The codes of conduct set out fundamental behaviours expected from each person involved in sport and young people. Clubs and regions should ensure all members sign up to the relevant codes of conduct annually as part of the membership renewal. Signing a code of conduct is a mandatory requirement of membership and is a Swim Ireland rule, and failure to sign cannot be used as a challenge against ignorance of the code of conduct.
For safeguarding and well-being of young people the following codes state expected behaviours for:

• Young People – this code may be added to by young people when creating a squad/club specific code or contract.
• Parents – this code includes expectations of parents and encourages their involvement in regions and clubs.
• Coaches/Teachers – this is behaviour expected from a coach or teacher, including Swim Ireland’s Associate members.
• Leaders – this covers all roles not otherwise specified including Children’s Officers, Team Managers, Officials, etc.

Each of these codes of conduct are available separately. These codes of conduct do not replace, but act in addition to, other specific codes or expectations of behaviour for Swim Ireland roles and activities including, but not limited to:

• National and regional board
• National regional and club committee
• National, regional and club coach and teacher
• Performance Centre staff and athlete
• Official
• Team manager

Course attendees

Individuals attending a specific educational or training course are expected to abide by the relevant code of conduct during a Swim Ireland course (plus adhere to course stipulations/contracts). If, on completion of a Swim Ireland course, the individual becomes or is an existing Swim Ireland member the course attendee is bound by the relevant code of conduct for their role as a member of Swim Ireland. If, on completion of a Swim Ireland course, an individual does not have any further involvement with Swim Ireland, they are not considered a Swim Ireland member. The individual’s details and record of qualifications remain on the Swim Ireland database system according to our Data Retention policy.

 

As a parent/guardian you should help and support the implementation of best practice policies in your child’s club by following the Codes of Conduct.

Your responsibilities are to:

• Be a positive role model for young people by maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and respectful behaviour in any activity related to the club, region or Swim Ireland
• Allow your child to focus their efforts and set their own goals rather than winning being the main objective
• Understand and ensure your child/children abide by The Code for Young People
• Support the ethos of the club
• Choose a safe and fun club with your child
• Support your child and their teammates in a positive way
• Listen to your child if they have any concerns about our sport
• Become members of the club and contribute your time and effort in the daily running of the club; no club can operate successfully and safely without the help of volunteers
• Be available for specified duties if and when required; some duties are mandatory and form part of the procedures for safeguarding your children; some will be at the request of the Club
• Where appointed to a role or duty you should not be under the influence of any banned substance or alcohol whilst involved in any club/region/Swim Ireland activities
• Have an awareness of and respect leaders and other adults and their roles
• Understand the complaints and disciplinary process; follow the proper procedure if you feel unjustly treated and that any complaint/disciplinary matter will be dealt with effectively and confidentially
• Know your child’s training and/or competitive programme, and accept it is your responsibility for delivering and collecting your child/children. Parents/guardians should ensure they do not leave their child/children waiting unsupervised at any time
• Ensure appropriate leaders are informed regarding any absenteeism, medical conditions or other relevant matters concerning your child
• Provide the appropriate leaders and your child with emergency contact information and to be reasonably available in case of emergency
• Promote that participation in sport for children and young people is fun, safe, fair and in the spirit of fair play
• Arrange an appropriate time and place for discussing any matter with leaders and coaches; communication should not take place whilst leaders and coaches are in a position of supervision or responsible for other young people
• Abide by the procedures and policies regarding the use of mobile phones, any type of camera and videoing equipment
• Be aware of and abide by the Swim Ireland Safeguarding Policies and the rules and constitution of Swim Ireland, the region and your own club
• Comply with all additional Swim Ireland policies and protocols as introduced for clubs and regions

As a Swim Ireland parent, you should:

• Have an opportunity to put forward suggestions and comments
• Have access to Swim Ireland parent support programmes
• Have access to Anti-Doping workshops

By signing below, you are committing to and agreeing with the above. Any breach in this code of conduct will be dealt with appropriately and in accordance with the Swim Ireland complaints and disciplinary process.