North Dade Dolphins – Coaches Code of Conduct

As a coach or team official with the North Dade Dolphins, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and leadership. By coaching in this program, you agree to the following Coaches Code of Conduct:

A. Uphold all rules, policies, and regulations of the North Dade Dolphins and the league in which we participate.

B. Ensure that every coach and team official has access to—and has fully read—all league and organizational rules.

C. Ensure that every player understands and follows the Players Code of Conduct.

D. Any coach or team official who knowingly allows an ineligible player to participate will be subject to disciplinary action from league leadership.

E. Any coach who has advance knowledge or strong suspicion of an ineligible player has an ethical obligation to report the concern immediately to program leadership.

F. Accept all decisions made by game officials as fair and made to the best of their ability.

G. Along with referees, coaches are jointly responsible for the behavior of fans and spectators.

If a spectator becomes disruptive or inappropriate, the coach is responsible for helping remove them from the area.

H. Coaches must remain within the designated coaching area and may not leave the sidelines to yell instructions.

I. Coaches may not criticize players in front of spectators or communicate frustration through loud or disrespectful gestures.

All constructive criticism must be delivered privately and respectfully.

J. Coaches may not criticize opposing teams, players, coaches, or fans—verbally or through gestures.

K. Coaches must refrain from the use of abusive, profane, or disrespectful language toward anyone at any time.

L. Coaches may not incite unsportsmanlike behavior.

Instructing players to harm or target another athlete is strictly prohibited.

M. Coaches must abstain from alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or any substance use on the field during practices or games.

N. Coaches must avoid running up the score.

If leading by 27 points or more, the starting backfield—including the quarterback, running backs, and wingbacks—must be removed, and all reasonable efforts must be made to control the score.

O. Coaches must ensure that no player participates in practice or games without proper and safe equipment.

P. Coaches must remove any player from practice or games if there is any doubt about their health or injury status until cleared by appropriate medical personnel.

Q. Coaches must ensure that football participation does not negatively impact a player's academic responsibilities.

R. Coaches may not solicit players from other organizations through calls, texts, emails, or personal visits.

Unsanctioned recruiting is strictly prohibited and subject to disciplinary action.