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

Introduction

Every hockey coach, at some point in their career, will face ethical dilemmas that challenge their values, decision-making skills, and leadership. These scenarios often don't have clear right or wrong answers—just different perspectives, consequences, and lessons to be learned.

In this fourth installment, we explore six more ethical dilemmas that coaches face. Once again, ask yourself: What would I do?

Scenario 1: The Overaged Player

The Situation

You receive a call from a talented player’s parent asking if their child can play on your team. The problem? The player is slightly older than the league’s age limit. The parent argues that their child missed a year due to injury and should be allowed to compete. You know the league doesn’t check birth certificates unless someone complains.

Ethical Considerations

• Integrity vs. Team Success: Is bending the rules justified if it helps the team?

• Fairness to Other Players: Is this fair to teams following the age rule?

• Potential Consequences: What happens if the league finds out?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Follow the rules and deny the request.

• Option 2: Allow the player to join and hope no one notices.

• Option 3: Ask the league for an official exception.

Discussion

While the player’s situation may be unfortunate, rules exist for a reason. Allowing an overaged player could give your team an unfair advantage and set a bad precedent. The ethical choice is to follow the league guidelines or pursue an official exception.

Scenario 2: The Parent-Volunteer Conflict

The Situation

One of your team’s parent-volunteers helps with off-ice tasks but is becoming increasingly vocal about coaching decisions. They question your lineup, complain about ice time, and loudly voice opinions to other parents. You appreciate their help but worry their behavior is causing division within the team.

Ethical Considerations

• Respect vs. Authority: How much influence should parent volunteers have?

• Team Culture: Is this undermining your role as the coach?

• Conflict Resolution: How should you handle this without creating more drama?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Have a private conversation with the parent about boundaries.

• Option 2: Remove them from their volunteer role.

• Option 3: Ignore the situation unless it worsens.

Discussion

Parent involvement is valuable, but clear boundaries must be maintained. Addressing the issue privately and professionally ensures the parent understands their role while maintaining team unity.

Scenario 3: The “One More Shift” Injury Request

The Situation

During an important playoff game, one of your star players takes a hard hit and appears dazed. The team trainer suspects a concussion and recommends they be removed from the game. The player insists they feel fine and begs for one more shift. The parents also pressure you, arguing that their child is tough enough to play through it.

Ethical Considerations

• Player Safety vs. Competitive Edge: Should you risk their long-term health for short-term gain?

• Responsibility as a Coach: Are you prepared to make an unpopular decision for the right reason?

• Medical Expert vs. Player Feelings: Who should have the final say?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Follow the trainer’s recommendation and pull the player.

• Option 2: Let the player take one more shift and reassess.

• Option 3: Leave the decision to the parents.

Discussion

Player safety must always come first. Ignoring concussion protocols can have serious long-term consequences. A responsible coach respects medical advice and enforces safety policies, even in high-stakes moments.

Scenario 4: The Disruptive Star Player

The Situation

Your best player is also your biggest problem. They constantly challenge authority, ignore team rules, and show poor sportsmanship, but they are a game-changer on the ice. Other players have started questioning why the star player gets away with things they can’t.

Ethical Considerations

• Talent vs. Accountability: Should a player’s skill level impact how they are disciplined?

• Locker Room Culture: How does this affect team chemistry?

• Long-Term Development: What lesson does this teach the player and the team?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Hold the player accountable like everyone else.

• Option 2: Give the player more chances due to their talent.

• Option 3: Work privately with the player to improve their behavior.

Discussion

Allowing a star player to break rules creates resentment and weakens team culture. While individual talent matters, team dynamics and discipline are equally important. Setting and enforcing clear expectations for all players is the best long-term approach.

Scenario 5: The Unprepared Backup Goalie

The Situation

Your starting goalie is injured, and the backup goalie has been missing practices and showing a poor work ethic. A forward on your team used to play goalie and volunteers to step in for the game. Do you reward the backup goalie with the start despite their lack of commitment, or go with the forward who might give you a better chance to win?

Ethical Considerations

• Commitment vs. Performance: Should playing time be based on effort or ability?

• Team Expectations: What message does this send to the rest of the players?

• Fairness to the Backup Goalie: Does benching them undermine their role?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Start the backup goalie despite their poor preparation.

• Option 2: Play the forward in net for a better chance at winning.

• Option 3: Split time between both players.

Discussion

Rewarding poor work ethic can undermine team culture. However, changing a player’s role mid-season can create chaos. The best approach may be addressing the backup goalie’s lack of preparation before making a decision.

Scenario 6: The Scholarship Lie

The Situation

A senior player on your team is hoping to secure a college scholarship. A scout reaches out for a reference and asks about the player's work ethic and leadership. You know the player is talented but has had commitment issues and a bad attitude in the past. If you’re completely honest, it might cost them the opportunity.

Ethical Considerations

• Honesty vs. Advocacy: Should you protect the player’s chances, or be fully transparent?

• Your Reputation with Scouts: Will your credibility suffer if you exaggerate?

• Long-Term Impact: Will misleading a scout help or hurt the player in the future?

What Would You Do?

• Option 1: Give an honest but balanced evaluation.

• Option 2: Only highlight the positives and let the scout figure out the rest.

• Option 3: Decline to comment.

Discussion

Coaches have a responsibility to be honest while also advocating for their players. A fair but balanced assessment—highlighting strengths and areas for growth—helps maintain credibility while still supporting the player’s aspirations.

Conclusion: The Role of Ethical Leadership

Each ethical dilemma a coach faces is an opportunity to reinforce the values of accountability, fairness, and integrity.

Before making a tough call, ask yourself:

• Am I prioritizing what’s best for the players, not just the team?

• What long-term impact will this decision have?

• Will I stand by this choice if questioned later?

• Am I leading in a way that builds trust and respect?

Great coaches develop athletes not just on the ice, but in character and decision-making. The way you handle ethical dilemmas shapes not just your team’s success, but the kind of people your players become.

So next time you're faced with a tough decision, take a deep breath 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.