Code of Conduct
This is one of the documents you will be required to read and understand as you go through our registration process, but also be mindful of throughout your time in the club as it sets out how you, the club and other members will interact.
Version date: 16 January 2018
1. INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this page is to define and clarify the effective standards of safety for the REN96 swimming team and the constituent groups, to specify the standards of conduct which are expected from all members and to outline the obligations on both committees and members. Members are defined as swimmers, parents, coaches, officials and volunteers. It is not possible to provide an exhaustive list of all the types of conduct and behaviour, which may lead to disciplinary action. Attention is drawn to section 5.1.
Should a member be uncertain of any aspect of the Code of Conduct, and/or what constitutes misconduct or serious misconduct, he/she should discuss the areas of uncertainty with a member of the REN96 Management Committee.
2. ORGANISING COMMITTEE OBLIGATIONS
The Committees will ensure that:
a) Its rules and regulations are made known to all members who are to be bound and governed by them.
b) Clear procedures for dealing with members who have failed to comply with Scottish Swimming and REN96 rules and regulations are also made known to all members.
c) Infringements of rules and regulations are dealt with fairly and consistently. Formal action is only appropriate for more serious cases and where informal action has not led to the necessary improvement.
d) All members are treated equally.
3. MEMBER OBLIGATIONS
Members have a duty to:
a) Observe all specific Scottish Swimming and REN96 rules and regulations.
b) Conduct themselves in a manner which is consistent with the maintenance of good relationships within and outwith REN96.
c) Conduct themselves in a manner, which maintains REN96’s good reputation.
d) Abide by all rules and regulations imposed by Swimming’s governing body.
An agreement to the code of conduct should be signed by each member
4. BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
a) Members failing to meet the general obligations outlined in Section 3 or relevant rules and regulations, including those outlined in Section 5, may be subject to disciplinary action.
b) Members should be aware that actions which have the effect of destroying the relationship between members and REN96 the reputation of REN96 and third parties will be considered as misconduct. Such misconduct may be subject to disciplinary action.
c) Repeated infringements relating to aspects of the Code of Conduct may also represent grounds for the withdrawal of REN96 membership.
d) Members (Parents) who contravene the code of conduct may have their children’s membership of REN96 withdrawn.
5. SPECIFIC RULES AND REGULATIONS
The following specific rules and regulations have been developed to protect both REN96 and members and are deemed necessary to ensure a rapid and consistent response to potential problems. The following list is not exhaustive and members are requested to note other local rules which may exist when representing REN96 elsewhere.
5.1. HEALTH AND SAFETY
a) Members must not take any action that may endanger either their own health and safety or that of any other member.
b) Members must not take any action that may endanger either the safety or health of any non-REN96 members whilst representing REN96.
5.2. THE TAKING OF ALCOHOL OR DRUGS
The following actions constitute a breach of REN96 rules:
a) The taking of alcohol or tobacco at the venue of REN96 or whilst representing REN96.
b) The possession of alcohol or tobacco at the premises of REN96 by age group swimmers.
c) The misuse of legal or illegal drugs, or the possession of illegal drugs while attending REN96 venues or whilst representing REN96.
The taking of Alcohol by persons of legal age is acceptable for social occasions.
5.3. IMPROPER CONDUCT
a) Any form of improper or discriminatory language, behaviour, or dress which is likely to cause offence, or transcend the bounds of common decency is considered unacceptable by REN96.
b) Fighting or other unruly behaviour at the venue of REN96 or whilst representing REN96 is unacceptable.
c) The use of a mobile phone / smartphone, smartwatch or similar electronic device within the “mobile phone free” designated zones by Scottish Swimming which include the changing rooms, showers and toilets. N.B. The use of fitness trackers during training is permitted at the coaches’ discretion.
d) Persistent lack of punctuality, impertinence towards coaches, helpers, officials or pool staff or refusal to comply with the instructions of coaches, helpers, officials or pool staff is unacceptable.
e) REN96 expects standards of behaviour, which respect the dignity of all individuals.
f) Victimisation, Sexual or Racial Harassment is unacceptable.
g) Leaving the pool or training area without permission of the person in charge, failing to advise the Coach or Team Manager/Squad Coach at a competitive event of any medication or supplements which are being taken and refusal to wear team kit if requested to do so is considered unacceptable by REN96.
