TROWBRIDGE AMATEUR SWIMMING CLUB
DISCIPLINE RULES AND GUIDANCE FOR GOOD BEHAVIOUR

1. The Rules

There are in essence three broad categories of rule:-
1.1 Those that when broken, are a danger to any member or indeed any other person. Statutory drugs, alcohol or smoking offences should fall into this category.
1.2 Those that are an infringement of the Club by-laws. The by-laws being generally of administrative and financial concern.
1.3 Those that constitute a lack of respect for other persons or clubs related to TASC through normal contacts.
Whatever specific rule that the Club adopts must comply with the provisions of the ASA and indeed normal British Law.

2. The Grievance Procedure

For infringements under category 1 rules immediate action must be taken by all members to prevent any harmful event occurring. All persons of responsibility and indeed all Club members should report any action which causes danger to other Club members.
2.1 Category 1 Rules
2.1.1 Club members who deliberately endanger others will be suspended pending a suitable enquiry, which may be made public, could result in the permanent suspension of a club member with the loss of all rights and privileges.
2.2 Category 2 Rules
2.2.1 Minor infringements of Club by-laws should not be subject to any grievance procedure. It is expected that such problems should be solved between respective parties.
2.2.2 However, continued or deliberate infringements of Club by-laws may be seen to be an offence under category 3, and be dealt with accordingly.
2.3 Category 3 Rules
2.3.1 The first part of a grievance procedure should be to discuss the problem or concern between the interested parties, this however, can prove unsatisfactory in cases of bullying.
2.3.2 The Club member shall first be clearly informed by the complainant that their behaviour has been felt to be disrespectful. To register a complaint, both parties should meet for a verbal discussion with at least one member of the elected Club officials. Such a meeting will be noted under other business at the next administrative meeting.
2.3.3 It should be clear that malicious gossip and innuendo are the most dangerous form of disrespect that can destroy the general Club atmosphere.
Further, it is felt that children cannot function in an atmosphere of constant guilt. Each offence must be discussed in isolation without resort to past, imagined or real cases of disrespect.
2.3.4 Should a Club member repeat an offence, so noted as a verbal discussion, a written complaint shall be raised. Such a complaint will be signed by at least three members of the Administration Committee after all parties have been heard.
2.3.5 Further complaints of a similar nature that occur within three months of a written letter, will be discussed by a full quorum of committee members. From such a discussion a Club member may be asked to resign from the Club.
It is hoped that under the grievance procedure, that all members will be able to make mistakes, but receive proper guidance and correction. No one person should feel threatened or intimidated. Persistent and deliberate infringements of the Club by-laws, the Treasurer (for money matters) or the Chief Coach (for poolside matters), may need to complain.

3.0 Guidance for Good Behaviour

A contravention of the following guidelines may be seen to be disrespectful as a category 3 rule. They are by no means a complete list, but only the more obvious possible reasons for complaint.
3.1 Malicious gossip and unsupported innuendo cannot be tolerated. Any such discussions should take place strictly within the guideline or grievance procedures.
3.2 Member shall not swear, shout or otherwise act in an aggressive manner.
3.3 No form of bullying or intimidation is acceptable. Bullying being adverse pressure between peers, intimidation being excessive pressure from superior or senior groups.
3.4 Littering of any part of the swimming facilities is unacceptable.
3.5 No member or parent should openly badger or argue with the Club Coach or poolside helpers in a public manner. Discussions should be raised in relative privacy to preserve the authority of Club coaches.
3.6 Swimmers and Club helpers should honour their given commitments to Galas. Where a commitment cannot be met, every effort should be given to inform the relevant persons at the earliest opportunity.
3.7 Swimmers should make reasonable efforts to comply with Gala dress codes.
3.8 Proper and appropriate sportsmanship should be shown at all times to the other competitors or teams.