TROWBRIDGE
AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB
CODE
OF ETHICS
Introduction
This Code of Ethics was written with specific reference to Coaches.
However, most aspects of this Code are also applicable to all members
of Trowbridge Amateur Swimming Club (TASC): All Coaches, committee members
and helpers are required to sign a copy of the Code. In doing so, they
indicate that they have read, understood and accepted the Code. This
Code should be read in conjunction with the Club rules.
Issues of Responsibility
Coaching and committee participation is a deliberately undertaken responsibility.
As a result, all individuals who undertake such roles are responsible
for the observation of the principles embodied within this Code. All
members of T ASC must consistently display high personal standards and
project a favourable image of their sport and of coaching to swimmers,
other coaches, officials, parents and members of the public and media.
Rights
Coaches, committee members and helpers must respect the rights, dignity
and worth of every member of the club and their right to self-determination.
Specifically, everyone within the Club must be treated equally within
the context of their activity, regardless of ability, sex, ethnic origin,
religion, disability or political persuasion. Equally, both swimmers
and their parents are expected to treat their teachers, coaches and
all members of the Club with similar respect.
Relationships
The Coaches will be concerned primarily with the well being, health
and future of the individual swimmer and only secondary with the optimisation
of performance. Swimmers must be encouraged to accept responsibility
for their own behaviour and performance in training, in competition,
and in their social life. In addition, an individual swimmer should
not impede other swimmers training. This includes allowing other swimmers
to train at their own rate rather than attempts being made to dissuade
another swimmer to train at a lesser rate.
Coaches are responsible for setting and monitoring boundaries between
a working relationship and friendship with swimmers. This is particularly
important when the swimmer is a young person. The Coach must realise
that certain situations or friendly actions could be misinterpreted,
not only by the swimmer, but also by outsiders motivated by jealously,
dislike or mistrust and could lead to allegations of sexual misconduct
or impropriety.
Commitment
The relationship between coach and swimmer relies heavily on mutual
trust and respect. The TASC should ensure in advance with swimmers and
their parents the number of sessions, fees and methods of payment required
by the Club. Coaches should explore with swimmers and parents the expectations
of the outcome of the coaching and develop individual programs accordingly
that fit within the overall framework of the Club. In reWID, coaches
can expect swimmers and parents to honour their commitments in terms
of training, competitions and fee payment.
Integrity
Coaches and committee members should refrain from public criticism of
fellow coaches and/or committee members. Differences of opinion should
be dealt with on a personal basis. More serious disputes should be referred
to the Head Coach in the first instance and then the Committee if they
remain unresolved.
Coaches and committee members must not encourage swimmers to violate
the rules of their sport and should actively seek to discourage such
action. Furthermore, all members of the Club should be encouraged to
obey the spirit of such rules.
Confidentiality
Coaches and committee members inevitably gather a great deal of personal
information about swimmers in the course of their working relationship.
Agreement is to be reached as to what is regarded as confidential information
and, therefore, is not to be divulged to a third party without the consent
of the individual. However, confidentiality does not preclude the disclosure
of information to persons who can be judged to have a 'right to know'
relating to swimmers or parents when relevant to the following;
a. Evaluation of performance.
b. Pursuit of disciplinary action.
c. Non-payment of fees.
Safety
All TASC members have a responsibility to ensure safety of swimmers
and staff with whom they work as far as possible within the limits of
their control. All reasonable steps should be taken to establish a safe
environment. Coaching techniques should be in keeping with regular and
approved practice within the sport and be suitable for the age and experience
of the swimmer.
Violations of the Code
An alleged breach of this Code shall be grounds for making a complaint
to the Club Committee. Such a complaint will be considered a formal
expression of dissatisfaction with actions and behaviour of an individual
or group of individuals. Any such complaint will be dealt with in accordance
with Club rules.