5.4. REN96 AND PERSONAL PROPERTY
a) Members must not:
- Take unauthorised possession of REN96 or Pool property and/or the personal belongings of another member or individual whilst attending the venue of REN96 or whilst representing REN 96.
- Use any REN96 property for private purposes without first obtaining appropriate authorisation from an Office Bearer or REN96 coach.
- Cause deliberate damage to REN96 or individual property whilst at the venue utilised by REN96 or whilst representing REN96.
b) Members are responsible for their own personal property, and REN96 take no responsibility for any damage or loss.
5.5. SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES
REN96 encourages the appropriate use of social media by all persons bound by this code to promote the sport of swimming and communicate with the general public. REN96 acknowledges social media is a broad and instant form of communication and treats all social media content, whether written, photographic, video or audio as public comment which is accessible to all.
a) Postings, Blogs and Tweets
REN96 treats all written social media postings, blogs status updates and tweets as public ‘comment’. As a result, all persons bound by this code should not comment in a way that may be construed as negative, or derogatory towards others, contravene any criminal law or put themselves in a situation where they may harm their reputation, the reputation of their teammates or the reputation of the club.
b) Photographs, Video, Audio
REN96 also treats all photographs, video and audio ‘material’ posted onto social media as public comment and accessible to the public. Any material that may be considered negative, derogatory or inappropriate towards persons bound by this code should not be posted.
The use of mobile phones or other recording devices on the poolside, shower or changing area is prohibited as per the terms and conditions of the Scottish Swimming Mobile Phone Policy.
c) Liability
When persons bound by this code choose to publish any comments or material in any way, including on social media, they are solely responsible for such comment and material. Individuals should be aware that they can be held personally liable for any comments and material that may be deemed to be defamatory or obscene. In essence, persons bound by this code post comments and materials at their own risk. Persons bound by this code should at all times make it clear that any comments and materials are made in their individual capacity and that they do not represent REN96.
d) Monitoring
REN96 does not actively monitor social media content of persons bound by this code. REN96 does however monitor content on the REN96 website and REN96 social media pages which could impact on REN96 swimming team, individuals and the reputation of the club.
e) Infringements
In the spirit of open communication REN96 encourages appropriate use of social media. REN96 endeavours to work with individuals and members on the appropriate use of social media. REN96 reserve the right to take any other appropriate measures with respect to infringements of this code, including removing material, imposing other sanctions and taking legal action for damages.
f) Amendment/Interpretation
REN96 reserve the right to amend this code as it deems appropriate. REN96 shall be the final authority with respect to the interpretation and implementation of this code.
g) Persons bound by this code
Persons bound by this code include the swimmer, coaches, parents and committee members of REN96.
6. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
From time to time, a member's conduct may fail to meet the standards expected by the rules and regulations. In most cases an informal conversation between a Coach/Office Bearer and a member will be sufficient. A formal approach will only be adopted where a member’s conduct is cause for serious concern either in relation to the member negatively impacts upon other members of Ren96 or falls below the standards required on a repeated basis. This procedure is designed to ensure fair treatment for all members where disciplinary action is undertaken.
6.1. INITIAL PROCEDURE
Should a member fail to comply with an informal request from a Coach or Committee member to improve their behaviour the person in charge should advise the member in the presence of another coach or committee member that they are being given a formal verbal warning and that this will be reported to the REN96 Committee.
In the event of repeated or more serious misconduct the breach of discipline should be reported to the REN96 Committee within 48 hours of the alleged incident or, should the behaviour occur whilst on a REN96 residential trip, within 48 hours of return.
The Committee will write to the member or their parent or guardian if a junior member advising them that this is a written warning concerning their behaviour which the member will be expected to improve. The letter should be sent within 7 days of the breach of discipline being reported. Any subsequent breach of discipline by the same member or a more serious breach will be dealt with by investigation as detailed in 6.2 below.
