2008 Coaches Code of Conduct


(1) Not smoke or use smokeless tobacco on the field/cheering area.

(2) Not criticize players/spirit leaders in front of spectators, but reserve constructive criticism
for private or in the presence of the team players if others might benefit

3) Accept decisions of the game officials and competition judges on the field for being fair
and called to the best ability of said officials and competition judges.

(4) Not criticize an opposing team or squad, its players, team members, coaches or fans by
word of mouth or by gestures.

(5) Emphasize that good athletes strive to be good students and that both are physically and
mentally alert.

6) Strive to make every football and spirit leading activity serve as a training ground for life
and a basis for good mental and physical health.

7) Emphasize that winning of a game is the result of “teamwork.”

(8) Refrain from excessive “sideline coaching” and not leave the bench area to shout
instructions from the sidelines.

(9) Together with game officials be jointly responsible for the conduct and control of team,
squad, fans and spectators. Any fan who becomes a nuisance and out of control shall be
asked to leave.

(10) Refrain from using abusive and profane language before anyone connected with
the game.

(11) Refrain from “piling it on” as the phrase is used when the team gets a
Commanding lead and desires to raise the score as high as it can. In these
instances, every effort shall be made to let all players play.

(12) Not receive any payment in cash or kind for services as coach in Pop Warner
Football. This provision shall not apply to paid public employees who as
part of their duties coach as a team.

(13) Not permit or encourage “sweating down” tactics in order for a player to make
weight.

(14) Not permit an illegal player to participate in a game.

(15) Not deliberately incite unsportsmanlike conduct.

(16) Abstain from the drinking of alcoholic beverages or using any controlled
substance on both the game and practice fields.

(17) Remove from a game or practice any player when even slightly in doubt about
his or her health, whether or not as a result of injury, until competent medical
advise is available.

(18) Control your fans. Remember, as team coach, you’re responsible for your team,
and fan reaction will usually be in step with your reaction.

(19) Uphold all rules and regulations, National, Conference and local, regarding Pop
Warner Football.

(20) Not permit any player or spirit leader to ride in the back of a pick-up truck to or
from practice, games or fund-raisers.

(21) Coaches do not make team or Association policy. Rather, they carry rules out.
However, on the playing and practice fields, the coaching staff is in complete charge and shall
not be interfered with except in cases of rules violations and any other conduct deemed by higher
authority to be contrary to the welfare of youth.

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