Rocky Barracuda Swim Club

Code of Conduct and Ethics (Athletes, Coaches, Officials, Parents & Club Board)

“Organization” refers to Rocky Barracuda Swim Club

1)    Definitions: the following terms have these meanings in this Code:

i) “Member” –All categories of membership defined in the Organization’s Bylaws as well as all individuals employed by, or engaged in activities with the Organization including, but not limited to, athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, managers, administrators, directors and officers of the Organization, and parents/guardians of athletes

ii) “Position of Trust”--a job or position in which one individual may exercise power or authority over another individual, such as a team manager or coach.

iii) “Vulnerable Individual”--a person under the age of 18 years old and/or a person who, because of age, disability or other circumstance, is in a position of dependence on others or is otherwise at a greater risk than the general population of being harmed.

2)    Zero Tolerance Statement

1. RBSC has zero tolerance for any type of abuse and supports a sporting environment where all members can participate safely and free from any harm. Members are required to report instances of abuse or suspected abuse to the Organization to be immediately addressed under the policies of the Organization.

3)     Purpose

The purpose of this Code is to ensure a safe and positive environment (within the RBSC’s programs, activities, and events) by making Members aware that there is an expectation, at all times, of appropriate behaviour consistent with RBSC’s core values.

RBSC sports equal opportunity, prohibits discriminatory practices, and is committed to providing an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect.

Conduct that violates this Code may be subject to sanctions pursuant to RBSC’s Discipline, Complaints and Appeals Policy.

4)    Reporting

Conduct that is legally required to be disclosed to law enforcement, including but not limited to suspected cases of child abuse or neglect, will be referred immediately upon knowledge to local law enforcement. Additionally, in alignment with RBSC’s Discipline, Complaints, and Appeals Policy, Members may be temporarily suspended pending the outcome of the matter.

Members must report in writing of any medical or behavioural issues that could be reasonably thought to compromise the safety of themselves or others. The Board can deny or withdraw registration if safety cannot be guaranteed.

5)     Application of this Code

This Code applies to Members’ conduct during RBSC business, activities, and events including but not limited to club events, competitions & meets, practices, workouts, tryouts, training camps, travel associated with RBSC’s activities, or RBSC’s office environment, and any meetings.

This Code also applies to Members’ conduct outside of RBSC business, activities, and events when such conduct may, or does, adversely affect relationships with the RBSC Organization (and its work and sport environment) and is detrimental to the image and reputation of RBSC. Such conduct includes, but is not limited to, Members’ conduct in using, viewing and interacting with RBSC social media accounts, website, file and/or photograph sharing facilities and email and other electronic or in person interactions with, or concerning, other Members.

All Members, participating non-members and prospective members of RBSC may be denied membership, censured, placed on probation, suspended for a definite or indefinite period of time without probation, fined or expelled from RBSC if their conduct is not held to the standard described in this Code of Conduct and in accordance with Swim Alberta’s Discipline and Complaints Policy.

6)     Responsibilities

1. Members have a responsibility to:

i) Comply with Swimming Canada’s Universal Code of Conduct.

ii) Comply with Safe Sport Environment Guiding Principles

iii) Maintain and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of RBSC Members and other individuals by:

• Demonstrating respect to individuals regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status, marital status, gender identity, gender expression, sex, and sexual orientation
• Focusing comments or criticism appropriately and avoiding public criticism of athletes, coaches, officials, organizers, volunteers, employees, or members.
• Consistently demonstrating the spirit of sportsmanship, sport leadership, and ethical conduct.
• Acting, when appropriate, to correct or prevent practices that are unjustly discriminatory.
• Consistently treating individuals fairly and reasonably.
• Ensuring adherence to the rules of the sport and the spirit of those rules.

iv) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes abuse, whether done in person, online or otherwise. Abuse refers to violence, mistreatment or neglect one may experience while in the care of someone they depend on or trust. Types of behaviour that constitutes abuse include, but are not limited to physical, sexual, emotional or psychological.

v) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes harassment, whether done in person, online or otherwise. Harassment is defined as comment or conduct directed towards an individual or group, which is offensive, abusive, racist, sexist, degrading or malicious. Types of behaviour that constitute harassment include, but are not limited to:

1. Written or verbal abuse, threats, or outbursts.
2. The display of visual material which is offensive or which one ought to know is offensive in the circumstances.
3. Unwelcome remarks, jokes, comments, innuendo, or taunts.
4. Leering or other suggestive or obscene gestures.
5. Condescending, belittling or patronizing behaviour which undermines another person’s self-esteem, diminishes their performance, isolates or singles them out from their peers, or otherwise adversely affects their well-being.
6. Practical jokes which endanger a person’s safety, or negatively affect performance.
7. Any form of hazing where hazing is defined as “Any potentially humiliating, degrading, abusive, or dangerous activity expected of a junior-ranking athlete by a more senior teammate, which does not contribute to either athlete’s positive development, but is required to be accepted as part of a team, regardless of the junior-ranking athlete’s willingness to participate. This includes, but is not limited to, any activity no matter how traditional or seemingly benign, that sets apart or alienates any teammate based on class, number of years on the team, or athletic ability.”
8. Behaviours such as those described above that are not directed towards a specific individual or group but have the same effect of creating a negative or hostile environment.
9. Retaliation or threats of retaliation against an individual who reports harassment to RBSC.

vi) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes sexual harassment, whether done in person, online, or otherwise. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual comments, sexual advances, requests from sexual favours, or conduct of a sexual nature. Types of behaviour that constitute sexual harassment include, but are not limited to:

1. Sexist jokes.
2. Display of sexually offensive material.
3. Sexually degrading words used to describe a person.
4. Inquires or comments about a person’s sex life.
5. Unwelcome sexual flirtations, advances, or propositions.
6. Unwanted contact.

vii) Refrain from any behaviour that constitutes violence, where violence is defined as the exercise of physical force by a person that causes or could cause physical injury; an attempt to exercise physical force against an individual that could cause physical injury to the individual; or a statement or behaviour that an individual may reasonably interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the individual. Types of violent activities include, but are not limited to:

1. Verbal threats to attack.
2. Sending or leaving threatening notes or electronic communication.
3. Making threatening physical gestures.
4. Wielding a weapon.
5. Hitting, pinching, or unwanted touching which is not accidental.
6. Throwing an object.
7. Blocking normal movement or physical interference with or without the use of equipment.
8. Sexual violence.
9. Any attempt to engage in the type of conduct outlined above.

viii) Abstain from the non-medical use of drugs or the use of performance-enhancing drugs or methods. More specifically, RBSC adopts and adheres to the Canadian Anti-Doping Program. Any infraction under this Program shall be considered an infraction of this Code and may be subject to further disciplinary action, and possible sanction, pursuant to RBSC’s Discipline, Complaints and Appeals Policy. RBSC will respect any penalty enacted pursuant to a breach of the Canadian Anti-Doping Program, whether imposed by RBSC or any other sport organization.

ix) Refrain from the use of power or authority in an attempt to coerce another person to engage in inappropriate activities.

x) In the case of adults, avoid consuming legal intoxicants in situations where minors are present and take reasonable steps to manage the responsible consumption of legal intoxicants in adult-oriented social situations associated with RBSC’s events.

xi) Respect the property of others and not wilfully cause damage.

xii) Promote swimming in the most constructive and positive manner possible.

xiii) Adhere to all federal, provincial, municipal and host country laws.

b) When interacting with vulnerable individuals, or with individuals with whom there is a recognized power of authority or trust that exists, the individual in the Position of Trust is required to enact practical approaches to these interactions. These include, but are not limited to:

i) Limiting physical interactions to non-threatening or non-sexual touching (i.e. high fives, pats on the back or shoulder, handshakes, specific skill instruction, etc.).

ii) Ensuring the vulnerable individuals are supervised by more than one adult where possible and reasonable.

