NLSC Code of Conduct

Northern Lights Swim Club has adopted a Code of Conduct that includes every member and their guardians.  The following rules constitute the Northern Lights Swim Club’s Code of Conduct and are applicable to all club members and associated parents or legal guardians. Any use of the word “you” below shall be in reference to those individuals specified above.

  • Rule 1:  You shall pledge your support and commitment to the NLSC mission statement and accept your role as an ambassador for NLSC and USA Swimming.  Any actions taken by you that are determined to not be in support of this mission shall be declared a violation of the NLSC Code of Conduct. 
  • Rule 2:  You shall adhere to the USA Swimming Code of Conduct.
  • Rule 3:  You shall display good sportsmanship at all times.
  • Rule 4:  You shall not engage in any behavior that presents a safety hazard to you or others.
  • Rule 5:  You shall treat coaches, club officials, booster board members, and other swimmers with courtesy and respect.
  • Rule 6:  You shall not use threatening behavior and foul or abusive language towards coaches, club officials, booster board members and other members of the club.
  • Rule 7:  You shall not engage in or support those who gossip, those who make negative and/or derogatory comments and those who encourage divisiveness concerning the current and/or proposed policies and practices of coaches, club officials, booster board members and other members of the club.
  • Rule 8:  You shall adhere to all published NLSC policies.
  • Rule 9:  You shall adhere to all regulations that are established during or in support of team competitions.  
  • Rule 10:  You shall refrain from seeking a coach’s attention during practice or while a NLSC swimmer is competing, and from walking onto the pool deck during practice or at a competition for the sole purpose of engaging in a conversation with a coach.
  • Rule 11:  You shall abide by the “24-Hour Rule” when registering a complaint and utilize the appropriate channels of communication with regards to resolving this complaint, unless there is an immediate concern for the safety of an individual.  The purpose of this “24-Hour Rule” is to provide a cooling off period for concerned parties.
  • Rule 12: Swimmers shall not engage in any behavior involving the illegal use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs or controlled substances. This prohibition shall apply at all times.  (Please refer to NLSC’s substance abuse policy for specific disciplinary actions related to this area.)
  • Rule 13:  The design and execution of swimmer training and technique is in the purview of the NLSC coaching staff.  Parents and swimmers will not engage in coaching themselves, or other members of NLSC.  NLSC parents and swimmer will not seek coaching outside of the NLSC program without first getting permission from the NLSC coaching staff.

Violations of the Northern Lights Swim Club’s Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the team.  Actions taken by the NLSC Coaching staff may include, but are not limited to:

  • Written warning:  from coach/Head Coach detailing the infraction and future consequences pertaining to continued occurrence.
  • Suspension:  from club activities for an indeterminate time and a written warning from the coach/Head Coach detailing the infraction and future consequences pertaining to continued occurrence.
  • Dismissal:  from club activities, a refund of all unused dues and a written warning from the coach/Head Coach detailing the infraction and any possible actions present and/or future that may be taken by the dismissed member and/or by the club.

A special note regarding NLSC Code of Conduct rule 10:  It is the responsibility of NLSC to maintain the integrity of the pool deck during all NLSC functions.  The coaching staff is responsible for supervising club members at all NLSC functions and events. If an unfortunate accident were to ever occur, our insurance provider will do an investigation of the events leading up to the accident to determine compliance with all disclaimers.  It is clearly stated in that policy that only USA Swimming registered members are permitted to be on deck and in the pool during all NLSC functions and events.  If a non-member were involved in a function or event where an accident occurred, our insurance coverage would be void.  This includes a member or non-member distracting/diverting the attention of the responsible members of the coaching staff away from their supervision duties.