Westwood Whirlwinds Swim Team

Athlete Code of Conduct 

As an athlete representing our swim team, you are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior and sportsmanship. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all swimmers, and adherence to these guidelines will ensure a positive and respectful environment for all participants. 

1. Respect for Coaches, Teammates, and Competitors Treat all coaches, teammates, competitors, and officials with respect at all times. Support and encourage your teammates, fostering a spirit of teamwork and camaraderie. Show respect to your competitors, both in victory and defeat. 
2. Commitment and Responsibility Attend practices, meets, and other team events on time and ready to participate. Communicate with your coach if you are unable to attend a practice or meet. Give your best effort during all practices, competitions, and activities.Follow team rules and schedules, and take responsibility for your actions both on and off the pool deck. 
3. Positive Attitude and Sportsmanship Display a positive attitude, and approach practices and meets with enthusiasm and determination. Demonstrate good sportsmanship, including shaking hands with competitors and officials.Handle winning and losing with grace, always showing respect for the results of the competition. 
4. Personal Conduct Exhibit good behavior at all times, both during team events and in your personal life, as you are always representing the team. Avoid inappropriate language, behavior, or actions that can bring disrespect to the team. Adhere to all local, state, and national rules regarding behavior, especially when traveling or participating in events outside of the regular season. 
5. Communication and Feedback Listen to feedback from your coach and strive to improve continuously. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to grow as an athlete. Communicate respectfully with your coach and teammates, addressing any concerns or issues appropriately. 
6. Representing the Team Represent your team with pride and always act as a role model for younger or newer swimmers. Refrain from negative behavior such as bullying, teasing, or exclusion of any kind. Demonstrate commitment to the team’s success, and show respect for the team’s rules, traditions, and values. 
7. Compliance with the Code Failure to comply with the Athlete Code of Conduct may result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to warnings, suspension from practices or meets, or removal from the team.

Parent Code of Conduct 

We are committed to providing a positive, safe, and enjoyable environment for all athletes. To help maintain this environment, we ask all parents and guardians to follow these guidelines and demonstrate respect for the sport, coaches, athletes, and other families. 

As a parent or guardian of a youth swimmer, you are a vital part of our community, and your support is essential. By adhering to this Code of Conduct, you help ensure that all participants have the best possible experience. 

1. Support the Swimmer's Development Encourage your child to set personal goals and support them as they work toward those goals. Praise effort, improvement, and perseverance, regardless of race results. Understand that your child’s progress in swimming is a journey, not just about winning races. 
2. Respect the Coaches and Officials Show respect and support for the coaches and their role in the development of your child and all athletes. Refrain from coaching your child during practices or meets. Trust that the coaching staff is providing the appropriate guidance. If you have concerns, discuss them with the coach privately, at an appropriate time, and in a constructive manner. 
3. Respect Fellow Parents, Swimmers and Volunteers Foster an atmosphere of respect, positivity, and sportsmanship. Encourage your child to build friendships with their teammates and competitors. Treat all swimmers, parents, volunteers, and officials with respect, courtesy and understanding. 
4. Maintain Appropriate Behavior at Meets Be supportive, encouraging and positive during competitions. Refrain from negative comments, unsportsmanlike conduct or disruptive behavior, whether towards your own child, other swimmers, or officials. Understand that the officials are there to ensure a fair competition, and their decisions must be respected. 
5. Commit to Communication Maintain open, honest and respectful communication with the coaching staff and the swim team administration. Ensure you keep the team informed about your child’s attendance at practices, meets, and any other important matters that may affect their participation. Address any concerns promptly and professionally with the appropriate individual (Coach, Team Representative or Club Management). 
6. Foster a Safe Environment Promote a positive environment for all swimmers by supporting inclusion, diversity and mutual respect. Ensure your child arrives on time for practices and meets, dressed appropriately and with all necessary equipment. Respect the team's rules and guidelines regarding safety, behavior and conduct at all times. 
7. Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices Encourage healthy habits, including proper nutrition, hydration and adequate rest. Be a role model for positive behavior by maintaining a balanced approach to competitive swimming. Help your child understand the importance of balancing swimming with their education, social activities and family life. 
8. Demonstrate Sportsmanship Teach and reinforce the principles of good sportsmanship, both at practices and competitions. Celebrate your child’s achievements and those of their teammates and competitors. Encourage your child to be gracious in victory and defeat, and always to support their teammates.
9. Understand the Role of Competition Recognize that competitive swimming involves both winning and losing, and both outcomes offer valuable learning experiences. Help your child understand that not every race is about winning, but about self-improvement and enjoying the process. Encourage your child to respect and support their competitors. 
10. Follow All Team Rules and Policies Adhere to the policies and procedures established by the team, including those related to attendance, behavior and meet participation. 
11. Model Respect for the Facility Be responsible for ensuring that your swimmer treats all practice and competition venues with respect and care. Clean up after yourself and others, and follow the rules of the facility. 

Conclusion: By following this Parent Code of Conduct, you are contributing to the creation of a respectful, supportive and enjoyable atmosphere for all swimmers and their families. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to fostering a positive environment for our athletes. Your involvement is crucial to the success and well-being of every swimmer.