Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team

TEAM CODE OF CONDUCT POLICY

Athlete Code of Conduct

As an authorized representative of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team, Southern California Swimming LSC, and USA Swimming, I will comply with the following guidelines:

  1. The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco products or controlled substances by any athlete is prohibited.
  2. Team members and staff will attend all team functions including meetings, warm ups, practices, competitions, etc., unless otherwise excused or instructed by the Head Coach.
  3. Team members and staff will refrain from any illegal or inappropriate behavior that would distract from a positive image of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team, Southern California Swimming LSC, or USA Swimming or to be detrimental to its performance objectives.
  4. Team members will display proper respect and sportsmanship towards coaches, officials, administrators, fellow competitors and the public.
  5. Any additional guidelines for the team will be established as needed by the Head Coach and Board of Directors.
  6. I will behave in an exemplary manner.  The reputation of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team, as well as the other athletes with me, is dependent on my behavior.
  7. I will follow instructions at all times.
  8. I will pay attention and listen at all times.
  9. I will be punctual for all practices and meets.
  10. I will wear approved Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team swim caps and suits at meets.
  11. I will wear swim wear that is not offensive or revealing.
  12. I will seek permission of the coach to leave the pool or practice early.
  13. I will participate in clean up at meets, assist with lane line and pool covers at practice, and help with equipment storage as instructed by my coach.
  14. I will not use profanity (either by word or gesture).
  15. I will not bring gum or glass items on deck or in locker rooms.
  16. I will not be disrespectful to coaches, parents or other swimmers.
  17. I will not vandalize nor tolerate vandalism to property or equipment of any kind at our home pools or at away meets.
  18. I will not be disruptive at practice. (Cheating in practice can be considered a disruption of practice.) Continued disruptive behavior can be grounds for removal from the pool or suspension from practice.

Competition Code of Conduct

  1. Meet attendance and arrival/warm up times, which are set by the Head Coach, are to be strictly adhered to by all team members.
  2.  Team members are to check with the coaches prior to leaving a meet. Should it become necessary for a swimmer to leave early, his/her coach must be notified.
  3. Swimmers are required to meet their coach before and after each of their events.
  4. If a team member participates in a prelims/finals meet, it is the sole responsibility of the team member to check if they made it back to finals/consolations or as an alternate. They are required to report to the coach to declare their intent.
  5. In prelim and final meets, all swimmers who qualify to compete in the finals are expected to participate in the finals.
  6. Being selected to participate in a relay team is a privilege and an honor and should be treated as such. Relay teams are picked based on competitive swim times, however , conduct and attendance at practices and other team functions will be a factor in relay designations at the coaches discretion.
  7. All team members are expected to follow the team uniform policy. Be proud to wear your Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team team colors!  Every team member’s appearance shall be neat and appropriate at all times.
  8. Swimmers are expected to sit with the team and participate in all team meet activities and team meetings.
  9. Team members and parents are expected to display proper respect and sportsmanship toward coaches, officials, meet administrators, and fellow competitors. 
  10. As a matter of team pride and courtesy to the meet host, swimmers are expected to leave the Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team team are in a neat and clean condition at the conclusion of each session of the meet.
  11. All questions swimmers or parents may have concerning meet results, an officiating call, or the conduct of a meet, should be referred to the Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team coaching staff only. Our coaches, in turn will pursue the matter through appropriate channels.
  12. In accordance with the USA Swimming rules, parents are expected to remain in the spectator area and off the immediate competitive deck unless they are working the meet in an official capacity.
  13. All team members are reminded that when attending any team related activities or meets, they are expected to represent Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team in the upmost highest standards of the club.
  14.  Coaches will establish warm up times and team members are required to strictly adhere to them. Being prompt and on time is essential.
  15. Swimmers are to refrain from inappropriate physical contact.
  16. Team members are prohibited from scratching any events without first consulting their coach. If a team member scratches his/her event, then they will be scratched from the remainder of the meet. Fees and travel costs will not be reimbursed.
  17. Violations of these rules will result in disciplinary action, including being sent home from a meet at the expense of the swimmer’s family. 

