Code of Ethics

1. General Corporate Practices

WWMAA will conduct business honestly and ethically wherever it operates. Members and leaders are expected to uphold high standards of personal integrity and avoid illegal or unethical conduct.

Key Expectations

• Avoid conflicts of interest between personal interests and the interests of WWMAA and its membership.
• No bribes, kickbacks, or improper remuneration to influence business activity.
• Safeguard proprietary, confidential, and business-sensitive information.
• Report information accurately and honestly.
• Gather competitor intelligence only by legitimate means.
• Obey Equal Employment Opportunity laws; act with respect in all dealings.
• Maintain personal balance so personal life does not interfere with quality services.
• Disclose unethical, dishonest, fraudulent, or illegal behavior to management.

2. Teacher-Student Relationship Standards

WWMAA's ethics standards for teacher-student relationships are intended to protect the welfare and rights of those served by coaches and instructors.

General Principles

3. Ethical Standards

These standards apply to the professional activities of all coaches and instructors.

• Provide services only within education, training, and supervised experience; seek study before using new techniques.
• Stay aware of current professional information; maintain competence.
• Do not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, language, socioeconomic status, or any basis proscribed by law.
• Do not engage in sexual harassment or other demeaning harassment.
• Take reasonable steps to avoid harm; do not misuse authority to require activities that may cause physical damage.
• Avoid relationships likely to impair objectivity or exploit others.
• Do not exploit athletes; do not engage in sexual or romantic relationships with athletes or others under your authority.
• Clarify compensation and billing early; do not misrepresent fees.
• Avoid false or deceptive statements about training, credentials, affiliations, services, or fees.

4. Training Athletes

• Discuss the nature and anticipated course of training early, including fees and confidentiality where applicable.
• Answer questions and avoid misunderstandings; provide written information when possible.
• Avoid sexual intimacies with current athletes; avoid coaching athletes with whom sexual intimacies have occurred.
• Support drug-free sport; discourage alcohol and tobacco in conjunction with events; forbid alcohol use by minors.
• Provide organized, scheduled training; plan for interruptions of services.
• Terminate services when no longer beneficial or when harm is occurring, and facilitate transfer when needed.

5. Training Supervision

• Ensure training programs for other coaches are competently designed and accurately described.
• Present information accurately and objectively; avoid demeaning conduct.
• Establish an appropriate process for feedback and evaluation based on established program requirements.
• Honor commitments made to athletes.

6. Resolving Ethical Issues

• Be familiar with the Ethics Code; lack of awareness is not a defense.
• When uncertain, consult with the WWMAA Ethics Committee.
• Attempt informal resolution when appropriate and when it does not violate athlete rights.
• Report unresolved or serious issues to the Ethics Committee or Board of Governors.
• Cooperate with ethics investigations and proceedings; failure to cooperate is itself an ethics violation.
• Do not file frivolous complaints intended to harm others rather than protect the public.