Newham Swimming Club Codes of Conduct and Ethics

SWIMMERS, PARENTS, CARERS, TEACHERS AND COACHES

The aim of the Newham Swimming Club (‘the Club’) is to promote swimming and its related disciplines. The Club is committed to treat everyone equally within the context of their activity, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion, disability or political persuasion. The Club believes that the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility and that all children and young people have a right to have fun, be safe and protected from harm.

As a club affiliated to the Amateur Swimming Association (‘the ASA’) we are expected to conduct our activities within the rules of the Association. These rules include the Equity Policy which is displayed on the Club’s Website. In addition, all club members (swimmers, teachers, coaches, parents and carers) are expected to conform to the Codes of Conduct as recommended and amended from time to time by the Executive Committee.

Furthermore, the Committee, Coaching/Teaching staff and members of the Club work hard to build positive relationships with the local authorities and pool staff. Their efforts should not be undermined or compromised by irresponsible behaviour of members.

Newham Swimming Club is a well-respected club. By following the Code of Conduct and adopting a positive attitude to swimming an ethos can be created in the Club in which excellence in the sport can be strived for and hopefully achieved.

Club Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct - Swimmers

Swimmers should be prompt on poolside with all the necessary equipment. Swimmers should show a level of respect to their Coach/Teacher and fellow swimmers.
Swimmers/parents should ensure the Coach/Teacher is notified of any injury or specific illness being experienced by the swimmer together with any medication being taken.
Swimmers must behave in an appropriate manner at all times ensuring that safety requirements are complied with and behave without discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, language, religion, birth or social status.
Swimmers are ambassadors for Newham Swimming Club. When representing the Club in teams or under the Club’s name in any competition swimmers should conduct themselves in a manner befitting and upholding the standards set and maintained by the Club. Swimmers should respect the Team Managers and Chaperones, keep together as a team and support those members of the team who are swimming. Language in public or relevant group situations must always be appropriate and socially acceptable.
Personal appearance shall be appropriate to the circumstances and as indicated by the Team Manager. Team kit and equipment shall be worn as directed by club personnel when competing and on other occasions as notified.
When travelling on coaches to galas swimmers should behave safely. Seat belts should be fastened if fitted. If members are staying in hotels or equivalent no extra persons should be accommodated in swimmers’ rooms.
Mobile phones must not be used in the pool areas. Swimmers remain responsible for all personal belongings and any valuables. The Club cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal property.
Consumption of alcohol is totally forbidden for under age as defined by law. Alcohol must not be consumed by any swimmer or any member of club personnel whilst en route (on transport), prior to, during or following a competition event or team activity. Smoking is prohibited by swimmers and club personnel as for alcohol consumption.
The Club has adopted the ASA’s Doping Policy. Illegal and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances are all strictly forbidden. Care must be exercised if anyone is on medication prior to or during a meet. Any such medication should be brought to the attention of the Coaches/Team Managers at the earliest opportunity.
The use of illegal Drugs and Substances is prohibited.
Practice teamwork with all parents, swimmers and coaches by supporting the values of the Club including Discipline, Loyalty, Commitment and Hard Work.
Parents/carers are reminded that they are responsible for their own child at training sessions, in the changing rooms and at galas when their child is not under the supervision of the coach/teacher. If this is not possible, they should ensure that another adult will be responsible. For safety reasons adults should supervise non-swimmers whilst waiting for siblings in training.

Sanctions: Breaches of the Code of Conduct shall be dealt with firstly by Coaches/Teachers/ Team Managers. They shall report the incident if necessary to the Club Secretary for Newham Swimming Club Executive Committee attention who may consider further action.

Code of Conduct for parents/carers

Encourage your child to learn the rules and play within them.
Discourage unfair play and arguing with officials.
Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
Never force your child to take part in sport.
Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding the good performances of all.
Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
Publicly accept officials’ judgements.
Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy their sport.
Use correct and proper language at all times.

Code of Conduct – Teachers/Coaches

Put the well being, health and safety of members above all considerations including developing performance.
Comply with the codes, rules and laws within the guidelines set out by the ASA and the ISTC.
Work without discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, language, religion, birth or social status as set out in the equal opportunities policy.
Respect the basic human rights, worth and dignity of each member.
Never encourage swimmers, volunteers, officials or parents to violate the rules of the club or the sport.
Observe the authority and the decisions of all officials.
Encourage all swimmers to obey the spirit of the rules and laws in and out of the pool.
Ensure that all teaching and training and competition programmes are appropriate for the age, ability and experience of the individual swimmer.
Develop an appropriate working relationship with swimmers, based on mutual trust and respect.
Treat other competitors and teams with respect, in victory and defeat.
Be able to present evidence of qualifications upon request, and maintain adequate insurance as recommended by the ASA and/or ISTC.
Treat all personal information about individual members as confidential except in exceptional circumstances regarding health and safety, medical requirements, disciplinary action or in accordance with ASA Child Protection procedures and guidelines.
Display the highest standards of personal hygiene at all times.
Strive to increase the development of current qualifications.
Refer all concerns of a child safeguarding nature in line with the club/ASA safeguarding children policy

Code of Conduct – Comittee Members, Officials and Volunteers who work directly with childeren in the Club

Comply with the codes, rules and laws within the guidelines set out by the ASA and the ISTC.
Work without discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, language, religion, birth or social status as set out in the equal opportunities policy.
Respect the basic human rights, worth and dignity of each member.
Never encourage swimmers, volunteers, officials or parents to violate the rules of the club or the sport.
Observe the authority and the decisions of all officials.
Encourage all swimmers to obey the spirit of the rules and laws in and out of the pool.
Ensure that all teaching and training and competition programmes are appropriate for the age, ability and experience of the individual swimmer.
Develop an appropriate working relationship with swimmers, based on mutual trust and respect.
Treat other competitors and teams with respect, in victory and defeat.
Be able to present evidence of qualifications upon request, and maintain adequate insurance as recommended by the ASA and/or ISTC.
Treat all personal information about individual members as confidential except in exceptional circumstances regarding health and safety, medical requirements, disciplinary action or in accordance with ASA Child Protection procedures and guidelines.
Display the highest standards of behaviour and appearance.
Not drink alcohol or smoke either before or during teaching/coaching sessions or competitions.
Strive to increase the development of current qualifications.