On January 4th, 2022 the ACST board adopted the following new code of conduct for all of its swimmers and parents to follow.  While we do not like the age we live in where we feel we must write down a set of instructions and consequences for our kids, we do recognize it is the era we live in and we must protect the interest of the club, swimmers, coaches, spectators, and others by creating a more formal code of conduct.

ACST has had a behavioral code in the past, but now with this documentation we feel it will define what some of the wrong actions are and what some of the consequences may be.  Please take a few moments to read this form and then discuss it with your swimmer.  

Avon Community Swim Team

PARENT & SWIMMER CODE OF CONDUCT

(As adopted by the Avon Community Swim Team Board of Directors on January 4, 2022)

As a member of the Avon Community Swim Team (ACST), I am part of a swimming organization that believes teamwork, integrity, respect and good sportsmanship are more important than winning.  By joining ACST, I agree to follow the rules for behavior and sportsmanship set forth in the code of conduct while I am a member of ACST.  The following guidelines state the principles ACST expects all members to demonstrate and uphold.

ACST is fortunate to have experienced coaches working to develop our children into better swimmers, and more importantly, teaching and instilling important life skills.  These skills include time-management, self-discipline and sportsmanship.  Your child will reap the benefits of swimming long after his/her participation with ACST ends.

As parents, it is absolutely essential that we give our coaching staff the respect and authority they deserve to run our swim team.  Our coaches are hired for that purpose and the Head Coach oversees the direction of the staff.

PART I – SWIMMER CODE OF CONDUCT

The undersigned athlete participating with/for the Avon Community Swim Team (ACST) agrees to abide by the guidelines outlined below in addition to those established by the staff.

• Swim for the fun of it, not just to please your parents or coach.
• Make every team practice, meet participation and activity an opportunity to learn.
• Represent ACST with excellence, respect, team spirit and politeness.
• Follow the directions of the coaching staff, respect official instructions and designated chaperones. Disrespect or failure to obey instructions will not be tolerated from any athlete.
• Practice good sportsmanship at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents and for all facilities and properties used during practices, competitions and team activities.
• Be punctual and arrive on time for all practices, meets and team events. Pool time is very valuable.
• Do your very best to attend all team meetings, practice sessions and swim meets (if registered for meets).
• Be an active participant in all team practices, competitions, fundraising events and other team activities.
• Swimmers must notify the coach, in advance, if they are planning to leave practice or swim meets early.
• Wear ACST appropriate team swim suits and team caps at all swim meets. This displays team pride and also makes it easier to identify swimmers on the blocks and in the water.
• Focus on every drill and every set. Be committed to putting forth your best effort every day. An honest effort does not include cutting laps, pulling on lane lines or missing send offs/sets.
• Disruption of practice by an athlete will be grounds for removal. Continual cheating in a practice will be considered a disruption of practice.
• Pay attention and follow all of the coach’s instructions completely and exactly. If clarifications are needed, ask questions politely.
• Use appropriate language. Use of profane, racially insensitive or abusive language or obscene gestures will not be tolerated.
• Dishonesty, theft, and/or vandalism will not be tolerated.
• Indiscreet or destructive behavior will not be tolerated.
• Every effort should be made to avoid guilt by association with such activities as those listed above.
• There shall be no drinking of alcohol or use of tobacco products or illegal drugs or any substances banned by USA Swimming.
• Swimmers are expected to respect each other. Fighting, intentional touching or striking another athlete will subject the swimmer to the most severe discipline.

Swimmers are expected to follow the spirit of the rules as well as the specific rules. The coach must adapt this philosophy to an infinite number of situations. Swimmers are asked to respect the coach’s directions and give their full cooperation. Cooperation with teammates and staff will produce a productive practice environment and competitive environment for all.

PART II – VIOLATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT BY SWIMMERS

The following penalties for violating the Avon Community Swim Team's Code of Conduct include, but are not limited to, the following penalties:

• The swimmer will be given a verbal warning.
• The swimmer may be pulled out of practice in addition to a verbal warning and the coach will contact the parent.
• Before coming back to practice, the swimmer may need to be accompanied by a parent and the parent stay for the duration of practice for four (4) consecutive days.
• If the swimmer continues his/her bad behavior, he/she may be suspended for one (1) week (there will be NO prorated fee for monthly dues). If the swimmer's disciplinary problem continues, the swimmer and parent will meet with the coach to discuss the problem further potentially leading to longer suspension or dismissal from the club.

