Swimmers Code of Conduct

(To be read and understood by all Swimmers)

This code has been produced for the guidance of swimmers taking part in all activities at Littlehampton Swimming Club. This code of expected conduct has been designed to ensure that swimmers are aware of the standards required by them when they are:

·           Training with Littlehampton Swimming Club

·           Using facilities, equipment and leisure centres hired by Littlehampton

       Swimming Club

·           Representing Littlehampton Swimming Club at any form of Competition or

       event

·           Travelling with Littlehampton Swimming Club to and from competition

·           Engaged in any other activity organised by Littlehampton Swimming Club

THE RULES

1.      Reasonable behaviour is expected at all times. That is - behaviour that will not cause offence or embarrassment to any member of the general public, other swimmers, parents, team managers and coaches of Littlehampton Swimming Club, or any visiting, home or other swimming clubs.

2.      Littlehampton Swimming Club swimmers are expected to show respect for parents, team managers and coaches and to the facilities as a club, Littlehampton Swimming Club use and visit.

3.      Littlehampton Swimming Club swimmers are expected to demonstrate a good attitude, set a good example and put effort in to their training and competition. This includes carrying out the training exactly as detailed in the session plan.

4.      All swimmers are expected to follow and adhere to Littlehampton Swimming Club's Teamship Rules.

5.      Bullying, whether physical, verbal or emotional, will not be tolerated by the Club.

6.      All swimmers are expected to follow instructions given by any coach, team manager, or any designated official or club official and to comply with these instructions immediately, without argument or back chat.

7.     The use of any drugs or substances other than for medical reasons is prohibited. Swimmers are reminded to check that any drugs used for medical purposes are not on the ASA 'Banned List'. (see Club Handbook : health and nutrition section)

BREAKING THE RULES

It is hoped and expected that swimmers will adhere to the above code of conduct. However in the instance of failure to follow these simple rules the following steps may be taken.

1.      On the first occasion the lane coach or team manager (or club official) will speak to the swimmer concerned and explain that their conduct is unacceptable and must stop.

2.      A further instance will lead to the swimmer being sent to the Head Coach, who will issue the swimmer concerned with a formal verbal warning and advise them that their conduct is now being viewed seriously.

3.      On the next occasion this will indicate to the Head Coach that the swimmer does not wish to swim in the Training Session or Gala and the swimmer concerned will be told to leave the pool immediately and get dressed. They will then be welcome at the next training session and nothing more will be said about the matter.

4.     Any further repeats of unacceptable behaviour at subsequent training sessions, competitions or events will result in the swimmer being asked to leave the session / event. If this happens a written warning letter will be sent to the swimmers parents/carers.

5.      If a swimmers conduct does not improve after this and further instances are brought to the Head Coach, the swimmer will be issued with a suspension from taking part in any club activity for a period of between 1 - 4 weeks. During this period the swimmer may not take part in any activity organised by Littlehampton Swimming Club. During this time the swimmers fees will still be payable and no rebate will be given.

6.      Serious breaches of reasonable behaviour (for example fighting, bullying, damage to facilities or any other excessive bad behaviour during attendance at training, competitions or any other club organised event) may at the discretion of the Head Coach (or in the case of bullying the Club Welfare Officer or other Club Officer) lead to instant suspension of a swimmer from the club. This suspension will remain in place until the Disciplinary Sub-Committee (Head Coach, Club Welfare Officer and one other Club Officer) can be convened where a decision will be made on the individual concerned and relevant action required.

7.      Finally if after the limited period of suspension and the swimmers return to normal training, the individuals conduct continues to be unacceptable, then the Head Coach (or any other club official) will take this to the next committee meeting. Littlehampton Swimming Club Management Committee will then be requested that the member concerned be permanently excluded from the club. Should the Club Management Committee uphold this request, the individual concerned will cease to be a member of Littlehampton Swimming Club immediately.

RIGHT TO APPEAL

All swimmers, parents/carers, club members, team managers and coaches have the right to appeal against any decision made under this code. Any appeal, should be made in writing to the club secretary, within 14 days of the penalty being given, stating the swimmers name and details of the appeal. This will then be formally discussed at the next committee meeting and the individual will be informed of the decision made.

Such action may be overridden by the A.S.A complaints procedure.

Membership to Littlehampton Swimming Club indicates that you have seen this code and completion of a Littlehampton Swimming Club membership application form will be taken that you accept to be bound by the code itself.

It is not the intention of this code to discourage reasonable high spirits and fun, but swimmers must realise that when taking part in group activities, their actions may endanger others, cause damage to the facilities we use or put the clubs reputation at risk.

Therefore all Littlehampton Swimming Club members

are expected to comply with this Code of Conduct.