Preamble
The Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association Code of Ethics is an earnest step forward in providing direction, positive promotion, and professionalism of the sport of wrestling. These ethical values will be present during practice, competition, and promotion of the sport with athletes, families, school, and the community. All wrestling coaches must be committed to exemplifying the life long values and lifestyle skills that result from participating in the sport of wrestling. 

Article One - Responsibilities to Participants

1. Coaches are role models and will set positive examples for athletes, parents, and spectators. A coach must be aware of the influence he has on his wrestler(s). All actions are expected to follow the rules of proper sportsmanship and respect the dignity of his wrestler(s), the opposition, and officials.
2. All coaching techniques and decisions will be within the rules of the game. Every effort must be made to abide by high principles that promote mutual respect between the coach, wrestler(s), and officials.
3. Coaches will be committed to providing a safe environment for training, conditioning, and competition.
4. All coaches are expected to know eligibility rules and apply them uniformly.
5. Coaches will act as a role model to their wrestler(s), parents, and spectators and the respect and support officials before, during, and after a contest. 

Article Two - Risk Management:

1. Consult trained medical personnel when injuries take place. The directions of treatment of the physician or certified athletic trainer must be followed.
2. Acquire knowledge in the management of prevention, care, and treatment of athletic injuries and skin infections.
3. Promote, educate, and utilize the use of the weight management program for the benefit of fitness and well being of the student/athlete.

Article Three - Responsibility to the School

1. The wrestling coach is to adhere and promote institution policies, eligibility requirements, and amateur status to help in the development of student/athletes through participation in the sport of wrestling.
2. Prime consideration must be given to the academic performance of the student/athlete(s) of the institution.
3. The coach will present their institution’s best opportunity for success with the athletes that are available at the time of competition.
4. The coach is responsible for promoting a positive image for the program in the institution that they represent.
5. Coaches should help to improve school sportsmanship through working with the advisors to the cheerleaders and pep club. 

Article Four- Rules of the Game

1. The rules and sportsmanship suggestions in the National Federation Rule Book, WIAA Handbook, and WIAA Seasonal Regulations are an integral part of the code of ethics and must be communicated and promoted to the coaching staff, athletes, parents, and spectators.
2. Coaches and officials are required to attend WIAA Rules Interpretation Meetings and stay informed on rule changes. Wrestler(s) should be made aware how rules are interpreted. 
3. The coach will promote sportsmanship and respect for the opponent through teaching proper techniques consistent with guidelines provided by the National Federation.
4. Proper fundamentals, techniques and strategies, on mat communication, and sportsmanship will be promoted through maintaining high ethical standards in practice and competition.
5. Officials should be treated in a courteous manner and be provided a private room for meeting and dressing. Concerns about officials should be expressed to the WIAA in writing.
6. Public showing of video contradicting an official’s decision has no real value and is considered unethical. Quick decisions must be made during a match and officials will make the best decision at the time.
7. It is considered ethical to scout opponents only during competition or agreed upon scrimmages. The head coach is responsible for the actions of his scouts.
8. Video scouting is acceptable as long as it is done from the stands.

Article Five - Public Relations

1. The coach’s attire during dual meets and tournaments should promote the event at its highest level to help elevate the sport of wrestling in their community and at statewide events. A school adorned shirt or jacket and kakis or dress pants are suitable. These guidelines are reflective in the efforts that the NCAA recommends to their coaches to be worn on mat side during competition. T-shirts, Caps, worn out jeans, and worn out sweats are not recommended.
2. Use courtesy, honesty, and respect in all dealings with the media.
3. Before and after the dual meet, opposing coaches should meet and exchange greetings.
4. Coaches should instruct their wrestlers as to proper conduct when being interviewed by the media.
5. Professional, school, and family matters must be kept private.
6. It is ethical to limit all rewards, celebrations, etc. to the team and to respect the dignity of the opponent.
7. Comments about upcoming match(es), dual(s), and tournament(s) should be limited to promoting the contest.
8. The coach should limit his comments about the game to members of his team and encourage his wrestlers to do the same.
9. Coaches will maintain a level of professionalism that will transcend any reference to predicting outcomes or gambling.

The Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association is committed to the code of ethics. Our steadfastness will continue to move the sport of wrestling in Wisconsin to the forefront of the elite wrestling states in the nation. It is the responsibility of each one of us to be devoted to guiding our future at practice, in competition, and in our communities.