Name: ___________________ 

Fondy Swim Club Full Code of Conduct Policy  

I. Need for a Policy 

The Fondy Swim Club has a behavior policy for all members of the Club. The policies generally identify certain rules of conduct and expected standards of behavior. The policies also outline the possible consequences of inappropriate behavior. This policy provides guidelines for the Board, swimmers, coaches, and chaperones concerning the behavioral expectations desired for swimmers. 

II. Statement of Policy 

A. It is the purpose of Fondy Swim Club to promote the sport of swimming and in the process help to develop the character of the individual swimmers. 

B. For the orderly operation of the Fondy Swim Club, rules, regulations, and procedures will be consistently enforced. Personal conduct must not bring discredit to the individual swimmer, his/her parents, guardian, or responsible adult, fellow team members, coaches, or the Fondy Swim Club. 

C. This Code of Conduct shall apply to swimmer’s conduct as a member of the Fondy Swim during activities and functions in association with the Fondy Swim Club. 

III. Discipline Management 

A. Level I Objectionable Behavior 

Examples of this type of conduct include but are not limited to: insubordination; failure to follow basic direction; lack of respect for coaches, parents, teammates and/or equipment; failure to act responsibly in the pool or on the deck, locker room, or hallways; use of profanity,  racial, ethnic or sexual slurs; inappropriate touching or displays of affection;  any and all forms of bullying, including cyberbullying; lack of sportsmanship;  improper conduct on team trips such as unsafe traveling conduct while in vans, buses, or cars; tardiness for departure to/from hotels, meets, or dining facilities; switching roommates without the permission of chaperones or coaches; excessive noise; or leaving room in a disorderly state. 

Disciplinary Procedure 

The coaching staff will handle the procedure, and Parents will be notified if discipline will result in a suspension from practice or scheduled club activity. 

Recommended Discipline 

As determined by the coaching staff, the coach will verbally instruct the swimmer to stop the inappropriate behavior (if possible), and may require the swimmer to sit out of an activity after giving an explanation of the offense. 

Discipline may include but is not limited to extra laps, suspension from practice, meets or other team activities. 

Repeated Level I offenses may result in the offense being considered a Level II Objectionable Behavior. 

B. Level II Objectionable Behavior 

Examples of this type of conduct include but are not limited to: repeated Level I offenses; possession or use of illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco; presence at parties or where minors consume alcohol, tobacco or other drugs; significant vandalism; harassment, including verbal harassment and hazing (any form of intimidation or initiation) of a fellow swimmer; malicious handling, theft, or destruction of personal property belonging to others; fighting; actions which jeopardize the safety of self and/or others; inappropriate lodging behavior including unauthorized gathering in coed unchaperoned groups other than in provided public areas or not being in assigned room after curfew. 

Disciplinary Procedure 

The coaching staff will verbally instruct the swimmer to stop the inappropriate behavior (if applicable) and will take such other disciplinary action as deemed necessary and appropriate. 

If requested by the swimmer or the coach, the following procedure may also be used:   A meeting with a Disciplinary Committee consisting of three members of the Board of Directors chosen by a majority of the Board including the Board President or his/her designee. The Committee shall send notice of the meeting to Parent/Guardian and swimmer via certified mail with parent/guardian and swimmer being invited to be present. Typically, the coach involved and/or Head Coach will also be present. The Committee can ask for a summary of the alleged facts from those involved or those that assisted in the investigation. The Committee can take whatever action it deems appropriate (considering the offense and the discipline already leveled against or served by the swimmer) based on a decision by the majority of the Committee (if a majority decision cannot be reached by the Committee, the discipline will require full Board approval). The decision of the Committee will be mailed to the Parent/Guardian and swimmer typically within one week. 

Recommended Discipline First Offense 

Although the coaches and Committee retain full discretion as to the appropriate discipline, the recommended discipline for a first Level II offense is suspension* from the team for a period of up to thirty days of the swimmers season (the suspension may extend into the swimmer’s next season, if needed). Further, if on a travel trip, the swimmer may be sent home at the family’s own expense. Additional requirements may be imposed such as parental supervision requirement for all activities for a determined period of time. 

Recommended Discipline Second Offense 

Although the discretion noted above remains, the recommended discipline for a second Level II offense is suspension* from the team for a period of up to a year together with such other requirements as deemed appropriate. 

*Terms of suspension shall be spelled out by the Disciplinary Committee and must be adhered to by the swimmer/parents in order to be reinstated at the end of the suspension period. During the period of suspension, swimmers remain a member of the Fondy Swim Club and thereby all dues and fees are still due in full. The swimmer cannot be reinstated until any fees and/or dues that are in default are paid in full. Additionally, during periods of suspension, all work session requirements remain the responsibility of the swimmer and his/her family, and any missed session will be charged in accordance with the then current fee schedule. 

C. Level III Objectionable Behavior 

Examples of this type of behavior includes, but is not limited to: Repeated Level II offenses; sale or distribution of alcohol or illegal drugs; physical and/or sexual assault; dangerous acts that could affect the health and safety of self or others, including but not limited to false fire alarms, bomb threats, arson, possession of a firearm, knife, or other dangerous item; conviction of felony; or fighting that results in the severe bodily injury of any person.  

Discipline Procedures 

The coaching staff will verbally instruct the swimmer to stop the inappropriate behavior (if applicable) and will take such other disciplinary action as deemed necessary and appropriate. 

In addition, a meeting with the Board will be required. The following procedure will typically be followed: 

· The Board shall send notice of the meeting to the parent/guardian and swimmer via certified mail. 

· A meeting with a quorum of the Board of Directors, to include Club President, with the swimmer being present shall be required. 

· The Board can ask for a summary of the alleged facts from those involved or those that assisted in the investigation and, if requested, the swimmer will be given an opportunity to address the Board. 

· The Board can take whatever action it deems appropriate (considering the offense and the discipline already leveled against or served by the swimmer) based on a decision by the majority of the Board. 

The decision of the Board will be mailed to the Parent/Guardian and swimmer typically within one week. 

Recommended Discipline 

The most likely outcome is membership termination. These offenses will be disciplined by the Club and may also include the involvement of the proper authorities (police, school authorities, city officials, local LSC officials, etc.) The Club’s coaches or Board of Directors may be required to notify certain individuals or authorities depending on the nature of the offense. The club’s consequences may include any of those listed in this policy. Additional consequences may be issued by other agencies. 

The Committee and Board are to act on any discipline matters, or any grievance stemming from a discipline problem in a professional and timely manner. 

Swimmer’s Signature: __________________________________________________               Date: ___________________ 

Parent/Guardian Signature: _____________________________________________                Date: ___________________ 

Revised September 3, 2023