iii) Ensuring that more than one person is responsible for team selection (thereby limiting the consolidation of power onto one individual).

iv) Including parents/guardians in communication.

v) Ensuring that parents/guardians are aware that some non-personal communication between individuals and vulnerable individuals (e.g. coaches and athletes) may take place electronically (e.g. texting) and that this type of communication is now considered to be commonplace, especially with other older vulnerable individuals (e.g. teenagers). Note that such communication is subject to this Code of Conduct and Ethics and any social media policy that RBSC may put in place from time to time.

vi) Ensure transportation of vulnerable individuals is with others present.

vii) Ensure accommodations of vulnerable individuals are not shared unless there is additional adult supervision or others present.

7)    Board/Committee Members and Staff

1. In addition to section 6 above, RBSC Board Members, Committee Members, and Staff will have additional responsibilities to:

i) Function primarily as a member of the Board and/or committee(s) of RBSC; not as a member of any other particular membership or constituency.

ii) Act with honesty and integrity and conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the nature and responsibilities of RBSC’s business and the maintenance of Member confidence.

iii) Ensure that RBSC’s financial affairs are conducted in a responsible and transparent manner with due regard for all fiduciary responsibilities.

iv) Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully and in good faith in the best interests of RBSC.

v) Be independent and impartial and not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward, or fear of criticism.

vi) Behave with decorum appropriate to both circumstance and position and be fair, equitable, considerate, and honest in dealings with others.

vii) Keep informed about RBSC’s activities, the provincial sport community, and general trends in the sectors in which they operate.

viii) Exercise the degree of care, diligence, and skill required in the performance of their duties pursuant to the laws under which RBSC is incorporated.

ix) Respect the confidentiality appropriate to issues of a sensitive nature.

x) Ensure that all Members are given sufficient opportunity to express opinions, and that all opinions are given due consideration and weight.

xi) Respect the decisions of the majority.

xii) Commit the time to attend meetings and be diligent in preparation for, and participation in discussions at such meetings.

xiii) Have a thorough knowledge and understanding of all of RBSC’s governance documents.

xiv) Conform to the bylaws and policies approved by RBSC

8)    Coaches

1. In addition to section 6 above, coaches have many additional responsibilities. The coach-athlete relationship is a privileged one and plays a critical role in the personal, sport, and athletic development of the athlete. Coaches must understand and respect the inherent power imbalance that exists in this relationship and must be extremely careful not to abuse it, consciously or unconsciously. Coaches will:

i) Ensure a safe environment by selecting activities and establishing controls that are suitable for the age, experience, ability, and fitness level of the involved athletes.

ii) Avoid compromising the present and future health of athletes.

iii) Provide athletes, as well as parents/guardians with the information necessary to be involved in the decisions that affect the athlete.

iv) Act in the best interest of the athlete’s development as a whole person.

v) Respect other coaches. Support and cooperate with other coaches in the exchange of information.

vi) Meet the highest standards of credentials, integrity and suitability.

vii) Report any ongoing criminal investigations, conviction, or existing bail conditions.

viii) Under no circumstances provide, promote, or condone the use of drugs (other than properly prescribed medications) or performance-enhancing substances and, in the case of minors, alcohol and/or tobacco.

ix) Respect other athletes and, in dealings with them, not encroach upon topics or actions which are deemed to be within the realm of ‘coaching’, unless after first receiving approval from the coaches who are responsible for the athletes.

x) Not engage in a sexual relationship with an athlete.

xi) Recognize the power inherent in the position of coach and respect and promote the rights of all participants in sport. This is accomplished by establishing and following procedures for confidentiality (right to privacy), informed participation, and fair and reasonable treatment. Coaches have a special responsibility to respect and promote the rights of participants who are in a vulnerable or dependent position and less able to protect their own rights.

xii) Dress professionally, neatly, and inoffensively.

xiii) Use inoffensive language, taking into account the audience being addressed.

xiv) Recognize athletes’ individual swimming goals and refer athletes to other coaches and sports specialists as appropriate and as opportunities arise.

xv) Refrain from intervening inappropriately in personal affairs of swimmers that are outside the generally accepted jurisdiction of a coach.

