USA VOLLEYBALL CODES OF BEHAVIOR

Background

The quest for performance excellence in volleyball is unceasing.  Those associated with the sport, including athletes, coaches, administrators, parents, spectators, sports medicine support teams, officials, media, and sponsors constantly search for strategies that will grow the game. As the search continues with limitless possibilities, the need for a moral compass to guide the direction from which the foundation of the sport was established by William G. Morgan at a YMCA in Massachusetts, USA becomes increasingly important. Organized sport for your (ages 5-18) as one of the strategies to grow the game of volleyball worldwide has become central to the discussion.

Statement:

USA VOLLEYBALL is committed to creating and upholding traditions of excellence through volleyball based upon the existence of supportive and nurturing environments in which individuals can become successful.  Age group volleyball programs (5 through 18 years of age) can provide such environments. We, who are associated with these age-group programs, aspire to display behaviors, which foster beneficial growth and development of children and improvement of motor skills through volleyball, which follow in its Codes of Behavior:

Athlete Code Of Behavior

As an athlete, I will aspire to:

• Participate in volleyball alcohol- and drug-free;
• Play by the rules of volleyball;
• Use positive verbal and physical behavior, controlling temper and aggression (intent to do harm);
• Tell the truth about another person's involvement in or knowledge of something that violates the rules;
• Show fair play by treating all those involved in the match with dignity and respect;
• Treat others as I would like to be treated;
• Work hard and honestly to improve performance and participation;
• Maintain a positive image of myself by playing volleyball for enjoyment.

Parent Code of Behavior

• As a parent, I will aspire to:

• Be positive in attitude toward volleyball and emphasize the cooperative nature of the sport;

• Encourage hard work and honest effort that will lead to improved performance and participation;

• Encourage athletes to participate in volleyball alcohol- and drug-free;

• Encourage and respect referees and officials and their integrity;

• Encourage athletes to participate for their own enjoyment;

• Applaud fair play and good lay during games and/or matches;

• Be supportive of all attempts to remove verbal and physical abuse from organized volleyball activities, including language;

• Meet the required administrative and programmatic rules if in some cases the athletes are not able to do so;

• Protect athletes from sanctions and /or suspension by producing accurate documentation

• Attend age-group (5-18) volleyball events alcohol- and drug-free;

• Use only designated smoking areas that are clearly posted at age-group (5-18) volleyball events.

Sports Medicine Support Team Code of Behavior

As a sports medicine support team member, I will aspire to:

• Represent professional qualifications and/or credentials;

• Provide appropriate emergency services at practices and matches;

• Work professionally to condition athletes to prevent injuries an rehabilitate athletes from injuries incurred;

• Encourage athletes to participate in volleyball alcohol- and drug-free;

• Make true claims about efficacy of care;

• Maintain knowledge and skills required for continuing professional competence;

• Maintain a professional relationship with athletes;

• Disclose to athletes any interest in commercial enterprises which the sports medicine support member or team promotes to athletes for the purpose of personal gain or profit;

• Provide services without discrimination based on race, sex, creed, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ability, or age;

• Provide confidentiality of records on athletes within federal and state status.

Spectator Code of Behavior

As a spectator, I will aspire to:

• Respect the rights of others and treat the visiting team and their spectators courteously;

• Attend age-group (5-18) volleyball events alcohol and drug-free;

• Abide by federal, state, and local laws while attending any match;

• Cheer positively for my team rather than against them or their opponents, using socially acceptable language;

• Respect the integrity and judgment of the officials without taunting or approaching them between games or at the end of a match;

• Applaud good performances by all teams;

• Use items to cheer with that are of a non-violent nature;

• Discourage all forms of violent behavior;

• Use only designated smoking areas that are clearly posted;

• Use litter receptacles to properly dispose of trash.

Officiating Team Code of Behavior

• As part of the officiating team (first referee, second referee, scorekeeper, line judge), I will aspire to:

• Maintain a dignified and professional appearance at all times;

• Devote time, thought, and study to the rules and mechanics to carry out the rules effectively;

• Maintain the appropriate credentialing as part of the officiating team;

• Display impartial, consistent, and courteous officiating behavior;

• Display quiet efficiency in the performance of officiating duties;

• Enforce rule modifications for those with special needs;

• Work with other officiating personnel as an officiating team;

• Accept officiating team feedback positively.

Administrator Code of Behavior

As an administrator, I will aspire to:

• Provide quality supervision and instruction by coaches who demonstrate qualities of hiring positive role models for youth in volleyball.

