South Siskiyou Swim Team

Reporting Information:

To deal with a Safe Sport concern, contact USA Swimming at (719) 866-4578 https://www.usaswimming.org/articles-landing-page...

Contact the U.S. Center for Safe Sort to make a report. Call (720) 524-5640 or use the online reporting form at https://safesport.i-sight.com/portal or find more information at https://safesport.i-sight.com/portal

Code of conduct ATHLETES

The purpose of a code of conduct for athletes is to establish a consistent expectation for athletes’ behavior. By signing this code of conduct, I agree to the following statements:

❏I will respect and show courtesy to my teammates and coaches at all times.

❏I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and meets.

❏I will set a good example of behavior and work ethic for my younger teammates.

❏I will be respectful of my teammates’ feelings and personal space. Swimmers who exhibit sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise inappropriate behavior will be faced with consequences.

❏I will attend all team meetings and training sessions, unless I am excused by my coach.

❏I will show respect for all facilities and other property (including locker rooms) used during practices, competitions, and team activities.

❏I will refrain from foul language, violence, behavior deemed dishonest, offensive, or illegal.

❏If I disagree with an official’s call, I will talk with my coach and not approach the official directly.

❏I will obey all of USA Swimming’s rules and codes of conduct.

I understand that if I violate this code of conduct, I will be subject to disciplinary action determined by my coaches and the swim club’s board of directors.

Code of Conduct: Coach

The purpose of this code of conduct for coaches is to establish common expectations for all members of the coaching staff of the club. It is to be used as a guide to promote a positive team environment and good sportsmanship.

❏At all times, adhere to USA Swimming’s rules and code of conduct.

❏Set a good example of respect and sportsmanship for participants and fans to follow.

❏Act and dress with professionalism and dignity in a manner suitable to his/her profession.

❏Respect officials and their judgment and abide by the rules of the event.

❏Treat opposing coaches, participants, and spectators with respect.

❏Instruct participants in sportsmanship and demand that they display good sportsmanship.

❏Coach in a positive manner and do not use derogatory comments or abusive language.

❏Win with humility and lose with dignity.

❏Treat every athlete fairly, justly, impartially, intelligently, and with sensitivity.

❏Always place the well-being, health, and safety of swimmers above all other considerations, including developing performance.

❏Continue to seek and maintain their own professional development in all areas in relation to coaching and teaching children.

❏Always maintain a professional separation between coach and athlete.

Any complaints of a coach violating this code of conduct will be brought to the attention of his/her supervisor and/or the club’s board of directors.

CODE OF CONDUCT: PARENTS

The purpose of a code of conduct for parents is to establish consistent expectations for behavior by parents. As a parent/guardian, I understand the important growth and developmental support that my child’s participation fosters. I also understand that it is essential to provide the coaching staff with respect and the authority to coach the team. I agree with the following statements:

❏I will set the right example for our children by demonstrating sportsmanship and showing respect and common courtesy at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and all facilities.

❏I will get involved by volunteering, observing practices, cheering at meets, and talking with my child and their coach about their progress.

❏I will refrain from coaching my child from the stands during practices or meets.

❏I understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward coaches, officials, volunteers, and/or any participating swimmer will not be tolerated.

❏I will respect the integrity of the officials.

❏I will direct my concerns to first to a coach or board member; then, if not satisfied, to the entire board.

I understand the above expectations and that my failure to adhere to them may result in disciplinary action.

SSST and USA Swimming’s top priority is keeping our athletes safe. No form of abuse, including child sexual abuse, has a place in our sport. As a part of our continued commitment to safeguarding our athletes, USA Swimming has enacted enhancements to our Safe Sport policy requirements and SSST has adopted guidelines for the following risk areas:

1. One-on-One Interactions - meetings between adults and minors is common. MAAPP requires that interactions involve a second adult and occur in a location that is easily observed and interruptible (except in emergency situtations).

2. Travel: Local and Team - a legal guardian must consent in writing, in advance, whenever their minor athlete will be traveling with an Applicable Adult. SSST will maintain copies of these forms so must be given to Board Member in advance of travel occurring.

3. Social Media and Electronic Communication - Any communication between Applicable Adult and a minor athlete should be open, transparent, must include the minor athlete's legal guardian and take place during reasonable hours.

4. Locker Rooms & Changing Areas - Applicable adults are not to be present in a locker room or changing room alone with minor athletes.

5. Massages & Rubdowns & Athlete Training Modalities - performance must be conducted in an observable, interruptible environment by a non-coach licensed professional only.

The following Best Practice Guidelines are strongly recommended for all USA Swimming members.

1. Parents should be encouraged to appropriately support their children's swimming experience.

2. All swimming practices should be open to observation by parents.

3. Coaches should not initiate contact with or accept supervisory responsibility for athletes outside club programs and activities.

4. When only one athlete and one coach travel to a competition, at the competition, the coach and athlete should attempt to establish a "buddy" club to associate with during the competition and when away from the venue.

5. Relationship of a peer-to-peer nature with any athletes should be avoided. For example, coaches should avoid sharing their own personal problems with athletes.

6. Coaches and other non-athlete adult members should avoid horseplay and roughhousing with athletes.

7. When a coach touches an athlete as part of instruction, the coach should do so in direct view of others and inform the athlete of what he/she is doing prior to the initial contact. Touching athletes should be minimized outside the boundaries of what is considered normal instruction. Appropriate interaction would include high fives, fist bumps, side-to-side hugs and handshakes.

8. coaches should avoid having athletes as their favorites. They should also avoid creating a situation that could be perceived as them having favorites.

9. Gift-giving, providing special favors or showing favoritism to individual athletes is strongly discouraged.

Updated by USA Swimming June 23, 2019