The Swimmers' Code of Conduct

Participation in the Stuttgart Piranhas Swim Team is a privilege. It is every swimmer's responsibility to abide by the Swimmers Code of Conduct and to protect our team's reputation within the swimming community. Failure to abide by our Code of Conduct may result in a range of disciplinary actions in accordance with our Coaching Philosophy and Disciplinary Guidelines.

As a Stuttgart Piranhas Swimmer, I agree to the following:
 

1. I will be a good representative of the Stuttgart Military Community. 

• I will display appropriate attitudes and behaviors towards members of the host nation community.
• I will abide by the Department of Defense Dependent Schools' Europe Athletic Regulations, if applicable.
• I will be a good host to members of visiting teams.
• I will behave in a manner that reflects positively on the Military Community and the Stuttgart Piranhas team.

2. I will respect the Stuttgart Piranhas team:

• I will support, assist and encourage my teammates at meets, dry-land training and at practice.
• I will support our team captains and help foster team spirit.
• I will not spread unverified information, rumors or gossip that could be detrimental to our team spirit, team and community reputation, and the physical and mental well-being of my teammates and their families.
• I will not participate in activities that reflect negatively on the team.

3. I will respect my body:

• I will not smoke or misuse drugs of any kind.
• I will inform the coaching staff of any injury or condition that might affect my ability to swim safely.

4. I will respect the coaches:

• I understand that decisions of the coaches are final. If dissatisfied, I will address my concerns to the coach after practice or meet and according to the Piranhas Grievance process as described in the Stuttgart Piranhas Constitution, Article V, Section 6.
• I will correct my behavior if found inappropriate.
• I will not enter or leave the pool or pool area without informing the coaching staff.
• I understand that by not following the coaching staff directions, I may be subject to disciplinary action.

5. I will respect myself and others:

• I will respect the privacy and personal space of others.
• I will keep my hands, feet and objects to myself. I understand that physical horseplay, intentional touching, and public displays of affection other than high-fives and side hugs will result in disciplinary action.
• I will display good sportsmanship.
• I will not use crude or offensive language or gestures.
• I will not verbally or physically intimidate or interfere with other swimmers.
• I will not take or use another swimmer's property without permission.

6. I will respect the meet officials:

• I will abide by the rules of the host team.
• I will follow the directions of the Head Marshal, Meet Director and other Meet Officials.
• I will treat all officials with respect and abide by decisions of the Head Official.
• I will direct any issues I have with any meet official to my Head Coach and/or Coaching Staff.

7. I will respect the pool rules as described in the Basic Pool Rules guidelines. Additionally,

• I will not vandalize or remove pool property.
• I will be courteous to the pool management and staff.

Stuttgart Piranhas Parent code of Conduct

All swimmers/parents must complete the Registration form. Participation in Regular Season training is not possible without a completed, signed and paid Registration.

The Parent Code of Conduct is a mutually agreed standard between each swimmer's parent(s) or guardian(s) and the Stuttgart Piranhas. Parents or guardians are required to uphold a high standard of behavior for our athletes to observe at all times. Any concerns regarding a parent's or guardian's conduct will be evaluated by the Stuttgart Piranhas Board, following the procedures outlined in the Stuttgart Piranhas Bylaws, Article I, Section 4.

As a parent or guardian of a Stuttgart Piranhas swimmer(s), I hereby agree to the following:

1. I will model positive behavior and create an encouraging environment for our athletes, understanding that inappropriate language, smoking, and public intoxication are unacceptable when in the presence of our swimmers.

2. I will attend scheduled parents' meetings as indicated by the team's management.

3. I will ensure my swimmer(s) attend regular practice sessions punctually and with the required equipment. I will promptly collect my swimmer(s) after practice. I accept that arranging transportation to all practices and meets is my responsibility.

4. I will avoid disrupting a coach during practice or other team events.

5. Should I have individual concerns regarding my swimmer, I will address them with the coaching staff outside of practice and swim meets, via the team's official communication channels, or in accordance with the coaches' communication guidelines.

6. If I disagree with a decision made by an official during a meet, I will communicate it to the coaching staff, who will then liaise with the officials, following the appropriate steps.

7. If I have a complaint or issue, I will adhere to the team's official grievance process as outlined in the Stuttgart Piranhas Constitution Article V, Section 6.

8. I will maintain a respectful and dignified attitude towards all individuals, including pool staff, our athletes and their families, visiting teams, visiting families, all coaches, board members, and officials. This includes refraining from disrespectful behaviors such as derogatory remarks, confrontations, refusal to comply with requests from leadership, or any form of bullying or harrassment. A lack of respect towards any member of the organization is unacceptable. All members of the organization, including coaches and board members are held to these same standards of respect. Failure to uphold these standards may result in corrective actions, potentially including the suspension or dismissal of my swimmer(s) from the team.

9. I will comply with the rules set by the host pool and officials during all swim meets.

The team pool is more than just a place to train; it's a community where respect, growth, and sportsmanship are fostered. Whether it's a coach, a board member, an official, a fellow parent, or our swimmers, every individual deserves our utmost respect and understanding. Disagreements should be handled constructively, paving the way for a team culture that is supportive, inclusive, and harmonious. We are all on the same team, working towards a common goal of nurturing not just great swimmers, but excellent individuals. 

POOL RULES

Safety is a priority at the pool. Stuttgart Piranhas swimmers and families are reminded of the following rules whether at one of our local pools or visiting another pool. Questions and concerns regarding pool rules can be directed to Coaches, Board Members, or the pool personnel.

1. Swimmers may not enter the pool area without a coach. Swimmers may not exit the pool area until dismissed or without the permission of a coach.

2. Street shoes are not permitted on the pool deck (and many German pools prohibit street clothes on the pool deck).

3. No running or horseplay in any area of the pool to include but not limited to the pool deck and changing areas.

4. No spitting, spouting, dunking, pushing or horseplay in the pool.

5. No hanging on lane lines, safety ropes or playing with the rescue equipment.

6. No food or drinks are permitted in the pool area except water in plastic bottles or sport bottles. NO GLASS containers are allowed in the pool area under any circumstances.

7. Locker room, showers, and bathrooms are OFF LIMITS to members of the opposite sex.

8. Follow all posted pool rules.

9. Follow all German parking regulations including but not limited to the prohibition against leaving engines idling while parked and not parking in employee parking areas.