Roles and Responsibilities 

Foothills Area Swimmers strive to be positive team members in and out of the pool. Most importantly, swimmers should always remember that they represent the YMCA and the Foothills Area Swim Team. Their words and actions reflect not only on themselves but on their teammates, parents, coaches, and the YMCA. With the guidance of coaches and parents, swimmers are expected to demonstrate the YMCA’s character development traits of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. 

Focus on Team 

Individual achievements are important but supporting others and working together toward a common goal raises everyone’s performance level. Furthermore, shared experiences are more fun and exciting than individual ones. Together Everyone Achieves More. 

 

Act, Think, Look, and Talk Positively 

Attitudes are contagious so make sure that yours is worth catching. Every member of a team contributes to the overall team experience. Help make ours AWESOME! 

 

Take responsibility for your belongings, words, actions, and swimming. Attend practice regularly. Be on time and remember all equipment (cap, goggles, suit, towel, etc.) Don’t blame others when things don’t go your way. Excuses satisfy only the person who makes them. Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Athletes with good sportsmanship habits earn the respect of their competitors and gain pride and confidence in themselves. Loud, emotional, or rude displays are inappropriate, regardless of the reason. Always think before you speak or act. Remember that you represent the YMCA - at the pool and away from it. 

 

Show respect 

The best way to gain respect is to show respect. Allow others to share their opinions and ideas freely. Follow rules set forth by coaches and officials. Do not talk while others are talking, and don’t talk back to coaches or officials. Refrain from speaking or acting negatively toward other swimmers, teams, coaches, or officials. Do not misuse or abuse property - in YMCAs, at meets, in restaurants, etc.

 

Be Honest

Do not lie. Refrain from gossip (which often involves at least one untruth). Do what you think is right, not just what is popular. Give an honest effort toward achieving your stated goals. Communicate with coaches regarding anything that might affect your performance, or the team. 

 

Code of Conduct 

As representatives of the Foothills Area YMCA Swim Team swimmers are expected to speak and behave in a manner that is respectful, responsible, honest, and caring. If each swimmer is mindful of these traits, appropriate conduct should never be an issue. These guidelines are to be followed by Foothills Area YMCA swimmers at all practices, meets, and other team functions. Special activities, such as team travel trips, require adherence to additional activity- specific conduct guidelines. 

The following behaviors are not acceptable

Unsportsmanlike conduct - taunting, teasing, or speaking negatively about teammates, competitors, officials, or coaches. - Use of inappropriate, strong, or vulgar language or gestures. - Lying, deceit, dishonesty. - Littering, abuse, or misuse of equipment, furniture, or other items of property. 

 

The first violation will receive a verbal warning. The second will result in dismissal from the practice, meet, or team function where the violation was made. The third violation will result in suspension from the team for a period of time that will be determined by the swim team director. A fourth violation will cause the removal of the swimmer from the program. Parents will be notified at each step. 

 

The following actions will not be tolerated

Verbal or physical abuse toward others. Theft of any kind. Vandalism or any destruction of property, public or private. - Use of tobacco products or other illegal substances. - Consumption of alcoholic beverages or other illegal substances. - Sexual activity 

 

Coaches 

Coaches occupy a unique place in a swimmer’s life - part parent, part teacher, part friend. Foothills Area YMCA coaches take these roles seriously and strive to be good role models, leaders and listeners. Coaches:

  • instruct swimmers in all aspects of the sport: technique, training methods, mental preparation, competitive strategy, etc.
  • offer encouragement, constructive criticism, and honest assessments with suggestions for improvement
  • demonstrate and encourage values and behaviors consistent with the principles of the YMCA
  • lead the team at competitions
  • make decisions about group placement, meet opportunities, and events for swimmers (based on a number of factors and with the interest of the swimmer in mond)
  • communicate with swimmers and parents about plans, issues, and philosophy within the program.

Note: parents are welcome to offer suggestion on events, but coaches have final say so on all events for meets. 

Points to Keep in Mind

Individual swimmers develop at different rates. This fact alone may cause stress for swimmers and external pressure cannot quicken or slow the pace of natural development. Excessive pressure can, however, contribute to burnout. - Coaches, swimmers, and parents are human. Mistakes are inevitable. The most productive response is to admit them, excuse them, and move on. Grudges help no one. - Let the coach’s coach, let the swimmers swim, let the parents support. - The process, not the awards, is the most valuable part of competitive swimming. The friendships, lessons, skills, and memories gained from participating in the sport and the team last forever. They help create a healthy, happy and strong person. - As stated before, parents, swimmers and coaches may not always agree but honest and open communication maintains mutual respect and a positive relationship.