Parent / Swimmer Code of Conduct

Responsibility

I understand that if, on the coach's recommendation and my agreement, my child is moved to a higher training level during the year, I will be immediately responsible for the increased (pro-rated) fees for the remainder of the season.

Parent Code of Conduct

Communication is the best way to reduce conflicts within the club. The best way to communicate with your child's coach is to meet them outside of practice. Coaches usually have time after practice to answer questions or provide information. Sending a note to the coach with your swimmer is a good way to get information to them as well.

When conflicts between a swimmer or parent and coach arise, please try hard to increase communication between the affected parties. Refrain from discussing disagreements with other parents; not only is the problem never resolved that way, but this approach often creates new problems.

Try to keep foremost in your mind that you and the coach have the best interests of your child at heart. If you trust that the coach's goals match yours  even though their approach may be different you are more likely to enjoy good rapport and a constructive dialogue. Keep in mind that the coach must balance your perspective of what is best for your child with the needs of the team or a training group. On occasion, an individual child's interest may need to be subordinate to the interests of the group. In the long run, the benefits of membership in the group may compensate for occasional short-term inconveniences.

If another parent uses you as a sounding board for complaints about a coach's performance or policies, encourage the other parent to speak directly to the coach.

Please refrain from criticism of coaches, swimmers, parents, and fellow officials to other parents/volunteers/coaches.

Please refrain from direct or indirect criticism of the club, coaches, families and volunteers on any CVAC-managed social media sites. If you have comments or questions, please speak directly with the coach(es) or the board directly. 

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.