Every coach must prioritize physical and emotional well-being, teach age-appropriate skills and teamwork, create an inclusive environment, and model the respect and sportsmanship expected from athletes and families.
Leadership expectations
- Follow all Jr Pacers, league, and sport-specific rules and safety requirements.
- Use constructive, age-appropriate instruction and correction.
- Maintain professional communication and appropriate adult-youth boundaries.
- Be prepared, dependable, and on time.
- Treat every athlete, family, official, opponent, coach, and volunteer with dignity.
- Make decisions based on athlete safety, development, team needs, and program standards—not favoritism or outside pressure.
Safety comes before competition
Coaches must follow injury, concussion, sudden cardiac arrest, equipment, supervision, and return-to-participation requirements. An athlete must never be pressured to play through an injury, conceal symptoms, or attempt a skill that is not appropriate or properly supervised.
Concerns involving athlete safety, abuse, harassment, or misconduct must be reported through the appropriate organization and legal channels.
Prohibited conduct
- Yelling at, demeaning, humiliating, threatening, or verbally abusing an athlete.
- Physical punishment, retaliation, intimidation, or coaching through fear.
- Discrimination, harassment, bullying, profanity directed at others, or inappropriate contact.
- Confrontations with officials, opponents, families, or other coaches.
- Public or social-media criticism of athletes, families, officials, volunteers, or the organization.
Communication with families
Set expectations at the beginning of the season and keep families informed through official team channels. Do not debate complaints during practices or games. When a concern cannot be resolved calmly and directly, involve the appropriate coordinator or Board member.
Accountability
Violations may result in a warning, probation, suspension, or removal from the coaching role. Serious safety or conduct violations may result in immediate action. Questions can be sent to chris@jrpacersfootball.com.