Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying is prohibited.  All Dolphin swimmers should have a safe, healthy, and fun sport environment to practice and compete in. The Alfond Youth and Community Center will not tolerate behavior that infringes on the safety of any participant. Bullying is referred to as, “a specific type of physical, verbal or psychological aggression with the intent to harm, repetition over time, and imbalance of power” (USA Swimming, 2018). Swimmers will face consequences for participating in said acts.

The AYCC expects participants, family members, and staff to immediately report incidents of bullying directly to the Head Swim Coach or any staff member.  Staff who witness such acts are responsible for taking immediate action to intervene when safe to do so. Each complaint of bullying will be promptly investigated and documented.

The Anti-Bullying policy applies to all MMD swimmers at the AYCC, away meets, team events, and any time they are representing the Dolphins.

  • Examples of Bullying:
    • Verbal acts 
      • Verbally attacking another swimmer (e.g., calling them slow, fat or disgusting).   
      • Taunting another swimmer.
      • Threatening to cause harm.
      • Inappropriate sexual comments.
      • Insulting or dismissive language.
      • Foul or inappropriate language.
      • Yelling, screaming at another person.
    • Physical acts 
      • Throwing equipment or water bottles.
      • Physically hitting, or the intent to inflect harm on another swimmer.  
      • Spitting, tripping, pushing.
      • Taking or damaging someone’s property
    • Cyberbullying
      • Bullying that occurs by using electronic communication such as cell phones, computers, and tablets, as well as, social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.

 

Consequences for bullying will be determined by the head coach based on the specific situation. While additional action may be taken, consequences include:

  1. Conversation with the coach, athlete, and parent/guardian.
  2. Immediate removal from practice or team activity and call placed to parent/guardian.
  3. Suspension from the team.
  4. Removal from the team.