Code of Conduct

 

All swimmers in Development, Junior Competition and Senior Competition Squads will be asked to sign and return a summary of the Code to the Welfare Officer to indicate that they have read and understood it and that they agree to follow the Code at all training sessions and galas.  Some of our younger swimmers may need to have the Code carefully explained to them by a parent or carer.

 

 

 

General Conduct

 

• Show respect for others and treat them how you would expect to be treated yourself.

 

• Show respect for the property of others.  Please hand any items of clothing or equipment left behind on the poolside or in the changing rooms to one of the teaching staff, a poolside helper, team steward (if at a gala) or a Committee member, or put it in the Club’s lost property box in the club room at the Hewell Road pool.

 

• Use all swimming equipment in the appropriate way.  Do not throw floats, fins, pullbouys, goggles, etc., about as this may result in an injury to another swimmer.

 

• Arrive in good time for the start of training sessions and galas.

 

• Carry out all appropriate instructions given by the Coach, teaching staff, poolside helpers or team stewards to the best of your ability.

 

• Notify the Coach, teaching staff, poolside helpers or team stewards of any relevant medical problem, injury or illness that may affect your swimming (e.g. asthma).

 

•  Use appropriate and socially accepted language (no swearing).

 

• Ensure that your behaviour and personal conduct is of a high standard and reflects favourably on the sport of swimming.

 

 

Conduct during Training

• Listen to instructions from the Coach and/or teaching staff  (if you are asked to swim a ‘drill’ do not swim the full stroke, if you are asked to “take it easy” do not race at full speed!)

 

• Try to attend as many sessions as possible and arrive in plenty of time so that you can be ready to get into the water when the session begins.

• Practice all turns and finishes at every opportunity.

• Do not push people off the blocks or off the poolside.  This can be very dangerous.

• Maintain good lane discipline:

• Consider the stroke you are going to do in each ‘set’ (set of lengths) and organise yourselves accordingly in each lane with the fastest swimmer starting first, second fastest next, and so on.  The lead swimmer in the lane will probably change for different strokes and sets.  If the set is to be swum in a stroke of your ‘own choice’ discuss with the other swimmers in your lane which stroke each swimmer intends to do and organise yourselves appropriately (e.g. freestyle swimmers will need to go before breaststroke swimmers).

• At the start of each set leave at least a 5 second gap between you and the swimmer in front before you push off the wall.   If fins/flippers are being used you will need to leave a longer gap. This is particularly important for the safety of swimmers when turning, as they need sufficient space to perform turns correctly without the danger of collisions.

• Pass other swimmers safely.  Never attempt to pull another swimmer backwards or under the water.  Do not cut in sharply, blocking the swimmer you have just overtaken.

• Do not deliberately obstruct another swimmer who is attempting to overtake you.

• Keep to your side of the lane to avoid collisions.

 

• Do not sit on lane ropes.  These are expensive to repair/replace.

 

• When you have finished your set move to one side to allow other swimmers to finish at the wall.

 

• At the end of the session get out of the pool promptly and collect equipment sensibly.

 

Conduct at Galas

 

• Remember that you are representing the Club and that good conduct is expected at all times.

 

• Be punctual.  Arrive at least 15 minutes before the specified warm-up time.

 

• When first you arrive on poolside report to the team steward and remain with the team throughout the gala.  If you need to leave the poolside for any reason get permission from the team steward.  They need to know where you are at all times (if they can’t find you, you may miss a race).

 

• Swim every event that you are asked to swim to the best of your ability - even if it is not your best/favourite stroke.

 

• Respect, encourage and support all of your teammates.  They are as much a part of the team as you and everyone’s contribution to the team effort is important and should be valued and appreciated.  Never denigrate the efforts of others.

 

• Do not leave litter on the poolside or in the changing room.  Put all sweet wrappers, drinks bottles and other rubbish in a bin.

 

 

Any serious violations of the Code of Conduct, or repeated minor violations, may be reported to the Committee for possible further action.