Code of Conduct for parents/guardians

As a parent/guardian of a club member we understand you have the right to:

• Be assured that your child is safeguarded during their time with us.

• Know how to access our club policies, rules and procedures.

• Know who the Welfare Officer is and how to contact them.

• Know that any concerns about your child’s welfare will be listened to and responded to.

• Know what qualifications and training those with responsibility for your child have.

• Be informed of problems or concerns relating to your child, where appropriate.

• Know the procedure should your child be involved in an accident or become injured.

• Provide your consent or otherwise for photography and trips away.

• Make a complaint to the club committee or Welfare Officer (as appropriate).

As a parent/guardian of a club member we expect you to:

Essentials

1. Make sure your child is adequately attired for the training session/event and has the right kit including hats, goggles etc. for training and competitions as well as enough food and drink.
2. Ensure your child arrives to sessions on time and is picked up promptly, informing the club if there is an unavoidable problem.
3. Inform us if you’re running late to collect your child, if your child is going home with someone else or is to be collected early from a training session.
4. Complete all consent, contact and medical forms and update us straight away if anything changes.
5. Maintain a good relationship with your child’s coach or teacher and listen to advice given from the Coach.
6. Tell us if you wish to talk to us about any concerns regarding your child. We will arrange a mutually convenient time so you can talk to us.
7. Not enter poolside or interrupt training or competitions unless in an emergency situation, this includes shouting instructions to the coach.
8. If not present at the venue for training or galas the Club will be provided with up to date contact details for parents/guardians and for any alternative person as required.

Behaviour

1. Remember that children get a wide range of benefits from participating in sport, like making friends, getting exercise and developing skills. It’s not all about wins and losses.
2. Behave positively as a spectator at training or competitions and treat others with respect.
3. Children will not be coached from the balcony or poolside, try to gain their attention during training or gesticulate towards any child/swimmer during training or events.
4. Give encouragement to your child and tell them when they’ve done well and provide support when they are struggling.
5. Respect and celebrate difference in our club or activity and not discriminate against anyone else on the grounds of gender, race, sexual orientation, faith or ability.
6. Respect the children and adults competing for other teams at competitions.
7. Refrain from criticising or making comments that could be regarded as derogatory about another child/swimmer's training or performance, and will not compare children/swimmer's ability against another child/swimmer's ability, in what could be regarded as a critical or negative manner.
8. Encourage children/swimmers to abide by Club, facility/pool and competition rules and respect the committee members, coaching and teaching team and all volunteer helpers at the club.
9. Understand that the use of abusive or inappropriate language, bullying, intimidation, physical violence or any other behaviour which hurts others either in person or by any form of electronic communication will not be tolerated by the club.
10. If a Coach or Committee member is contacted regarding an issue, reasonable expectations in response rates will be considered.
11. Understand that poor behaviour may result in the club taking disciplinary action. Any behaviour which alleges a criminal offence will be reported to the Police by the club.
12. Do ensure that children understand the rules of the club and swimming expectations.
13. Ensure children understand their Code of Conduct.

Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary action being taken against you by the club committee. Continued issues and repeated breaches may result in parents/ guardians being asked not to attend the club, something we never want to do. Please refer to the disciplinary procedures published on the Otters website for more information.

Signature of parent/guardian:

Print name:

Date: …………………………………………………………………………………………………….