When I coach a student, here is what I commit to my tennis students.

 

COMPETENCE - I will strive to maintain high standards of excellence serving as a coach. I will recognize the boundaries of my particular competencies and the limitations of my expertise. I will provide only those services and use only those techniques for which I am qualified by tennis education, training, or experience. In those areas in which my personal knowledge does not exist, I will exercise careful judgment and take appropriate precautions to protect the welfare of those with whom I work, the athlete.

 

INTEGRITY - I will seek to promote integrity in the practice of tennis coaching. I will be honest, fair, and respectful of players and others. I will strive to be aware of my own belief systems, values, needs, and limitations and the effect of these with whom I work. I will avoid improper and potentially harmful dual relationships.

 

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY - I will uphold the standards of conduct, clarify the roles and obligations, accept appropriate responsibility for behavior, and adapt my methods to the needs of different athletes, volunteers, and participants. I will consult with, refer to, or cooperate with others to the extent needed to serve the best interest of their athletes or other recipients of their services. My moral standards and conduct are personal matters to the same degree as is true of any other person, except when my conduct may compromise my coaching responsibilities.

 

RESPECT FOR PLAYERS AND DIGNITY - I will respect the fundamental rights, dignity, and worth of all participants. I will be aware of cultural, individual, and role differences, including those due to age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, disability, language, and socioeconomic status.

 

CONCERN FOR OTHERS’ WELFARE - I will seek to contribute to the welfare of those with whom I interact. In my actions, I will consider the welfare and rights of their athletes and other participants. When conflicts occur among my obligations or concerns, I will attempt to resolve these conflicts and to perform my role in a responsible fashion that avoids or minimizes harm.

 

CONCERN FOR LIFE SITUATIONS - I will remember that a player's life does not revolve around tennis and I will show grace and mercy in regards to reschedules or absences due to challenging life situations and higher priorities.