Code of Conduct

Our club has agreed to follow the Swimming Australia Code of conduct. At registration, all members need to sign a copy of our code of conduct. All members and their families must abide by the Code of Conduct of the Geraldton Amateur Swimming Club and any rules of Swimming WA, including the Members Protection Policy. The attitude and behaviour of our swimmers and their families are to be exemplary at all times.

Club Expectations

Our club is committed to providing a safe environment for participation. Aggressive, threatening or other inappropriate behaviours by members, their families, or their friends, or other people while attending training or events will not be tolerated.

These behaviours are outlined below and include:

using bad language
harassing or ridiculing swimmers, coaches, officials, parents or friends
making racist, religious, sexist or other inappropriate comments to swimmers, coaches, officials, parents or friends
any belittling, threatening behaviour or physical altercation between swimmers, coaches, officials, parents or friends
putting undue pressure on children, berating them or putting down their performance
Drinking at an event or training or being drunk at a club event.

What we ask you to do

Help create a positive atmosphere for swimmers, coaches, officials, parents or friends by showing respect for swimmers, coaches, officials, parents or friends
Abide by our club’s Code of Conduct and refrain from using bad language, harassing or ridiculing others or behaving in a threatening or violent manner.

Report any inappropriate behaviour to the club president or someone in a position of authority.

A full copy of the Swimming Australia code of conduct can be found here.

Parent Code of Conduct

I will encourage my child to participate in sport for their individual enjoyment, personal satisfaction, and improvement.
I will show appreciation and respect for all people involved in my child’s swimming.
I will participate and be involved in fundraising events throughout the year
I will not force my child to participate in sports.
I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the association.
I will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all athletes, coaches, officials and spectators at every event, training or other club sporting event.
I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, athlete, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
I will not encourage any behaviours or practices that would endanger the health and well‐being of the athletes.
I will respect the decisions of officials, and encourage my child to abide by the rules and accept judgments made by officials.
I will expect that my child treat other athletes, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, colour, sex or ability.
I will teach my child that doing one's best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of an event or his/her performance.
I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake in a competition.
I will emphasize skill development and practice (training) and how they benefit my child over winning.
I will promote the emotional and physical well‐being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
I will respect the officials and their authority during all events and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the event or training, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place.
I will refrain from coaching my child or other athletes during events and training.
I will recognise the value and importance of volunteer officials, coaches and team managers. They give their time and resources to provide the knowledge and support for your child’s sporting benefit.
I will make new members welcome.

Non‐Compliance

Parents or others found to have behaved inappropriately, and who are associate members or have agreed to abide by our club's Code of Conduct and this policy, may face disciplinary action as outlined in our constitution

Expulsion from the Club

If a member shall infringe any of the Rules of the Club, or in the opinion of the Executive Committee, is guilty of conduct prejudicial to the interests of the Club, the Executive Committee shall have power on a resolution carried by a two-thirds majority of the Management Committee, to suspend for any period or expel such member.