9)    Athletes

In additional to section 6 above, athletes will have additional responsibilities to:

i) Report any medical problems in a timely fashion, when such problems may limit their ability to travel, practice, or compete.

ii) Participate and appear on-time and prepared to participate to their best abilities in all competitions, practices, training sessions, events, activities, or projects.

iii) Properly represent themselves and not attempt to participate in a competition for which they are not eligible by reason of age, classification, or other reason.

iv) Adhere to RBSC’s rules and requirements regarding participation, and equipment.

v) Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice.

vi) Act in a sportspersonlike manner and not display appearances of violence, foul language, or gestures to other athletes, officials, coaches, or spectators.

vii) Dress in a manner representative of RBSC; focusing on neatness, cleanliness, and discretion. Designated official clothing, if applicable, must be worn when traveling and competing.

viii) Act in accordance with RBSC’s policies and procedures and, when applicable, additional rules as outlined by coaches or chaperones.

ix) Refrain from any form of intimate or sexual activity at RBSC’s activities and events including by not limited to competitions and meets, workouts, training camps, travel events, club events and meetings.

x) Use their best efforts to swim in all events in which they are entered at any given competition unless excused by their coach, with the understanding that where an athlete scratches from an event, or where an athlete fails to show up for an event, steps down, or participates in an unexcused, incomplete swim, any fine or penalty which is assessed to the athlete and/or to RBSC will be charged to the athlete’s account within RBSC.

10)     Officials

1. In addition to section 6 above, officials will have additional responsibilities to:

i) Maintain and update their knowledge of swim rules and rule changes.

ii) Work within the boundaries of their position’s description while supporting the work of other officials.

iii) Act as an ambassador of RBSC by agreeing to enforce and abide by national and provincial rules and regulations.

iv) Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of all individuals.

v) Conduct themselves openly, professionally, lawfully, and in good faith in the best interests of RBSC.

vi) Be fair, equitable, considerate, independent, honest, and impartial in all dealings with others.

vii) Respect the confidentiality required by issues of a sensitive nature, which may include disqualifications, discipline processes, appeals, and specific information or data about Members.

viii) Promote a team spirit by respecting people’s differences, valuing diversity of opinion, and working with others to achieve the best decisions for athletes in competitions.

ix) Return officiating equipment, and attire to RBSC after use in the same and timely condition that it was given.

11)     Parents/Guardians

1. In addition to section 6 above, Parents/Guardians of athletes at events will have additional responsibilities to:

i) Encourage athletes to play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

ii) Never ridicule a participant for a poor performance or practice.

iii) Provide positive comments that motivate and encourage athletes’ continued effort.

iv) Respect the decisions and judgements of officials, and encourage athletes to do the same.

v) Respect and show appreciation to all competitors, and to the coaches, officials and other volunteers who give their time to the sport.

vi) Keep off the competition area and not interfere with coaching or officiating.

vii) Respect the boundaries of the coaching environment at all times.

viii) Respect the coaches professionalism of their suggestions, feedback, standards, practices, and swim meet choices.

viii) Keep their family and their athletes’ financial obligations to RBSC paid up to date at all times, which financial obligations include paying for all amounts billed by RBSC for its operations and for amounts it may pay on behalf of the athlete (i.e. swim meet fees). Without limiting the foregoing, where an athlete scratches from an event, fails to show up for an event, steps down or participates in an unexcused, incomplete swim, any fine or penalty which is assessed to the athlete and/or RBSC will be charged to that athlete’s account, and it is part of the family’s financial obligations to reimburse RBSC for all such amounts.

ix) Do not send children to practice when ailment symptoms present themselves. A 24-hour rule in good standing health rule applies for all athletes.

x) Disclose medical conditions in relevant forms, to Board, and Coaches to determine eligibility of enrolment.