Youth sports programs play a crucial role in promoting the physical, social, and emotional development of young people. It is essential for parents, coaches, spectators, and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. All WCST swimmers and parents agree to abide by the Youth Sports Swimmers' Code of Conduct and the Youth Sports Parents' Code of Conduct, respectively.

YOUTH SPORTS SWIMMERS' CODE OF CONDUCT

Preamble

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of Sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these 6 core principles of sportsmanship.

I therefore agree:

1. I will always give my best effort in any competition or practice.
2. I will be at practice on time if at all possible. While at practice, I will listen to and follow the instructions of the coaches. I will not interrupt practice or distract the coaches from performing their duties.
3. I will follow all facility rules and the instructions of any official, such as pool lifeguards.
4. I will always encourage and never ridicule my teammates or fellow competitors.
5. I will always conduct myself with the highest degree of sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, officials and coaches.
6. I will not engage in any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of anyone including myself.
7. I will always play by the rules and resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
8. I will treat other swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators fairly and with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
9. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets.
10. I will refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol or illegal drugs at any time.
11. Any violation of this code may result in, but not be limited to, the following consequences:
    • I may be sent home from practice and not allowed to return until my parents discuss my issues with the head coach.
    • I may be suspended from all practices and meets, and I will not be allowed to re-join the team until my parents discuss my issues with the board and issue a written request for my return to the team.
    • I may be dismissed from the team.

YOUTH SPORTS PARENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

Preamble

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of six core principles of sportsmanship: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these six core principles of sportsmanship.

I therefore agree:

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the meet is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators at every meet, practice, or other event.
5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, swimmer, or parent.
6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
7. I will teach my child that at no time should a conflict result in hostility or violence.
8. I will demand that my child treat other swimmers, coaches, officials, and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
9. 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 a meet or his/her performance.
10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard and make my child feel like a winner every time.
11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
12. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning.
13. 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.
14. I will respect the officials’ and coaches’ authority during meets and practices. I will communicate with the board, and/or coaches’ liaison committee to discuss any issues or grievances regarding the coaches or officials.
15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol, and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
16. I recognize that any breach of this code of conduct may result in consequences as determined by the Swim Team Board, which may include, but not be limited to, suspension and/or dismissal from the swim team, based upon the severity of the infraction.