CIC Coaching Principles & Ethics 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A coach discovers that an athlete has been taking a banned supplement without the coach's knowledge. What is the most ethically appropriate first step?
- Immediately report the athlete to the athletic director without discussion
- Privately discuss the situation with the athlete and educate them on the risks and rules (Correct answer)
- Ignore the situation if the athlete is a key contributor to the team
- Punish the athlete publicly to deter others from doing the same
Correct answer: Privately discuss the situation with the athlete and educate them on the risks and rules
The ethical approach is to first have a private, educational conversation with the athlete about the dangers and rule violations before escalating.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes the concept of 'athlete-centered coaching'?
- Focusing primarily on winning championships to benefit the athletes' futures
- Prioritizing the long-term development, wellbeing, and autonomy of athletes over wins (Correct answer)
- Giving athletes complete control over all team decisions including strategy
- Centering the coach's personal philosophy above all other considerations
Correct answer: Prioritizing the long-term development, wellbeing, and autonomy of athletes over wins
Athlete-centered coaching prioritizes the holistic development and wellbeing of the athlete above short-term performance outcomes.
Question 3: A rival coach approaches you before a championship game and offers to share confidential scouting information about a mutual opponent. What should you do?
- Accept the information since it is legal to share
- Decline, as using improperly obtained confidential information is unethical (Correct answer)
- Accept only if the information is offered voluntarily
- Report it only if your school has a specific policy against it
Correct answer: Decline, as using improperly obtained confidential information is unethical
Accepting improperly shared confidential scouting information violates fair play principles and coaching ethics regardless of legality.
Question 4: When is it appropriate for an interscholastic coach to form a personal social media connection (e.g., friend/follow) with a current athlete?
- Whenever the athlete initiates the request
- Only when the coach has known the athlete for more than one season
- Generally never, to maintain professional boundaries and protect both parties (Correct answer)
- Only with parental permission obtained verbally
Correct answer: Generally never, to maintain professional boundaries and protect both parties
Best practice dictates coaches avoid personal social media connections with current athletes to maintain professional boundaries and prevent boundary violations.
Question 5: A coach wants to motivate athletes through fear of punishment and public humiliation. This approach most directly conflicts with which ethical principle?
- Institutional loyalty
- Athlete dignity and respect (Correct answer)
- Program competitiveness
- Financial responsibility
Correct answer: Athlete dignity and respect
Using fear and humiliation violates the ethical principle of treating all athletes with dignity and respect.
Question 6: Which scenario best illustrates a conflict of interest for an interscholastic coach?
- Coaching a sport the coach played in college
- Selecting their own child for the starting lineup based solely on personal preference, not merit (Correct answer)
- Attending a coaching clinic during the off-season
- Establishing team rules with input from athletes
Correct answer: Selecting their own child for the starting lineup based solely on personal preference, not merit
Selecting one's own child for preferential treatment based on personal bias rather than merit is a classic conflict of interest.
Question 7: The NFHS Code of Ethics requires coaches to prioritize which of the following above all else?
- Community reputation of the school
- The physical and emotional wellbeing of student-athletes (Correct answer)
- Winning records and playoff appearances
- Parental satisfaction with playing time decisions
Correct answer: The physical and emotional wellbeing of student-athletes
The NFHS Code of Ethics places the physical and emotional wellbeing of student-athletes as the highest priority for coaches.
CIC Coaching Principles & Ethics 2
A coach discovers that an athlete has been taking a banned supplement without the coach's knowledge.
What is the most ethically appropriate first step?