Should I conduct myself in such a way that brings discredit or discord to Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team , Southern California Swimming LSC, or USA Swimming, I voluntarily subject myself to disciplinary action (See disciplinary code and procedures). Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team maintains the right to terminate any membership with or without cause in the interest of our vision, mission, and objectives

 

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent of a swimmer and member of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team, I will abide by the following guidelines:

  1. Practice TEAMWORK with all parents, swimmers, and coaches by supporting the values of DISAPLINE, LOYALTY, COMMITMENT, GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP AND HARD WORK.
  2. As a parent, I will not coach or instruct the team or any swimmer at a practice or meets (from the stand or any other area) or interfere with coaches on the pool deck.
  3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by conducting myself in a manner that earns the respect of my child, other swimmers, parents, officials and the coaches at meets and practices.
  4. As a parent, I understand that criticizing, name calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward the coaches, officials, and/or any participating swimmers will not be permitted or tolerated.
  5. Parents will refrain from any illegal or inappropriate behavior that would distract from a positive image of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team, Southern California Swimming and USA Swimming.
  6. Enjoy involvement with Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team by supporting the swimmers, coaches, and other parents with a positive communication and actions.
  7. Parents are to refrain from distracting the coach during team practice; including discussing upcoming meets, status of swimmer’s abilities, etc.  It is best to communicate after practice and/or through email.
  8. All communications with all Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team staff and team members is to be conducted respectively. While disagreements are inevitable, derogatory communications whether verbal or via email will not be tolerated.
  9. During competitions, questions or concerns regarding decisions made by meet officials are to be directed to a member of our coaching staff. Parents address officials via coaching staff only.
  10. Timing is a requirement when attending away meets, even when an assigned timing position may prove to be inconvenient; we as a team are responsible to fulfill this requirement.
  11. Pets are not allowed anywhere on the pool deck. Please keep in mind this is a health hazard and not intended to be discriminatory to our furry friends.
  12.  
  13. Maintain self-control at all times. Know my role:

 

i.Athletes- Swim

ii.Coaches – Coach

iii.Officials -Official

iv.Parents – Parent

  1. I will stay actively involved with Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team by supporting the swimmer, coaches and other parents with positive communications and actions.
  2. I will not undermine or interfere with the coach’s instruction of the team or swimmer at a practice or meets
  3. I will help with setting up the pool, breaking down the pool, help keep the deck clean, transport tarps to meets and help when asked to be an active team member.

Should I conduct myself in such a way that brings discredit or discord to Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team s, Southern California Swimming LSC, or USA Swimming, I voluntarily subject myself to disciplinary action (See disciplinary code and procedures). Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team maintains the right to terminate any membership with or without cause in the interest of our vision, mission, and objectives.

 

Disciplinary Code and Procedures

DISCIPLINE POLICY:

Disciplinary action on deck will be at the discretion of the coaches.  Any one or all of the following penalties may be applied: Extra Laps, Clean up duties, Push-ups, etc.  The swimmer will call a parent to come and pick up the swimmer from practice.  The parent MUST come inside the pool area to briefly talk to the coach and pick up the swimmer.  The swimmer will remain on deck after getting dressed in a location directed by the coach who issued the expulsion.  If the swimmer is unable to contact the parent, the swimmer will remain on deck until the end of practice and must inform his/her parents of the misbehavior.  The swimmer will not be allowed back to practice until the parent has talked to the coach.  If a swimmer constantly misbehaves, a meeting between the swimmer, parent’s, coaches and a Board Member will be arranged to discuss further action.  If a situation warrants, the Head Coach or other coaches (through the Head Coach) can suggest to the Board President that a swimmer be suspended from the team.

Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team Conduct Feedback Policy

Should it become reasonable and necessary for any Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team swimmer or parent to report conduct that is absolutely inconsistent with the Code of Conduct agreed to above, the procedure is as follows:

  1. Contact the Head Coach in private, preferably away from the pool and other swimmers or parents.
  2. Identify yourself and when the incident occurred as soon as possible (within 48 hours after its occurrence).
  3. Describe ONLY the events that you witnessed (observation made by sight and/or sound).
  4. Answer any questions the Head Coach may have about your observation, if any.

The Head Coach:

  • May instruct you that your input has been complete and appreciated.
  • May ask you to make a written report to the Board.
  • May resume without interest in consequences, if any.

Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team is established to promote the sport of swimming and in the process help to develop the character of the individual swimmers. For the orderly operation of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team certain rules and regulations and procedures for enforcing same must be established.

It is the expressed intention of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team to set forth procedures that will aid in identifying behavior the club finds undesirable and define a process for addressing an alleged occurrence.

