Code of Behaviour for Swimmers and Coaches

Action to be taken when discipline is required

Code of Behaviour for Swimmers and Coaches

Wilston Swimming Club has implemented this Code in order to assist swimmers to achieve their full potential in an environment where there is respect for all individuals and which is safe as well as fun. With the objectives in mind the Club Committee has established the following guidelines for swimmers and coaches:

1. Swimmers of all ages and swimming ability are welcome at training.  The pool should be a fun environment where people are keen to come and to be part of our club      

2. Safety is of utmost importance.  Swimmers need to recognise that, while the pool is a fun environment, it is also a noisy and potentially dangerous one.  Classes need structure and the coach must enforce a tight level of discipline both for reasons of safety and for insurance requirements.

3. The coach must treat all swimmers fairly, equally and with respect, irrespective of heir age, race or gender.

4. Swimmers must treat their coaches with respect and courtesy and use good manners by listening.  Not talking when their coach is speaking and by following the coach’s instructions.

5. The coach should lead by example.  The coach should teach and practice cooperation, self-discipline, self-motivation and proper attitudes toward sport.  At all times the coach will abide by the provisions of the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association Code of Conduct.

6. Older children should act as a role model for the younger ones.  Their behaviour must be exemplary to set the example for the younger children to follow.

7. Swimmers must inform the coach if they have a cold, headache or are in any other way unwell. The coach can then decide the appropriate action to take including, if necessary, calling the swimmer’s parents to collect the swimmer.

8. Once a week the coach will hold a general discussion with the children on topics relating to a healthy lifestyle.  At this time, the children are reminded of ‘Wilston Swim Club’s 3 basic rules’:

♦ All swimmers must have water bottles.  No water bottle, no swim.

♦ No walking in the pool.  Everyone swims from beginning to the end of the pool.

♦ No one is to talk while the coach is talking.

Action to be taken when discipline is required

1^st action:  The coach will make the swimmer aware of the situation by explaining what the swimmer is doing inappropriately and will request required behaviour.  Most swimmers respond positively to such a direction and the coach should not be required to take any further action.

2^nd action:  The coach will repeat the request, and this time the coach will give the swimmer a ‘warning’.  When a warning is given, the coach will write the swimmer’s name on the white board.

3^rd action:  If the swimmer then continues to ignore the coach’s request the coach will ask the swimmer to get out of the pool for the remainder of the session, or for a length of time determined by the coach.  During this time the swimmer must not talk or distract other swimmers in the pool.  After this the coach will discuss the situation with the swimmer.  The coach will ask the swimmer to stay within the pool area until it is time for them to be collected.  The swimmer’s parents will be told of the action taken by the coach.