Code of Conduct for Swimmers 

General behaviour 

Treat all members of and persons associated with Swim England with due dignity and respect.

Treat everyone equally and never discriminate against another person associated with the SE on any grounds including that of age, sexual orientation, ethnic origin or nationality.

The use of inappropriate or abusive language, bullying, harassment, or physical violence will not be tolerated and could result in action being taken through the club disciplinary or child welfare policy.

Display a high standard of behaviour at all times. Always report any poor behaviour by others to an appropriate club officer. Recognise and celebrate the good performance and success of fellow club and team members.

Swimming training 

Treat your coach and fellow swimmers with respect. 

Make your coach aware if you have difficulties in attending training sessions as laid down for your squad.

Arrive in good time on poolside before the training session starts to complete poolside warm up as directed by your coach.

If you arrive late report to your coach before entering the pool.

Ensure you have all your equipment with you, i.e. paddles; kick boards, hats, goggles etc. If you need to leave the pool for any reason during training inform your coach before doing so. Listen to what your coach is telling you at all times and obey instructions given.

Always swim to the wall as you do in a race, and practice turns as instructed. Do not stop and stand in the lane, or obstruct others from completing their training. Do not pull on the ropes as this may injure other swimmers.

Do not skip lengths or sets - you are only cheating yourself.

Think about what you are doing during training and if you have any problems discuss them with your coach at an appropriate time.

If you have any problems with the behaviour of fellow club members report them at the time to an appropriate adult.

Competition 

At competitions whether they be open meets, national events or club galas always behave in a manner that shows respect to both your club coach, officers and team mates and the members of all competing clubs.

You will be required to attend events and galas that the Chief Coach has entered / selected you for unless previously agreed otherwise with the relevant club official and coach.

You must wear appropriate swimwear, T shirts/shorts and hats as laid down by the club. Report to your club coach and / or Team manager on arrival on poolside.

Warm-up before the event as directed by the coach in charge on that day and ensure you fully prepare yourself for the race.

Be Part of the Team. Stay with the Team on poolside. If you have to leave poolside for any reason inform and in some cases get the consent of the Team manager / coach before doing so.

After your race report to your coach for feedback.

Support your team mates. Everyone likes to be supported and they will be supporting you.

Swim down after the race, if possible again as advised by your coach. Your behaviour in the swim down facility must be appropriate and respectful to other users at all times.

Never leave an event until either the gala is complete or you have the explicit agreement of the club coach or team manager.

Deliver and collect your child punctually to and from coaching sessions/swim meets. Please inform a member of the committee or coaching staff if there is an unavoidable problem. If the club changes your child’s lane and changing times, please remember the change is to provide appropriate levels of training and enable your child to progress and should be facilitated and encouraged at all times.

Ensure your child is properly and adequately attired for the training session/events including all required equipment, i.e. hats, goggles etc.

Inform the Coach/Welfare Officer before a session if your child is to be collected early from a coaching session/meet and if so by whom. Encourage your child to obey rules and teach them that they can only do their best.

Behave responsibly as a spectator at training / meets and treat swimmers, coaches, committee members and parents of yours and other clubs with due respect meeting the Swim England commitment to equality.

Ensure you do not use inappropriate language within the club environment.

Show appreciation and support your child and all the team members.

Ensure your child’s needs are met in terms of nutritional needs and listen to advice given from the club coach / nutritionist.

Support the club coach and committee appropriately and raise any concerns you have in an appropriate manner. Details of the club Welfare Officer can be found on the club website.

Do not enter poolside unless requested to do so or in an emergency. If you wish to have a discussion with the coach check with the club Welfare Officer how this can be arranged.

Most of all help your child enjoy the sport and achieve to the best of their ability.

The club will undertake to: 

Inform you at once if your child is ill and ensure their wellbeing until you are able to collect him / her. Ensure good child safeguarding guidelines are followed at all times to keep your child safe.

Ensure all activities are properly supervised / taught / coached and consent is obtained for any activity outside of that previously agreed.

Code of Conduct for Parents 

Parents are expected to: 

Complete and return the Medical Information Form as requested by the club and detail any health conditions / concerns relevant to your child on the consent form.

Any changes in the state of your child’s health should be reported to the coach prior to coaching sessions. Ensure the club has up to date contact details for you and any alternative person.

The parent has a right to: 

Make a complaint to the club if they feel the club or a member of the club is not acting appropriate to Swim England / club rules and regulations. Details of how to do this can be obtained from the club Welfare Officer.

Make a complaint on behalf of their child to the Swim England Office of Judicial Administration.