CoSIDA Code of Ethics

This Code of Ethics applies to all CoSIDA members.  The Code is designed to be a useful guide for CoSIDA members as they carry out their daily duties and responsibilities.  This code is written to help the membership anticipate and deal with ethical issues that arise in the day-to-day operations of their positions.  This is meant to be a living document that will be massaged throughout the life of the organization.

The College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) is committed to the ethical discharge of their jobs in dealing with the public, the media and the Universities that they serve.

The reputation of the membership and the organization as a whole depends upon the proper ethical conduct of all individuals related to the organization.  We must set an example for each other, as well as other professionals, by our constant pursuit of the ethical standards of performance, professionalism and conduct.

The CoSIDA Board of Directors retains the right to bar members from functions, membership and events or expel individuals for actions in violation of this Code or CoSIDA by-laws.

Ethical practice should be everyone’s utmost concern within the day-to-day activities for the members.  This Code has been put in place in order to assist the membership with this pursuit.  Members that do not wish to uphold this standard should not be part of CoSIDA.  Membership in CoSIDA is a privilege, not a right.

Statement of Professional Values

CoSIDA presents these core values of the organization for its membership as an industry standard for professional practice in the field of sports information.  These are fundamental beliefs that we find as a basic guide for our day-to-day decision making process and are vital to the entire integrity of people in the areas of collegiate sports public relations/communications/media relations and information.

Advocacy
*Those professionals in the areas of collegiate sports public relations and communications serve the interests of the various entities by acting in a professional manner.

Honesty
*Collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals must adhere to the highest standard of accuracy and honesty in representing their interests to the public.

Expertise
* Collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals must make themselves available to become acquainted with the latest technology.
* Collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals must build expertise through understanding and creating relationships among a wide variety of constituents.

Independence
* Collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals are to be held accountable for their actions and be ready to give counsel when needed.

Loyalty
*While holding the best interest of the public in mind, collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals remain faithful to those we represent.

Fairness
* Collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals deal fairly with media, student-athletes and the public, respecting all opinions and their right of free expression.

Freedom and Disclosure of Information

Core Principle
While keeping in mind the principle of staying loyal, collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals must keep in mind the free flow of accurate and truthful information at all times.

Intent
*Maintain integrity and create honest relationships with colleagues, coaches and media.
*To provide advice and aid in the decision-making process.

Guidelines
*Provide the integrity of communications process with accuracy and honesty
*Act promptly to correct false reports
*Avoid Deceptive practices

Examples of Improper Conduct
*Using your position to obtain gifts in exchange for information—dealing with media outlets, other schools, coaches, or gambling entities.

*Disseminating information that becomes detrimental to others’ careers or reputations.

*Knowingly release information that is wrong or giving misleading information—publicly or privately.

*A member deceives the public through the use of technology—adding fans in empty stands, doctoring pictures, etc.

Safeguarding Confidences; Avoiding Conflicts of Interest

Core Principle
Professional trust requires appropriate protection of confidential and private information.  In order to build the confidence of the media, public and community, collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals must avoid real, potential or perceived conflicts of interest.

Intent
To instruct members on the importance of keeping and safeguarding the privacy of student-athletes, coaches and others connected to the day-to-day activities of the profession and avoid conflicts that may be perceived wrong.

Guidelines
*Loyalty to the athletic administration, coaching staffs are imperative.  No confidence should ever be violated, regardless of how insignificant it might appear.  Above all, avoid criticism of fellow staff members, university officials, media and colleagues.  Build a trust by avoiding a situation that may conflict with interest of the organization or one’s ethics.

*Act in the best interest of the employer.
*Disclose any existing or potential conflicts of interest immediately.
*Encourage others around you and other members to act accordingly.

Examples
*Supplying false information to the public, media or fellow member.

*Betraying a trust and supplying information in contrary to Privacy laws.

*A member represents a conflicting organization and uses the information to better his/her interests.

Enhancing the Profession

Core Principle
Collegiate sports public relations and communications professionals work constantly to strengthen the public’s trust in the profession.

Intent
*To build respect and credibility with the public, media and Universities for the profession of collegiate sports public relations and communications.

*Continually improve, adapt and expand the skills and knowledge to execute the duties of the profession.

Guidelines

A member shall,

*Acknowledge there is a sincere obligation to protect and enhance the profession.

*Remain informed and educated about practices in the profession to ensure ethical conduct.

*Always be mindful of the fact that members represent an institute or organization of higher learning and the conduct should be of utmost importance.

*Continually enhance the professional development.

*Uphold the statutes of this Code.

*Mentor and aid other members about the Code and responsibilities.

*Report ethical violations when appropriate.

Examples of Improper Conduct
*Participation in organized gambling activities.
*Cheering for one’s team should not occur.

CoSIDA Code of Ethics Expectations

This Code of Ethics has been written and adopted by the CoSIDA Board of Directors in order to inform all of expectations and responsibilities when becoming a dues paying, active member of the organization.  As stated in this Code of Ethics, the CoSIDA Board of Directors retains the right to bar members from functions, membership and events or expel individuals for actions in violation of this Code or CoSIDA by-laws.