Tidalwaves Code of Conduct

 

On our team, everyone – coaches, swimmers, referees and parents – has a responsibility to make our practices and meets fun for everyone by embodying the principles of good sportsmanship set forth in this plan. From the shyest to the most competitive, there is a place for everyone on the Tidalwaves.

Code for Swimmers

  • Treat all swimmers, coaches, spectators and referees as you would like to be treated.

  • Swim for the “fun of it” and not just to please your parents or coach.

  • Never argue with a referee or coach.

  • Control your temper. Physical or verbal abuse of other swimmers, coaches or officials will not be tolerated.

  • NEVER use foul or inappropriate language.

  • Demonstrate your commitment to the team.  Be on time to all practices and meets.

  • Appreciate good efforts, whether by your team or your opponent.

  • Win (or lose) with GRACE. A quitter never wins and a winner never quits.

  • Give 100% all the time, and know that how hard you try is more important than winning or losing.

  • When unsupervised, behave as you are expected to behave on the pool deck.

 

Code for Families and Parents

  • Exemplify good sportsmanship.

  • Never ridicule or shout at your child, or others, for making a mistake or losing a competition.

  • Applaud good efforts, whether by your team or your opponent, but refrain from coaching or directing swimmers during the meet or at practice.

  • Let the swimmers swim, the coaches coach, and the judges officiate.

  • Never question or argue with a referee or judge. Trust their judgment and integrity and recognize that they are volunteers.

  • Recognize the value and importance of coaches who devote an enormous amount of their time to help and educate your child. Respect and trust their judgment and strategy.

  • The Redwood High School pool deck is for swimmers and coaches only during practices. 

  • Communicate directly with the coach in a positive manner with concerns for your child, respecting their need to focus on the swimmers during meets or practice. E-mail and phone number is provided:  [email protected], phone: 415-453-9563.

  • Help ensure that swimmers are on time to every meet and practice.

  • Be on time and prepared for all your volunteer commitments.

  • Do not talk to your children while they are practicing. Instead, talk to the coach if you need to get your child’s attention for an emergency.

  • NEVER use foul or inappropriate language.

  • Support an alcohol, drug and smoke-free environment.

  • Accept the results of each race. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and turn defeat to victory by working towards improvement.

 

Disciplinary Plan for Unsportsmanlike Behavior

Any behavior by a swimmer or parent which does not meet the standards of the Code of Conduct may be deemed “Unsportsmanlike” and subject the individual to disciplinary action by the Tidalwaves Board of Directors. The Board will treat parent or swimmer misconduct and unsportsmanlike behavior very seriously. Our policy is intended to be “self-policing” in that we expect all Tidalwaves members to be on their best behavior at ALL times.

Parents and Swimmers are expected to comply with Tidalwaves’ Code of Conduct. Complaints or observations of behavior contrary to the Code should be documented and submitted to the Tidalwaves Board.

[email protected]

Please provide as much detail as possible with examples.  Please provide date, time and location of observations.  If possible, provide documentation from multiple sources.

The Tidalwaves Board reserves the right, at any point in the season, to dismiss a child from the team whose own behavior, or that of their parent, doesn’t adhere to the Code. Disciplinary action, including dismissal from the team may result if the Coaches or the Board are informed about behavior which reflects badly on the Tidalwaves team during team events.

In addition to the Tidalwaves' Code of Conduct as outlined above, the swimmers on our team are also protected by the Marin Swim League's Safe Kid's Athlete Protection Policy of 2014.  All members of the Tidalwaves' swim team, including parents and coaches, agree to follow these important rules of the league.