Crawley Swimming Club

Code of Conduct for Parents printable

The following principles have been taken from the Sport England Code for Parents to ensure that everyone taking part in swimming enjoys it and does it for the right reasons.

Remember that your children are swimming for their enjoyment and achievement and not yours
Never force your children to take part
Encourage them to learn the rules and follow them
Encourage good sportsmanship and fair play
Praise good behaviour and show that you value it
Help your children to recognise good performance, not just results. Getting a personal best is just as big an achievement as getting a gold medal
Set a good example by recognising fair play in training and competition and applauding the performances of everyone
Never punish or belittle a child for what you perceive as poor performance
Be realistic about your child’s ability. Do not over expect as much harm can be done if children consistently fall short of their parents’ expectations
Remember that children have off days and do not mean to make mistakes
Accept official judgements or disqualifications at competitions with good grace
Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their swimming

If you have any concerns about your child’s progress speak to their teacher or coach

And finally, reasonable behaviour in public is expected from parents as well as from our swimmers

Code of Conduct for Swimmers

Good behaviour is expected of swimmers at all times, especially when training with the club, using facilities, equipment and leisure centres hired by the club, representing the club at any competition or event, and while travelling to and from such events.

Good behaviour is expected at all times that will not cause offence or embarrassment to any other person.
Swimmers are expected to show respect for parents, team managers and coaches and for any facilities that the club may use or visit.
Swimmers are expected to show a good attitude, set a good example and put effort into their training and at competitions.
Bullying, whether physical, verbal, electronically or emotional will not be tolerated in any form.
All swimmers are expected to follow instructions given by any coach, team manager designated official or club official and to comply with them immediately without arguing or back chat.
The use of any drugs or substances other than for medical reasons is forbidden. Check that any medicines, cold remedies, etc, used are not on the ASA Banned List. Breaking the Rules If any swimmer fails to follow the rules of the club, the following disciplinary steps may be taken:
On the first occasion the coach, teacher, team manager or other club official will speak to the person concerned and explain that their conduct is unacceptable and must stop.
A further instance will lead to the offence being reported to the Head Coach who will issue a formal verbal warning and advise them that their conduct is now being viewed seriously.
On the next occasion the swimmer will be told to leave the pool. They will, however, be welcome at the next training session and nothing more will be said about the matter if it does not recur.

Any further repeats of unacceptable behaviour will result in the swimmer being asked to leave the session and a written warning will be sent to the swimmer’s parents or carers.

If the swimmer’s conduct does still not improve they will be suspended from all club activities for a period of between 1 and 4 weeks. During this time they may not take part in any club activity. During the suspension period all fees will be payable and no refund given.

Serious breaches of behaviour, such as fighting, bullying or wilful damage may, at the discretion of the Head Coach, or the Welfare Officer, lead to instant suspension. This will remain in place until a disciplinary sub-committee can be set up and a decision made on the relevant action to be taken.

Finally, if after a limited period of suspension the swimmer’s behaviour continues to be unacceptable, then the matter will be raised at the next committee meeting, with a request that the swimmer be excluded from the club.

A panel will be set up to deal with the matter in accordance with the ASA complaints procedure. This will be made up of people not involved in the dispute. If the person involved is under they have the right to be accompanied by a parent or carer to help them present their case. Both parties may bring witnesses and each party may question the other’s witnesses.

The panel will make every effort to announce their decision verbally without delay, followed by written confirmation within 5 days.

The right to appeal

All swimmers, parents, carers, club members, team managers, coaches and teachers have the right to appeal against any decision. Appeals must be made in writing to the club secretary, within 14 days of the penalty being given, stating the swimmer’s name and reasons for the appeal.