WAA Coaches Code of Conduct

The Waxhaw Athletic Association is committed to providing a positive and supportive environment for all participants. This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior of volunteer coaches and applies to all WAA sports. All volunteer coaches are required to review and accept the Coaches Code of Conduct as part of the Membership Waivers process.

Guidelines: Volunteer Coach Conduct

• Player Support: Support all team members equally, ensuring every player feels valued and encouraged.
• Respect Coaching Authority: Defer to the team's designated coaches regarding coaching decisions and strategies. Refrain from offering unsolicited coaching advice during games/matches or practices/training.
• Positive Language: Use appropriate and respectful language at all times. Refrain from using inappropriate, obscene, or offensive language.
• Respectful Interactions: Treat umpires, referees, judges, other coaches, players, and spectators with respect. Avoid verbal abuse, personal attacks, or negative comments directed toward anyone on the field or in the crowd.
• Sportsmanship: Congratulate all players and coaches for good plays and a well-played game, regardless of the outcome.
• Emotional Control: Maintain composure and emotional balance. Avoid excessive excitement or negativity, even during intense moments of the game.
• Designated Areas: Remain in designated coaching areas (dugout, sidelines, etc.) during games and practices.

Consequences: Unsportsmanlike Conduct

The following consequences will be enforced for unsportsmanlike behavior by coaches:

• Ejection: Any coach who throws equipment, boards, hats, or any other object in anger will be ejected from the game.  All coaches are responsible for informing their players of this rule. A coach ejected from a game more than once during in a season will be suspended from further competition, as determined by the division director and/or the league president. Referees, umpires, judges, etc., are authorized to eject any coach, parent, and/or player.
• Suspension: Any coach displaying unsportsmanlike behavior will be ejected from the game. All coaches are responsible for informing their players of this rule. The ejected coach will also be suspended from their team's next played game and will not be permitted near the field.
• Code of Conduct Violation: Any coach displaying unsportsmanlike behavior during a game will be removed from the field area. If the unsportsmanlike behavior continues, their player (if applicable) will be removed from the game and asked to leave the complex with the coach. If the situation continues or escalates, local law enforcement may be called.

The Process: Review & Appeals

• Review: All coaches complete the WAA Coaches & Volunteer Application will review and accept the Coaches Code of Conduct as part of the application process.
• Appeals: Coaches have the right to appeal an ejection and suspension to the individual sport Board of Directors. If necessary, further appeals can be made to the Waxhaw Athletic Association Board of Directors. If further appeals are warranted, the coach may appeal to the sport governing body, where applicable. All decisions made as part of the appeals process are considered final.

Please Note: The above codes of conduct supersede any corresponding Cal Ripken or Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules & Official Playing Rules, or other governing bodies Codes of Conduct. 

The WAA Board of Directors thank you in advance for your cooperation and adherence with all of the above guidelines. Thank you, now let’s have FUN!