6.2. INVESTIGATION
When an incident of serious misconduct is reported to the Committee, an investigation shall be conducted to establish in broad terms what has or has not occurred.
a) Designated representatives of the Committee which shall consist of 2 committee members, (1 of whom shall be an Office Bearer) and 1 coaching representative will be advised within 48 hours of the breach of discipline.
b) Advise the member (plus the Parent or Guardian of a Junior Member) that an initial investigation is being undertaken and the broad scope of the investigation. The member may also be advised that they be suspended from REN96 activities until such time as formally advised of the outcome of the investigation.
c) Advise the member that a fellow member or friend may accompany them at this or any subsequent stage of the procedure. A parent or guardian shall accompany all junior members. This is to provide support to the member and to witness and seek clarification on the process but not to speak on behalf of, or for, the member.
d) Arrange to interview the member, providing him/her with an opportunity to fully state their case as part of that interview. The member should be advised of arrangements for this interview as soon as possible and at least 48 hours before the interview.
e) A file note recording the important issues discussed during the interview should be prepared and signed by the committee team. The member concerned should be invited to sign the note, as an accurate record of the matters discussed, and given a copy to retain.
f) Interview any other member or person with information regarding the incident.
6.3. DISCIPLINARY ACTION
The representative Sub-Committee shall recommend an appropriate course of action to the full committee on the incident. The committee will, approve, reject or amend the action. The course of action recommended shall depend on the seriousness of the incident. The following course of actions may be taken;
a) Exoneration
b) Suspension
c) Dismissal from REN96
The committee's decision shall be formally relayed in writing to the member within 5 days of the committee meeting. The formal note shall clearly state the action being taken and the reasons for that action.
6.4. APPEALS AGAINST DISCIPLINARY ACTION
a) If a member is dissatisfied with the disciplinary action taken he/she should appeal within 5 working days of receiving written confirmation of the disciplinary action to be taken.
b) The appeal should be made, in writing, to the REN96 Club Secretary clearly stating the grounds on which it is made.
c) The appeal will normally be heard within 7 days of receiving the formal request for an appeal. The appeal team shall consist of 2 different committee members, (1 of whom shall be an Office Bearer) and 1 different Coaching representative. The member will be advised of arrangements for the initial appeal as soon as possible and at least 48 hours before the appeal is held.
d) The appeal team shall recommend an appropriate course of action to the full committee on the incident. The outcome of the appeal
e) The decision of the committee is subject to appeal procedure as outlined in the Constitution and Bye Laws of the REN96 swim team.
[these are examples of what you will be asked to sign up to when you register]
APPENDIX 1
Swimmers’ Code of Conduct
Aim: To ensure that all athletes involved within the REN96 programme safely participate within an agreed philosophy and set of standards.
Principal Statement on Ethics
Sporting integrity is based on the acceptance of rules, fairness, equality, respect for others, moral conduct and a sense of what is right. REN96 has adopted Scottish Sport’s goal to create a sporting environment where violence, breaking the rules, the abuse of drugs, the lack of fair play and other unethical behaviour are automatically rejected as being irrelevant to the true purpose of sport.
I agree to:
1. Abide by the principal statement on Ethics above and the REN96 Code of Conduct.
2. Practice and compete within the rules and spirit of the sport.
3. Adhere to the REN96 Competition Guidelines.
4. Encourage and support team-mates in all Team related activities.
5. Behave with respect to others including coaches, officials, other competitors, athletes, team managers and spectators at all times.
6. Refrain from inappropriate conduct towards others whether, physical, verbal or emotional.
7. Adhere to the terms and Conditions of the Scottish Swimming Mobile Phone Policy.
8. Set a good example at all times in aspects of dress, punctuality, language, behaviour and respect of equipment and others.
9. Arrive promptly, with appropriate kit for training and competitions and observe any curfew which is in place.
10. Display a positive attitude and show commitment and responsibility for training including a high level of attendance and fitness.
