Code of Conduct

(effective Nov 2024)

The Code of Conduct for Circle City Aquatics (CCAQ) aims to ensure a positive environment for swimmers and parents, where individuals can reach their goals and respect each other. Here are the main points for swimmers and parents:

Swimmer's Responsibilities

  • Behavior: Swimmers must behave appropriately, as their actions reflect on the team.
  • Following Instructions: Swimmers are expected to follow instructions and be attentive at all times.
  • Punctuality: Swimmers should be on time for practices and meets.
  • Appearance: They must wear CCAQ-approved swim caps and suits at meets and avoid offensive or revealing attire.
  • Practice Rules: Permission from the coach is required to leave practice early. Swimmers should participate in practice clean-up and assist with equipment as needed.
  • Respect and Decorum: No profanity, disruptive behavior, or disrespect towards coaches, parents, or other swimmers is tolerated.

Parent's Responsibilities

  • Support Role: Parents should not interfere with coaching or the swimmer's performance during meets or practices.
  • Good Sportsmanship: Demonstrating self-control and good sportsmanship is essential. Parents should respect the roles of swimmers, coaches, officials, and other parents.
  • Respectful Communication: Criticizing or using abusive language towards coaches, officials, or swimmers is not allowed.
  • Active Involvement: Parents are encouraged to support CCAQ by volunteering at meets, timing events, and offering positive communication with the team.
  • Disciplinary Actions: Parents agree to subject themselves to disciplinary action if their behavior brings discredit to CCAQ or USA Swimming.

Coach's Responsibilities

  • Behavior: At all times, adhere to USA Swimming’s rules and code of conduct. Coaches who exhibit sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be faced with consequences.
  • Act and dress with professionalism and dignity in a manner suitable to his/her profession.
  • Good Sportsmanship: Set a good example of respect and sportsmanship for participants and fans to follow.
  • 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.
  • Respect and Decorum: 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. Any complaints of a coach violating this code of conduct will be brought to the attention of his/her supervisor and/or the club’s board of directors.

Discipline Policy

Disciplinary actions for swimmers include but are not limited to an email and/or phone call to parents. Serious misconduct can result in removal from practice, and the parent must speak with the coach before the swimmer can return. Repeated misbehavior can lead to meetings with coaches, parents, and board members, and may even result in suspension from the team.

Additionally, if any member of the CCAQ notices behavior inconsistent with the Code of Conduct, they are encouraged to report it to the Head Coach, who may take further action.