Code of Conduct - Coaches

At the Wilmington Seahawks Hockey Association Inc. (WSHA), our coaches play a vital role in fostering a positive, respectful, safe, and development-focused environment for our young athletes. Coaches serve as mentors, role models, and leaders who shape players' experiences both on and off the ice. This Coach Code of Conduct aligns with USA Hockey’s Coach’s Code of Conduct and Coaching Ethics Code, and outlines the expectations for all WSHA coaches to ensure that hockey remains a fun, educational, and enriching experience for every participant. By following this code, we collectively uphold our values of sportsmanship, respect, integrity, teamwork and player development while fostering a love for the game.

Respect for All: Treat all players, parents/guardians, officials, opponents, volunteers, staff members and fellow coaches with respect. Avoid public criticism and address concerns professionally and constructively.

Sportsmanship: Encourage good sportsmanship and fair play, both on and off the ice. Promote respect for the game. Lead by example, demonstrating good sportsmanship in all interactions.

Role Modeling & Leadership: Demonstrate integrity, patience, emotional maturity, and enthusiasm in your coaching approach. Serve as a positive role model for players, reinforcing respect, responsibility, and teamwork both on and off the ice.

Player Development & Enjoyment: Prioritize skill development, teamwork, and personal growth over winning. Adjust to individual player needs and challenges.  Provide positive reinforcement for all players, emphasizing effort, improvement and teamwork alongside individual development.  Ensure that all players receive opportunities to improve and enjoy their hockey experience.

Communication: Maintain open, honest, and respectful communication with players and parents/guardians. Be a good listener.  Set clear expectations, communicate WSHA goals and values, and be available to discuss concerns or questions. Follow USA Hockey and SafeSport’s guidance with respect to digital communication between adults and minors.

Inclusivity & Equal Opportunity: Provide all players, regardless of skill level, an opportunity to develop their confidence, contribute to the team, and feel valued. Respect and protect human and civil rights and do not knowingly participate in or condone unfair or discriminatory practices.

Safety & Well-being: Prioritize the physical and emotional safety and well-being of all players. Follow all USA Hockey and WSHA policies regarding injuries, concussions, and player well-being. Encourage good health habits.

Uphold SafeSport Principles:

• Commit to a safe and positive experience by strictly following SafeSport policies to prevent abuse, bullying, harassment, and misconduct.
• Maintain healthy and professional boundaries with players in all interactions.
• Adhere to locker room, one-on-one interaction, and travel policies to ensure player safety.
• Report any concerns regarding abuse or misconduct in accordance with USA Hockey’s SafeSport Program and WSHA policies.

Competence: Maintain USA Hockey coaching education requirements and continually build coaching skills.  Seek out best practices and learn from others.

Conflict Resolution: Handle conflicts professionally and constructively. Avoid engaging in confrontations or heated disputes with players, parents/guardians, officials, or opposing teams.

Professionalism & Ethical Conduct: Exhibit professionalism at all times and uphold professional standards. Avoid the use of inappropriate language, intimidation, or any behavior that could be deemed abusive or disrespectful.

Attendance & Punctuality: Commit to being on time and prepared for all practices, games, and team events. Communicate in advance if conflicts arise.

Facility & Equipment Respect: Respect all facilities and equipment provided by WSHA and host rinks. Ensure that players also understand the importance of maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Social Media & Digital Conduct: Coaches are expected to use social media responsibly. Negative or defamatory posts about players, parents/guardians, officials, or WSHA on social platforms are not acceptable. Coaches must also respect privacy when posting any team-related content.

This code is intended to supplement but not replace USA Hockey policies, Carolina Amateur Hockey Association (CAHA) bylaws, rules, policies and procedures, or any applicable state or federal laws.  It is a guiding framework, and is not intended to directly address every possible scenario.

By committing to this Coach Code of Conduct, you affirm your dedication to the values of WSHA. Violations of this code may result in formal warnings, suspension, or removal from coaching duties at the discretion of the WSHA Board of Directors.

Together, we strive to build a community that celebrates the joy of hockey, fosters the development of life skills, and provides an environment where players feel encouraged, respected, and inspired to grow both as athletes and individuals. Let’s work together to make every moment on and off the ice a memorable one for our young athletes.