 PART III – PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

• Set the right example for our children by showing respect and common courtesy at all times to the team members, coaches, competitors, officials, parents, and for all facilities and other property used during practice or competition.
• Respect the integrity of swim officials by assuming decisions are based on honest, objective evaluations of performance. Only coaches may approach meet officials for clarification of rulings.
• Understand that opposing teams, including their swimmers, coaches, and fans, want the same positive experiences for their swimmers as we do. Help ACST achieve our goals by avoiding criticism either verbally or by gesture. Look for opportunities to build rapport with teams that we compete and work with.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship during all practices, competitions and team activities. ACST wins gracefully, loses graciously and congratulates their opponents either way.
• Support your professional coaches as they strive to do what is best for each ACST swimmer. Our expectations and methods are based on USA Swimming, the American Swim Coaches Association and other recognized swimming authorities. Realize that swimmers become easily confused when coached by parents and benefit most from positive reinforcement of the professional coaching staff’s instructions and advice. Your unconditional love and support before and after races will help them best.
• Represent ACST with excellence, respect, team spirit, good sportsmanship, and politeness.
• If you have coaching concerns, address it with the appropriate coach in private.  If you have club concerns, address it with the ACST board via email at [email protected] or directly with the current board president. 
• Maintain open and honest communication among all members of the ACST family. We reach our common goals by working together.
• Ensure that responses on any of the team's communications channels (text, emails etc..) remain professional and considerate. 
• Insist that your child refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, drugs, other prohibited substances, violence, abusive or foul language, inappropriate sexual conduct or any other behavior deemed dishonest, discourteous, offensive or disrespectful of others.

PART IV – PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist the coaches in conducting effective practices by ensuring swimmers arrive 15 minutes prior to scheduled start time. Remember…early is on time and on time is late.
• Ensure your swimmer brings the proper equipment to every practice including dryland workout attire.
• Pick your child up immediately after their group’s practice has ended.
• Arrive at meets in time for volunteer or swimmer check in, stretching and warm-ups.
• Know your role. Swimmers – Swim / Coaches – Coach / Officials – Officiate / Parents – Parent
• Do not interrupt or confront the coaching staff on the pool deck during practice or meets, including not being present on deck during practice or competitions unless you are working at the meet. Coaches are available before or after training, meets and competitions for feedback or to discuss issues. 
• Assist the coaches by not talking with or motioning to swimmers during practices unless clearing it with a coach first.
• Do not speak harshly or directly to a child who is not your own. Please contact a coach or a board member if you have an issue with another parent's child. If necessary, the ACST board member or coach will approach the child's parent.
• Maintain self-control at all times. Refrain from inappropriate behavior that detracts from a positive image of the team or is detrimental to our performance.
• Be an active participant in all team activities and encourage and support your child by ensuring your child is timely for all ACST events.
• Trust and support your swimmer’s and coach’s decisions around goal-setting, training commitments, swim event entries, and meet schedules. Do not impose your ambitions on your child.
• Any questions about disqualifications, judging, etc. should be directed to your swimmer’s coach.
• Get involved….be an official, volunteer at meets, work on a committee, help plan a fundraiser, help plan a group social. Find something you enjoy!
• Know and uphold ACST rules, regulations, management and coach directives, that are designed to maximize the experience for all swimmers and parents.

PART V – VIOLATION OF THE CODE of CONDUCT BY PARENTS 

Violation by parents who fail to abide by the code of conduct, will be discussed and voted by the Board and may include, but not limited to, the following penalties:

• The Board will give the parent a written warning.
• The Board may inform parent that swimmer will not be allowed to practice in next four practices or next upcoming meet. 
• Parent may be removed from any board or committee positions
• The Board may remove the parent and swimmer from the roster.
• Parent/swimmer may be banned from joining ACST in the future.

Your acknowledgement during registration indicated, you have reviewed the Avon Community Swim Team Code of Conduct with the registered athlete(s) and the athlete(s) understands the Avon Community Swim Team Code of Conduct.  You (the parent/guardian) and the swimmer(s) agree to abide by this Code and accept the penalties for not abiding by these rules.  Any non-compliance may be subject to disciplinary action determined by the coaches and/or the Board, which may include expulsion from the team.