1. Swimmers, or Swimmers parents where the swimmer is under 16, will ensure that they are fully paid up members of Worcester Swimming Club and that all their fees are paid up-to-date prior to taking part in any club activity.
2. Swimmers are under the control of the Coach, Teacher or Poolside Helper at all times during lessons, training sessions or Galas.
3. Swimmers are expected to be on poolside at least five minutes before the start of their session and use the time for dry land warm-up and stretching exercises. This warm-up session must be done in an area that will not inconvenience people involved in the session presently under way or the general public. Swimmers will be invited on to the end of the pool by the controller of their session and must be ready to swim when instructed.
4. Swimmers are expected to wear the appropriate swimwear for training including swim hat and goggles and carry a spare set in case of damage. They are also expected to bring with them the appropriate training aids as indicated by their Coach such as Kickboards, Pool Buoys and Fins. Training bags brought onto the poolside must be put in a safe designated area so as not to cause a hazard to other poolside users. Training aids should be placed conveniently against the back wall at the end of the pool, ready for use when required. Drinks bottles and inhalers must be stored upright in an area where they won't be trodden on or cause obstruction. Glass objects including spectacles should never be brought on to poolside.
5. Swimmers must not walk about in areas outside the confines of the pool with bare feet. They should also have adequate towels and dry clothing to ensure that they are warm and dry before leaving the building, or if required to wait on poolside.
6. Swimmers must not train if they are sick or injured. Swimmers having an injury which does not impair their ability to train or will not regress due to physical exertion, will only be allowed to train at the discretion of the Chief Coach. If a swimmer begins to bleed during the training session they must leave the water immediately, seek help from a lifeguard and not re-enter the water until the problem has been adequately dealt with. Any injury to the head caused by collision with another swimmer or the pool structure or fittings must be reported to the person in charge of the lane immediately.
7. Swimmers must at all times, listen to and follow instructions delivered by their instructor or the pool lifeguard. The instructor will state the time gaps between swimmers and these must be adhered to. Sufficient gap must be allowed before a following swimmer dives or pushes off if no instruction has been given. Overtaking must be delayed until the end of the length and swimmers should not stop in mid length without very good reason. Swimmers should not stop in the water mid-set to adjust swimwear, goggles or hats. If there is genuine need to stop in the middle of the set, the swimmer should remove themselves to an area that does not affect the other swimmers.
8. Swimmers must ensure that they have given sufficient time for their meal to digest prior to training. They should make sure they have been to the toilet and that they are clean before arriving on the poolside. If a swimmer needs to leave poolside for any reason during their designated session they must first seek permission from their instructor.
9. Swimmers must not leave litter, including broken goggles and torn swim hats on the side of the pool, in changing rooms or on coaches and ensure they have all their own kit before leaving. All items of kit should be permanently marked with name and preferably telephone number.
10. Swimmers must attend their designated sessions and advise their instructor in advance (where possible) if they are unable to do so. A register of attendance will be taken at every session. The instructor must also be advised of the length of any long-term absence or when the swimmer no longer wishes to train.
11. Swimmers will make themselves available to compete, take part in time trials or be assessed on a regular basis. They must ensure that they look at the Club notice board at every session they attend and register their availability for these events. All swimmers are expected to participate in Club Championships. Club kit, WSC costume and hat, must be worn when representing the club.
12. Fighting, dangerous horseplay, disobedience, vandalism, persistent bad language and drug or alcohol abuse will lead to instant suspension of Club membership and may lead to further action outside the Club.
13. All A.S.A. Laws, Club Rules, Health and Safety Instructions, Local Authority by-laws, Swimming Pool Regulations and instructions given by Bus or Coach personnel, must be adhered to.
14. Swimmers wishing to resign from the Club must inform the Membership Secretary as soon as possible, swimmers will be liable for fees up to the effective date of their resignation.
Swimmers not complying with the code of Conduct, may be asked to leave the session, be suspended for several sessions or in extreme cases, asked to leave the Club
Any explanations or mitigating circumstances will be listened to sympathetically and appeals against disciplinary action can be made to the Club Committee, then to Officers of the Club and the Amateur Swimming Association.
The intention of the Code is to maintain the required standards of discipline, commitment and health and safety. The Club welcomes any constructive comments that may lead to any improvements to this Code and Club standards in general.
January 2003