Swim Code of Conduct and Ethics

Swim Ontario Code of Conduct and Ethics

I acknowledge I have read the Swim Ontario Comprehensive Code of Conduct and Ethics (Code of Conduct and Ethics.pdf (swimontario.com)  and that I agree and abide by these guidelines. This applies to both the swimmer(s) and official(s) associated with my account.

NOTE: The Swimmer Code of Conduct should be read by swimmers and their parents.

I have also reviewed the BBST Code of Conduct below. This also applies to both the swimmer(s) and official(s) associated with my account.

I pledge to do the following during the swimming season in order to remain a member in good standing of the Belleville Beast Swim Team (BBST):

1. I understand that attendance at practice is important.
2. I understand that my coaches are dedicated to providing me with the skills I need to be the best that I can be in the sport of swimming.

As a result, I promise that I will not waste the coaches time, or the time of my teammates. That means I will do the following:

• Arrive at practice on time.
• Help with any set up that might be required for practice, dry land training and or meets.
• At all times be courteous and helpful to teammates and coaches.
• Whenever a coach is speaking, I will concentrate on what is being said, look at the coach, and not speak with other team members.
• Respect the coaches for their decisions regarding training and meet selection. I acknowledge that it is not acceptable to attend training sessions or meets not approved by my coach.While participating in practices, I will not gossip, joke, or horse around and will focus on what I am being asked to do.

1. I understand that good sportsmanship is important.

As a result, I promise I will abide by the following:

• I will not talk disrespectfully to a member of an opposing team, an opposing coach, or a meet official.
• I will treat my fellow team members and coaches with respect at all times.
• I will not purposely interfere with fellow team members training during practices.
• During a meet, I will always give any event that I am entered in 100%. I acknowledge missing a race or swimming poorly on purpose is not acceptable behaviour.
• I will participate in team activities and strive to build team spirit within the team.

1. When behaviour is deemed unacceptable by the coaching staff and/or the above are not being followed, the swimmer may be removed from any practice.
2. I will only represent BBST in a positive light when communicating with members and non-members alike.
3. I understand that during a meet it is important to concentrate on what is taking place in the pool and to support my teammates.
4. My coaches realize that there is a difference in ability levels of the swimmers in this Club. I understand that coaches do expect swimmers of all ability levels give it their all both during practice and at swim meets.
5. I understand that bullying of any kind (verbal, cyber bullying, texting or email) whether it is towards a fellow swimmer, coach, or club member is not allowed under any circumstances.
6. During away meets or training sessions I understand that I am representing the Belleville Beast Swim Team and acknowledge the following:

• Demonstrate appropriate behaviour at all times. Orderly and reasonably quiet behaviour is expected on the pool deck, in restaurants, and all other public areas. When behaviour is deemed unacceptable by the coaching staff and/or chaperones, the swimmer may be removed from any practice, scratched from competition and/or sent home at the expense of the family. Failure to comply with rules set out by the coaches and chaperones will not be tolerated.
• Follow team dress code as determined by the coaching staff when participating in competitions and when representing BBST. All clothing and/or other paraphernalia worn will not have any reference to drugs or alcohol.
• Show consideration and respect for members of the public, other team members as well as BBST coaching staff and volunteers.
• Abstain from breaking Provincial, Federal laws or the laws of the Country being visited.
• Adhere to hotel etiquette of the highest calibre. Hotels are resting places for all guests. BBST members are expected to behave in an exemplary manner and keep their rooms clean while representing the club.
• Pay for any damage to the hotel room or its contents, additional expenses such as long distance calls, room service, or movies.
• Ensure male and female swimmers are at no time in each others rooms with the door closed or without a chaperone. Athletes from other teams are not allowed in the swimmers hotel rooms unless explicit approval has been given by coaches or chaperones in attendance.
• Respect other team members need for rest/study times during away meets.
• Abstain from drinking or carry alcoholic beverages, nor use drugs other than those prescribed by a physician. Such drugs must be reported to the coaching staff. BBST coaches and chaperones will not be responsible for the administration of medication. The club is fully aware of the fact that the above conditions may infringe on some of the legal rights of swimmers that are over the legal drinking age and may limit freedoms to a degree. However, for the sake of the team, your cooperation is expected.
• Abstain from smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Follow curfews, as determined by the coaches and chaperones. These are set to ensure proper rest for all swimmers and must be adhered to at all times. Failure to comply may result in a swimmer being scratched from a competition or, in more severe cases, being sent home at the family's expense.

1. To report behaviour of other swimmers, coaches, or parents that does not comply with the Code of Conduct. These incidents should be reported to other coaches, parents, a board member, or a chaperone. If the conduct is during an away meet the swimmer shall report it to a coach or chaperone.
2. Parents/Guardians of Swim Ontario Member and Spectators at events which includes
   regular training sessions will:
   1. Encourage athletes to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or
   violence;
   2. Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice; provide positive comments
   that motivate and encourage participants’ continued efforts;
   3. Respect the decision and judgments of officials and encourage athletes to do the same;
   4. Not question a referee, officials’ or Swim Ontario’s staffs’ judgement or honesty;
   5. Respect and show appreciation to all athletes and to the coaches, officials, referees and
   other volunteers who their time to the sport and team;
   6. Will not enter the competition area and not interfere with events or calls.

I understand that Swimmers Swim, Coaches Coach, and Parents Parent.

• I will not talk in a disrespectful manner to a parent, staff member, or coach from BBST or another swim club.
  • I understand that it is important to foster a kind, safe and enjoyable competitive swimming environment for the swimmers, parents and coaches.
• I agree to follow the procedures established by Swim Ontario to address any concerns I might have should I be unable to address it on my own with the parties involved.