Please read the Swim Team Character Contract with your swimmer and then fill out the form below to acknowledge that you understand and will comply with the contract.
Swim Team Character Contract
As a member of the Naperville YMCA Porpoise Swim Team, I will:
1. Use Appropriate Conversation at all times. I will not discuss inappropriate topics or contribute to demeaning conversations about other swimmers or staff.
2. Use Appropriate Language at all times. I will refrain from using obscene language or gestures for any reason.
3. Demonstrate Appropriate Behavior at all times. I will pay attention to coaches and their instructions, and follow all pool rules. I will not engage in any horseplay with others or with a coach, or behave in such a way as to disrupt the practice/meet or prevent others from being able to safely practice. I will not hit, push, or display any type of aggressive behavior. I will use words to settle our differences. I will keep my hands and feet to myself.
4. Be Caring. I understand it is important to use and care for equipment properly so that everyone has the opportunity to use the necessary equipment throughout the season. I will care for the property of the YMCA, the Swim Team, and of other swimmers and the YMCA members and staff. I will leave the locker rooms, pool deck, and team areas clean and tidy.
5. Be Honest. I will be truthful to myself and to others, follow instructions, and always swim to the best of my ability. I will be where I say I will be. I understand that stealing others’ belongings or lying to coaches and/or parents to skip practice or to leave early will not be tolerated.
6. Be Respectful. When asked to do or not do something, I will follow directions the first time given. This is for the safety of everyone. I will listen and treat all coaches, officials, staff, and parents, as well as teammates and competitors, with respect and display good sportsmanship at all times. I will also respect our pool, facility, and other facilities that we visit by cleaning up after myself.
7. Be Responsible. I will arrive on time and prepared to practice/swim meets (with cap, goggles, etc.) and remain in designated areas. This applies to practices and meets, both home and away. I will always remain within the pool area or designated team area for everyone’s safety.
8. Represent Naperville YMCA and the Porpoises in a positive manner. When attending practice, meets, or other team-related activities, I will remember that I am representing both myself and the Naperville YMCA Porpoise Swim Team. My behavior must positively reflect the high standards of our team. I will wear my team suit and cap in competition, unless it is a technical suit or other suit approved by Coaches.
The Character Contract is used in behavior management at practice, meets, and other team events. The final page of the Handbook must be signed by both the swimmer(s) and a parent and returned to the Head Coach or Aquatic Director within one week of joining the team to indicate that the swimmer(s) and parent(s) have received a copy and understand the Character Contract.
Our priority during practice, meets, and other team events is to ensure the safety of all participants, and to provide a positive learning environment for all the swimmers at all times. Swimmers are expected to display appropriate behavior at all times. Throughout the season we continue to develop the YMCA values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility among our swimmers. As a family, please read and discuss the Character Contract together.
If a swimmer’s behavior becomes seriously inappropriate, the swimmer may be dismissed – without a refund – from the team. This is at the discretion of the Head Coach and Aquatic Director. In this event, the parent or guardian will be contacted. Behaviors that will result in immediate dismissal may include and are not limited to physical altercations that cause injury, refusal to cooperate with staff in attempting to maintain safety and order in the group or activity, inappropriate clothing, stealing, possession of drugs, cigarettes or alcohol, firearms, pornographic material, gang related activity, destruction of property, and bullying. NO REFUND OR CREDIT WILL BE ISSUED FOR SWIMMERS WHO ARE DISMISSED FROM THE TEAM FOR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR.
If an incident occurs where a swimmer conducts himself/herself in such a manner which jeopardizes their safety, the safety of others, or is not in accordance with the mission of the YMCA, the following steps will be taken:
1. Depending on the nature of the incident, the swimmer may be given up to 3 warnings within one day. If the behavior persists, a violation will occur.
2. First Violation – The swimmer will be removed from a portion of the practice/meet/event and a coach will address the issue directly with the swimmer. Parents will be notified.
3. Second Violation – The swimmer will be removed from the remainder of the practice/meet/event for the day. A coach will address and document the issue directly with the swimmer. Parents will be notified and may be called to immediately pick up their swimmer.
4. Third Violation – The swimmer may be suspended from the team for a portion of the season. A coach will address and document the issue directly with the swimmer. Parents will be notified.
5. Fourth Violation – The swimmer will be dismissed from the team for the remainder of the season.
6. A swimmer who acts in an unsportsmanlike or unsafe manner or otherwise interferes with the competition at a swim meet may be disqualified by the officials.
https://tinyurl.com/2019charactercounts