OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this document is to establish a set of guidelines and procedures which cover the responsibilities and behaviour of swimmers who are members of Bromley Swimming Club. It is expected that the principles of the Code of Conduct are followed at all events

GENERAL

All officials, coaches and voluntary helpers must be treated with respect at all times.

Whilst representing Bromley Swimming Club all members shall behave in an appropriate manner and refrain from any activity likely to bring the Club into disrepute. They shall respect the rights of others to participate and refrain from any act or omission likely to cause damage, loss or disruption.

Swimmers under the age of 18 remain the responsibility of their parents at all times prior to the commencement of, and at the end of, training sessions and/or competitions, including time spent in changing rooms. This also applies to social events held and/or organised by the Club.

All swimmers shall refrain from any act likely to compromise the health or safety of others.

When travelling to an event by coach, swimmers must remember that they are representing the Club and must respect any reasonable request made by parents/coaches accompanying them.

BEHAVIOUR AND PERSONAL CONDUCT

Behaviour and personal conduct: This must be of a high standard at all times and reflect favourably on the sport and the Club. Language in public or relevant group situations must always be appropriate and socially acceptable.

Bullying: bullyingof any description, verbal or physical, will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

1. Any bullying incidents of whatever nature must be reported to the Club Welfare Officer or, in his /her absence, to a member of the Committee.

2. The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying will initially be recorded and investigated at club level to determine seriousness and appropriate action.

3. Cases of serious bullying incidents will be referred to the ASA for advice.

Notwithstanding the above procedure, any occurrence of bullying in which it is reasonable to think involves a criminal offence should be reported to the police or other prosecuting authority as soon as possible.

Bullying may result in immediate suspension of the bully/bullies from Club activities and/or the initiation of disciplinary action under the Club Rules.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited by anyone during a competition or training session.

Alcohol: Alcohol must not be consumed by any swimmers prior to or during a competition or training session, or by any swimmer under the age of 18 at any Club or other events.

Medication: It is important that information on all medication being taken by swimmers should be reported to the Club. Allergies to any medication must also be reported to the Club.

Illegal and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances: These are strictly forbidden. In addition, 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 competition.

Personal Appearance: Personal appearance shall be appropriate to the circumstances. The Club expects swimmers to wear Club colours when competing for or in the name of the Club and on such other occasions as are notified.

In addition it is expected that all members of the Club shall:

Comply with the codes, rules, laws and guidelines of the ASA.

Treat everyone equally regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion, disability or political persuasion.

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.

TRAINING

Swimmers must appreciate that training is for competition and that participation in competition is expected in accordance with the Club Rules.

Swimmers are expected to train to the best of their ability at all training sessions .

Swimmers must arrive on poolside prior to the scheduled start time of training sessions .

Swimmers must ensure that all of their training equipment, a spare pair of usable goggles and at least one drinks bottle are readily accessible on poolside.

Swimmers must notify the coach before a training session of any injuries which they may have.

Swimmers must ensure that they train and act in a manner which does not disturb or distract fellow swimmers.

Swimmers must not leave poolside without the express permission of the coach in charge of the session.

The changing rooms at all pools are for changing only. Every swimmer must show respect for the property and surroundings therein.

All coaches may, under delegated authority from the Committee, temporarily suspend or exclude a swimmer from a particular training session when, in their opinion, such action is in the interests of the Club. Where such action is taken, it must be reported by the coach to a member of the Committee forthwith. The Committee shall then decide on the appropriate course of action to be taken.

Parents are not allowed on poolside during training sessions.

Sanctions:

Breaches of the Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in accordance with the Rules of the Club.

Swimmers and parents must appreciate that breaches of the Code of Conduct will be taken seriously.

Any behaviour not specifically detailed above which is deemed unacceptable by the Committee will be dealt with according to the Rules of the Club. This is not an exhaustive list and the Club reserves the right to amend it at any time.

I have read this Code of Conduct and agree to abide by it.

Name (please print) ………………………………………………………

Signed ……………………………………………….. Date …………

For members under 18 years:

As the parent/carer of the above named member, I hereby confirm that I have explained to them the contents and implications of this Code of Conduct.

Name (please print) ………………………………………………………

Signed ………………………………….. (Parent/carer) Date …………