Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct

Blue Dolphins Swim Team

Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct

The Blue Dolphins Swim Team Board supports a philosophy of athletic competition that is guided by the highest standards of good sportsmanship and fair play. To this end, parents must recognize that participation in sports and extracurricular activities is a treat and that parental participation in these activities is a privilege. Therefore, we expect the parents and spectators to adhere to the following Code of Conduct.

As a parent and/or spectator, I hereby pledge to be responsible for my words and actions while attending a Blue Dolphins Swim Team Meet or event and shall conform my behavior to the following Code of Conduct:

• I will remember that children participate to have fun.

• I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, and will never berate my child for his/ or her performance.

• I will inform a coach or assistant coach of any physical disability or injury that may impact the safety of my child or the safety of others.

• I, and my guests, will be a positive role models for my child and encourage good sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials, board members and spectators at every meet, practice or event.

• I, and my guests, will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, swimmer, board member or parent such as booing and taunting, refusing to shake hands, or using profane language or gestures.

• I will not encourage any practices or behaviors that would endanger the health and wellbeing of the athletes.

• I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

• I will demand that my child treat other swimmers, coaches, officials, board members, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, national origin, color, sex or ability.

• I will not criticize, belittle, antagonize, or otherwise incite the opposing team(s), its swimmers, coaches, fans or officials/judges verbally or through physical gestures.

• I will promote the emotional and physical wellbeing of all the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

• I will respect the authority of coaches, officials, and judges during swim meets and practices and will never question, discuss, or confront them before, during or after a swim meet.

• I will discuss any concerns I have with the coaching staff in person at a scheduled meeting rather than in front of players, spectators, or others. I also recognize that the use of impersonal, electronic, or handwritten means of expressing concerns is not an acceptable substitute for effective, cooperative, face-to-face communications.

• I will not make inappropriate, hurtful, offensive, abusive, or racist comments about players, coaches, board members, swim fans or officials in person or online.

• I will demand a sports environment that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all swim events.

• I will refrain from coaching my child or other swimmers during meets and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

It is a privilege, not a right, for parents and spectators to observe swim events. Any behavior that degrades a swimmer, coach, referee, board member or other parent or spectator is subject to disciplinary action by the Blue Dolphins Swim Team Board. Further, anyone who engages in misconduct as described above will be subject to the following:

• Verbal warning by the head coach, and/or board member of the Blue Dolphins Swim Team.

• Written warning by Blue Dolphins Swim Team.

• Immediate expulsion from the swim event where the violation takes place.

• Suspension from attendance at upcoming swim event with written documentation of incident kept on file.

• Suspension from attendance at any upcoming Blue Dolphins Swim Team events for a period of up to three (3) months as determined by Blue Dolphins Swim Team Board, commencing from the date of the last committed offense, with written documentation of incident kept on file.

• Suspension from attendance at any Blue Dolphins Swim Team to include G.N.O.A.C Swim Championship event for one full calendar year, commencing on the date of the last committed offense, and written documentation of the incident kept on file.

The Blue Dolphins Swim Team Board reserves the right to determine what discipline, if any, will be given for violations of the Parent/Spectator Code of Conduct. A Parent or Spectator who commits a more serious violation of the Code of Conduct as determined by the Blue Dolphins Swim Team Board may be expelled immediately or suspended from future Blue Dolphins Swim Team events without first receiving a verbal or written warning.

Parent Acknowledgement

I have read and understand the above statement and as the parent/guardian understand that attending Blue Dolphins Swim Team events is a privilege. I agree to conduct myself in a manner that demonstrates the standards of the Blue Dolphins Swim Team and the spirit of good sportsmanship and fair play athletics. I understand that if disciplinary actions are taken by a coach or official in order to enforce this agreement I have the opportunity to speak with the Blue Dolphins Swim Team Board about the decision and the Blue Dolphins Swim Team Board will have the final word on any action that is taken.