Code of Conduct

Swansea Aquatics – Code of Conduct.

 

· Behaviour and Personal Conduct must at all times be of a high standard and reflect favourably on the sport, and the Club. Language in public or relevant group situations must always be appropriate and socially acceptable.

· Training: All swimmers are expected to adhere to their own squad criteria, swimmers not attending the recommended number of sessions, or ignoring squad rules will have their place in the squad reviewed.

· Parents are not permitted on poolside unless requested by the coaching staff.

· Swimmers dropped off early or picked up late for swimming sessions remain the responsibility of the parents. The Club accepts no responsibility for swimmers left in this way.

· During sessions parents should not shout out to or distract their children during training sessions.

· If a parent wishes to talk with a coach they should talk to the coach before the session starts or after the session has finished. Coaches should not be contacted at home unless it is absolutely necessary. Meetings with coaches ideally should be arranged in advance.

· The Head Coach has the ultimate responsibility for the organisation, structure and the selection of swimmers for each squad.

· Swimmers are expected to adhere to a code of lane practice:

· Follow the Coaches instructions for training routines.

· Allow at least a 5 second gap when leaving the wall at the start of a swim.

· Give way to a swimmer who needs to overtake.

· Swimmers need to consider their position in the lane depending of the stroke they are swimming. It may be necessary to take it in turns at the front of the lane.

· Swimmers must be quiet when being instructed at the end of the lane.

· Swimmers are expected to be punctual and ready to commence training sessions at scheduled times.

· Swimmers should respect each other: Anyone found to be bullying or abusing other swimmers will be in breach of this code of conduct.

· Threatening or abusive contact by swimmers or parents will not be tolerated.

· The Club has an Anti-Bullying Policy as set out by Swim Wales. To report any incidents of bullying or to see a copy of the policy contact the clubs Welfare Officer or view this on the Swim Wales website.

· Competitions: Swimmers are expected to only compete at meets that have been set out in the structured competition calendar. Swimming outside of this calendar is not acceptable unless previously discussed and approved by the Head Coach. Swimmers that ignore this rule will have their place in the squad reviewed with the chance of been moved into the Club squad.

· Consumption of Alcohol is totally forbidden for all athletes. It must not be consumed by swimmers whilst en route, prior to, or following a competition event, training camp or team activities. During competition, alcohol is strictly forbidden to all swimmers. Swimmers breaking this rule will be sent home from the trip, meet at their own cost.

· Smoking: is prohibited by swimmers whilst en route, prior to, during or following a competition event, training session or team activities.

· Personal Appearance: shall be appropriate to the circumstances and as indicated by the Head Coach. Team kit and equipment shall be worn as directed by the Head Coach when competing and training, when assembling or travelling, at official team functions or on other occasions as notified.

· For away competitions and training camps attendance at all activities is expected unless previously agreed by the Head Coach. Throughout the duration of the trip swimmers should inform staff of their whereabouts. Punctuality on all occasions is essential and any curfew must be observed. Swimmers breaking curfew will receive one warning, if they break it again they will be sent home at their own cost.

· Illegal and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances are strictly forbidden. Swimmers are expected to be aware of the current list of banned substances and particular care must be exercised if anyone is on medication prior to or during a meet. (List available from www.wada-ama.org )

· Illegal Drugs and Substances: The use of these, even though they may not appear on the official banned list in respect of performance enhancing drugs, is nonetheless prohibited.

· For competitions and training camps involving a stay away:

· Accommodation at hotels or equivalent must be as directed by the club staff and at no times must anyone extra be accommodated in swimmers’ rooms.

· Swimmers are expected to eat with the team at all meals.

· Swimmers must not leave the hotel or pool at any time without the permission of the Team Manager or Head Coach.

· Any deviation from this must be discussed and be approved by the Head Coach

· Medication: It is important that information on all medication being currently taken is reported to the Team Manager who will report it to the relevant personnel. Allergies to any medication must be reported to the Team Manager.

· Sanctions: Breaches of the Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in the first instance by the Head Coach or Team Manager. He/she shall report the incident to the Executive committee of the club who shall take such further action as is deemed necessary. This action may follow the clubs disciplinary procedure

In addition it is expected that all members of Swansea Aquatics Swimming Club, when attending any event or training session shall:

· Comply with the codes, rules and laws within the guidelines set out by the ASA and Swim Wales.

· Behave without discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, language, religion, birth or social status as set out in the equal opportunities policy.

· Respect the basic human rights, worth and dignity of each member.

· Not encourage swimmers, volunteers, officials or parents to violate the rules of the club or the sport.

· Observe the authority and the decisions of all officials.

· Encourage all swimmers to obey the spirit of the rules and laws both in and out of the pool.

· Treat other competitors and teams with respect, in victory and defeat.