Crocodile Swim Team ZERO Tolerance Policy

The Crocodile Swim Team has a zero tolerance policy for all families, swimmers, and guests. This policy is in effect at all swimming facilities and events that Crocodiles participate in. The Crocodiles Board will review all questions or concerns regarding this policy.

As a parent or family member of a swimmer on the Crocodiles Swim Team, I will abide by the following guidelines:

1. Practice teamwork with all parents, swimmers and coaches by supporting the values of Honesty, Care, Respect and Responsibility.

2. I will not coach or instruct the team or any swimmer at a practice or meets (from the stands or any other area) that interfere with coaches on the pool deck.

3. Demonstrate good sportsmanship by conducting myself in a manner that earns the respect of my child, other swimmers, parents, officials and the coaches at meets and practices.

4. Maintain self-control at all times. Know my role.

• Swimmers – Swim
• Coaches – Coach
• Officials – Officiate
• Parents – Parent

5. I understand that criticizing, name-calling, use of abusive language or gestures directed toward the coaches, officials and/or any participating swimmer will not be permitted or tolerated and will result in being asked to leave the team.

6. Enjoy supporting the Crocodile Swim Team by volunteering and positively reinforcing the swimmers, coaches, officials and board members.

7. During practices and meets all questions or concerns regarding decisions of coaches or officials are directed to a member of the coaching staff by email.

8. I understand that my volunteer efforts are an integral part of the success of the team and I will complete my volunteer responsibilities.

Prohibited Behavior

Converse Crocodiles Swim Team prohibits:

1. Physical violence.
2. Verbal assaults or attacks.
3. Harassment or incessant badgering of coaches, volunteers, officials, or other swimmers.
4. Inappropriate conduct or rude behavior.
5. Use or possession of tobacco, vape, drug, or alcohol products or paraphernalia by a swimmer or coach.

This applies to coaches, swimmers, and parents or family members of swimmers. Failure to follow this policy can result in disciplinary action and may result in removal from the team without a refund.

SANCTIONS: Should I conduct myself in such a manner that brings discredit or discord to the Crocodile Swim Team, I voluntarily subject myself to disciplinary action. A copy of this will be provided in your orientation packet.

Team Norms

1. Do not focus on meet placement. We parents can put a lot of emphasis on swimmers getting 1st or 2nd place, but it's more important that their times improve with each meet.

2. Do not use noisemakers. The sound of your own voice is enough to get your swimmers attention without disturbing the meet...too much.

3. Do not talk badly about the coaches. You may have ideas about how your kids could be coached better or how a particular coach made a certain comment, but it should not be shared with other swim parents. Instead, pull the coach aside to speak with him about your concern.

4. Do not brag about your own swimmer’s success. Swim parents who brag to other swim parents are not only risking alienation within the swim team parental group, but are also putting too much pressure on their own swimmers. Just like you don’t want to make your swimmer’s failures a pool deck storyline, don’t make your swimmer’s success a storyline either.

5. Encourage your child even if you feel they could have swam better or if you know they were disqualified. After your swimmer races and approaches you, all you need to do is smile and say, “I’m proud of you and you should be proud of yourself!” Give a hug and that’s it as no race commentary or critique is necessary.

In conclusion: Let the swimmers swim, the coaches coach, and the swim parents offer their support.