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CODE OF CONDUCT

The following information is for the guidance of Bristol Central Swimming Club (BCSC) members who will be participating in or associated with the club’s activities. It should be read in conjunction with BCSC’s Anti-Bullying Policy.

1. ATTENDANCE
• Members shall attend suitable training sessions regularly, as approved by the coach.
• Members shall attend competitions as appropriate.  Swimmers who are unable to attend a competition for which they have been selected/entered must inform the team Manager at the earlies opportunity.
• Members shall try to attend meetings and fund raising activities as appropriate.
• Punctuality is essential allowing 10 minutes flexibility warm-up prior to start of sessions.  Late arrival (unless agreed beforehand) may debar a swimmer from joining a session.
• Payment of the appropriate fees must be made prior to the use of facilities.
2. PERSONAL APPEARANCE
• This should be appropriate to the circumstances.
• Club swim hats and team kit shall be worn when competing for BCSC (or as directed by the coach).
3. BEHAVIOUR
• Behaviour and personal conduct must at all times be of a high standard and reflect a good impression of the club and the sport.  The basic human rights, worth and dignity of each member should be respected by all.  The authority and decisions of all Club officials should be observed and all competitors and teams must be treated with respect in victory and defeat.
• Good discipline will be observed at all times.
• No activities outside the pool premises which create noise, nuisance or danger will be allowed.
• Members being collected from activities should wait inside the building.
• Language in public or group situations must always be appropriate and socially acceptable and not cause offence.
• During competition, consumption of alcohol is forbidden by all team members and staff.  Alcohol may only be consumed whilst en route to or from events with prior permission of team manager or coach – this permission will not be given to anyone under age as defined by law.
• Smoking is prohibited by team members and staff during or en route to or from a competition, event, training session or team activities.
• All members shall treat others as equal, with respect and without prejudice regardless of race, colour, language, religion, birth or social status.
• Members should not be involved in nor persist with any conduct or activity that may bring a member, Bristol Central or a section into disrepute, contempt, scandal or ridicule.
• No form of bullying will be tolerated and any examples should be brought to a Club Official quickly.
• Members should treat other people’s property with respect and hand all “found” property to the person in charge.
• Whenever possible the Team Manager and/or Coach will be a non participating member of a team/squad. A person will be appointed to act as Team Manager who will be in charge of all non-swimming matters when competing at events. The person will be particularly responsible for the well being of any junior members at these events (especially when away from Bristol).  In the absence of a Team Manager this responsibility will default to the Team/Squad Senior Coach and in the absence of the latter the responsibility will default to the Captain of the team/squad providing he/she is a senior member of the club.
• Coaches, and other volunteers, shall conform to the ASA “Code of Ethics”, and be registered in accordance with ASA Child Protection Policy and be CRB checked.  Any swimmer who feels unfairly treated by a coach or teacher should immediately contact a Committee member, as published in the membership handbook.
4. SAFETY
• No member will be allowed in the water unless a teacher or coach is present and has given permission.
• THREE LOUD BLASTS ON THE WHISTLE – means there is a possible emergency situation. Members to promptly and quietly climb out of the pool and await instructions.
• No running along the poolside or pushing others into the water will be allowed.
• Members to inform the coach or teacher before leaving the pool and advise them of the reason. Return to the pool should be done quickly and safely.
• Floats and other equipment will only be used under the direction of the teacher or coach.
• Members must not dive into the pool unless under the direct supervision of a teacher or coach, the water is sufficiently deep and the entry area is clear.
5. HYGIENE
• Eating sweets or chewing gum in the pool will not be allowed.
• Swim hats to be worn during training by members with long hair.
• Clothing to be kept secure in lockers where provided rather than on poolside.
• Toilets and showers should be used prior to attending the poolside.
• Swimmers suffering from catarrh, sore throat, foot infection or any kind of open sore or wound should not swim.
• Swimwear should be clean and walking on the poolside in outdoor shoes will not be allowed.
• Swimmers should dry themselves thoroughly after each session, giving particular attention to hair, ears and feet.
6. MEDICATIONS
• The Team Manager/Coach in charge should be informed of illness or injury and any medication being taken or allergies to any medication.
• Performance enhancing drugs – the ASA retains a list of banned drugs, details of which can be obtained for team members.  Any drugs used on this list may result in suspension by the ASA from all Club activities.
• Illegal drugs and substances – the use of these, even though not on the official banned list in respect of enhancing performance drugs, is prohibited.
7. MEDIA RELATIONS
• Section Secretaries are to be consulted to approve interviews or press releases, where and when appropriate. It is in the best interest of the club and members that a good working relationship is established with the media at every opportunity.
8. SANCTIONS
• Breaches of this Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in the first instance by a Team manager/Coach or Club Official.  He/She shall report the incident to the Secretary of the Club/Welfare Officer or Section Director who shall take such further action as is deemed necessary.

July 2006