Swimmers Code of Conduct
All swimmers of Basildon & District Swimming Club must observe the following squad rules at all times. Breaches of these rules will result in disciplinary action.
Behaviour
Show respect for all coaching staff regardless of whether they are your permanent coach or another member of staff who is covering. Many of our teachers and coaches at the club are volunteers who are generously giving their time to support your swimming.
Show respect for your team mates and behave appropriately towards them in order to create a supportive team environment.
Please show respect for the facilities we use by making sure that you do not leave any mess on the poolside or in the changing rooms. As a club we are constantly battling to secure extra pool space and cannot afford to lose present facilities due to misuse and abuse.
The use of foul or abusive language will not be tolerated. Anyone using such language will be asked to leave the session and will be subjected to a two week suspension.
Any swimmers deemed to be causing a disruption in the session will be asked to leave the pool and may be subjected to a ban for up to two weeks.
If you are asked to leave the session you must leave immediately. Confronting the coach during the session will cause further disruption and will not be tolerated. Squad coaches have the right to ban any swimmer on the spot, for up to two weeks, who has behaved inappropriately.
If you feel that you have been treated unfairly please raise your issue with either your squad coach directly or the Director of Swimming, your squad representative or a member of the committee.
Punctuality
All swimmers must be on poolside or in the land training venue at least 10 minutes prior to the start of each session.
Any swimmers who cannot make the start of the session must contact the coach in advance to explain the reason for their lateness. If you are unable to contact the coach it is important for the parent/ guardian responsible for bringing you to swimming to provide an explanation for your lateness immediately upon arrival.
All episodes of lateness will be recorded on the register and if the problem persists further action will be taken. Lateness is disrespectful and disruptive so please make every effort to get to the sessions on time.
Swim Sessions
Swimmers are required to fulfil the minimum attendance and performance criteria.
Please ensure that you arrive at the sessions properly equipped and attired.
No swimmer must enter the water until instructed to do so by the coach.
Each squad will be issued with a kit list and it is essential that you bring all items to every session.
Your kit bag should be kept at the end of the lane in which you are swimming and all items should be removed from the bag ready to use.
Toilet breaks are to be taken between sets not during sets at the discretion of the coach.
All swimming sessions must be recorded on a daily basis in your logbook. Logbooks must be kept up to date and submitted to the coach when requested.
All jewellery must be removed.
Land Training
Swimmers are required to fulfil the minimum attendance and performance criteria.
Please ensure that you arrive at the sessions properly equipped and attired.
Each squad will be issued with a kit list and it is essential that you bring all items to every session.
It is essential that you wear proper training shoes (no fashion trainers) and that the laces are fastened correctly to ensure that the footwear is providing adequate support.
All jewellery must be removed.
Competitions
Swimmers should only attend competitions that are prescribed by the squad coach.
Swimmers must wear the full team kit when attending all swimming competitions.
Whilst you are wearing the club kit you are representing Basildon & District Swimming Club. As such you will be expected to behave appropriately in order to promote the values and professionalism of our team.
Injury and Illness
If you are suffering with a serious injury or illness that renders you incapable of undertaking the training session please stay at home. However, it may be that you have an arm injury but could still attend the session and work predominantly on your legs. In such circumstances, please inform the squad coach in advance so that they can write you a separate session.
If you are feeling slightly unwell or are suffering from muscle soreness you will be expected to attend the session and work through the discomfort. The difference between a good swimmer and a great swimmer is often how they apply themselves when they are fatigued!
We will not tolerate anyone sitting out on the side! Only you know how bad you are feeling and it is you who must make the decision whether to continue or get out. If you feel too unwell to continue the session you need to ask the coach to be excused. Obviously missing the session will adversely affect you swimming but it is important that you allow yourself to get better. If you are unwell but feel that you can still complete the session then stay in and dig in!
All episodes of injury and illness will be recorded and monitored. Particularly when injuries and illness suddenly appear in the middle of a hard training set! Swimmers reporting an excessive amount of various injuries and ailments should expect that the coaches will start to question their authenticity.
Please inform your squad coach if you are currently receiving any medical treatment that may affect your swimming. If you are constantly complaining of a particular injury/ illness we will expect to seek the advice of a doctor/ physiotherapist otherwise we may not believe that the problem is really that bad!
