As a coach you need to accept responsibility for the possible consequences if you engage in an intimate relationship with an athlete.  Your relationship with a player can have a significant impact on your family, team members, other coaches, athletes and on the sport's public image.

• Find out if your sport has a policy or regulation regarding intimate relationships between coaches and athletes.
• Avoid sexual relationships with athletes, regardless of the athlete's age, because there is always a risk that the relative power you have as a coach has been a factor in the development of the relationship. Other professionals who have responsibility for the physical and mental wellbeing of their clients, such as doctors and counsellors, work to similar ethical requirements.
• Discourage any attempt by an athlete to initiate a sexual relationship, explaining the ethical basis for the refusal.
• Do not hide the relationship or deny that it is occurring. In fact, it may be best to openly discuss the matter with those who may be affected.
• Never engage in an intimate or sexual relationship with a minor or athlete under the age of consent as this type of behaviour is illegal under the criminal law.