MEY Manta Rays Anti-Bullying Agreement

Bullying is not acceptable behavior on the MEY Manta Rays Swim Team and will not be tolerated at practice, meets, or team functions. All swimmers, coaches, and families are expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, and supportive team culture that reflects the YMCA’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is defined as the intimidation of others through real or threatened verbal, physical, written, or electronically transmitted acts. It includes emotional abuse and attacks on the property or dignity of others. This also applies to any cyber-bullying, including actions taken on social media platforms.

Examples of Bullying in Swim Team Settings

To help swimmers and families recognize what bullying might look like in a swim team environment, the following examples are provided. These behaviors are not tolerated at practice, meets, or team events.

Examples of Bullying at Practice or on Deck

• Making fun of a teammate’s swim technique, stroke, or speed
• Mocking someone for what they wear to practice or how their equipment looks
• Excluding a swimmer from lane activities or team cheers
• Repeatedly teasing or mocking someone’s physical appearance or abilities
• Intentionally splashing, dunking, or interfering with another swimmer during practice in a harmful or aggressive way
• Making negative or sarcastic comments loud enough for others to hear in an attempt to embarrass or belittle another swimmer

Examples of Bullying in Locker Rooms

• Making comments about another swimmer’s body, clothing, or personal belongings
• Taking or hiding another swimmer’s gear, clothes, or equipment as a “joke”
• Physically blocking someone from leaving or entering the locker room
• Using cell phones or cameras to take photos or videos without permission
• Starting rumors or gossip about teammates while in private team spaces
• Making threatening or intimidating comments while others feel isolated
• Interfering with or making comments toward others during private moments such as changing, showering, or using the restroom.

Examples of Cyberbullying (Online or Social Media)

• Posting hurtful comments, photos, or memes about teammates on social media
• Sending mean or harassing messages through text or direct messages
• Creating group chats or posts that exclude or target specific teammates
• Sharing private or embarrassing information about a teammate online

Reminder: All team members, parents, and coaches are expected to model kindness, inclusion, and respect both in person and online. If you witness or experience any of the behaviors above, report them promptly to the coaching staff.

Swimmer Conduct Expectations

All swimmers are expected to:
• Treat teammates, coaches, officials, and opponents with respect
• Refrain from teasing, threatening, isolating, or harassing others
• Report unsafe or inappropriate behavior to a trusted adult
• Be a positive representative of the Edison Otters Swim Team

Reporting Bullying

All suspected bullying incidents should be reported promptly to the Edison Otters Head Coach or any member of the coaching staff. Timely reporting allows the coaching staff to investigate and respond appropriately. Anonymous reports are permitted, but direct communication is preferred for clarity and resolution.

Consequences for Bullying

The Edison Otters Coaching Board will take a progressive discipline approach, considering the severity and frequency of the behavior, as well as the swimmer's age and maturity.

1. First Offense:
   • In-person meeting with the swimmer and coach
   • Email notification sent to parent or guardian

2. Second Offense:
   • Meeting involving swimmer, parent/guardian, and coaching staff
   • Possibility of both parties (victim and accused) sitting down together in a restorative conversation

3. Third Offense:
   • Formal review by coaching staff and team board
   • Possible outcomes include:
       • Suspension from the team (1 week up to full season)
       • Removal from the team (expulsion)
       • Transfer to another program
       • Loss of privileges (e.g., locker room access or meet eligibility)

By signing this agreement, both swimmer and parent/guardian acknowledge that they understand the MEY Manta Rays Anti-Bullying Policy and agree to uphold its principles. Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action as outlined above.

Swimmer Signature: _________________________    Date: ___________

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________    Date: ___________

Note: Your child’s continued participation on the team is an acknowledgment of the MEY Manta Rays Anti Bullying Agreement. This Anti Bullying Agreement is permanently located on our website. The absence of your signature or the inability to produce a signed copy of the above document, if an investigation should occur, will not be permitted as an excuse for not following, nor understanding, the “MEY Manta Rays Bullying Agreement”. Updated Aug. 2025