This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behaviour expected from all members and coaches of Spencer Swim Team (“the club”). It fosters a respectful, inclusive, and supportive environment that prioritises safety, sportsmanship, and enjoyment for everyone.
As a member of our club, you have the right to:
• Feel safe and know how you can raise concerns.
• Be listened to.
• Be involved and contribute towards decisions within the club or activity.
• Be respected and treated fairly by every member of the club.
• Feel welcomed, valued and not judged based on your race, gender, sexuality, faith, ability, or any other relevant characteristic.
• Be encouraged and developed with our help and support.
• Be looked after if there’s an accident or injury and have your emergency contact informed where appropriate.
General Conduct
As a member, we would request of you consistently high standards of behaviour to support a positive culture. This includes adhering to the conduct set out here:
• Respect for Others: Treat all club members, coaches, officials, and venue staff with kindness, fairness, and respect, regardless of ability, age, background, or role.
• Inclusivity: Promote an inclusive environment by welcoming swimmers of all abilities, respecting diversity, and ensuring no one feels marginalised.
• Team Spirit: Support and encourage fellow swimmers in training and competition, celebrating achievements together.
• Constructive Feedback: Offer and accept feedback in a positive, respectful manner to promote improvement and growth.
• Representing the Club: Uphold the reputation of the club by demonstrating good sportsmanship and professionalism during training, competitions, and social events.
Follow all guidelines laid down by Swim England and the club.
Not commit a doping offence in accordance with the rules of Swim England, World Aquatics or the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code.
Training Sessions
• Preparation: Aim to arrive at the session in good time, prepare the appropriate kit, conduct any warm-up routines and be ready to listen to the coach’s session briefing.
• Safety: If you arrive late, report to the coach before entering the water and inform the coach before leaving a session early. Act appropriately to ensure you do not endanger other people.
• Personal Responsibility: To minimise risks, ensure your fitness level aligns with your training goals. Notify the coach of any medical conditions or injuries. Consult with the coach or the welfare officer in advance regarding any reasonable adjustments.
• Positive Swimming: Listen carefully to the coach’s instructions and follow them. Observe the club’s lane etiquette and communicate politely with lane mates to resolve any issues.
Be familiar with and comply with Swim England’s Safeguarding Policy, Wavepower, and in particular the ban in the use of mobile phones within any changing area https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/wavepower-updated-version/
Competing
• Fair Play: Compete honestly, respecting the rules of the sport, competition and the decisions of officials and all disciplinary bodies.
• Encouragement: Cheer for teammates and applaud competitors’ efforts, regardless of outcomes. Support and respect swim officials.
• Preparation: Arrive at competitions on time, prepared to perform, and in adherence to the schedule.
Avoid negative comments about other competitors, officials, or teams.
Represent the club with pride by wearing official club attire.
Maintain a clean and tidy area for the team.
Social and Online Behaviour
• Social Interaction: Engage in club-organised social events to build camaraderie and strengthen team bonds.
• Digital Conduct: Use social media responsibly, ensuring all online interactions uphold the club’s values. Avoid sharing inappropriate or offensive content.
Refrain from gossiping or spreading negative rumours about other members.
Use respectful language in all forms of communication, whether verbal or written.
Avoid exclusionary behaviour in group chats or events.
Committee Leadership
• Integrity: Act with integrity and selflessness in the interests of the club.
• Collaboration: Endeavour to develop an effective, appropriate working relationship with other committee members, other members, and coaches based on mutual trust and respect.
• Compliance: Be responsible for overseeing compliance by Members and Coaches with the Codes of Conduct for Members and Coaches and for dealing appropriately with their breaches.
Code of Conduct for Coaches
Our coaches play a vital role in fostering a positive, inclusive, and inspiring environment. By following this Code of Conduct, you help swimmers reach their full potential while ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
All coaches should:
• Arrive in good time to prepare for sessions and welcome swimmers.
• Encourage and motivate swimmers while being mindful of their time, energy, and enthusiasm, ensuring all activities are suitable for their abilities and experience levels.
• Prioritise swimmers’ safety and wellbeing above performance outcomes.
• Use constructive, supportive communication—never ridicule or shout at a swimmer.
• Build a respectful, professional rapport with swimmers, fellow coaches, and committee members based on trust and mutual respect.
• Adhere to Swim England’s regulations, including the Code of Ethics, Wavepower, and the Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Foster an environment free from bullying, intimidation, or discrimination in any form, ensuring that all swimmers feel safe and valued.
• Provide equal attention and coaching support to swimmers of all levels.
• Give clear, audible instructions to ensure swimmers understand session objectives and expectations.
• Continuously develop their coaching knowledge by staying informed about best practices, maintaining valid qualifications, and ensuring adequate insurance coverage.
• Promote fair play by upholding rules, discouraging poor behaviour, and strictly opposing the use of prohibited substances.
• Lead by example by demonstrating professionalism, integrity, and consistently high standards of behaviour.
Accountability
Reporting Issues
• Members are encouraged to address minor issues informally through respectful dialogue.
• Serious concerns, including breaches of this Code of Conduct, should be reported to the club committee or welfare officer. Spencer.swimteam@gmail.com or spencerwelfareofficer@gmail.com
Disciplinary Action
• Breaches of the Code of Conduct may result in warnings, suspension, or termination of membership, depending on the severity of the incident.
Breaches of this Code of Conduct should be reported to a member of the committee or by email to spencer.swimteam@gmail.com.