Declaration of Policy:
Schools have entrusted us to assist the in the educational development of their youth through athletics. The proper operation of such a process requires that officials be independent, impartial and responsible with the people they interact. These instructions are with both the public and fellow officials. The purpose of the code of Ethics is to establish guidelines for ethical standards of conduct for all officials. The Code of Ethics does not exhaust the moral and ethical considerations of professional behavior and attitude. Compliance with this Code of Ethics depends primarily upon understanding and voluntary compliance, secondarily upon reinforcement by peer and public opinion, and finally, when necessary, upon enforcement through disciplinary proceedings.
Affirmations:
1. I devote time, thought and study to maintain the highest standards of our sport. I strive to perform in as professional a manner as possible:
• by acting within the governing rules and mechanics of competition
• by acting in a spirit of good sportsmanship
• by having a protective rather than punitive attitude toward enforcement of the rules
• by being impartial
• by maintaining my focus on observation, not expectation, not anticipation, not preference
• by insuring the conditions of a competition are fair and equitable for all participants.
1. I strive to work with fellow officials in a spirit of harmony and cooperation. I am respectful and courteous of others, cognizant that differences of opinion and interpretation may occur. I critically evaluate my performance after each competitive session as a step toward improvement and growth.
2. I resist every temptation and outside pressure to use my position as an official to benefit myself. Under all circumstances, I avoid promoting the special interests of any person or group of persons other than the athletes we serve. I recognize that it is important to honor contracts regardless of possible inconvenience or financial loss.
3. I do not use illegal or recreational drugs or alcohol immediately before, during or immediately after any competition session where I am working or in attendance as an observer.
4. I have not engaged nor will I ever engage in any behavior that utilizes the influence of my position to encourage inappropriate sexual intimacy with any minor, any athlete, any coaching staff or any facility staff.

2/27/2004