Which practices support ethical leadership in coaching relationships?

• A. Maintain integrity and respect, set boundaries, protect confidentiality, avoid conflicts of interest, and follow governing body codes and policies
• B. Prioritize sponsor interests over athlete welfare
• C. Share confidential information freely
• D. Engage in favoritism to certain players

Answer: (A)

Ethical leadership in coaching means acting with integrity and professionalism in every interaction with athletes. Maintaining integrity and respect, setting clear boundaries, protecting confidential information, avoiding conflicts of interest, and following governing body codes and policies together create a safe, fair, and trustworthy environment. Integrity means being honest and consistent in actions; respect ensures athletes are treated with dignity and autonomy; clear boundaries protect safety and prevent boundary violations; protecting confidentiality builds trust and protects privacy; avoiding conflicts of interest keeps decisions focused on athlete welfare rather than personal gain; and following codes and policies ensures decisions align with established standards and professional requirements. Prioritizing sponsor interests over athlete welfare undermines protection and trust; sharing confidential information freely breaches privacy and can harm athletes; and favoritism erodes fairness and team culture.