CODE OF CONDUCT

PURPOSE

Andover Swimming and Water Polo club exists for the benefit of all members, to develop their skill in competitive swimming and water polo, and support the clubs aims and objective. To this end we have developed a Code of Conduct which we expect all staff, officials, members, swimmers and parents to adhere to at all times. This will ensure that Andover Swimming and Water Polo Club is a safe and equitable place which will enable all members to realise their full potential in their particular discipline.

Definitions

Swimmers – This covers all members of Andover Swimming and Water Polo Club who participate in swimming activities run by the club. This includes teaching, coaching and water polo activities where appropriate.

Swimmers

Bullying in any form will not be tolerated. Any report of bullying shall be acted upon without delay by the committee. A victim or concerned party may also refer the matter as a complaint direct to the ASA (tel; 01509 618700) or contact the NSPCC confidential child helpline (Swimline) on 0808 1004001 (24 Hrs).

At training sessions it is expected that they will:

·         Endeavour to attend at least 3 sessions a week

·         Arrive in good time for the beginning of the session. Persistent late arrival without prior agreement of the coach will result in disciplinary action which can consist of a verbal warning, written warning and or exclusion from training sessions.

·         Have spent time prior to a session preparing for the session. All equipment (hats, goggles, drinks, floats and fins) should be sorted out before the warm up starts.

·          Inform the coach of any medication currently being taken prior to the session.

·                Swimmers may be asked to leave the session if their behavior is not considered appropriate. Any such exclusion will be referred to the committee and further action may be taken as appropriate.

·          Put every effort into the training sessions and avoid short cutting or missing sections by toilet excuses etc. Swimmers should not leave the water until the end of the main set unless agreed by the Coach/Teacher.

·         Pay attention to the coach/teacher when he/she is talking to them and comply with their directions.

·        To observe lane discipline – keep their distance from the swimmer in front, overtake safely and swim in the same direction as others in their lane.

·           Keep up with the activities of the Club by reading the notice board, web site and consulting coaches/officials.

·          To behave in an appropriate manner and refrain from any activity likely to bring ASC&WP into disrepute.

·          Report incidents of bad behavior immediately to the relevant Teacher or Coach.

Galas/Competitions :  it is expected that swimmers will:

·          Be available for any gala or competition for which they are selected. Any difficulties should be discussed with the team manager at least 7 days prior to the gala if they are unavailable, or at the earliest opportunity in the case of illness.

·          Arrive at the venue in plenty of time for the warm up and immediately join their team group and report to the Team Manager on arrival at the venue if club transport is not being used.

·          Set an example to younger swimmers and other clubs.

·       Remain throughout the gala with their team group unless they have agreed with the team manager a reason to leave the poolside

·          Not leave the poolside after their last swim until their team manager has agreed for them to go

·           Provide encouragement and support to fellow team members

·          In a trophy gala they must remain to acknowledge the winning team

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

·          Keep in constant touch with the programme and prepare themselves in plenty of time for their race

·          Wear a Club hat, a dark blue swimming costume and T bag

Parents / Guardians

At training sessions and at the pool it is expected parents and Guardians will

·         Ensure that the swimmers get to training sessions in good time

·          Keep in touch with the Club activities, through the Club notice board, website and newsletters

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

·          Direct any queries or complaints to Club Officials or Coaches, only when they are not involved in training sessions. Complaints should be handled on a one to one basis. Verbal abuse of staff or swimmers will not be tolerated and will be reported to the committee in every case.

·          Where queries are unresolved, request the issue be raised with the Committee

·          Wherever possible, parents/guardians are expected to offer assistance in Club activities

·          Promote a responsible and disciplined attitude in their children

·          ·          Ensure that all fees, both subs and competition fees, are paid in a timely fashion to prevent embarrassment to the swimmer.

At all galas it is expected they will:

·          Ensure that swimmers get to the coach or venue in good time for the warm up

·          Inform the coach/team manager in plenty of time if the swimmer is unable to participate in the gala. This also means ensuring that coaches always have up to date contact details in case of emergency

·          Remain in the spectator area during the gala unless requested to assist

·          Encourage swimmers to remain with the team group

Coaches / Officials / Staff who are representing the Club will at all times:

·     Comply with the codes, rules and laws within the guidelines set out by the ASA and including the ASA Code of Ethics and adopt the Swim21 Code of ethics and conduct

·     Put the well-being, health and safety of members above all considerations including developing performance.

·      Arrive in good time to organise and control their activities

·     Meet the commitments they make to the Club

·     Be supportive of the agreed Club policies

·     Be prepared to assist swimmers and their Parents/Guardians in any queries they may have and carry forward to the Committee any issues they are unable to resolve

·     Display a disciplined and sporting attitude and help to promote the same from the swimmers.

·     Never discriminate 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.

·     Treat all personal information about individual members as confidential except in exceptional circumstances regarding health and safety, medical requirements, disciplinary action or in accordance with ASA Child Protection procedures and guidelines.

·     Observe the authority and the decisions of all officials.

·     Not drink alcohol or smoke either before or during teaching or coaching sessions or competitions.

·     Seek ways of and be willing to increase the development of their current qualifications.

The club reserves the right, in accordance with club rule number 10, to suspend/expel any swimmer or member who, in their opinion, commits any act likely to endanger or hurt others, disrupts a session (including persistent lateness) or brings the Club’s reputation into question.

Should you ever have any questions or comments please do not hesitate to discuss them with the teachers or committee members. Thank you for your cooperation.