The role of a youth coach in the Upper St. Clair Athletic Association (USCAA) is of paramount importance, not only in developing young athletes' skills but also in shaping their character and instilling values. Coaches are expected to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship, ethics, and commitment. This code of conduct outlines the responsibilities and expectations for all youth coaches.

1. Commitment to Youth Athletes
   1. Player Development: Coaches shall prioritize the development of all athlete, focusing on skill-building, teamwork, and fostering a love for the sport.  Player participation and enjoyment should be top priority.
   2.  Fair Play: Coaches will emphasize fair play, rules of the game, honesty, and respect for opponents, officials, and teammates.
   3. Safety: Coaches must ensure the safety and well-being of all athletes, adhering to established safety protocols and immediately reporting any concerns or incidents.  Coaches should also demand an environment free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
   4. Provide Fair Opportunities: Coaches shall strive to provide fair opportunities to all athletes to succeed, irrespective of their gender, background, or relationship.
   5. Communication: Coaches must set expectations with parents/players and ensure feedback is constructive.  Respectful communication should be maintained with athletes, parents, fellow coaches, officials, and spectators.
2. Personal Conduct
   1. Professionalism: Coaches will exhibit professionalism in their interactions with athletes, parents, officials, and the community.
   2. Role Modeling: Coaches shall be exemplary role models for young athletes, demonstrating good sportsmanship, respect, and integrity.
   3. Respect for Officials: Coaches will respect and support the decisions made by officials, without resorting to public criticism or confrontational behavior.
   4. Conflict Resolution: Coaches shall address disputes or conflicts within the team in a respectful and private manner, seeking resolution through open communication and cooperation.
3. Ethical Responsibility
   1. Ethical Behavior: Coaches are expected to act with honesty and integrity at all times, refraining from any form of cheating, dishonesty, or unethical behavior.
   2. Confidentiality: Coaches shall maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information related to athletes and the association.
4. Coaching Requirements
   1. Coaching Clearances: Clearances are required for all unpaid adult volunteers who are responsible for the welfare of a child or have the possibility of caring for, supervising, guiding or controlling children or routine interaction with children.  More information can be found in the clearances section of the USCAA website.
   2. Disciplinary Action: In cases of code of conduct violations, the board will follow a structured escalation protocol, which may include verbal counseling, written warnings, suspension, or dismissal, based on the severity of the violation.
   3. Appeals Process: Coaches who face disciplinary action have the right to appeal the decision to the board, which will conduct a fair and impartial review.

Conclusion:

This Youth Coaches Code of Conduct serves as a guiding document for coaches, ensuring that they play a positive and constructive role in the lives of our young athletes. It also outlines the fair and transparent criteria for accepting or declining coaches, reinforcing our commitment to upholding the highest standards in youth sports coaching.

USCAA ESCALATION POLICY

An escalation protocol for coaches is a structured process to address various issues or conflicts that may arise during a season. Here's a general outline for a coach's escalation protocol:

Informal Resolution: Coaches should attempt to resolve minor conflicts or misunderstandings by discussing the issue directly with the involved parties. This initial step encourages open communication and problem-solving among coaches. 

Both coaches and parents should abide by the “24-hour rule,” which simply states that individuals will not discuss a game/practice or situation in a game/practice until at least 24 hours after the fact.

If needed, Coaches should engage league Directors and/or Commissioners in order to facilitate a resolution.

Administrative Intervention: If the issue remains unresolved or escalates to a significant level, it may be brought to the attention of the USCAA board. This step may involve an investigation into the matter. 

- LEVEL I Warning: If the infraction is minor and deemed to be an infrequent occurrence or first infraction, the USCAA board may elect to issue a warning to the coach.  This will result in communication between the USCAA board and the coach to inform them that issue(s) have been brough to the attention of the USCAA board.  Feedback will be kept anonymous and discussed at a broad level.  This step encourages self-awareness to adjust coaching style to align with the Code of Conduct.

- LEVEL II Suspension: In cases where the coach's behavior or actions violate the code of conduct or association policies, suspension may be warranted. The length of suspension will depend on the severity of the issue along with consideration of any prior issues, and will be determined by the USCAA.

- LEVEL III Dismissal: If the issue is of extreme concern and the coach's actions have proven to be detrimental to the team, players, or the association, dismissal may be necessary. This decision will be made by the USCAA board.

Appeal Process: Coaches facing disciplinary actions have the right to appeal. Those appealing must submit a written proposal to the USCAA board for review and voting at the next feasible board meeting.  To the extent possible, Board reviews will be conduct by an impartial set of members, removing responsible commissioners and any others with exposure to coach involved.

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