NIAAA Code of Ethics

Why does the NIAAA have a Code of Ethical and Professional Standards for athletic administrators?

The athletic administrator is an educational leader who oversees one of the most visible and scrutinized aspects of the school community. Athletic administrators also understand that athletics are an extension of a dynamic educational program.

As a result, this Code of Ethics serves as a guide to support the day-to-day decision-making of an athletic administrator. It clarifies the mission, values and principles of education-based athletics and how they translate into everyday decisions and actions.

The Interscholastic Athletic Administrator:

• Develops and maintains a comprehensive athletic program which seeks the highest development of all participants, and which respects the individual dignity of every athlete.
• Considers the well-being of the entire student body as fundamental in all decisions and actions.
• Supports the principle of due process and protects the civil and human rights of all individuals.
• Organizes, directs and promotes an interscholastic athletic program that is an integral part of the total educational program.
• Cooperates with the staff and school administration in establishing, implementing and supporting school policies.
• Acts impartially in the execution of basic policies and the enforcement of the conference, league and state high school association rules and regulations.
• Fulfills professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity.
• Upholds the honor of the profession in all relations with students, colleagues, coaches, administrators, and the general public.
• Improves the professional status and effectiveness of the position through participation in local, state and national in-service programs and conferences.
• Promotes high standards of ethics, sportsmanship and personal conduct by encouraging administration, coaches, staff, student-athletes and the community to commit to these high standards.