City of Cambridge Swimming Club Members - General Conduct
The club follows the Swim England Wave Power Policy: http://www.swimming.org/swimengland/wavepower-child-safeguarding-for-clubs/
Please familarise yourself with the policy and ensure all swimmers and members are aware of the policies and procedures.
Please view below the Code of Conduct policies:
Committee members, officials & volunteers Code of Conduct
In joining the club all members have agreed to be bound by the Club Rules. On aspects of conduct they state: -
- All members are required to abide by Swim England's Code of Ethics.
- Where competitions have an entry criteria, all Club members are expected to complete the criteria from known achieved times.
- Club members should not be involved in any conduct or activity that may harm or bring into disrepute the name or reputation of the Club. Any serious misbehaviour by a Club member during Club time shall be reported to, and then considered by the Executive Committee or its representatives and appropriate action taken.
- Any member who has a diagnosed medical condition or who is on prescribed medication must notify their Coach or teacher prior to training or competing in an event.
- Any member who should have a complaint shall put this in writing to the Chair at [email protected] whom shall answer in writing after discussion by the Executive Committee.
- All Club members are expected to wear Team clothing, tee-shirts and hats (if worn) at all galas, competitions and presentations when representing the Club.
- All members for their own safety are to wear seat belts on any transport provided by the Club when traveling to competitions, galas or Club organised events.
- The Club Rules can only be changed by the Executive Committee.
Poolside Conduct - swimming
This set of rules defines what is acceptable behaviour on poolside. By following these rules you will have a positive effect on your swimming and on your relationships with your peers and coaches, you will also earn the respect of those around you.
Remember you are part of a team of swimmers, parents, officials and coaches; support your team members and everyone involved in swimming at CoCSC will experience enjoyment and success in their chosen sport.
Whenever you are on poolside the coach has full responsibility for all aspects of your training and behaviour. It is the coaches, and ultimately the Head Coaches responsibility to ensure that the items listed in this code are adhered to. The elected executive committee of the club, to whom they are responsible, give the coaches this authority.
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Responsibility
- You should remember that the coach is in charge of all aspects of the training session or competition. The coach's decision is final on matters affecting performance and attitudes on poolside. -
Attitude
- You should attend all training sessions and competitions with a positive 'can do' attitude -
Respect
- At all times show respect to the feelings and actions of other swimmers and coaches. Respect is a two way process you have give respect as well as earn it -
Termination
- Any swimmer who's behaviour is unruly, negative, aggressive to others or who uses abusive or derogatory language will be instructed to leave the session or poolside by the coach -
Direction
- Once at training or competition you are under the coach's direction, you must follow the training set or directions as given. If you can't do the session or race you will be asked to leave -
Attention
- Ensure you are listening to the instructions and directions given by the coach and that you follow them. If you are unclear ask -
Punctuality
- You should be on poolside 15 minutes before the start of any training session (when the pool, opening times allow this) or before the warm up time for the competition, ready to swim, with all necessary equipment. -
Injury
- If you have or an injury you must advise the coach before starting the training session or competition. The coach will decide if the session is appropriate or if it can be modified, or if you are fit to race. -
Completion
- If you are unable to complete the session as given, the coach will at his discretion adjust the programme, ask you to move to a slower lane or ask you to leave the session -
Attendance
- Do not leave the lane or poolside without advising your coach -
Purpose
- You are in the water to train or race, so do not distract other swimmers from focussing on successful completion of their training program or race -
Discipline
- In training ensure you follow good lane discipline: leave at correct intervals, swim at the instructed pace, take the correct rest, allow faster swimmers to move past you without holding up the lane
At all times
- You are representing the City of Cambridge Swimming Club to other swimmers, spectators, coaches and officials. The standard of your behaviour should therefore reflect the standards that the Club expects.
- The Club will not tolerate bullying in any form.
- Members are expected to behave politely and in an orderly manner. Abusive or threatening language or behaviour will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- Swimmers should promptly obey the instructions of coaches and officials of this club and others.
- Obey any instructions given by changing room stewards, who will also help you if you have a problem. In the changing rooms and the shower areas behave in a quiet, orderly and responsible manner.
- Swimmers must not be on poolside until a coach or official is present, unless a coach or official gives permission.
- All members must act in a way so as not to endanger their own health and safety or that of others. Never take glass objects onto poolside.
- Respect the property of the pool providers and other swimmers. Responsibility for personal belongings is with the individual concerned, not with the Club (e.g. money, jewelry, clothing etc)
- Never take computer games onto poolside.
- At galas do not wander off to be with parents or supporters but remain with your team and your team manager. Do not leave poolside to change without permission from your coach or team manager. It is expected that all team members will stay to support the last race.
- Support and encourage everyone in your team and in your Club. Members should behave in a "sporting" manner at all competitions. Accept winning or defeat gracefully. Do not make excuses for poor performance. Show sportsmanship at all times.
- Respect the environment and either place all rubbish in receptacles provided or take it home with you, including the time that you are on Club transport.
When traveling on Club transport or transport provided by the Club.
- Comply with any instruction from the coach driver, assistant, coach or official.
- Remain seated, using correctly fastened seat belts. Do not interfere with any safety equipment. (E.g. handles, switches, alarms, extinguishers, etc)
- When traveling with the Club to special events, such as a training camp, an additional Code of Conduct applies and will be issued before traveling.
