1. Purpose and Scope
This Code defines the professional and ethical standards expected of CPSC and CSTO candidates from the moment you apply through the life of your credential. It applies to conduct on the platform, in coaching settings, and in any representation of your credential to the public.
2. Safeguarding Athletes, Especially Minors
- Two-deep leadership: avoid being alone with a minor athlete. Coach in observable, interruptible settings.
- Physical contact is limited to what is necessary and appropriate to demonstrate technique, and never initiated without the athlete's knowledge and parent/guardian consent where required.
- Communications with minors use parent-visible channels (parent copied on email; team-approved apps; no private DMs).
- Abuse reporting: suspicions or disclosures of abuse are reported to the appropriate authority without delay and in accordance with local mandatory-reporting laws.
3. Background Checks and Candidate Vetting
Every CPSC candidate must complete a criminal background check as a condition of certification. Candidates initiate the check through an approved third-party vendor (currently Sterling or Checkr) during the application window. A credential will not be issued, and an existing credential may be suspended, if a disqualifying result is returned.
- Scope: multi-jurisdiction criminal records, national sex-offender registry, and identity verification. International candidates are checked against equivalent national registries where available.
- Disqualifying conduct includes any offense involving violence, abuse, or exploitation of a minor; any felony conviction within the preceding ten years; and any open warrant or pending charge of a comparable offense. Other findings are reviewed case-by-case.
- Renewal: a refreshed background check is required every three years as a condition of credential renewal, or sooner if WSV has cause.
- Candidate responsibility: candidates must report any new criminal charge or conviction to certification@whitesportsventures.com within 14 days. Failure to disclose is itself grounds for revocation.
- This does not replace parent diligence. Parents are encouraged to request proof of current certification, confirm the credential ID on our public registry, and ask for the coach's own proof of insurance and references. CPSC is one layer of trust, not a substitute for your own.
4. Player Welfare and Safe Training
- Design sessions that match the age, stage, and readiness of the athlete. Avoid early specialization beyond evidence-based norms.
- Respect load-management, heat/cold/air-quality, and return-to-play guidelines. Never coach an athlete through a suspected head injury.
- Hold current first-aid/CPR certification appropriate to your jurisdiction.
5. Honesty and Integrity
- Represent your own qualifications, experience, and credential status accurately. Do not imply that CPSC endorses any product, club, or person other than yourself.
- Submit only original work for quizzes, assignments, and the capstone. Do not use another person or automated system to complete graded work on your behalf.
- Do not share, publish, or sell curriculum, rubrics, or scenario-based prompts outside the Service.
6. Respect and Non-Discrimination
Treat athletes, families, peers, reviewers, and staff with dignity. Do not discriminate or harass on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic. Retaliation against anyone who raises a good-faith concern is itself a violation of this Code.
7. Conflicts of Interest
Disclose any relationship that could bias your recommendations — for example, a financial relationship with a club, equipment brand, or recruiting service you refer athletes to. Transparency protects families and protects your credential.
8. Privacy and Confidentiality
Treat athlete and family information as confidential. Obtain consent before posting images or footage of athletes publicly, especially minors. Store parent contact information and medical disclosures securely.
9. Business Practices
- Use written agreements that clearly describe fees, cancellation, and refund terms.
- Honor commitments to athletes and families. Give reasonable notice before ending a coaching relationship.
- Do not poach athletes from colleagues through coercion or misrepresentation.
10. Representing the Credential
You may describe yourself as “CPSC-certified” only while your credential is active. Upon expiry, suspension, or revocation you must stop using the mark. Do not alter the credential badge or imply a higher tier than you hold.
11. Reporting Violations
If you witness or experience a violation, report it to certification@whitesportsventures.com with the subject line “Code Report.” Reports may be made in good faith without fear of retaliation. Reports involving immediate safety risk should also be directed to local authorities.
12. Consequences
Violations may result in a written warning, required remediation, suspension, or revocation of the credential. Serious violations — particularly those involving athlete safety — may additionally be reported to clubs, leagues, or licensing authorities. Credentials revoked for cause are flagged permanently in the public verification registry.
13. Acknowledgment
By applying for or holding a CPSC or CSTO credential, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to uphold this Code of Conduct. This Code is a living document; we will update it as the Standard evolves, and active candidates will be notified of material changes.