CODES OF CONDUCT

Code of Conduct for Swimmers

The purpose of this code of conduct for swimmers is to establish common expectations for all athlete members of the club.  It is to be used as a guide to promote a positive team environment and good sportsmanship.

1. Bullying in any form -  including any use of derogatory terms based on religion, race, gender, or sexual orientation (even “as a joke”) – will not be tolerated and may result in suspension or exclusion from the team.

2. Swimmers may not interfere with the progress of another swimmer, during practice or otherwise.

3. Consistent with the Athlete Protection Policies of USA Swimming, participants in the team’s programs will not make any recordings of themselves or other athletes while in locker rooms, behind starting blocks, or in any other location that compromises the privacy and personal integrity of any swimmer (including the person making the recording.) 

4. Athletes, parents, and staff will use discretion when publishing or electronically posting any such recordings to protect the privacy and personal integrity of those involved.

5. Any swimmer who uses alcohol, illegal drugs or tobacco is subject to suspension from the team.  The use of some prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications may be prohibited by the rules of competition.  Athletes are responsible for knowing which medications they take and working with their medical professional to ensure that they do not use substances that are banned from competition.

6. At all club functions, whether practice, meets, or social gatherings, swimmers will behave in such a way that their actions reflect positively on the team.

7. All members of the team, including swimmers, parents, and staff, should work to protect and improve the excellent reputation of the team.

8.  Athletes will wear prescribed team apparel at meets or team events as directed by the Head Coach. 

9. At all meets, athletes will check in with the coaches before and after every race, and before going to their parents. In a meet with preliminaries and finals, athletes who qualify for a final are expected to swim that final unless excused by the Head Coach.

10. Any athlete who is injured at practice or a meet must report this to their coach immediately following the injury. Any athlete who is ill or has an open wound must disclose the condition to the coach before joining practice.

11. Athletes will arrive on time, prepared, and with necessary gear for all practices and meets.

12. Athletes will leave the team area in a neat and clean condition at the conclusion of each meet session or practice session. This applies to the locker room, restrooms, bleacher areas, pool deck, etc.

Code of Conduct for Parents

Our team’s policies help to guide our club and ensure continued success. Good swim teams are not “one size fits all” rather, you should choose a team for your swimmer whose aims and strategies align with your swimmer’s (realistic) goals as an athlete, and your goals as a parent for your family.

We strongly encourage the following parental behavior:

• Open communication between parents, athletes, and coaches emphasizing goal setting and focusing on the performance expectations of both the athlete and the parents

• Parents must not interrupt practice

• Meeting with the coaches/athletes/parents must be arranged outside of practice. Email [email protected] to set up a meeting

• Positive reinforcement of all athletes in all situations; team spirit, team loyalty

• Parental involvement with organizing and running of competitions and other team events

We as an organization wish to discourage the following behavior from parents:

• Coaching your children at practice or during competitions; that is the coach’s job

• Interrupting or confronting the coaching staff during practice or competitions

• Abusive language towards coaches, athletes, parents, officials and your own children

• Any behavior that brings discredit or disruption to our athletes and our organization

Parent Code of Conduct

As a parent of an athlete and a member of the organization, I will abide by the following guidelines:

1. Practice teamwork with all parents, athletes, and coaches by supporting the values of discipline, loyalty, commitment, and hard work.

2. As a parent, I will not coach or instruct my child or any other athlete at a practice or competition (from the stands or any other area) or interfere with coaches.

3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by conducting myself in a manner that earns the respect of my child, other athletes, parents, officials and the coaches at meets and practices.

4. Maintain self-control at all times. Know my role:

5. Athletes - Compete

6. Coaches - Coach

7. Officials - Officiate

8. Parents - Parent

9. As a parent, I understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward the coaches, officials, and/or any participating athlete will not be permitted or tolerated.

10. Enjoy involvement with STAC by supporting the athletes, coaches and other parents with positive communication and actions.

11. During competitions, questions or concerns regarding decisions made by officials are directed to a member of our coaching staff. Parents address officials via the coaching staff only.

Sanctions: Should I conduct myself in such a way that brings discredit or discord to the club, or national governing body (USA Swimming,) I voluntarily subject myself to disciplinary action. The club maintains the right to terminate any membership (either with or without proven cause) in the interest of preserving our vision, mission, and objectives.

Code of Conduct for Coaches

The purpose of this code of conduct for coaches is to establish common expectations for all members of the coaching staff of the club.  It is to be used as a guide to promote a positive team environment and good sportsmanship.

• At all times, adhere to USA Swimming’s rules and code of conduct.

• Set a good example of respect and sportsmanship for participants and fans to follow.

• Act and dress with professionalism and dignity in a manner suitable to his/her profession.

• Respect officials and their judgment and abide by the rules of the event.

• Treat opposing coaches, participants, and spectators with respect.

• Instruct participants in sportsmanship and demand that they display good sportsmanship.

• Coach in a positive manner and do not use derogatory comments or abusive language.

• Win with humility, and lose with dignity.

• Treat every athlete fairly, justly, impartially, intelligently, and with sensitivity.

• Always place the well-being, health, and safety of swimmers above all other considerations, including developing performance.

• Continue to seek and maintain their own professional development in all areas in relation to coaching and teaching children.

• Always maintain a professional separation between coach and athlete.