- Behave in the same way that you want your players and fans to behave. If you pitch a fit about a bad play or a missed call and then blast one of your players for doing the same thing, you will be coming across as hypocritical and immature. Maintain your composure and encourage your team to do the same.

- Teach your team that sportsmanship should be a top priority. If they learn that they should always respect their opponent, then they will have that much more respect for you as a leader.

- Respect the decisions of the officials. Sometimes they are going to make bad calls and you are going to get upset, but don’t force the issue. Keep your cool and stay calm when you talk with the officials, and make sure to thank them for their work after the game.

- Treat opposing coaches with dignity and respect. Shake hands after the game with other coaches and congratulate individual players on the other team. Teaching your players to

appreciate and respect their competition will go a long way in helping them to become more well-rounded athletes and better people.

- Create a disciplinary code and stick to it. This is probably the most important and impacting thing a coach can do. Have a clearly outlined code of conduct that your players must follow, complete with all the rules for practice and competition. If they break a rule, don’t hesitate to deliver an appropriate penalty. Don’t show favoritism to any player or let anyone weasel out of a punishment. Show the team that you are serious and dedicated to their discipline and development as athletes, and hold them to a high standard of conduct.