Berkeley Barracudas General Parent Rules

Swim Meets

  1. Volunteer Requirement: Parents are required to volunteer at the events we host. The revenue from these events helps prevent potential dues increases. Starting in the 2024-25 season, there will be a mandatory number of volunteer hours per family. If these hours are not met, your family will be charged.

  2. Adherence to Rules: Parents must follow all general meet rules as determined by USA Swimming and Safe Sport. This includes, but is not limited to:

    • Staying away from the starting blocks.
    • Not taking photos or videos behind the blocks.
    • Not communicating with coaches during the meets.
    • Not sitting with the team, at a minimum, at the Berkeley pool. Athlete accessibility at other pool locations will vary.

  3. Respect for Officials: Do not criticize or interrupt the officials. If you are not willing or able to volunteer as an official, please respect those who are contributing their time and effort.

Practice

  1. Seating Arrangements: Parents are welcome to sit in the large bleachers or in the chairs under the canopy by the diving well during practice. However, parents are strictly prohibited from being behind the blocks during practice or at the small bleachers when swimmers are starting from that end.

  2. Communication with Coaches: Do not interrupt practice to speak with coaches about your specific swimmer. Coaches are responsible for many swimmers during practice, and their attention needs to be on all participants. If you need to speak with a coach, please wait until after practice or, preferably, send an email or text before practice to arrange a meeting. The only exception to this rule is if the coach initiates the conversation with you.

Berkeley Barracudas Parents Code of Ethics

I hereby pledge to provide positive support, care, and encouragement for my child/children participating with the Berkeley Barracudas by following this Code of Ethics:

  • Promote Good Sportsmanship: I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, and officials at every meet, practice, or youth sports event.

  • Prioritize Well-being: I will place the emotional and physical well-being of my child/children ahead of any personal desire to win.

  • Ensure Safety: I will insist that my child/children participate in a safe and healthy environment.

  • Support Coaches and Officials: I will provide support for coaches and officials to create a positive and enjoyable experience for all participants.

  • Commit to a Drug-Free Environment: I will demand a drug, alcohol, and tobacco-free environment for my child/children and will refrain from their use within the immediate activity area at all youth sports events.

  • Remember the Purpose: I understand that age-group swimming is for children, not adults, and will do my best to make it a fun experience for my child/children.

  • Promote Respect: I will teach my child/children to treat other swimmers, coaches, spectators, and officials with respect, regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability.

  • Contribute to the Team: I will support my child/children’s enjoyment of the swimming experience by assisting with Berkeley Barracuda events, being a respectful spectator, providing transportation, or contributing in any way I can.

  • Adhere to Rules: I will comply with all Berkeley Preparatory, Florida Swimming, USA Swimming, and Berkeley Barracuda rules and regulations, including all SafeSport requirements.

  • Maintain Financial Responsibility: I will keep my account information updated and ensure that all fees are paid on time each month.