Sportsmanship & Ethics Policy

Sportsmanship and Ethics Code of Conduct

The King’s College Athletic Department does not condone or ignore unsportsmanlike or unethical conduct by student-athletes, coaches, spectators, administrators, or staff. As a Christian college, student-athletes, coaches, and fans are expected to reflect what we believe in our actions and words.  

What is Sportsmanship?

• Sportsmanship is the golden rule of athletics – treating others as you wish to be treated.

• Sportsmanship is respect – respect for others and one’s self.

• Sportsmanship is a demonstration of generosity and genuine concern for others. It is a concrete measure of the understanding and commitment to fair play, ethical behavior, and integrity.

• Sportsmanship is a blend of applause for your team and for your opponents, observing the letter and spirit of the rules, and showing consideration for others.

• For a coach, sportsmanship may be accepting a questionable call without protest.

• For a student-athlete, it may be extending a helping hand to an opponent who is down.

• For a spectator, it may be cheering for one’s team when it loses, and applauding the opposing team when it wins.

• For an official, it may be showing restraint when verbally accosted by coaches, athletes, or spectators.

• Sportsmanship encompasses all that which is good in human nature.

• Sportsmanship is citizenship in action.

 *Adapted from Florida High School Athletic Association

 

Codes of Conduct

Coaches’ Code of Conduct

• Win and lose graciously.

• Praise athletes for skill and effort when they deserve it.

• Set a good example. It is okay to lose a game if your team played its best.

• Make sure your team is aware of your expectations regarding sportsmanship.

• Teach players to honor rules of the game at all times.

• Foster respect among athletes for referees and opponents.

• Continue to learn about coaching principles and the physical, mental, and emotional development of young people.

• Discipline students for unsportsmanlike behavior.

• Treat opponents as guests at home events.

• Publicly shake hands with the officials and the opposing head coach before the contest.

• Congratulate the opposing coach and team after the contest.

• Demand a sports environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.

• Do not exert pressure on faculty members to give student-athletes special consideration.

• Treat the media graciously and do not disparage your team or the opposing team.

 

Student-Athletes’ Code of Conduct

• Win and lose graciously.

• Understand that you are an ambassador for your school. Others will base their impressions of your school on your behavior and attitude.

• Treat opponents as you would like to be treated.

• Refrain from disrespectful behavior, such as taunting, trash talking, and other forms of intimidation. Refrain from denigrating others based on race, ethnicity, religion, age, disability, political commitments, sex, gender, or socioeconomic status.

• Greet opponents graciously and wish them good luck. After the game, shake hands with opponents and congratulate them.

• Only the captain should communicate with the official regarding clarification of a ruling.

• Avoid the use of profanity and/or obscene gestures.

• Do not engage in or incite any kind of physical confrontations.

• Play with your best effort.

• Be a team player.

• Do not argue with officials or complain about calls.

• Control your temper and do not retaliate when you feel wronged.

• Accept accountability for your actions.

*Adapted from Florida High School Athletic Association

 

Parents’ Code of Conduct  

• Understand that you are an ambassador for your school. Others will base their impressions of your school on your behavior and attitude.

• Applaud good plays by the opposing team as well as your own.

• Set a good example by displaying good sportsmanship.

• Never ridicule or yell at a player for making a mistake or losing a game.

• Do not publicly question a referee’s judgment or integrity.

• Be a fan, not a fanatic.

 

Spectators’ Code of Conduct

• Treat all players, coaches, officials, and opposing fans as you would like to be treated.

• Understand that you are an ambassador for your school. Others will base their impressions of your school on your behavior and attitude.

• Understand that attending a sporting event is a privilege and not license to verbally or physically attack others.

• Use discretion in cheering.

• Respect the game and learn the rules.

• Model sportsmanship for your school and community.

• Cheer your team and do not jeer opponents.

• Cheer good plays by either team.

• Keep things in perspective. These are college students playing a game, not professionals. This is supposed to be a fun experience for them and you.

• Do not throw items of any kind onto the playing surface.

• Censor fellow spectators who display negative behavior.

• Show respect for an injured athlete, regardless of which team s/he plays for.

• Do not applaud errors by opponents or penalties inflicted on them.

• Do not heckle, jeer, or distract members of the opposing team.

• Respect the judgment and strategy of the coach. Do not second-guess.

• Avoid profanity and obnoxious behavior.

*Adapted from Florida High School Athletic Association

 

Hazing and Personal Abuse

The King’s College Athletic Department does not tolerate hazing. Hazing includes:  

• Any action that inflicts, or intends to inflict, physical or mental harm.

• Activities that demean, degrade, or disgrace any person, regardless of location, intent, or consent of participants.

• Any action or situation that intentionally or unintentionally endangers a student seeking admission or affiliation with a student organization or team.

Student-athletes or spectators who violate the Sportsmanship and Ethics Code of Conduct will be subject to discipline by the Athletic Department and/or The King’s College Honor Council, which could include suspension from practices and/or games, removal from the team, developmental sanctions, removal from housing, educational programs, fines, disciplinary probation, suspension, or expulsion from the College. The King’s College Student Handbook reads, "The College’s approach to discipline, shaped by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is redemptive; we purpose to help students restore a right relationship with God and with one another. Even when consequences are assigned, the goal is always restoration and moral development." The King’s College Athletic Department is committed to helping students cultivate sportsmanship and ethical behavior on and off the field.