Code of Conduct
Purpose
At St Peter’s Swimming Club, we build purpose, pride, and team spirit — in the pool, on the pool deck, and in how we represent our club. This Code of Conduct sets the expectations that help us create a safe, supportive, and high‑performing environment for all swimmers.
Your Rights
Every swimmer has the right to:
Be happy, have fun, and enjoy being part of the sport.
Be treated fairly and respectfully by everyone.
Feel safe and supported during all swimming activities.
Be listened to and given the chance to respond.
Be treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect.
Have a voice in decisions that affect them.
Trust that personal information is handled confidentially.
Your Responsibilities
All swimmers, parents, and caregivers are expected to:
Respect the rights, dignity, and worth of others.
Be fair, considerate, and honest in all interactions.
Take responsibility for personal behaviour and choices.
Commit to quality performance and positive contribution.
Follow all relevant rules, policies, and standards.
Comply with the Sports Anti‑Doping Policy.
Understand the consequences of breaching this Code.
Report any breaches to the Coach or Team Manager immediately.
Avoid physical or verbal abuse, harassment, discrimination, or victimisation.
Show care for anyone who is sick or injured.
Be a positive role model for others.
Avoid negative comments — in person or online — about St Peter’s Swimming Club.
Never act in a way that brings the club, its members, sponsors, or partners into disrepute.
Support and promote the club’s vision, goals, and values.
This Code aligns with and supports the Swimming Waikato Code of Conduct.
Swimmer Expectations
Swimmers must:
Cooperate with coaches and teammates during all training sessions.
Follow the direction of Coaches and Team Managers at training and meets.
Abide by the rules of Swimming New Zealand, Swimming Waikato, and St Peter’s Swimming Club.
Show sportsmanship and respect toward teammates, officials, coaches, managers, and competitors.
Wear the correct team uniform as required, in line with the club’s uniform policy.
Not possess, consume, purchase, administer, or distribute narcotics, illegal drugs, prohibited substances, alcohol, or tobacco.
Follow all training, competition, curfew, and behaviour requirements when away at meets or on tour.
Avoid unauthorised activities or travel, including travelling in private vehicles, unless approved by Coaches or the Team Manager.
Avoid any behaviour that could endanger or damage people or property.
Follow rooming arrangements as set by Coaches or the Team Manager.
Follow lights‑out times as instructed.
Inform the Coach or Team Manager of any relevant medical conditions and keep the Blanket Medical Form up to date.
Ensure all required forms — Medical Form, Code of Conduct, Tour Agreements — are completed and submitted by the due date.
Declare mobile phones to the Coach or Team Manager.
Phones must not be used during rest periods.
The Team Manager will advise if phones must be handed in during rest periods or evenings while away.
Declaration
By signing this Code of Conduct, swimmers and parents/caregivers acknowledge that breaches of discipline or misbehaviour may result in one or more of the following penalties, as determined by the Coaches and Team Managers:
Being sent home immediately, with all associated costs paid by the parent/caregiver
Loss of privileges, allowances, or grants
A formal report completed by the Team Manager
Immediate suspension from the current competition or swim meet
Full payment of trip or camp costs, regardless of withdrawal
A formal meeting involving the swimmer, parent/caregiver, Coach, Team Manager, and — if requested — a committee member or the Director of Sport at St Peter’s School
Parent/Caregiver Responsibilities
Parents and caregivers must:
Abide by this Code of Conduct and encourage swimmers to do the same
Remember that swimmers participate for their own enjoyment
Encourage rather than pressure swimmers to participate
Focus on effort, progress, and personal goals
Encourage swimmers to follow the rules and resolve disagreements respectfully
Ensure swimmers arrive on time for training and meets
Never yell at or ridicule a swimmer
Support efforts to eliminate bullying, abuse, and unsportspersonlike behaviour
Respect officials’ decisions and teach swimmers to do the same
Show appreciation for coaches, officials, team managers, and swimmers
Participate in club volunteering roles (e.g., Timekeeping, Team Managing, IOT, Starter)
Follow the complaints process if they feel an incident has been handled unfairly
Ensure swimmers inform coaches or managers of absences, medical conditions, or relevant matters
Keep the Blanket Medical Form up to date
Not record, film, or photograph on pool deck during training
Not post videos or photos online without permission from those involved
Complaints ProcessA. Informal Process
Where appropriate, concerns should first be addressed informally:
Discuss the matter directly with the other party
If unresolved, request a facilitated discussion with the Head Coach or Club President
If still unresolved, the matter will be referred to the Director of Aquatics at St Peter’s School
B. Internal Resolution Process
For unresolved or serious complaints:
Submit a written statement to the Director of Coaching or Club President outlining the issue and desired outcome
The Director of Coaching, President, or nominated committee member will:
Acknowledge receipt within three (3) working days
Investigate and provide a written response within ten (10) working days
If agreed by all parties, the resolution plan will be implemented and shared with the Director of Aquatics
If unresolved, the matter will be referred to the Director of Sport at St Peter’s School
Complainants may seek external professional advice at their own cost
C. Exoneration
If a person has been wrongly accused, they may request formal exoneration from the Director of Sport. If a complaint is found to be malicious or unsubstantiated, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
All complaints must remain confidential to those involved.
