Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct

The purpose of this code of conduct is to establish consistent expectations for behavior by parents.   

As a parent/guardian, I understand my child’s participation will foster growth and support physical, emotional, and social development. I also understand it is essential to provide coaching staff with respect and the authority to coach the team. As part of PVST, I agree with the following statements:
 

“I set a positive example.”

• I will show respect and courtesy to team members, coaches, competitors, officials, and other parents as well as for the facilities and property used during practice or competition.

• I will conduct myself in a manner consistent with the values of PVST which include fairness, integrity, and respect. I respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all participants--regardless of gender, ability, ethnicity, cultural background, or religion.

“I am a good sport.”

• I will demonstrate good sportsmanship during practice, competition, and team activities. PVST wins gracefully, loses graciously, and congratulates their opponents. I will applaud good efforts by my child, other PVST swimmers, and the opposing team. I will not criticize other teams or swimmers, and instead, seek opportunities to build rapport.

• I will not criticize any child's performance. I will teach my child to be gracious in victory and to turn defeat into victory by learning and working toward improvement. 

 “I let coaches coach.”

• I support coaches as they seek to do what is best for each PVST swimmer. PVST expectations and methods are based on USA Swimming, the American Swim Coaches Association, and other recognized swimming authorities. Swimmers become confused when coached by parents. Athletes benefit from reinforcement of coaching staff’s instructions and advice. Your unconditional love and support before and after races serves them best.

• I respect the coaches’ decisions regarding swim meet entries and relays. 

“I respect my team and the sport of swimming.”

• I will be on time to practice, meets, and team events.

• I respect the integrity of officials and assume their decisions are based on objective performance evaluation. Only coaches may approach officials about a ruling.

• Insist your child refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or other prohibited substances; violence, abusive, or foul language; inappropriate sexual conduct; or any other dishonest, discourteous, offensive, or disrespectful behavior.

• I will ensure neither myself or my swimmer makes inflammatory, degrading, or offensive posts on social media and internet sites (ie, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) especially towards other swimmers, parents, officials, coaches, PVST, or other teams. 

• If I have coaching or program concerns, I will follow PVST’s formal Grievance Procedure. I will refrain from communications, verbal or written, that are demoralizing, disrespectful, or destructive to athletes, parents, family members, coaches, or the organization as a whole. 

• I will support my swimmer and PVST by volunteering my time to assist in meets, social events, and fundraising activities.