CODE OF CONDUCT
(COACHES, ATHLETES, TRAINERS, ADMINISTRATORS, OFFICIALS, AND
VOLUNTEERS)
The objectives of the Washington State Wrestling
Association are to promote wrestling at all levels throughout the state of
The control and direction of the Washington State
Wrestling Association shall be placed in the hands of those people who are now
working with Washington's wrestlers, and the goals of the Association shall
include the development of responsible wrestling administrators from the ranks
of the Washington program at the local, state, and national levels who will
provide leadership and direction to their membership, to develop an attitude of
sincere concern among all coaches toward the improvement of all levels and
aspects of wrestling from elementary through Olympic levels of competition, to
provide channels of communication within Washington and with the various other
states, furthering the exchange of ideas and experience to the benefit of all
wrestlers, to develop an attitude of unity within the State of Washington
toward program development and achievement, to increase the positive attitudes
of educator, wrestlers, and the general public toward the art and science of
wrestling, to assist with those activities which can be developed in a state
wide basis, to provide a system for democratic representation of all
competitors, coaches and concerned people in local, state and national
organizations and activities dedicated to the sport and continuity of effort as
wrestlers and coaches step forward from elementary level to the most advanced
and successful endeavor for which they may strive.
Statement
USA Wrestling/Washington State Wrestling
Association is committed to creating and upholding traditions of excellence
through amateur wrestling based upon the foundation of high moral and ethical
standards. USAW/WSWA is committed to
providing quality and supportive environments for all those that participate in
programs sanctioned by USAW/WSWA.
Pledge
Participation in activities of USA Wrestling
("USAW")/Washington State Wrestling Association ("WSWA"),
including service as a coach, athlete, trainer, administrator, sports medicine
personnel, official or volunteer for teams organized, sponsored, or sanctioned
by USAW/WSWA and competitions (international or domestic), camps, clinics,
exhibitions or appearances for, on behalf of, or in representation of
USAW/WSWA, is an honor and a privilege.
In consideration of the foregoing, I acknowledge, understand, and agree
to abide by and uphold the spirit of this Code of Conduct, which offers a
general guide to my conduct. Therefore,
I pledge and agree to the following:
1. I will at all times display the
conduct expected of me as a representative of USAW/WSWA, act in a sportsmanlike
manner consistent with the spirit of fair play and conduct myself in a manner
that will not in anyway bring disrespect, discredit, or dishonor to either
myself, USAW/WSWA or my community, state, country, coaches, athletes, trainers,
administrators, sports medicine personnel, officials, volunteers, or other
representatives of USAW/WSWA.
2. I will conform to all applicable local,
state, and federal laws and regulations, and any rules, regulations, and codes
that may be established for competitions, camps, clinics, exhibitions,
appearances, or other events, programs, and activities in which I participate
(collectively referred to in this Code of Conduct as "Events"),
including those of WSWA/USAW, the International Federation of Associated
Wrestling Styles ("FILA"), the United States Olympic Committee
("USOC"), and any organizer of an Event in which I participate.
3. I will respect the property of others,
whether personal or public.
4. I will respect members of USAW/WSWA
teams and delegations, other teams and delegations, spectators, coaches,
trainers, administrators, and officials, and engage in no form of verbal,
physical or sexual harassment, or abuse.
I will not engage in any inappropriate behavior with athletes, coaches,
trainers, administrators, officials, or volunteers, nor will I use or attempt
to use my position to exert undue influence or to seek unfair advantage over
others, including athletes.
5. I will follow my USAW/WSWA delegation
rules including, by way of example, for participation in or attendance at
Events, practices, team meetings, travel, accommodations and curfews, official
ceremonies, and public relations assignments.
Codes of Behavior
Athlete:
·
Participate
in amateur wrestling: alcohol, tobacco,
and drug free;
·
Participate
by the rules of the sport;
·
Be
honest and truthful in all situations;
·
Exhibit
sportsmanship at all times;
·
Maintain
a positive image of myself and the sport;
·
Always
strive to perform at my best;
·
Mental
Attitude;
Top athletes and psychologists have found that
mental attitude is as important to winning as physical condition and
skills. When two equally talented
athletes are competing, the winner will often be the one with the more positive
attitude and the greater desire to win.
