Reno Aquatic Club Code of Conduct

Adopted: December 8, 2021

 

POLICY: The Reno Aquatic Club expects professional, disciplined behavior that contributes to the development of swimmers, builds teamwork, and  strengthens our community.  Corrosive or divisive behavior is incompatible with teamwork and mutual respect; bullying in any form will not be tolerated.  Use of social media that disrespects members of the team, promotes negativity, or airs grievances is inappropriate.  Conduct inconsistent with expectations will be assessed using our Grievance Policy.  On and off deck, and on social media, Reno Aquatic Club swimmers, coaches, and parents set a strong, positive example for the Pacific Swimming community.

 

Athlete Code of Conduct

I am a Reno Aquatic Club swimmer.  I accept this code of conduct and I agree to the following statements: 

  •     I will respect and show courtesy to my teammates and coaches at all times. 
  •     I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and meets. 
  •     I will set a good example of behavior and work ethic for my teammates.
  • I will support the workouts and training plans. I will provide ideas and feed back when it does not take away from training time. 
  •     I will be respectful of my teammates’ feelings and personal space.  Sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate behavior corrodes our team and has no place on the Reno Aquatic Club. 
  •     I will attend team meetings and training sessions assigned by the coach unless I inform my coach beforehand for a planned absence(s).
  •     I will show respect for all facilities and other property (including locker rooms) used during practices, competitions, and team activities. 
  •     I will refrain from foul language, violence, behavior deemed dishonest, offensive, or illegal, and from inappropriate physical contact at team activities and events.
  •     If I disagree with an official’s call, I will talk with my coach and not approach the official directly. 
  •     I will obey all of USA Swimming’s rules and codes of conduct. 

Coaches Code of Conduct

I am a Reno Aquatic Club Coach.  It is my responsibility to support the development of my team by modeling positive behavior that promotes teamwork, professionalism, discipline, sportsmanship, and the joy of swimming.  I understand my conduct is always on display and that teamwork relies on positive, open communications and relentless respect for the people around me. As a team leader, my conduct will be reflected back to me by swimmers, other coaches, and parents.

  •     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 the
    profession. 
  •     Respect officials and their judgment and abide by the rules of the event. 
  • Communicate openly and transparently with the coaching staff and swimmers to provide feedback and develop a strong, integrated program, trust, and mutual support
  •     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. 
  • Complain privately and upward; promote positivity outward and downward.
  •     Treat every athlete fairly, justly, impartially, intelligently, and with sensitivity. 
  •     Place the well-being, health, and safety of swimmers above all other
    considerations, including developing performance. 
  •     Continue professional growth and development in all areas related to coaching and teaching children.  Assist other coaches in their growth and development.
  •     Always maintain a professional separation between coach and athlete.

Parents’ Code of Conduct

The purpose of a code of conduct for parents is to establish consistent expectations for behavior by parents. As a parent/guardian, I understand the important growth and developmental support that my child’s participation fosters. I also understand that it is essential to provide the coaching staff with respect and the authority to coach the team. I agree with and will strive to live up to the following statements: 

  •     I will set the right example for our children by demonstrating sportsmanship and showing respect and common courtesy at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and all facilities.
  • I will refrain from interacting with coaches and swimmers during practices and meets.
  • I will seek to understand and support coaching and team decisions.  If I don’t understand a decision, I will talk to the coach to learn about it and avoid criticizing it to swimmers or others. 
  •     I will get involved by volunteering, supporting swimmers at meets, and talking with my child and their coach about their progress.  I recognize that parents are important to the success of our team.
  • I will refrain from coaching my child from the stands during practices or meets. 
  •     I understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward coaches, officials, volunteers, and/or any participating swimmer will not be tolerated. 
  •     I will respect the integrity of the officials.
  • Being a swim parent takes a commitment. I will help my swimmers participate in practices, meets, and other team activities.
  • I will follow the Reno Aquatic Club grievance procedure if I have concerns or complaints.

    Team Travel Code of Conduct

Team Travel is defined as overnight travel to a swim meet or other team activity that is planned and supervised by the club. Team Travel is a privilege that must be earned and maintained by adherence to the RAC Code of Conduct.  Generally the purpose of team travel is to enable competition; behavior that negatively impacts preparations to compete is unacceptable, including putting teammates in a position where they are uncomfortable because rules are not followed.  All team members, team staff, and parents of minors are apprised, in writing, of the RAC travel Code of Conduct in a separate document prior to travel.  A signature on this document constitutes unconditional agreement to comply with the stipulations of the MAAPP, Team Travel policies, and our Code of Conduct.

 

The MAAPP, Team Travel policies, and Code of Conduct are available for review on our website.