CLUB POLICIES
Pemberton Volleyball Club
Coach Code of Conduct
1. Purpose
The role of a coach within Pemberton Volleyball Club (PVC) carries both privilege and
responsibility. Coaches serve as mentors, educators, and role models to athletes, parents, and the
broader community. This Code of Conduct establishes professional and ethical expectations
consistent with the standards set forth by Volleyball BC, Volleyball Canada, and the National
Coaching Certification Program (NCCP).
2. Professional Responsibilities
PVC coaches commit to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment that supports
athlete development and personal growth. Each coach agrees to uphold the principles of the
NCCP, Safe Sport, and the Responsible Coaching Movement (RCM).
Responsibilities:
- Prioritize the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of all athletes.
- Plan and deliver developmentally appropriate training aligned with Volleyball BC’s Long-Term
Athlete Development (LTAD) model.
- Maintain a professional appearance and attitude during all PVC activities.
- Communicate clearly and respectfully with athletes, parents, and officials.
- Actively promote the values of integrity, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
- Demonstrate fairness and consistency in coaching decisions and playing time.
- Refrain from favoritism, bias, or discrimination of any kind.
3. Certification & Continuing Education
All PVC coaches are required to maintain active NCCP certification appropriate to their coaching
level. Coaches must remain in good standing with Volleyball BC and complete all mandatory
training and background checks prior to working with athletes.
Requirements:
- Completion of NCCP modules, including Making Ethical Decisions, Safe Sport, and Design a
Basic Sport Program.
- Completion of Volleyball Canada’s Coach Education Pathway for the 15U Train to Train stage.
- Ongoing participation in professional development opportunities.
- Compliance with annual Vulnerable Sector and Criminal Record Checks.
4. Athlete Relationships & Boundaries
The coach–athlete relationship is based on trust, respect, and professional integrity. Coaches hold
a position of authority and must maintain appropriate boundaries at all times.
Guidelines:
- Maintain an Open and Observable Environment during all interactions (no closed-door
meetings, private communications, or unsupervised travel).
- Never engage in intimate, sexual, or suggestive behavior with athletes.
- Avoid physical contact unless necessary for safety, instruction, or comfort, and always with
consent.
- Refrain from using language or gestures that are profane, discriminatory, or demeaning.
- Communicate with athletes only through approved club channels.
5. Safe Sport & Responsible Coaching Movement
PVC coaches are leaders in promoting Safe Sport practices and must comply with Volleyball
BC’s Safe Sport and NCCP Code of Ethics guidelines.
Principles:
- Apply the Rule of Two: ensure that interactions with athletes occur in open, observable
environments with another screened adult present.
- Follow Volleyball BC’s reporting procedures for suspected misconduct, abuse, or harassment.
- Encourage athletes to speak up about concerns without fear of retaliation.
- Model the NCCP core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, and fairness.
- Refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, or any substances during all coaching duties or when
representing PVC.
6. Conduct During Competitions
Coaches represent PVC in all sanctioned competitions, practices, and public events.
Professionalism, respect, and composure are expected at all times.
Expectations:
- Demonstrate respect for officials and their decisions.
- Address disputes calmly and through proper channels.
- Refrain from public criticism of athletes, referees, or fellow coaches.
- Promote fair play and maintain focus on athlete development over results.
- Support a team-first mentality rooted in trust, discipline, and effort.
7. Confidentiality & Integrity
Coaches are entrusted with sensitive personal and medical information about athletes. This
information must remain confidential and only be shared with authorized personnel when
necessary for safety or administrative purposes.
Integrity means doing what is right even when unobserved. Coaches must:
- Report conflicts of interest immediately.
- Avoid relationships or transactions that may compromise impartiality.
- Handle all team funds, resources, and communications transparently.
8. Disciplinary Process
Violations of this Code of Conduct, NCCP standards, or Safe Sport policies will be reviewed by
the Club Director and may result in disciplinary action.
Possible actions include:
1. Verbal or written warning.
2. Formal meeting with the Club Director.
3. Temporary suspension from coaching duties.
4. Revocation of club coaching privileges.
5. Notification to Volleyball BC or Volleyball Canada if serious ethical or safety violations occur.