Standards of Conduct
and
Code of Ethics
I.
Standards of Conduct
A.
Each member of the
TASO must avoid any action, whether or not specifically prohibited by this
code, which might result in or create the appearance of
1.
Using the TASO for
private gain.
2.
Giving preferential
treatment to any person.
3.
Losing complete
independence or impartiality.
4.
Making a TASO
decision outside official channels.
5.
Affecting adversely
the confidence of the public, schools, and universities in the integrity of the
TASO.
6.
Solicitation of, or
acceptance of any gift, favor, entertainment, meal, loan, or anything of value
from any person seeking contractual or other business with TASO and supporting
members.
7.
No member will engage
in criminal, dishonest, notoriously disgraceful or immoral conduct or other
conduct prejudicial to the TASO.
8.
No member will use
intoxicating beverages while engaged in officiating activities.
9.
Use of illegal drugs,
which may be grounds for removal from the TASO.
II.
Code of Ethical Conduct
A.
Each member of the
TASO shall
1.
Put loyalty to the
highest moral principles and to the TASO above loyalty to persons or individual
gains.
2.
Uphold the
Constitution, By-Laws, and legal regulations of the TASO and support members
therein and never be a party to their evasion.
3.
Never discriminate
unfairly by the dispensing of special favors or privileges to anyone, whether
for renumeration or not, and never accept, for self or family, favors or
benefits under circumstances which might be construed by reasonable persons as
influencing the performance of TASO duties.
4.
Make no private
promises of any kind binding upon duties of office, since an TASO member has no
private word which can be binding on public duty.
5.
Engage in no business
with non-members, either directly or indirectly which is inconsistent with the
conscientious performance of TASO principles.
6.
Expose corruption
whenever discovered.
7.
Uphold these
principles ever conscience that membership is a basis of human trust.
III.
Code of Ethics
A.
The official shall be
a member in good standing of his/her association each year.
B.
The official uniform
and patches as designated by each association shall be worn.
C.
No official shall
partake of any substance prior to officiating games which would impair his/her
physical or mental performance. An official shall not compromise the integrity
of the association while in uniform following a game.
D.
Every member’s
conduct, speech, and actions during or enroute to and from a game shall be
above reproach, and should always demonstrate the example of sportsmanship,
courtesy, and self-control.
E.
The official should
arrive at the game with sufficient time to inspect facilities and equipment,
discuss ground rules, instruct supplementary officials, and discuss any
pertinent information with the coaches.
F.
No official shall
criticize any other official or any individual association with the TASO in the
presence of coaches, players, spectators, or the news media before, during, or
after a game.
G.
No official shall
cancel one officiating assignment to accept another more advantageous
assignment.
H.
No official shall
fail to honor an officiating contract. Whenever it becomes unavoidably
impossible to fulfill an officiating assignment, the official involved shall
notify the chapter secretary or assignor in sufficient time that a replacement
may be obtained. If the cancellation occurs less than 24 hours before the
scheduled game time, the official shall recommend an available, qualified
replacement.
I.
No official shall
seek to influence a coach for the purpose of promoting personal officiating
opportunities.
J.
Every official shall
seek to possess and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of
the letter and intent of the playing rules and officiating mechanics.
K.
No official shall
solicit games unless he/she is operating as an individual contracting agent in
an area without an assigning secretary.
L.
No official shall
falsify records or reports for personal gain.
M. No official shall engage in scouting activities or engage in
conversation with coaches regarding officiating assignments.