Ethical Decision-Making: What Would You Do? (Part Five)

Introduction

As a hockey coach, you are constantly making decisions that impact not only the game but also your players’ development, team culture, and personal integrity. Some choices are straightforward, while others place you in challenging ethical dilemmas where emotions, team success, and fairness all come into play.

In this fifth installment, we’ll present six more real-world scenarios that test your ability to lead with integrity. Once again, ask yourself: What would I do?

Scenario 1: The Rival Coach's Mistake

The Situation

During warmups before a big game, you notice that the opposing team has mistakenly dressed an ineligible player. Their coaching staff is unaware of the error, and if you say nothing, they could face a penalty or even a forfeit if the mistake is discovered later. Do you point it out now, or wait and let the officials catch it?

Ethical Considerations

• Sportsmanship vs. Competitive Advantage: Should you capitalize on an opponent’s mistake?

• Coaching Integrity: Would you want another coach to do the same if the roles were reversed?

• League Reputation: How would this impact your standing in the hockey community?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Inform the opposing coach before the game starts.

• Option 2: Say nothing and let the officials handle it.

• Option 3: Report it to the officials immediately.

Discussion

While some might argue that gamesmanship means taking advantage of any opportunity, ethical leadership values fairness and integrity. Informing the other coach not only builds respect but also upholds the integrity of the game.

Scenario 2: The Benched Player's Parent

The Situation

You recently made the tough decision to bench a player for repeated lack of effort in games and practices. After practice, the player's parent waits for you outside the rink and aggressively confronts you, claiming you’re “ruining their kid’s future.” They demand that their child gets more ice time or they will escalate the situation to the organization’s board.

Ethical Considerations

• Coaching Autonomy vs. Parental Influence: Should a parent have this level of influence over coaching decisions?

• Team Standards vs. Individual Demands: Would changing your stance send the wrong message to the rest of the team?

• Professionalism and Conflict Resolution: How do you de-escalate the situation while standing your ground?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Stick to your decision and calmly explain the reasoning.

• Option 2: Give in to avoid further conflict.

• Option 3: Offer a compromise, such as a private meeting with the parent and player.

Discussion

While it’s important to communicate openly with parents, allowing them to dictate coaching decisions undermines your authority and sets a bad precedent. Keeping firm but professional boundaries ensures respect and consistency in your coaching.

Scenario 3: The Player With a Bad Attitude

The Situation

A talented player on your team frequently complains, argues with teammates, and disrupts practices. Their skills are undeniable, but their attitude is toxic. They’ve had multiple warnings but continue to show disrespect. Cutting them would send a message, but it would also weaken your team significantly.

Ethical Considerations

• Talent vs. Team Culture: How much should skill level factor into disciplinary decisions?

• Impact on the Team: What message does allowing this behavior send to other players?

• Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Will keeping them cause more harm than good in the long run?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Cut the player and reinforce team culture.

• Option 2: Give them a final warning with clear consequences.

• Option 3: Allow them to stay but with reduced ice time as a consequence.

Discussion

Toxic attitudes can destroy a locker room. While skill is important, accountability and team-first mentality should always take priority. A final warning with strict expectations might offer a last chance, but enabling bad behavior is never a good long-term strategy.

Scenario 4: The Favor for a Former Player

The Situation

A player you coached last season is struggling to get recruited by a junior team. A coach from another organization reaches out for a reference. The player had talent but was lazy and uncoachable. However, if you give them a strong recommendation, they might get a second chance to develop in a better environment.

Ethical Considerations

• Honesty vs. Second Chances: Should a player’s past define their future?

• Coaching Reputation: Will your credibility suffer if the player doesn’t live up to your recommendation?

• Player Development: Could a fresh start help the player grow?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Give a fully honest review, including their weaknesses.

• Option 2: Focus on the positives and let the new coach figure it out.

• Option 3: Decline to comment and let the player’s performance speak for itself.

Discussion

Honesty is important, but framing your response constructively can give the player a fair chance while maintaining your credibility. A balanced review—highlighting both strengths and areas for growth—is the best approach.

Scenario 5: The Game Misconduct Cover-Up

The Situation

One of your players receives a game misconduct for an aggressive hit. After the game, they ask you not to report it to the league because it could lead to a suspension, and they don’t want to miss an important upcoming tournament. The referees didn’t submit an official report, so technically, no one would know if you don’t file it.

Ethical Considerations

• Following the Rules vs. Protecting Your Player: Should you report an incident if no one else does?

• League Integrity: What message does covering up misconduct send?

• Accountability: Does letting this slide encourage reckless play?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Follow the rules and report the misconduct.

• Option 2: Keep quiet since no report was filed.

• Option 3: Privately discipline the player but avoid the official report.

Discussion

Integrity in coaching means holding players accountable, even when it’s inconvenient. Covering up misconduct teaches players that consequences can be avoided, which can lead to bigger issues down the road.

Scenario 6: The Unprepared Coach

The Situation

An assistant coach on your staff consistently shows up late, forgets to prepare for practices, and doesn’t engage much with the players. You appreciate their help and know they have a full-time job outside of coaching, but their lack of preparation is becoming noticeable to the players and parents.

Ethical Considerations

• Commitment vs. Reality: Should volunteer or part-time coaches be held to the same standards as full-time staff?

• Impact on the Team: How does an unprepared coach affect player development?

• Respect and Accountability: Will allowing this behavior cause resentment among other coaches and players?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Have a conversation and set clear expectations.

• Option 2: Accept their limitations and adjust responsibilities.

• Option 3: Let them go and find a more committed replacement.

Discussion

Coaching requires dedication, but different roles come with different expectations. A conversation about responsibilities and expectations may be enough to correct the issue, but if their lack of preparation continues to negatively impact the team, finding a replacement may be the best solution.

Conclusion: Coaching with Integrity

Every ethical dilemma a coach faces is an opportunity to reinforce values of fairness, accountability, and leadership. The best coaches don’t just teach hockey—they develop strong, principled young athletes who carry these lessons into life.

Before making a tough call, ask yourself:

✔ Am I being fair and consistent?

✔ What message does this decision send to my players?

✔ Am I prioritizing short-term success over long-term development?

✔ Would I stand by this decision if it were made public?

A great coach leads by example. So next time you face a difficult ethical situation, pause and ask yourself: What would I do?

Ed Garinger is a seasoned hockey coach, mentor, and educator with over two decades of experience. A native of the Bruce Peninsula, he played minor and junior hockey before earning his BA and BEd from Nipissing University, where he also competed in varsity volleyball and extramural hockey.

Coaching since age 14, Ed has balanced his teaching career with an extensive coaching and development portfolio, working with players at all levels. He has coached in the Provincial Junior Hockey League, led youth and high school teams, and served as a learning facilitator for the OMHA. His experience includes elite programs like the OHL/OHF U15 and U16 camps, U17 Regional Camps, and Hockey Canada’s Skills Academy.

A Hockey Canada HP1-certified coach, USA Hockey-certified coach, and Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), Ed is committed to ongoing professional development and continually seeks to expand his knowledge to better serve players and coaches. Now based in Orillia, he enjoys passing on his passion for hockey to the next generation.