What factor most affects the deterrent value of coaching ethical codes?

• A. There is no enforcement
• B. There is clear expectations and strong enforcement
• C. There is ambiguity in rules
• D. There are many pages in the document

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that deterrence from a coaching ethics code relies on people clearly understanding what is allowed or forbidden and believing that violations will be noticed and punished. When there are explicit, unambiguous expectations and the code is backed by consistent, credible enforcement, individuals perceive a real chance of sanctions if they violate the rules. That certainty of consequence reduces the temptation to act unethically because the cost of getting caught is tangible. If enforcement is weak or absent, the rules lose their bite and people may disregard them. Ambiguity in the rules makes it unclear what constitutes a violation, which weakens deterrence because people aren’t sure what to avoid and sanctions feel arbitrary. Simply having a long document doesn’t make a code more deterrent; it’s the combination of clear expectations and strong, visible enforcement that strengthens the deterrent effect.