Rules Compliance Program (RCP) Replaced COPE

By Traci Neely, Assistant Athletic Director | Monday, August 29, 2011 10:23 AM

RCP is COPE. Last school year, UIL launched the first version of RCP (Rules Compliance Program). It replaced COPE (Coaches and Officials Positive Expectations), a mandatory sportsmanship program for coaches. COPE no longer exists.

Junior high and high school coaches must complete the RCP each year before they have contact with their athletes.

The RCP was designed to provide coaches a simple, efficient method of meeting state law requirements for mandated safety training and steroid education. It also connects coaches with updated information that impacts their daily duties.

The safety training section is of the utmost importance this year. It includes current legislation and concussion protocols. Within the safety section, coaches will learn about UIL Implementation Guideline for Concussions and information on National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) suggested guidelines for Management of Concussions.

The RCP is an online educational course offered as a “one-stop shop” to ensure that coaches are prepared for the school year. It covers UIL policy, state law and sportsmanship content through various online modules, including written text and videotape, as well as audio media.

Coaches can register and complete the course at their own pace. All of the sections are followed by an interactive quiz. Coaches must receive a 70 percent passing rate in order to proceed to the next section.

The final portion has an acknowledgement statement, and coaches can print a completion certificate immediately.

School district personnel are responsible for maintaining a record of completion for all members of the coaching staffs.