WHGBL: Coaches Code of Ethics

Dear Minor Division/Junior Division/Senior Division Coach,

Welcome to the West Hartford Youth Basketball League – Girls Division. On behalf of the WHGBL Administration, we would like to thank you for your commitment, energy and time to teaching and coaching our girls this season. As team coach, you are the heart and soul of our basketball recreation program and with you lies the responsibility of its success.

The WHGBL was established to promote the fundamentals of basketball through:

  • Commitment

  • Sportsmanship

  • Fair play

  • Hard work

  • Team work

  • Fun

This must be done in an environment that is safe, positive and enjoyable to all who participate. Our goal is to build self-esteem in each of our players regardless of talent level, to have fun and to create in each player the desire to be the best that she can be.

The desire to win is in all of us, however; success should not be measured by the number of wins or losses. Success should be judged by the lives that we touch and the relationships that we build. Let us enjoy the journey together!

Coaches Code of Ethics

  • I will place the emotional and physical well being of my players ahead of a personal desire to win. Athletes first, winning second!

  • I will treat each player as an individual, providing realistic and reasonable expectations through positive motivation.

  • I will provide a safe environment for my players to play and practice. Two adults will be present at every practice session to ensure safety.

  • I promise to review and practice basic first aid principles needed to treat injuries to my players.

  • I will do my best to organize practices that are fun and challenging for all my players.

  • I will ensure that all players get instruction, support and playing time in an equitable manner.

  • I will lead by example in demonstrating fair play and sportsmanship to all my players.

  1. Winning with class and dignity.

  2. Losing with grace and without complaint.

  3. Treating opponents and officials with fairness, generosity and courtesy.

  • I will be knowledgeable in the rules of the sport and I will teach these rules to my players.

  • I will remember that I am a youth coach - the game is for our girls, not for the adults.