YUMA HEAT PHOTOGRAPHY POLICIES

Purpose
There has been much talk about whether it is safe to have images taken of children participating in sports. While the great majority of images are appropriate and are taken in good faith, it is a fact that images can be misused and children can be put at risk if common‐sense procedures are not observed.
 

Policies
1. The publishing of a photograph of swimmer under 18 either on a notice board or in a published article or video recording (including video streaming) of swimming competitions (“publication”) shall only be done with parents’ consent per the form link below.  Additionally, when submitting an application to the Yuma HEAT, a photography consent form will be included in the package and will be retained by the Yuma HEAT for record-keeping purposes.  See the link below.

/azheat/UserFiles/Image/QuickUpload/yuma-heat-photography-policy_085247.pdf

2. A parent or guardian has a right of refuse to have children photographed. The exercise of this right of refusal cannot be used as grounds for refusing entry into a swimming competition. Therefore, any photo that may go to press or on a notice board, be it through a member of the club or official photographer, should receive parental consent before publishing/displaying the photo, preferably in writing. The link for the "opt-in/opt-out" form is linked above.

In the case of open meets and other competitions where the host club has an official photographer present, all parents attending should be made aware of this in your meet information. If photos are to be published anywhere, the individual parent should be given the opportunity to withhold their consent. Their right to do so should be specifically drawn to their attention.

All photographs must observe generally accepted standards of decency in particular:

• Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity and not a sexualized image in a sporting context.
• Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a tornor displaced swimsuit.
• Photographs should not be taken from behind swimming blocks at the start of a race or exhibit a child climbing out of the swimming pool.
• Photographs should not be taken in locker‐rooms or bathrooms.

YUMA HEAT CODE OF CONDUCT - ATHLETE

Yuma HEAT is a swim club dedicated to instilling a life-long love of swimming and building a program thatis a regional and national leader. We promote excellence in training, team unity, character development,and family support. At Yuma HEAT, we work together to create a team where every swimmer has the opportunity to achieve their potential and compete at the highest level. To advance these goals, we require that all HEAT swimmers, parents, and coaches agree to abide by the following Code of Conduct:

• Swimmers shall be gracious in victory and dignified in defeat.
• Swimmers shall exhibit good sportsmanship and respect for themselves, their teammates and
coaches, the facility, and the club.
• Swimmers should be punctual and arrive on time for all practices and meets ready to apply
themselves and heed their coaches’ direction.
• Swimmers are expected to participate actively in team events, fundraising, and bonding
activities.
• Swimmers are expected to abstain from using alcohol, tobacco products, illegal substances, and
any other substances banned by USA Swimming.
• Swimmers will respect each other as well as their equipment. Anything that can be perceived as
bullying will not be accepted.

A swimmer who engages in theft, vandalism, abuse, harassment, or bullying in any form will be held accountable for their actions in accordance with USA Swimming’s Safe Sport policies. Penalties may range from a verbal warning to parental contact, removal from practice, and/or suspension or expulsion from the team.  Swimmer's may reference the Yuma HEAT Disciplinary Action Guidance for further details.

Swimmers who have concerns about any aspect of this code, or about the behavior of a coach or official, should first bring that concern to the attention of their squad coach. If the issue persists, it should be brought to the attention of the Head Coach. If the issue requires further escalation, it should be brought to the attention of the HEAT Board of Directors. Consistent and clear communication between swimmers, coaches, and team leadership is critical to the success of Yuma HEAT.

YUMA HEAT CODE OF CONDUCT - PARENTS

• Parents shall be positive role models for their children and exhibit good sportsmanship and respect for others.
• Parents shall cooperate with coaches, team members, opponents, and officials at all times.
• Parents shall leave all coaching and coaching decisions up to the coaching staff.
• Parents shall not undermine or contradict coaching decisions (i.e. event selection for meets, taper schedule, etc.).
• Parents shall assist the coaches in conducting effective practices by ensuring swimmers arrive and leave on time and bring the proper equipment.
• Parents will email and/or meet with coaches during normal business hours to discuss issues (e.g., between 8 am – 5 pm, Monday-Friday).
• Parents will refrain from interrupting or confronting coaches during practices or meets as our coaches need to be focused on the full team at that time.
• Parents will look for ways to get involved! Volunteer at meets, be an official, help to plan a fundraiser or social event. Most importantly, parents will support all coaches and swimmers.

As a Parent(s), I understand that issues concerning my swimmer(s) will be addressed and handled as necessary. I understand our coaching staff’s priority is to COACH, and they prefer not to discipline your child unless absolutely necessary. As a Parent, this is your responsibility.

Parents who have concerns about any aspect of this code, or about the behavior of a coach or official, should first bring that concern to the attention of their squad coach. If the issue persists, it should be brought to the attention of the Head Coach. If the issue requires further escalation, it should be brought to the attention of the HEAT Board of Directors. Consistent and clear communication between parents,
coaches, and team leadership is critical to the success of Yuma HEAT. Parents whose concerns are not managed according to these lines of communication should not expect a response.

YUMA HEAT CODE OF CONDUCT - COACHES

Swimmers and parents/guardians can expect, in return, that coaches will also abide by a Code of Conduct. All Yuma HEAT coaches agree to these principles and understand the potential consequences of failing to uphold them:

• Coaches shall model the gracious and dignified behavior they expect to see in their swimmers.
• Coaches shall follow sound principles of teaching, coaching, training, nutrition, rest, and prevention of injuries when planning practices and while coaching meets.
• Coaches shall provide and exhibit appropriate motivation and communication to encourage optimal performance and participation by athletes.
• Coaches shall treat all athletes and officials fairly and with respect.
• Coaches will be responsive and respectful in responding to the concerns of parents and swimmers, provided they follow the lines of communication laid out above.
• Coaches will refrain from using alcohol or tobacco while acting in any official capacity with athletes present.

YUMA HEAT SAFESPORT / CODE OF CONDUCT GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE

The Yuma Heat Grievance Procedure provides swimmers, parents, coaches, club leaders and employees a system to address and report grievances in a productive, systematic way. Following these Procedures provides the appropriate parties a means to properly investigate, intervene, and take disciplinary action when needed.  Please follow the link below as a reference for reporting a Safesport concern or as a guide in reporting a potential violation of the Yuma Heat Code of Conduct.

/azheat/UserFiles/Image/QuickUpload/yuma-heat-grievance-procedure_072635.pdf