Mountain Valley Aquatics Athlete Code of Conduct

The purpose of this conduct policy is to insure that every swimmer is provided an environment that allows them the opportunity to reach their individual goals. Therefore, underlying this policy are the following assumptions:

o    A swimmer’s conduct should support every other swimmer’s ability to learn and the coach’s ability to teach other swimmers.

o    Each swimmer should be committed to doing their best.

o    Set a good and positive example for others, particularly young swimmers.

o    Team members will encourage and support each other at all times.

o    All team members will treat opposing team members with respect and good sportsmanship.

o    Mountain Valley Athletes are expected to remember that at practice, during swim meets and in public they are representing Mountain Valley Aquatics. They should represent MVA with excellence, team spirit, good sportsmanship, and politeness.

o    Refrain from using alcohol, tobacco, drugs, other prohibited substances, violence, abusive or foul language, inappropriate sexual conduct, or any other behavior deemed dishonest, discourteous, offensive or disrespectful of others.

Swim Training

o    Be ready to practice on time. Swimmers should be in the pool area with all necessary equipment, ready to begin practice at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time at which their practice is to begin.

o    Wear proper attire

o    Have all your swim equipment with you e.g.: pull buoy/kick board/fins /paddles/snorkel.

o    Ensure you have a full drink bottle to every training session if you desire.

o    Use the lavatory before training and inform the coach if you need to leave the pool during training.

o    You should not require encouragement to enter the water.

o    Please do not chew gum or bring glass onto the pool deck at any time.

o    Listen to what your coach is telling you the first time.

o    Respect pool property and equipment.

o    Be responsible for your own swim gear.

o    Put gear up after practice

o    Keep all facilities clean including the pool deck, locker rooms, and lobby areas.

o    Practice lane etiquette.

o    Swimmers who stop in the middle of any set for any reason should rejoin their lane as quickly as possible with the least disruption as possible.

o    Any swimmer wishing to pass shall do so by increasing their speed. It is not the responsibility of the swimmer being passed to slow down and allow the other to pass.

o    If you are finished with a set make sure you move to the side of the lane so other swimmers can complete their swim to the wall.

o    Do not cross other lanes without checking where the swimmers in that lane are at, this can cause accidents.

o    Do not stop in the lane, you may get injured by other swimmers.

o    Do not pull or sit on the lane ropes as this may injure other swimmers.

o    Do not skip lengths or sets as you are only cheating yourself.

o    Do not use the bottom of the pool as a part of your practice. It is not meant to be a push off spot.

o    Continual cheating in a practice will be considered a disruption of practice.

o    No running, pushing other swimmers, or any other form of horseplay on the pool deck or in the locker rooms. It will not be tolerated at any time. 

o    Do not throw any objects. Any items in the pool area can be dangerous if thrown.

o    If your ride is late picking you up, please notify a coach and wait inside.

o    Resolve differences through conversation and compromise. Disputes not successfully resolved verbally should be referred to the coach.

Swim Competition

o    Make every effort within the sport, consistent with fair play and the laws of the sport.

o    Ensure you have all the appropriate equipment with you for competition.

o    Wear a Mountain Valley swim cap when representing Mountain Valley. This displays team pride and also makes it easier to identify swimmers on the blocks and in the water.

o    Arrive 15 minutes before warm ups are scheduled.

o    Listen for your race to be announced and go to the marshaling area in time and report in.

o    Warm up before a race. Prepare yourself for the race, and swim down properly after the race, where possible. Do not use this time to play.

o    You should swim events you have been entered in unless agreed otherwise beforehand.

o    After your race report to the coach first, not your parents. Receive feedback on your race and splits.

o    During any swim team events, no swimmer is allowed to enter the water or place anything in the water without permission of a coach or official. This may result in forfeiture of the meet.

o    Always congratulate other swimmers after the race regardless of your own result.

o    Accept success and failure/victory and defeat equally.

o    PLEASE, DO NOT LEAVE A MEET WITHOUT NOTIFYING THE COACH!