Parent Code of Conduct
The support and participation of parents plays a critical role in the success and running of the Oak bay Orcas Swim Club. Fair play and responsible behavior by all members of the club is expected to protect everyone’s safety as well as our Club’s reputation. The following Parents Code of Conduct is expected to be acknowledged by all parents or guardians of swimmers in the club:
Your swimmer participates in club activities for their enjoyment.
BCSSA and the Oak Bay Orcas Swim Club have no tolerance for harassment. This includes swimmers, coaches, parents and officials, in the pool, on and off the pool deck, in the change rooms and during any team sanctioned function or electronically via social media. Harassment includes, but is not limited to the following: any comments, conduct, or gestures which are insulting, intimidating, humiliating, hurtful, malicious, degrading or otherwise offensive to an individual or group of individuals, or which creates an uncomfortable environment, or which might reasonably be expected to cause embarrassment, insecurity, discomfort, offence or humiliation to another person or group. Abusive language, rudeness, uninvited touching, bullying, intimidation or threats are examples of harassment. Interference with another swimmer’s practice.
When the swimmers are unsupervised by coaches, parents are responsible for their safety. This includes changing rooms.
Accept responsibility for your swimmer’s safety and behavior at practices, club events and swim meet.
Injuries and absences must be reported to the Club/Coaches prior to any club activity which swimmers are expected to attend. The Coaches need to know about injuries so that they may adjust the swimmer’s training accordingly.
Provide a positive attitude by supporting all swimmers, coaches and officials.
Encourage your swimmer to compete by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
Help swimmers recognize that sportsmanship, personal improvement and honest effort are more important than winning.
Be helpful, however avoid “coaching” or giving a lot of advice to your child before their races.
Speak to the coaches either before or after swim practice times and not during practice. Coaches are available 15 minutes before and after for this purpose. Where possible, please contact the coaches in advance by email to arrange a meeting at the practice.
Remember that the pool deck is the domain of the coaches and parents are not allowed on deck during practices.
Support the coaches’ decisions on meet entries and relay selections.
If a problem or issue arises, communicate with the coaches and/or someone on the Executive to ensure it is addressed in a timely and appropriate manner.
Support your swimmer’s efforts by volunteering for timing, officiating or other club activities.
If an individual does not adhere to the above code of conduct the following may occur at the discretion of the Executive Board:
1st Incident: The parent will be required to meet with the President or Executive Board to explain their action and to come to a resolution;
2nd Incident: The parent will be given a week long suspension from the date of the Executive Board decision.
3rd Incident: Expulsion of the parent for the remainder of the season from the date of the Executive Board
For both the 2nd and 3rd incident, the parent will only be permitted to drop off and pick up their child from practice and/or swim meet but may not stay during the event.
Repeat behavior will not be tolerated and will be referred to the Executive Board for further action.
We intend to be fair, reasonable and timely in responding to any issues. Any parent questioning the fairness of a disciplinary decision may request review by the Executive Board and/or via the Club Liaison.
The Oak Bay Orcas Swim Club has a Club Liaison in place to support any parent and/or swimmer in identifying and resolving issues involving any aspect of the Club. Please see our Liaison Policy and Procedures on our website for more.