·
Athletes
are responsible for promptly reporting all injuries and medical conditions;
Coach:
·
Provide
quality supervision and instruction;
·
Be
a positive role model;
·
Strive
to educate myself in all aspects of the sport;
·
Be
prepared for emergency situations;
·
Develop
programs that encompass fairness to participants and promotes fair play;
·
Provide
for a safe environment;
Officials:
·
Maintain
a dignified and professional appearance at all times;
·
Devote
time and effort to the study of the rules and the sport;
·
Display
impartial, consistent, and courteous behavior;
·
Enforce
the rules of the sport as prescribed by USAW/USWOA (United States Wrestling
Officials Association);
Trainers
and Sports Medicine Personnel:
·
Maintain
a dignified and professional appearance at all times;
·
Provide
appropriate emergency services at USAW Events;
·
Maintain
knowledge and skills required;
·
Provide
confidentiality of records;
·
Work
professionally to condition athletes to prevent injuries and rehabilitate
athletes from injuries;
Administrators/Volunteers:
·
Respect
the rights of others and treat others with courtesy;
·
Perform
duties to the best of your ability;
·
Positively
promote the sport;
·
Promote
the sport at every level;
·
Encourage
athletes to perform at their best;
·
Respect
coaches, athletes, trainers, sports medicine personnel, other administrators,
officials and volunteers;
·
Encourage
alcohol, tobacco, and drug free programs;
·
Promote
sportsmanship and fair play;
·
Applaud
performance of athletes;
·
Be
honest and truthful in all situations;
Penalties
In addition to the foregoing, but now by way of
limitation, the following could result in disciplinary proceedings:
A. Transporting, possession, or illegal use of alcoholic
beverages, tobacco products, illegal drugs, any IOC-banned medication or
substances, or any substances or procedures in violation of the USOC National
Anti-Doping Program.
B. Any physical damage to facilities, equipment, furnishings,
or loss of items in a room where I am lodged, will be paid for by those
individuals assigned to the room in which the damage or loss occurs, including
willful destruction of property (including that caused by horseplay, fighting,
etc.).
C. Any act considered to be an offense under federal, state, or
local laws; or a violation of the applicable rules, regulations, or codes of
the WSWA, USAW, FILA, the USOC, or the organizer of an Event in which I
participate.
D. Gross misconduct (i.e., inappropriate horseplay, theft,
fighting, etc.). There will be no foul
language, disruptive or rebellious attitudes and behaviors.
E. There will be no body alterations, (i.e. tattoos, body
piercing, etc.). There will be no
breaking of curfew or disobeying rules.
There will be no buying or possession of pornography or suggestive
clothing, weapons, or controlled substances.
F. No unauthorized people will be in the athlete's rooms. All visitors must be approved by a member of
the coaching staff.
G. At any time for the safety of the athletes, rooms or
belongings may be checked and searched.
Disciplinary Action
I realize and understand that if I violate this
Code of Conduct I will be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the
disciplinary procedures of USAW/WSWA; provided that, subject to such procedures
as may be applicable, while I am in attendance at an Event, discipline may be
imposed by the team or delegation leader or other responsible person(s) at the
Event. The consequences of my actions
could possibly affect my opportunities to serve as a coach, athlete, trainer,
administrator, official, or volunteer for USAW/WSWA and my USAW/WSWA membership
in the future. Disciplinary action could
include, any one or more of the following, but not be limited to A-G.
A. Dismissal from a USAW/WSWA delegation.
B. Expulsion from an Event and being sent home immediately at
the expense of the violator, not sent home but restricted to living quarters,
or other restriction or activities.
C. Denial of participation in future
Events.
D. Requirements to issue written or verbal
apologies.
E. Revocation of accreditation for Events,
activities, and/or facilities.
F. Suspension or expulsion from USAW/WSWA or from USAW/WSWA
programs and activities.
G. Further disciplinary actions may be
imposed by the appeals committee.
How you conduct yourself on and off the mat is the
way that everyone will perceive you and also how the community will look upon
you and the Washington State Wrestling Association. Conduct yourself as proud coaches, athletes,
trainers, administrators, officials, and volunteers.
I have read and accept this Code of Conduct. I recognize that this Code of Conduct does
not establish a complete set of rules which prescribes every aspect of
appropriate behavior and/or penalties.
Participant
Signature Parent/Guardian
of Athlete Signature
(Coach,
Athlete, Trainer, Administrator
Official,
or Volunteer)
Date