Swimming lessons and competitions - code of conduct

Swimming lessons

As a parent or carer, you are expected to:

• encourage your child to learn the pool rules and follow them
• encourage your child to take responsibility for their own actions and behaviour
• always ensure your child is dressed appropriately - girls in a one-piece swimsuit, boys in trunks/shorts (but not long shorts as they can drag)
• always ensure your child is wearing no earrings, body piercings, rings, bracelets, necklaces or any other kind of jewellery to be worn while participating in a swimming lesson and that long hair is tied back or in a swim cap
• let us know any issues about aqualearn using the Learn to Swim progress request form - please don't raise them with the lesson teachers
• use appropriate language at all times
• be supportive of your child as they learn to swim - each child will progress at a different rate, so please don't punish them because you think they have not done well enough
• help and support your child when they are learning to swim
• respect the teacher's decisions about a child's progress - they base decisions on your child's ability to achieve the outcomes set by the Swim England
• take responsibility for your child's welfare until the teacher has taken the class register at the start of the lesson
• make sure your child arrives on time for their lesson, and always collect your child promptly at the end of a lesson
• stay in the pool spectator area during the lesson if your child is 8 years or under and take them to the toilet if they need it
• notify the centre of any change of address to ensure any letters we send out are received

Competitions

As a parent or spectator, you are expected to:

• appreciate that people participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours
• encourage young people to participate but never force them
• focus on and praise the effort and good performance displayed by all competitors, rather than the winning or losing
• encourage young people to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to arguments or violence
• never ridicule anyone for making a mistake or losing a competition
• respect coaches' and official's decisions and teach competitors to do the same
• show appreciation to the coaches, officials and administrators for making the competition possible
• behave responsibly and not be discriminatory, offensive or violent
• be on time when dropping off and collecting your children
• accept that there may be a charge to certain events

As a swimmer, you are expected to:

• follow the rules
• use suitable and adequate kit and be appropriately dressed - girls/women in a one-piece swimsuit, boys/men in trunks/shorts (but not long shorts as they can drag)
• ensure you are wearing no earrings, body piercings, rings, bracelets, necklaces or any other kind of jewellery and that long hair is tied back or in a swim cap
• let us know any issues about aqualearn using the Learn to Swim progress request form - please do
• never argue with coaches or officials
• behave responsibly and not be discriminatory, offensive or violent
• treat other swimmers as you would like to be treated
• participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not to please others
• respect your fellow participants and the staff, and treat any equipment and the building with care
• be on time and be prepared for all activities
• always take time to thank all those who help you take part in your chosen sport/activity