Norcal Swim League – Code of Conduct
Purpose
The Norcal Swim League (NCSL) exists to give children an opportunity to learn, grow, and compete in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. The Code of Conduct ensures that swimmers, coaches, parents, and spectators work together to build a culture of respect, encouragement, and good sportsmanship. As required by the NCSL Bylaws Section 11.01, this Code of Conduct must be acknowledged and signed prior to participation in the League.
Standards of Conduct
For Swimmers
- Always try your best, whether at practice or a meet.
- Treat teammates, competitors, coaches, and officials with kindness and respect.
- Encourage fellow swimmers — celebrate effort as well as achievement.
- Follow pool rules and listen to instructions for safety.
- Never tease, bully, or put down another swimmer.
- Show respect for facilities and equipment.
For Coaches
- Make swimmer safety, enjoyment, and development the highest priority.
- Model patience, positivity, and fairness at all times.
- Give age-appropriate instruction that helps swimmers improve.
- Communicate clearly with swimmers and parents.
- Encourage teamwork, resilience, and confidence.
- Address unsportsmanlike behavior immediately and constructively.
For Parents/Guardians
- Remember that children participate for their own enjoyment — not yours.
- Applaud effort, improvement, and teamwork as much as wins.
- Respect coaches’ roles and avoid “sideline” coaching.
- Support officials’ decisions and encourage children to do the same.
- Address concerns privately and respectfully through the proper team or league channels.
- Help create a positive, welcoming atmosphere at practices and meets.
For Spectators and Volunteers
- Cheer in a supportive, positive manner for all swimmers.
- Avoid criticizing swimmers, coaches, or officials.
- Demonstrate sportsmanship at all times.
- Follow meet rules and pool facility policies.
- Remember that volunteers, officials, and coaches give their time to benefit the children.
Prohibited Behaviors (including but not limited to):
- Bullying, hazing, or intimidation.
- Being abusive, threatening, or using inappropriate language.
- Disrupting or interfering with the conduct of meets or events.
- Destruction, theft, or breaking of facility rules.
- Willful negligence, cheating, breaking League policies / League bylaws.
- Arguing with or disrespecting officials, coaches, or League staff.
- Use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or drugs within the confines of a League event.
Enforcement and Recourse
- Concerns about conduct should be reported to the Head Coach (acting), League Rep / Director, Meet Official, or NCSL Board.
- All teams are required to expeditiously report alleged violations of Prohibited Behaviors listed above to the League Board of Directors for review.
- Reports will be reviewed discreetly and fairly and, if appropriate, be escalated to follow the procedures outlined in Bylaw Section 3.06
Possible Consequences for Swimmers
- Reminder/Warning: Coach reviews expected behavior with swimmer.
- Loss of Privilege: Temporary removal from event (heat, practice activity).
- Parent Meeting: Discussion with swimmer, parents, and coach about corrective actions.
- Suspension: Removal from practice(s) or meet(s).
- Expulsion: Removal from team or league in severe or repeated cases.
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Possible Consequences for Adults (Parents, Coaches, Spectators)
- Verbal Warning: Immediate correction at the event.
- Removal from Facility: Asked to leave a meet or practice.
- Written Warning: Documented notice from team or league.
- Suspension of Privileges: Loss of attendance or volunteer privileges for a set period.
- Expulsion: Removal of family or coach from league participation if behavior persists.
Acknowledgment
All swimmers, parents/guardians, and coaches must sign this Code of Conduct at the beginning of each season. By signing, they commit to upholding league values and creating a safe, fun, and positive experience for all swimmers.
**The League reserves the right to revise, amend, or update this Code of Conduct at any time, as deemed necessary to reflect current laws, best practices, or organizational needs. Any such modifications will take effect immediately upon publication or distribution to member teams, parents, and participants. Continued participation in League activities constitutes acceptance of the most recent version of this Code of Conduct.