Therefore, be it resolved that the following shall be the Disciplinary Code & Procedures for Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team:

This Disciplinary Code shall apply to all behavior occurring during or at an activity or function that is associated with Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team including but not limited to: swim practice, swim meets, team travel trips, team outings, or individual group outings and addresses objectionable behavior by members of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team occurring outside of club activities. The types of objectionable behavior shall be divided into three (3) classifications:

Class I

Shall deal with behavior that is considered very severe and disruptive, possibly life threatening and/or in direct violation of governmental laws. These are actions that are so detrimental that it is not desirable to have such a person associated with the team.

Class II

Shall deal with behavior that is considered disruptive; having detrimental effect on one’s self, other team members of the team, or the general public; causes significant damage to the reputation of the club and/or coaches; leading to the possible injury of self or other persons.

Class III

Shall deal with behavior that is somewhat disruptive; behavior that does not portray Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team in a good light; and other actions that are not in compliance for good behavior as a member of a team member or society in general.

 

Class I Objectionable Behavior:

Unacceptable behavior, including ,but not limited to: Sale or distribution of illegal drugs; conviction of a felony and/or fighting that results in the severe bodily injury of any person (regardless whether at a club activity or not).

               

Disciplinary Procedure:

  1. Board shall send notice of hearing to parent/guardian and swimmer via certified mail.
  2. Hearing before Disciplinary Committee consisting of 3 members of Board of Directors chosen by a majority of the Board with parent/guardian and swimmer being given the opportunity to be present; the facts shall be presented by the Board President or his/her designee; Head Coach shall be present in advisory role.
  3. Disciplinary Committee decision to be mailed to the parent/guardian and swimmer within one week via certified mail.

Recommended Discipline:

May result in membership termination or other action as determined by the Board of Directors. (Note: Termination will be at the expense of the swimmer’s family. There will be no refunds of monthly dues, commitment fees, etc)

Class II Objectionable Behavior:

Unacceptable behavior, including, but not limited to: Possession of illegal drugs, alcohol, or tobacco, theft, or significant vandalism. Derogatory communications (severe); including verbal or via email or text with any members of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team including Coach’s, Board Members, and other team members.

                Disciplinary Procedure:

  1. Board shall send notice of hearing to parent/guardian and swimmer via certified mail.
  2. Hearing before Disciplinary Committee consisting of 3 members of Board of Directors chosen by a majority of the Board with parent/guardian and swimmer being given the opportunity to be present; the facts shall be presented by the Board President or his/her designee; Head Coach shall be present in advisory role.
  3. Disciplinary Committee decision to be mailed to the parent/guardian and swimmer within one week via certified mail.

Recommended Discipline:

1st Offense- Suspension * for a minimum period of thirty (30) days of the swimmer’s season (these days may extend into the swimmers next season, if needed)

2nd Offense- Suspension * for a minimum period of sixty (60) days of the swimmer’s season (these days may extend into the swimmers next season, if needed)

3rd Offense- Shall be considered a violation of a Class I objectional Behavior and handled according to the disciplinary proceedings of Class I Objectionable Behavior.

 

*Terms of suspension will be spelled out by the Disciplinary Committee and must be adhered to by the swimmer and parent/guardian in order to be reinstated by the Committee at the end of the suspension period. During the periods of suspension, swimmers remain a member of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team and thereby all dues and fees are still due in full from the swimmer. The swimmer cannot be reinstated until any fees and/or dues that are in arrears are paid in full. Additionally, during periods of suspension, all volunteer work session requirements remain the responsibility of the swimmer and parent/guardian and any missed volunteer sessions will be charged in accordance with the then current Volunteer fee schedule. 9I.e. if a suspension occurs during a home meet, the swimmer and parent/guardian is still required to meet their volunteer and monetary obligations as assigned).

 

Class III Objectionable Behavior:

Unacceptable behavior, including, but not limited to : minor vandalism, being disruptive in practices or meets, abusive language or behavior, insubordination to members of the coaching staff, chaperones or others, littering, other acts of misconduct as determined by the coaching staff. Derogatory communications; including verbal or via email or text with any members of Murrieta Mako’s Swim Team including the coaching staff, board members and other team members.

        Disciplinary Procedure:

  1. Handled by the Coaching Staff (Parents will be involved if anticipated discipline will result in a suspension).

 

Exception: All derogatory communication violations under Class III will be handled by the Disciplinary Committee.

                Recommended Discipline:

                As determined by the Coaching Staff (including but not limited to, deck clean up duties, written essays, suspension from practice, and/or suspension from meet(s). Repeated Class III offenses may result in the offense being considered a Class II Objectionable Behavior.

During all investigations into allegations of Class I & II offenses, involving questioning or interviewing of the subject swimmer, a parent/guardian of such swimmer shall be present.