Code of Conduct

 

Expectations of Swimmers

We want all swimmers to have the best experience with our team.  The general atmosphere at practice is fun. We do work hard.  We respect each other and other members of the YWCA who will be sharing the pool with us.  In order for all team members, parents, and coaches to be on the same page, the following discipline policy shall be enforced each day.

 

Below is a link to the Minneapolis Otters athlete code of conduct.

 

/msmyo/UserFiles/Image/QuickUpload/minneapolis-otters-team-code-of-conduct-athletes_067315.pdf

 

A FEW SIMPLE RULES FOR OTTERS PRACTICES

  1. Swimmers must show respect for coaches and listen to instructions. In return, coaches will listen for constructive feedback from swimmers. Without an exchange of respect, there can be no trust, instruction, or cooperation.
  2. Swimmers must show respect for their teammates, and contribute to a positive team atmosphere in and out of the water. Swimmers may not interfere with other swimmers’ workouts. It is never OK to touch, hit, or otherwise come into contact with another team member.   Interference can include teasing and physical contact with intent to harm. If a swimmer makes it clear that contact (physical or verbal) is not wanted, and that contact continues beyond the warning, it is considered harassment.
  3. Swimmers must respect the authority of the lifeguard on duty.
    • The lifeguard is in charge of the safety of every person on deck, including the coaches. Guards should not be distracted or have their vision blocked by activities of the swim team.
  4. All pool rules will be enforced. Some of the most common rules broken are:
    • No gum or candy allowed on deck
    • Swimmers must take a shower before entering the pool.
    • Hair beyond shoulder length should be tied or put in a cap. The only caps allowed at practice are Otters team caps.
  5. Swimmers must be out of the locker rooms at the start of practice. Unexpected tardy swimmers slow down the start of the workout.  Please let the coaches know if a swimmer has a late school end time, or will not be arriving on time for any reason.
  6. Swimmers will conduct themselves appropriately in the locker rooms and at away meets. Otters at the YWCA or on team trips are required to follow facility rules. However, we expect that they will hold themselves to a higher standard because they are representing the team.
  7. Swimmers must show respect for swim practice. Come prepared with goggles and swim suit. Seniors come with dryland clothing. Swimmers will not be allowed to fully participate in practice unless they have these items.  During practice swimmers may not stop in the middle of the pool, unless the set calls for it.
  8. Swimmers should remain in the lobby until they are picked up after practice. Otters are not allowed to use the other areas of the YWCA facility unless our practice time includes those spaces in our workout.
  9. The hot tub will be off limits at all times at both facilities after practice.  After a workout where the heart rate increases and the body sweats, the hot tub is a hazardous environment where the young swimmer’s body temperature can rise to a dangerous level rapidly. Children do not have the lower surface area to body mass ratio that adults have, and they can take on temperatures much faster than adults. Members wanting to use the hot tub may wait 15 minutes from end of practice. Exceptions to this rule will be determined by the coach, and the coach will have final say.

 

 

VIOLATIONS OF THE OTTERS CODE OF CONDUCT WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER AT A COACH’S DISCRETION:

 

1st Warning A verbal warning is issued to the misbehaving swimmer.

 

2nd Warning If any coach has to approach that swimmer a second time, she/he will receive a time-out on the deck.

 

3rd Warning A third warning will be documented and the swimmer’s parents will be contacted. Swimmer will be removed from practice area for remainder of practice. Swimmer will not be readmitted until parents have met with the coach in the swimmer’s presence and the swimmer has served a week of suspension from the team, including any meets during that time

 

Follow-up  If the disruptive behavior continues, there will be a meeting with the swimmer, coaches and parents in which we’ll discuss the possibility of the swimmer not being invited back to swim with the team for the remainder of the year.

 

Depending on the severity of the issue at hand, coaches may choose to jump straight to the second or third warning.

 

Harassment

The YWCA takes every complaint of harassment seriously. The following process defines harassment at the YWCA.

  • Contact or words are made that an individual is uncomfortable with.
  • Said individual makes clear that this contact or words are unwanted attention.
  • In addition, the individual makes clear that this attention must stop.
  • If the attention continues, the victim must bring the incident to a staff member. At this point, the incident is considered harassment.

Issues of harassment will be dealt with immediately by staff.

 

 

What do I do if I have a concern?

Head Coach, Dave Cameron [email protected]

Assistant Coaches, Jordan Jelmeland & Whitney Jelmeland [email protected]

USA Swimming (719) 866-4578 Deal with a Safe Sport Concern

U.S. Center for Safe Sport to make a report.  Use the online reporting form, call (720) 524-5640, or find more information at www.uscenterforsafesport.org