Coaching: there is more to it than ever

A trainer or coach was once someone who helped an athlete perform better. Today the role is broader, in martial arts too. A modern coach often also guides the athlete in dealing with commercial interests, professionalisation and the temptation of performance-enhancing substances. The Beroepscode NLcoach (NLcoach professional code of conduct) was developed to provide guidance in this.

Trainers and coaches, whether paid or volunteer, must repeatedly determine their position towards the athlete and the athlete's environment. The professional code helps in establishing norms and values. It was drawn up in close consultation with experienced trainers and coaches from various branches of sport.

The professional code sets out rules of conduct and recommendations. It is a quality test for the practice of the profession. It provides a justification for professional conduct. It makes clear to athletes what they may expect from their coach. It also offers guidance, protection and the possibility of expressing criticism in an appropriate manner.

The starting points are:

• The rights of the athlete.
• Relationships within and outside sport.
• Working conditions and professional standards.

Trainers and coaches are expected to safeguard the integrity of athletes. They must shape their relationships with athletes (and others) with integrity, based on openness, honesty, mutual trust and respect. Finally, trainers and coaches must uphold the standards of their profession.

Reading and agreeing to the Beroepscode NLcoach is a condition for obtaining the Keurmerk Vechtsportautoriteit (the Vechtsportautoriteit quality mark). Read the Beroepscode NLcoach (pdf) here if you are active as a trainer or coach, or want to become one.