Student-Athletes Come First: This speaks for itself, but as a coach of a team and a leader of children, a coach always puts the needs of the student-athlete over his or her desire to win at all cost.

Doing The Right Thing: It sounds simple, but whether you like it or not, a coach is seen as a role-model through the eyes of players and students and it’s imperative to always do the right thing in all phases of life and to lead by example.

Respect:  Recognize the contributions that everyone else brings to a team, the coaching staff, your school, and your community.  This means showing sensitivity to others, having tolerance, patience, and concern for everyone, and acting with humility and kindness.

Excellence:  In addition to striving to win every game you play, coaches should strive to exceed the standards in all phases of life, both professionally and personally, and show players and students how to continuously work to set the standard for others in your community to follow.

Accountability:  It’s not just being accountable for your own actions as a coach, it’s teaching players to own their actions, admitting when mistakes are made, being honest with yourself and everyone around you.

Collaboration:  Build strong, lasting relationships with coaches, players, and members of your community.  It’s being willing to reach out to members of the coaching and teaching profession to continuously seek professional improvement and find better ways to serve and lead your student-athletes. 

Gratitude:  Maintain a spirit of thankfulness and appreciation to those who help support your program and your team, including assistant coaches, teachers, administration, boosters, parents, and volunteers. 

Innovation:  Be agile and adaptive to changes in your profession, stay on top of cutting edge methods while never forgetting your values and the basic fundamentals of the game.