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The Code of Ethics of the women’s college golf coaching profession sets forth the principles and standards of coaching and represents the aspirations of all members of the WGCA. Ethics are defined as principles for right action. These principles are not laws but standards and are intended to guide women’s college golf coaches individually and collectively in maintaining the highest professional level of ethical conduct. 

Coaches are accountable to the highest standard of honesty and integrity. All practices should be consistent with the rules of the game and the educational purposes of the institution.

Coaches are responsible for following all NCAA rules when recruiting prospective student-athletes and require that athletes and teams under their direction do the same.

Coaches observe the letter and intent of the rules of the sport and insist that athletes and teams under their direction do the same.

Coaches clarify in advance and act in full accordance with institutional, conference and nationally governing body rules while avoiding actions that may violate the legal and/or civil rights of others.

Coaches are responsible for assisting athletes in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills of golf as well as promoting desirable personal and social traits in athletes under their direction.

Coaches treat all persons with dignity and respect providing a model of fair play and sportsmanship.

Coaches have a primary concern for the health, safety and personal welfare of each athlete. The athlete's education is also held foremost.

Coaches perform their duties on the basis of careful preparation, ensuring that their instruction is current and accurate. They use practices for which they are qualified and continually acquire new knowledge and skills.

Coaches accurately represent the competence, training and experience of themselves and their colleagues.

Coaches honor all professional relationships with athletes, colleagues, officials, media and the public. They avoid conflicts of interest and exploitation of those relationships, especially by outside parties.

Coaches have an obligation to respect the confidentiality of information obtained from persons in the course of their work.

Coaches take an active role in the prevention and treatment of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.

Coaches carry out all obligations of employment contracts, unless released from those obligations by mutual agreement. When considering interruption or termination of service, appropriate notice is given.

Implementation

The Code of Ethics will be used as a condition of membership in the Women’s Golf Coaches Association. All members will be provided a copy of the Code as a part of the membership application. By paying membership dues, coaches are acknowledging having read the Code and are agreeing to abide by the principles within the Code of Ethics.

Enforcement

The coaches of the colleges, universities and institutions that are members of the WGCA are also members of governing organizations for those schools (NJCAA, NAIA and NCAA). The enforcement of a violation of the Code of Ethics will be executed by the rules, regulations and procedures of the governing organization.