Disciplinary action
While it is quite possible to have disputes between committee members, parents, coaches and swimmers, it is the Club's desire that these are dealt with reasonably and amicably, without going through a formal process.
Some disputes or complaints or behaviours will require a more formal process and these notes sets out how this would work.
- The Club has the power to legislate for a breach of its own rules and can suspend a swimmer from Club activities. The Club does not have the power to handle a dispute relating to the member of another club, nor deal with an offence under Swim England (ASA) Ltd Law.
- The key principle to be followed is that ASA Law conforms to the law of the land in so much that an individual is innocent until proven guilty and he/she must have reasonable opportunity to present a defence and have his/her views heard.
- It is important that the same people in the Club do not become both the prosecutor (or defender) and the judge. If the Committee or its officers are either the prosecutor or defender or involved in the dispute then they must find other members not connected with the matter to hear the evidence from both parties to the dispute.
There are occasions when a problem arises in a Club, for example fighting between members on poolside, where immediate action is required, such as temporary suspension or exclusion from a training session. Coaches and officers have the power to invoke a temporary suspension. A report should then immediately be made and the Disciplinary Procedure followed.
Disciplinary Procedures
- On receipt of the dispute every effort will be made to resolve the matter by informal discussion. If this fails or it appears likely that it is necessary to discipline a member, the Club will set up a panel to deal with the matter.
- One member of the panel will act as Chairman, one as Secretary. The panel will consist of persons not involved in the dispute and individuals from outside the Club can be involved if appropriate.
- The Executive Committee could hear the dispute, but this could be intimidating, so the Club prefers to use a panel.
- The Chairman of the panel should notify both parties of the date, time and place of the hearing and also the names of the panel members.
- Both parties should be given copies of all papers and documents by the other at least three days before the hearing date.
- Every effort should be made to hold the hearing within 14 days of receipt of the dispute.
- If either party is under 18 years of age, they will be advised of their right to be accompanied by a parent (or other person who has parental responsibility for them) or coach to help them present their case.
- Both parties shall be allowed to bring witnesses.
- The hearing shall be controlled by the Chairman, but should be as informal as possible
- The Complainant should present evidence first and the accused should have the right of reply.
- Both parties to the dispute shall be allowed to bring witnesses. The witnesses must be present at the hearing. The Complainant witness should present evidence first and the accusers should follow.
- Witnesses should not be in the hearing room until they are called. After questioning they should leave the hearing room and play no further part in the proceedings.
- The Chairman or Secretary should make notes of the hearing and the panel should make every effort to announce their decision verbally to all the parties without delay followed by written confirmation to reach all parties within five days.
- If either party to the dispute is dissatisfied with the outcome they are entitled to make a Complaint to the Judicial Administrator at Swim England (ASA) Ltd Head Office, Loughborough.
Parents, Carers and Supporters
The whole learning and competing experience is a partnership between the Club, the Member, the Coach and the Parents. Here are some guidelines for parents and supporters to help in the development of the competitor.
Treat other competitors as partners
Your child should never be taught or encouraged to view an opponent as an enemy. Instead encourage friendship and applaud good performance by all swimmers, not just the winner.
Encourage self-competition
True winning at sport is about beating yourself and improving your own performance.
Success is not defined by winning or losing
If a swimmer performs to their potential, no more should be expected. If they lose, don't be critical but instead help them feel that they are the winner in the battle against themselves. Similarly, should your child perform below potential but win, praise the victory but point out that the battle against themselves is still to be won. Not every swimmer can be a champion, but every swimmer can win the race against themselves. Be positive about the positives.
Be supportive, but don't coach
Your role is a very important one. You are the support team. You are the number one fan - unconditionally. Encourage, support and empathise; provide the taxi service and the meals; but leave the coaching to the professional coach in both training and in competition. You can confuse your child by offering your own opinions. (If you do have any concerns about coaching, speak to the coach!)
Make it fun!
The more fun your child has the better they will perform. If there is fear of practice or competition, find out why. It can be as simply as 'not knowing anyone'. Speak to other parents to find out if they have had similar issues. Be sure that your child is not concerned about failing to meet YOUR expectations.
Whose goal is it anyway?
Why is your child participating in sport? Make sure that it is because of their reasons and not yours.
Love your child unconditionally. Give your child the gift of failure
Every child is capable of improving on their previous personal best performance, though they may not win. Don't equate your child's self worth with their position in a race. Failure is an important stepping-stone on the path to success. Your help may be needed to change negative thoughts into positive ones. Teach your child to see setbacks in a positive manner.
Emphasise process, not outcome
Competing can raise tensions, in competitors and supporters. Help reduce anxiety by encouraging your child to concentrate on the competition itself, thinking about their own techniques. Take their minds away from who else is competing and from forecasting the result before the race starts.
Avoid comparisons, respect differences
Every child matures differently, mentally and physically. Comparing your child's performance and progress with others simply ignores developmental differences. Help children to accept themselves as they are. Late developers often turn out to be better competitors in the long run.
Respect and admire others
Whatever the standard to which other children and parents perform to, their efforts and commitment in achieving it is worthy of your respect and admiration. Someone who always seems to win deserves just as much admiration as the other who gives everything, but loses.
