Parent / Swimmer Code of Conduct

CVAC Parent Code of Conduct

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure a positive, respectful, and supportive environment for all swimmers, coaches, officials, and parents involved with our swim team. By establishing clear expectations for parent behavior, we aim to foster a community where athletes can thrive, develop their skills, and enjoy their swimming experience.

Guidelines

1. Respect for Coaches and Officials:

• Trust the coaching staff to guide and develop your child’s skills and abilities.

• Refrain from coaching your child or other swimmers during practices and meets.

• Respect the decisions of officials and refrain from questioning or criticizing them during or after meets.

2. Sportsmanship:

• Encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, and officials at every practice and meet.

• Applaud all swimmers’ efforts and achievements, regardless of the outcome.

3. Communication:

• Address any concerns or questions directly with the coaching staff at appropriate times, not during practices or meets.

• Stay informed about team events, schedules, and updates through official team communications.

4. Pool Deck Policy:

• Parents are not allowed on the pool deck during practices and meets unless they are volunteering in an official capacity.

• Respect the designated spectator areas and refrain from entering restricted zones.

5. Behavior:

• Maintain a positive and respectful attitude towards all team members, coaches, officials, and other parents.

• Avoid any behavior that could be considered disruptive, disrespectful, or unsportsmanlike.

6. Support:

• Volunteer for team activities and events when possible to support the team’s operations and success.

• Encourage your child to attend all practices and meets, and to give their best effort. 

• Review and Amendments

This policy will be reviewed annually by the CVAC Board of Directors and may be amended as necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of all members.

Consequences of Misconduct

Failure to adhere to this Parent Code of Conduct may result in the following consequences:

• Verbal Warning: A coach or team official will discuss the misconduct with the parent and provide a verbal warning.

• Written Warning: A formal written warning will be issued to the parent, outlining the misconduct and the need for compliance with the policy.

• Suspension from Events: The parent may be temporarily banned from attending practices, meets, or other team events.

• Permanent Ban: In cases of severe or repeated misconduct, the parent may be permanently banned from attending all team activities and events.

• Removal of Swimmer: In extreme cases, the swimmer may be removed from the team if the parent’s behavior continues to negatively impact the team environment.

The following procedures regarding problems, questions, or complaints must be followed by families who elect to become part of CVAC.

A. Problems, questions, or complaints regarding practice, stroke instruction, meets, team rules or any other part of the TRAINING program should be discussed with the following individuals, in order, until the situation is resolved:

1. The swimmer's coach
2. The head coach

B. Problems, questions, or complaints regarding any other area of the team should be discussed with the following individuals, in order, until the situation is resolved:

1. The chair of the committee of the area in question.
2. The board of directors at a board meeting

C. Problems, questions, or complaints regarding other parents or swimmers should be discussed with the following individuals, in order, until the situation is resolved.

1. The president of the board of directors
2. The board of directors at a board meeting

Swimmer Code of Conduct

It is the responsibility of each coach to set out specific rules pertaining to his/her pool, coaching methods and attendance policy. Conduct and discipline during workouts are primarily matters between the coach and the swimmer. All the rules and regulations must be mutually understood and it is the swimmer's responsibility to act accordingly. Swimmers are expected to represent CVAC in a positive manner. Swimmers are responsible for treating other CVAC members with respect regardless of gender, place of origin, colour, sexual orientation, religion, political belief, economic status or ability.

Swimmers should refrain from criticism of coaches, fellow swimmers, parents and officials to other swimmers, coaches, parents or media. Swimmers should refrain from inappropriate behaviour at practice or at a meet including, but are not limited to:

• Bullying 
• Profanity or offensive language
• Reckless behaviour
• Inappropriate comments
• Exclusion/ignoring of other swimmers
• The use of phones, cameras and other electronic devices are not to be used at any time in the change rooms during practice/ and or at swim meets. 

Swimmers should not use tobacco, alcohol or other drugs that affect their physical ability, mood or behaviour unless prescribed by a physician for medical purposes. CVAC has a zero tolerance level regarding any of the mentioned substances consumed during and around swimming competitions. 

If you have a concern at any time please contact your coach immediately.  If you need more assistance please refer the ethics policy for further direction.

Swimmers should strive for excellence, according to their ability.

Swimmers should respect the achievements of opponents, in all clubs.

Swimmers should be responsible, mature, respectful and supportive of all CVAC swimmers.

CVAC Team clothing is to be worn at all times during swim meets. Caps, T-shirts and Jackets are mandatory. Swimmers are responsible for knowing which events they are in, and making sure they arrive at the marshalling area in time for each of those events. Swimmers must remain with the Team unless they are swimming or warming down, not sitting in the stands or away from the pool deck, as directed by their coach.

Confidentiality Agreement

This is to certify that I understand that any information (written, verbal or other form) obtained during the performance of my duties must remain confidential. This includes all information about swimmers, families, coaches, or other associate organizations, as well as any other information otherwise marked or known to be confidential written or verbal.

I understand that any unauthorized release or carelessness in the handling of this confidential information is considered a breach of the duty to maintain confidentiality.

I further understand that any breach of confidentiality could be grounds for immediate dismissal from volunteer duties and/or possible liability in any legal action arising from such breach.