Parents' Code of Conduct

Waiver 6 – Parents' Code of Conduct (required)

PURPOSE
1. The Parents’ Code of Conduct expands upon the Calgary Patriots Swim Club (“Patriots” or the “Club”) Code of Conduct and Ethics to outline the expected actions and behaviors for all parents as members of the Club. The Club is committed to providing an environment of respect that supports the pursuit of individual and team excellence. Being a member of the Patriots is a special privilege; with it comes responsibility. Irresponsible behavior can result in severe damage to the integrity of the Club.

APPLICATION
2. The Patriots Parents’ Code of Conduct outlines the club’s expectations of each of our parents and potential disciplinary action which may ensue resulting from inappropriate behavior during any club-related function including as it relates to possible cyber/social media interaction between club members. This policy applies to all parents within Patriots as they act and represent the Club and set good examples of teamwork and sportsmanship for our swimmers.

RESPONSIBILITIES, GUIDELINES, AND PROCEDURES
3. One of the greatest benefits of participating in an organized swim program is the "life skills" your child will develop. These skills include time management, self-discipline, and sportsmanship. Remember that your child is the swimmer. Children need to establish their own goals and make their own progress toward their goals.

4. As a parent, you provide a stable, loving, and supportive environment. Show your interest by ensuring your child’s attendance at practices and by coming to meets. Parents serve as role models and your child often emulates your attitude. Parents should keep in mind their sensitivity in dealing with issues that arise and understand that we are dealing with the support of our children/swimmers. We ask that you abide by the following code of conduct.

5. As a parent, the club has the expectation that you will meet your volunteer requirements at club-hosted swim meets. Every Patriot family is required to volunteer as an official for a minimum of two shifts per club-hosted meet. When everyone shares in this responsibility, we support our swimmers and ensure the success of our swim meets. A financial penalty will be levied upon those families that do not meet this expectation.

6. The Patriots Parent Code of Conduct outlines the club’s expectations of each member and potential discipline resulting from inappropriate behavior during any Club function. This would include practices, events, club travel, meet attendance, or representation at any club-sanctioned event. In cases where conduct adversely affects the Club’s reputation, parent conduct outside of Club events between members and swimmers may result in an infraction if someone files a formal grievance.

7. As the Club has a current “online” presence both through the internet and a variety of social media mediums, the club is mindful that all content displayed through online/social media must be of an appropriate and “family-friendly” nature. Cyberbullying is not tolerated and would be considered a major infraction of the Parent Code of Conduct.

CODE OF CONDUCT
8. All parents have the responsibility to:

a. Strive to be positive role models. Most importantly, always show good sportsmanship toward coaches, officials, opponents, and teammates. Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage participants’ continued effort. Parents shall always treat all individuals and property with courtesy and respect.

b. Parents should respect that the on-deck area is for swimmers and coaches during training and/or competition unless they are acting as an official. The coach’s focus during these times should be on his/her swimmers. Parents should continue to support their swimmers from the spectator-designated areas.

c. Ensure effective communication with your child’s coach. Resolve any issues in private between the parent and coach. Never voice critical or negative comments in front of the swimmers or in front of other parents in the stands.

d. Let your coach do his/her job. Your child has a paid professional coach who has the responsibility of developing your swimmer’s technical knowledge of our sport. Best results always come from letting your child’s coach do the coaching. Parents should provide their support and encouragement and allow the coaches to provide technical and critical direction.

e. Parents shall ensure their swimmers bring to practices and swim meets the proper equipment and clothing as identified by their coaches.

f. Parents shall never provide or advocate the use of performance-enhancing drugs or banned substances.

g. If your swimmer is a minor then monitoring and responsibility of your swimmer’s cyber actions (SMS text, web, social media, etc.) is the responsibility of the parent.

h. Be aware and follow all Club policies on the website.

i. Get involved. Be aware of volunteer commitments and be willing to fulfill them. We are all busy but if everyone shares equally in the commitments, the lighter the load will be.

j. Show appreciation to all competitors, coaches, officials, and volunteers while also respecting the decisions of officials and encouraging athletes to do the same. Parents shall refrain from any behavior or comments which are profane, insulting, harassing, hostile, sexist, racist, disrespectful, or otherwise offensive.

k. The Club has a Discipline and Complaints Policy in place for parents to discuss any concerns regarding their swimmer or the program. Your first point of contact regarding anything to do with the technical program (in the water, on the deck, or in the gym) should be your child’s coach or the Head Coach.

l. Address any administrative concerns with the Club office.

9. If we all follow these simple rules, all swimmers will have a positive experience with the sport. Parents who are in violation of any part of the Parent Code of Conduct will be approached by a member of the Board of Directors to discuss inappropriate behavior and reconciliation. Failure to rectify the violation following the meeting with the member of the Board of Directors will result in a sanction applied to the member following a vote by the Board of Directors.