11. Communicate with coaches - including information on all medication and supplements being taken.
APPENDIX 2
Parents and spectators’ Code of Conduct
I agree to:
1. Abide by the REN 96 Code of Conduct and Child Protection Policies.
2. Consider the well-being and safety of swimmers before the development of performance.
3. Encourage swimmers to value the performance and not just results, focus on their effort and performance rather than winning or losing.
4. Do not ridicule or shout at any swimmer for making mistakes or losing a race, positive reinforcement of good behaviour supports and encourages members. Appreciate good performance and skill by all participants.
5. Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, dressing suitably and not using inappropriate language at any time whilst involved in team activities.
6. Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the team.
7. Encourage and guide swimmers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
8. Always remember that the involvement in swimming is for the swimmer’s enjoyment and they should be encouraged to participate, not forced.
9. Do not denigrate, shout, or abuse officials. Such behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in the person responsible being asked to leave the training facility. Most officials volunteer their time and effort for your swimmers involvement.
10. Do not shout or abuse coaches or volunteer staff. Such behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in the person responsible being asked to leave the training facility. In the event of repeated behaviour or a serious incident, Ren96 reserves the right to ask offenders to leave the Club. It is important to be aware that without the input of coaches and volunteers, swimmers could not participate.
11. Never discuss any issue or disagreement with a coach or volunteer member of staff with any athlete present and refrain from discussing such disagreement with an athlete at a later stage.
12. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities.
13. Adhere to the terms and Conditions of the Scottish Swimming Mobile Phone Policy.
APPENDIX 3
Coaches’ Code of Conduct
A responsible sports coach helps the development of individuals through improving their performance.
I agree to:
1. Abide by the REN 96 General Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policies and be a member of and adhere to the terms and conditions of Scottish Swimming.
2. At the outset, clarify with swimmers (and parents where appropriate) exactly what is expected of them and what swimmers are entitled to expect from their coach. A contract may be appropriate.
3. Consider the well-being and safety of swimmers before the development of performance, maintaining a duty of care ensuring all activities are appropriate to the age, maturity, ability and experience of those taking part.
4. Develop an appropriate working relationship with swimmers, based on mutual trust and respect and promote respect for the ability of opponents as well as for officials and fellow coaches.
5. Encourage swimmers to value the performance and not just results.
6. Hold the appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.
7. Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, dressing suitably and not using inappropriate language at any time whilst involved in team activities.
8. Adhere to the terms and Conditions of the Scottish Swimming Mobile Phone Policy.
9. Have a sound working knowledge and follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the team.
10. Never exert undue influence over swimmers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
11. Encourage and guide swimmers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
12. Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. coaches, officials, sport scientists, doctors, and physiotherapists) in the best interests of the swimmer.
13. Make a personal commitment to keep yourself informed of sound coaching principles and the principles of growth and development of swimmers.
14. Provide the highest standard of swimming instruction and training possible in a safe, secure, fair and enjoyable environment.
15. Keep an accurate attendance record of all squads coached which will be submitted to the membership secretary on a monthly basis.
16. Attend swimming competitions that your squad are taking part in and assist with coaching at any level of meet if required.
17. Endeavour to ensure that all members have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in the sport of competitive swimming.
18. Be a positive role model for all members of REN 96.
APPENDIX 4
Officials’ and Volunteers’ Code of Conduct
I agree to:
1. Abide by the REN 96 Code of Conduct, Child Protection Policies and be a member of and adhere to the terms and conditions of Scottish Swimming.
2. Consider the well-being and safety of swimmers before the development of performance.
3. Develop an appropriate working relationship with swimmers and coaches based on mutual trust and respect.
4. Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, maturity, ability and experience of those taking part.
5. Encourage swimmers to value the performance and not just results.
6. Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance, dressing suitably and not using inappropriate language at any time whilst involved in team activities.
7. Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the team.
8. Adhere to the terms and Conditions of the Scottish Swimming Mobile Phone Policy.
9. Never exert undue influence over swimmers to obtain personal benefit or reward.
10. Respect personal privacy and be sensitive to people’s likes and dislikes.
