Purpose

West Ottawa Basketball Association (“WOBA”) is committed to providing a safe, respectful, inclusive, and positive basketball environment for all participants. Coaches play a vital leadership role within the organization and are expected to promote sportsmanship, athlete development, teamwork, respect, and enjoyment of the game.

The coach-athlete relationship is a position of trust and influence. Coaches are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects the values and standards of WOBA and the Ontario Basketball Association (“OBA”).

This Coach Code of Conduct applies to all WOBA coaches, assistant coaches, trainers, team staff, and volunteers participating in WOBA activities, including practices, games, tournaments, camps, clinics, meetings, travel, communications, and events.

General Coaching Expectations

WOBA coaches are expected to:

• Act as leaders, mentors, positive role models, and ambassadors for WOBA
• Promote a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all participants
• Demonstrate honesty, integrity, fairness, and sportsmanship at all times
• Follow the rules, policies, and procedures of WOBA and OBA
• Respect all players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents/guardians, and spectators
• Conduct themselves in a professional and respectful manner during all WOBA activities
• Support athlete development, confidence, teamwork, effort, and enjoyment of basketball
• Prioritize long-term athlete development over winning

Athlete Safety & Well-Being

Coaches are responsible for helping create a physically and emotionally safe environment for athletes.

Coaches will:

• Always consider the physical and emotional well-being of athletes
• Never place the outcome of a game above the safety or development of a player
• Promote safe training and gameplay practices
• Follow Rowan’s Law and all concussion protocols and return-to-play requirements
• Report injuries, safety concerns, or incidents appropriately
• Refrain from bullying, intimidation, humiliation, harassment, discrimination, or abusive behaviour
• Treat all athletes fairly, respectfully, and without favoritism

Respect & Sportsmanship

WOBA coaches are expected to model respectful behaviour at all times.

Coaches will:

• Respect the decisions and authority of referees and game officials
• Refrain from abusive, aggressive, or inappropriate language or behaviour
• Communicate constructively with players, parents/guardians, officials, and other coaches
• Promote good sportsmanship and Fair Play principles
• Encourage athletes to compete with respect and integrity
• Support teammates, opponents, and officials regardless of game outcome
• Handle disagreements professionally and through appropriate channels

Communication Expectations

WOBA values clear, respectful, and constructive communication.

Coaches are expected to:

• Communicate schedules, expectations, and team information in a timely manner
• Maintain respectful and professional communication with families and athletes
• Address concerns privately and constructively
• Refrain from public criticism of athletes, parents/guardians, officials, volunteers, or other coaches
• Use appropriate language and behaviour in all in-person, written, and online communication

Player Development Philosophy

WOBA believes youth basketball should support skill development, confidence, teamwork, effort, and enjoyment of the game.

Coaches are encouraged to:

• Create opportunities for athletes to learn and improve
• Encourage effort, commitment, and positive attitude
• Recognize and respect differences in skill level, ability, maturity, and experience
• Support athlete growth both on and off the court
• Foster teamwork, accountability, and respect among players
• Help athletes build confidence and self-esteem through positive coaching

Social Media & Electronic Communication

Coaches are expected to represent WOBA appropriately in all electronic and online communication.

Coaches will:

• Communicate respectfully through email, apps, text messages, and social media
• Avoid inappropriate, offensive, discriminatory, or inflammatory comments or posts
• Respect the privacy and dignity of athletes and families
• Use communication methods that are transparent and appropriate for youth sport environments

Facilities & Event Expectations

Coaches are expected to respect all facilities, schools, gyms, equipment, and event staff.

Coaches will:

• Help ensure athletes leave facilities in good condition
• Follow all facility rules and procedures
• Promote respectful treatment of school property and shared spaces
• Support a positive game and event environment for all participants

Certification & Screening Requirements

WOBA coaches must:

• Meet all applicable WOBA and OBA coaching requirements
• Complete required certifications, screening, and background checks as required by the organization
• Review and comply with Rowan’s Law requirements and WOBA policies annually

Zero Tolerance

WOBA maintains a zero-tolerance approach toward:

• Harassment or discrimination
• Bullying or intimidation
• Threatening or abusive behaviour
• Violence or aggressive conduct
• Abuse toward players, officials, coaches, volunteers, parents/guardians, or spectators

Failure to follow this Coach Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or removal from coaching responsibilities and WOBA activities.

Reporting Concerns

Individuals who witness behaviour inconsistent with this Coach Code of Conduct are encouraged to report concerns to WOBA.

​​​​​​​Acknowledgment

By participating as a coach, assistant coach, trainer, or team staff member with WOBA, I acknowledge that I have read, understood, and agree to follow the WOBA Coach Code of Conduct.