ATHLETES, PARENTS, SPECTATORS, SPORTS MEDICINE SUPPORT TEAMS, OFFICIALS, ADMINISTRATORS, MEDIA, AND SPONSORS
(Initial Draft, May 19, 1997; Second Draft, March 1, 1998)

University of Central Oklahoma Undergraduate Physical Education and Sport Program Students:
Brady Barnes, Johnny Brown, Eric Clendening, Link Davis, Karrie Fletcher, Terry James, Charlie Kusiak, Jody Marple, Roy Martin, James McHargue, Eddie Prince, Gina Pryor, Darren Richardson, Lindy Roberts, Lance Robinson, Jeri Schaben, Jeni Scott, Jamin Swanson, Derek Van Horn, Robert Waller, Arelyn Whited, Kelli Willingham

Grambling State University Graduate Sport Administration Program Students:
Tracie N. Cain, Perry A. Culverson, Jr., Ronald C. Davis II, LeMelle Frazier, Harold H. Hill, Jr., Gwaylon D. Gilbert, Enoch T. Jackson, Aaron Livingston, Natasha L. Mandigo, Myesha Earline Mebane, Willie Norwood, Jr., Kimyetta A. Whorton, Jan’l M. Wilson

STATEMENT:
We are committed to creating and upholding traditions of excellence through volleyball, focusing on responsibility and accountability. Based upon this commitment, we endeavor to adhere to the following Codes of Behavior:

ATHLETE CODE OF BEHAVIOR
As an athlete, I:
– will participate in volleyball alcohol- and drug-free;
– will use positive verbal and physical behavior, controlling temper and aggression;
– will give true information concerning another individual’s involvement in or knowledge of an incident relevant to a violation of the rules;
– will play by the rules of volleyball;
– will display fair play by treating all those involved in the match with dignity and respect;
– will treat others as I would like to be treated ;
– will work hard and honestly to improve performance and participation;
– will maintain a positive image of myself by participating for enjoyment.

PARENT CODE OF BEHAVIOR
As a parent, I:
– will be positive in attitude toward volleyball and emphasize the cooperative nature of the sport;
– will encourage hard work and honest effort that will lead to improved performance and participation;
– will encourage and respect referees and officials and their integrity;
– will encourage athletes to participate for their own enjoyment;
– will be supportive of all attempts to remove verbal and physical abuse from organized volleyball activities, including language;
– will meet the required administrative and programmatic rules if in some cases the athletes are not in the ability to do so;
– will protect athletes from sanctions and/or suspension by producing accurate documentation;
– will stay away from the playing area during the match;
– will applaud fair play during matches.

SPECTATOR CODE OF BEHAVIOR
As a spectator, I:
– will respect the rights of others and treat the visiting team and their spectators courteously;
– will abide by all applicable federal, state, and local laws while attending any match;
– will cheer positively for my team rather than against them, using socially acceptable language;
– will respect the integrity and judgment of the officials without taunting or approaching them between games or at the end of the match;
– will use only designated smoking areas that are clearly posted;
– will use litter receptacles to properly dispose of trash;
– will applaud good performances by both teams;
– will use items to cheer with that are of a non-violent nature;
– will discourage all forms of violent behavior.

SPORTS MEDICINE SUPPORT TEAM
As a sports medicine support team member, I:
– will represent professional qualifications or credentials;
– will encourage athletes to participate in volleyball alcohol- and drug-free;
– will work professionally to condition or rehabilitate athletes from injuries incurred;
– will make leading or true claims about efficacy of care;
– will maintain knowledge and skills required for continuing professional competence;
– will maintain a professional relationship with athletes;
– will disclose to athletes any interest in commercial enterprises which the sports medicine support member or team promotes to athletes for the purpose of personal gain or profit;
– will provide services without discrimination based on race, creed, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, ability, or age;
– will provide confidentiality of records on athletes within federal and state statutes.

OFFICIAL
As an official, I:
– will maintain a dignified appearance at all times
– will display impartial, consistent, and courteous officiating behavior;
– will display quiet effiency in the performance of officiating duties;
– will enforce rule modifications for those with special needs;
– will work with other officiating personnel as an officiating team
– will accept officiating feedback positively.

ADMINISTRATOR
As an administrator, I:
– will insist that coaches conduct themselves in a professional manner (according to USA Volleyball Coaches Code of Behavior);
– will provide visible security. Security should be equipped with radio equipment that permits communication at all times;
– will provide equal opportunities and equal access for everyone to participate;
– will insist that unruly fans be removed from the premises;
– will follow the rules and regulations of USA Volleyball to ensure that the association’s philosophy and objectives are enhanced;
– will adjust the equipment, practice sessions, and matches scheduled based on the ability, maturity levels, and ages of the athletes involved;
– will develop programs that encompass fairness to the participants and promote fair play;
– will positively promote and publicize volleyball;
– will provide quality supervision and instruction by coaches who demonstrate qualities of hiring positive role models for youth in volleyball;
– will assist coaches in professional development to improve the standards of coaching;
– will assist in the provision of appropriate first aid and injury treatment of volleyball athletes.

MEDIA
As a member of the media, I:
– will have respect for truth and for the right of the public to truth;
– defend the principles of freedom in the honest collection and publication of news, and the right of fair comment and criticism;
– use only fair methods to obtain news, photographs and documents as they relate to volleyball;
– be aware of the danger of discrimination being furthered by the media and avoid facilitating such discrimination based upon race, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, and national or social origins;
– be aware of the differences in the rules of volleyball for Special Olympics, Sitting and Standing volleyball and the reasons why people choose to play;
– provide coverage of all volleyball, including youth, Special Olympics, Sitting, Standing, and Seniors;
– minimize the impact of isolated incidents of inappropriate sporting behavior in volleyball.

SPONSOR
As a sponsor, I:
– will use responsible advertising appropriate for age-group volleyball programs;
– advertise to promote healthy lifestyles;
– will maintain reputable business practices involving labor laws, racial,and gender advancement;
– treat other sponsors with respect by not degrading other competitive products;
– provide positive support for volleyball by watching even if it is not the sport of choice;
– fulfill the obligations to USA Volleyball as described in contractual agreements;
– encourage not only athletes to use the product, but also spectators by encouraging the use of the product responsibly.

RESOURCES
American Volleyball Coaches Association, Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct. (1996).
Australian Sports Commission, Aussie Sport Codes of Behaviour. (1995)
Martins, R. & Seefeldt, V. (eds). Guidelines for Children’s Sports. Reston, VA: AAHPERD.
NAGWS Volleyball Rules. (1997-1998).
SEC, Sportsmanlike Conduct. (1996).
Texas Department of Health, Athletic Trainers General Requirements and Guidelines. (1996).
USA Volleyball, Coaches Code of Ethics and Conduct. (1996).
USA Volleyball Rules. (1997-1998)
USOC, Coaching Ethics Code. (1995).

Discussions with:
Central Hockey League
Eureka Junior/Senior High School Athletics Department, Eureka, KS
Moore High School Athletics Department, Moore, OK
Professional Golf Association
United States Golf Association
University of Oklahoma Office of Athletic Directors