldn’t.
WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS
Mediate. Use third parties. Use the club.
Rely on the ‘end-of-year-exit’ option.
Do everything you can to help a family leave the team if they want to leave. Full refund; keep the uniform, etc.
MISCELLANEOUS
A dedicated player is more valuable than a talented player. Even dedicated weak players can be coached to standout stature.
Dedicated parents are more valuable than talented players.