• Insist that coaches conduct themselves in a professional manner (according to USA Volleyball Coaches Codes of Behavior);

• Assist coaches in professional development to improve the standards of coaching;

• Provide visible security (Security should be equipped with radio equipment that permits communication at all times);

• Provide appropriate emergency and medical services at practices and matches;

• Provide equal opportunities and equal access for everyone to participate;

• Insist that unruly spectators be removed from premises;

• Follow the rules and regulations of USA Volleyball to ensure that the association's philosophy and objective are enhanced;

• Adjust the equipment, practice sessions, and matches scheduled based on the ability, maturity levels, ages, and special needs of the athletes involved;

• Develop programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play;

• Positively promote and publicize volleyball.

It is also the intent of USA Volleyball leadership to conduct its business with media and sponsor partners in the following manner:

Media Relationships

• Have respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth;

• Defend the principles of freedom in the honest collection and publication of news, and the right of fair comment and criticism;

• Use fair methods to obtain news, photographs, and documents as they relate to volleyball;

• Be aware of the danger of discrimination being furthered by the media and avoid facilitating such discrimination based upon race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, and national or social origins;

• Be aware of the differences in the rules of volleyball for all those who participate (e.g., Special Olympics (Unified), Sitting and Standing, Seniors, Juniors, Mixed Six);

• Minimize the impact of isolated incidents of inappropriate sporting behavior in volleyball.

Sponsor Relationships

• Use responsible advertising appropriate for age-group volleyball programs;

• Advertise to promote healthy lifestyles;

• Maintain reputable business practices involving labor laws, racial, and gender advancement;

• Treat other sponsors with respect by not degrading other competitive products;

• Provide positive support for volleyball by watching even if it is not the sport of choice;

• Fulfill the obligations to USA Volleyball as described in contractual agreements;

• Encourage the responsible use of products.

Coordinated by:

Darlene A. Kluka, Ph.D., Vice President, Member Relations and Human Resources (MRHR) Division; Peter J. Dunn, Associate Vice President, MRHR Division; Karen M. Johnson, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President, MRHR Division

Contributors:

University of Central Oklahoma Undergraduate Physical Education and Sport Program Students:  Brady Johnny Brown, Eric Clendening, Link Davis, Karrie Fletcher, Terry James, Charlie Kusiak, Jody Marple, Roy Martin, Jams McHargue, Eddie Prince, Gina Pryor, Darren Richardson, Lindy Roberts, Lance Robinson, Jeri Schaben, Jeni Scott, Jamin Swanson, Derek VanHorn, Robert Waller, Arelyn Whited, Kelli Willingham; Grambiling State University Graduate Sport Administration Program Students:  Tracie Cain, Perry Culverson, Jr., Ronald Davis II, Le Melle Frazier, Harold Hill, Jr., Gwaylon Gilbert, Enoch Jackson, Aaron Livingston, Natasha Mandigo, Myesha Mebane, Willie Norwood, Jr., Kimyetta Whorton, Jan'l Wilson. All USA Volleyball Member Organizations, and specifically: Dick Jones, YMCA of the USA; Annette Lynch, Melissa Ganley, and Darlene Kluka, Special Olympics International; Sandy Vivas, AmericanVolleyball Coaches Association; Geri Polvino, National Association for Girls and Women in Sport (NAGWS/AAHPERD); Susan True, National Federation of State High School Associations; Debbie Hunter, John Kessel, USA Volleyball Staff.

Resources:

American Volleyball Coaches Association, Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct (1996)

Australian Sports Commission, Aussie Sport Codes of Behaviors. (1995).

Martens, R, & Deefeldt, V. (Eds.), (1987).Guidelines for Children's Sports. Reston, VA: AAHPERD.

NAGWS Volleyball Rules. (1997-1998).

SEC.   Sportsmanlike Conduct.   (1996).

Texas Department of Health.   (1996).   Athletic Trainers General Requirements and Guidelines.

USA Volleyball, Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct. (1996).

USA Volleyball Rules.   (1997-1998).

USOC, Coaching Ethics Code. (1995)

YMCA of the USA, Officials' Code of Ethics. (1997)

Discussion with:

Central Hockey League, Eureka Junior/Senior High School Athletics, Department, Eureka, KS; Moore High School Athletics Department, Moore, OK; Professional Golf Association; United States Golf Association; University of Oklahoma Office of Athletic Directors; USA Volleyball Executive Committee, USA Volleyball Executive Council; USA Volleyball Group A, B, C, E, and F Member Organizations through MRHR Division leadership; Group D through Vice President Bonbright; Juniors Division through Vice President Pingel.