:: Code of Conduct for NTRA Coaches

1. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every human being. Within the context of the activity, treat everyone equally regardless of gender, ethnic origin or religion.
    
2. Ensure the player’s time spent with you is a positive experience. All players are deserving of equal attention and opportunities and you should avoid “favourites”.
    
3. Treat each athlete as an individual. Respect the talent, development stage and goals of each individual player.
    
4.  Help each of your players reach their full potential. Be fair, considerate and honest with them.
    
5. Be professional in, and accept responsibility for your actions. Language, manner, punctuality, preparation and presentation should display high standards. Display controls, respect, dignity and professionalism to all involved with the sport; this includes opponents, coaches, officials, administrators, the media, parents and spectators. Encourage your athletes to demonstrate the same qualities.
    
6. Make a commitment to providing a quality service to your athletes. Maintain or improve your current NCAS or NTRA accreditation. Seek continual improvement through performance appraisal and ongoing coach education. Provide a training program that is planned and sequential. Maintain appropriate records.
    
7. Operate within the rules and spirit of your sport. The guidelines or national and international bodies governing your sport should be followed. Contact your association for a copy of the rulebook, constitution by-laws, relevant policies, e.g. Anti-Doping Policy and selection procedures. Coaches should educate their athletes on drugs in sport issues in consultation with the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA).
    
8. Any physical contact with athletes should be appropriate to the situation. It should be necessary for the athlete’s skill development. Please refer to the Harassment-Free Sport Guidelines available from the National Touch Rugby Association (NTRA) for more information on harassment issues.
    
9. Refrain from any form of personal abuse towards your athletes. These include verbal, physical, and emotional abuse. Be alert to any forms of abuse directed towards your athletes from other sources whilst they are in your care.
    
10. Refrain from any form of sexual harassment towards your athletes. 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.
     
11. 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 and ability of the athletes.
     
12. Show concern and caution towards sick and injured athletes. Provide a modified training program where appropriate. Allow further participation in training and competition only when appropriate. Encourage the athlete to seek medical advice when required. Maintain the same interest and support towards sick and injured athletes.
     
13.  Be a positive role model for your sport and for all your athletes.