Is There An Implied Player-Coach Confidentiality Code?

I was going to save this debate until I finished reading The Big Miss, but after Rick Smith's comments as quoted by Farrell Evans suggesting Hank Haney violated the "code of player-teacher confidentiality," we might as well chew the rag on this one.

First the key quote:

"I would rather be broke and not have a penny to my name before I violate the code of player-teacher confidentiality," Smith said. "In 27 years out here, I've never done that. I'm personally upset with Hank because he's broken and violated our code of ethics. If you have the opportunity and you're privileged to conversations, you will not and should not share anything from them with anyone. I don't care who it is.

Now, as far as I know, the PGA of America does not require a Hippocratic Oath be taken upon becoming a golf instructor, nor have I ever thought there was some sacred secrecy that is a part of instruction as is the case with lawyers or doctors. But it seems the consistent reaction to Haney so far has been one of indignation at violating this imaginary code.

I certainly understand where people like Smith are coming from, but it's the dramatic tone of the remarks in light of real world problems and real codes with actual consequences that seems to make the Haney bashing excessive. And in Haney's defense, his publisher has done a disservice to the book by letting the contents be revealed in a slow drip centering around the most salacious and personal observations. As you read the book, those elements certainly are there, but so is the sense that he's respectful, even in awe of his student and sharing history in a way that while revealing, is also so much less awful than the revelations that ensued after November 27, 2009.

Thoughts?