Dana Hills Swim Team

Code of Conduct

What it Means to be a Dana Hills Otter (Family)

The Dana Hills Swim Team (DHST) is committed to creating a safe, positive, and supportive environment where swimmers can develop their skills, build character, and experience the joy of swimming. The essential elements of character are embodied in the six pillars of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring, and Good Citizenship.

This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior for all swimmers, parents, guardians, and family members. Adherence to this Code is a condition of membership with DHST. All members are responsible for their own conduct and the conduct of their guests at all team functions.

Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

As a parent or guardian of a DHST swimmer, I agree to the following:

  1. Promote a Positive Environment: I will remember that swimming is for the enjoyment of the children. I will encourage sportsmanship, focus on effort rather than winning, and be a positive role model for my child and others.
  2. Respect for Coaches and Officials:
    • I will respect the authority and decisions of the coaching staff. I will not coach my child or other swimmers from the sidelines during practices or meets.
    • During swim meets, I agree to respect the decisions and authority of all officials (including starters, referees, and stroke & turn judges). I will not approach officials directly with questions or concerns; instead, I will address these with a DHST coach.
  3. Communication Protocol & The "24-Hour Rule":
    • For administrative matters, I will contact the appropriate Board Member.
    • For all swimming-related inquiries, including those about training, events, and swimmer placement, I agree to use the established communication protocol. This involves first contacting the Coach Liaison or following the guidance provided by the Board. All communications should preferably be sent via email.
    • I will observe the "24-Hour Rule." If I have an emotional or significant concern with a coach, I will wait at least 24 hours before initiating contact to allow for a more thoughtful and productive conversation. On-deck confrontations are prohibited.
  4. Appropriate Conduct:
    • I (and my guests) will not engage in any unsportsmanlike conduct, such as booing, taunting, or using profane language or gestures toward any coach, official, swimmer, or parent.
    • I will refrain from the use of, or being under the influence of, tobacco or any illegal controlled substance at any team event where children are present.
  5. Responsibility for Rules, Safety, and Property:
    • I am responsible for my child’s conduct and safety at all team events.
    • I will ensure my family and guests know and follow all posted rules of the Dana Hills pool facility, including its policies regarding the consumption of alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal controlled substances on the pool.
    • When traveling, I will ensure my family and guests respect and adhere to the facility rules of all pools we visit for meets or other events.
    • I will inform the coaches of any physical disability, medical condition, or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or others.
  6. Support for All: I will treat all swimmers, parents, coaches, and officials with respect, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, ability, or team affiliation. I will refrain from gossip and negative comments about other swimmers, parents, or coaches.
  7. Conduct Towards Other Parents and Spectators: I recognize that all parents and spectators are to be treated with respect. I agree to:
    • Refrain from any form of verbal abuse, harassment, intimidation, or threatening behavior directed at any parent or spectator from our team or a visiting team on and off the pool deck.
    • Avoid using abusive, derogatory, discriminatory, or obscene language.
    • Abstain from any unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or any form of sexual misconduct. Such behavior is strictly prohibited and will be considered a severe violation of this Code, leading to immediate removal from the event and further disciplinary action.
    • Refrain from spreading gossip, rumors, or defamatory statements about other individuals or families, either in person or via electronic communication (social media, text, email).

Swimmer Code of Conduct

As a swimmer for DHST, I agree to the following:

  1. Respect and Sportsmanship:
    • I will show respect and good sportsmanship to my coaches, teammates, opponents, officials, and parents at all times.
    • I will not engage in any act of bullying, taunting, hazing, fighting, or using profane, obscene, or abusive language.
    • I will congratulate my opponents and support my teammates, in both victory and defeat.
  2. Practice and Meet Conduct:
    • I will arrive on time for practices and meets, prepared to swim.
    • I will listen to my coaches, follow their instructions, and give my best effort.
    • I will know and follow all facility rules at our home pool and at any pool our team visits.
    • I will remain in the designated team areas during meets and cheer for my teammates.
    • I will respect the pool and facility property and help keep our team area clean.
  3. Personal Responsibility:
    • I will be a positive representative of the Dana Hills Swim Team.
    • I will refrain from the use of alcohol, tobacco, or any illegal controlled substances.
    • I will communicate with my coaches if I am injured or not feeling well.

Disciplinary Policy and Procedure

Violation of this Code of Conduct by any member (swimmer, parent, or guardian) may result in disciplinary action. The team’s goal is to be fair and consistent while ensuring a safe and positive environment for all.

A. On-Deck Authority

The Head Coach (or designated coach in charge) has the authority to remove a swimmer from a practice, event, or meet for any conduct that is unsafe or violates this Code. A Board Member or Meet Director has the authority to address and remove any parent, guardian, or guest for similar violations. The coach or Board Member will notify the relevant party of this action. A swimmer removed from an event will not be released from the venue until a parent, guardian, or authorized adult is present.

B. Formal Grievance and Disciplinary Process

  1. Complaint Submission: Any member who witnesses a violation of the Code of Conduct should submit a written complaint to the Board President. The complaint should include the date, time, location, persons involved, and a detailed description of the incident.
  2. Any swimmer or parent/guardian that conducts themselves in such a way that brings discredit or discord to the Dana Hills Swim Team, defined by the Code of Conduct Policy, or decided upon by the Board of Directors, are subject to disciplinary action.

C. Potential Sanctions

The severity and frequency of the misconduct will determine the appropriate disciplinary action. Sanctions apply to the entire member family and may include, but are not limited to:

  • Verbal Warning: Issued by a coach or Board Member.
  • Written Warning: A formal letter from the Board of Directors.
  • Suspension: A temporary removal from participation in team activities (practices, meets, social events). A suspension may be for a specific number of days or events. Suspended members (parents or swimmers) are not permitted to be present at the venue during team activities.
  • Expulsion: The termination of team membership for the remainder of the season or permanently, without refund of registration fees, as outlined in the Bylaws.