With all the scrutiny going on in presidential political circles these days, I thought today might be as good a time as any to discuss ethics and the high school coaching profession.

Probably no more scrutiny is offered in public education than in the realm of coaching.

Let’s take a look at 10 ways to see if the coach is living up to the moral and ethical standards he or she should be.

1 – Is the coach talking to players who are currently enrolled in another high school about the possibility of a transfer to his or her own program?

According to Maine Principals’ Association guidelines, this is recruiting.

2 – Is the coach using parents, booster club members or other players to influence a player from another school to transfer to his or her program?

That, too, is recruiting, and it is against the rules, according to MPA standards.

3 – Does the coach view making all squad members feel the same as an important aspect of his or her job?

Far too many coaches treat the star players better than the others. This can lead to squad problems, which can disrupt the flow of the season.

4 – Does the coach believe that it is important to keep players active – game or meet active – as a top job?

One of the toughest jobs for a head coach is fully utilizing the team he or she has selected.

5 – Does the coach tell his or her team that sportsmanship is the most important variable to the program?

If not, things can unravel quickly.

6 – Does the coach talk about game officials or specific meet referees in front of the squad?

Treating game officials fairly is important.

7 – By the same token, does the coach talk about opposing coaches in a negative way in front of the team?

Being a true professional involves not criticizing other members of the profession.

8 – Does the coach exhibit the same exemplary personal behavior away from the field of play that he or she does under all those watchful eyes?

Longevity in coaching occurs in large part due to personal habits. Coaches need to be made aware that they are always the center of attention whether they like it or not.

9 – Does the coach encourage his or her staff to move up the coaching ladder if they choose to do so?

Encouraging professional improvement should always be a job of the wise and prudent coach.

10 – Is the coach a good school person? Does he or she care about the various goings-on around school?

A good coach participates in as many other extracurricular activities as possible, proving beyond a shadow of a doubt that he or she cares about the school.

There they are.

Guidelines for ethical success. They come in all shapes and sizes, and being a good coach is not always about winning and losing.

30-Second Time Out

Two old coaching colleagues and friends checked in this week, longtime John Bapst athletic director Mike Thomas and former Brewer and Central High of Corinth coach Tim Furrow, to discuss columns written by this old coach.

Thomas, best known for his boys basketball coaching work at Washburn and Central, does yeoman-like service for the Crusader program at Bapst, while Furrow is best remembered for his championship softball teams and his basketball and football officiating.

These two guys represent the best there is in high school athletics.

bdnsports@bangordailynews.net