CLUB RULES AND CODE OF CONDUCT

These rules and guidelines have been prepared to give guidance to all members of Tenby and District Swimming Club subsequently referred to as the Club, in whatever role they are acting for or with the Club. This document is designed to assist the Club and its members in meeting the relevant statutory requirements and the duty of care. The Club is affiliated to the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association and is administered under the Association's constitutional laws and the Club's constitution that is force at the appropriate time.

It is the responsibility of:

The COACHES, POOL ASSISTANTS and TEAM MANAGERS for the competence of swimmers and to advise swimmers of any relevant safety matters.

The SWIMMERS and/or PARENTS / GUARDIANS for the swimmers personal health and well-being and to advise the Coaches / Pool Assistants / Helpers / Officials of any known limitation for health reasons.

The rules of the club refer to our particular use of the pool as a swimming club.

These are as follows:
GENERAL

1. Tenby and District Swimming Club is a competitive club and members are expected to participate in championships and galas.

2. The lower limit for a Club member is 5 years.

3. Members must turn up for training sessions on time.

4. Members must be courteous to pool staff and coaches taking the training 'sessions at all times

5. The Club is not responsible for members away from poolside, and will expect members under 14 to be supervised by their parent / guardian, or a nominated person over 14 years of age, at training sessions, galas, open meets.

6. Members must have due regard for equipment, building and club equipment.

7. Diving is only allowed from the deep end of the pool. Competition starting blocks should only be used after relevant instruction has been given.

8. Members must not run, or try to perform acrobatics, or gymnastics on poolside.

9. No foul language, spitting, petting, ducking or bombing will be allowed during Club training sessions.

10. Members found misbehaving or causing disruption during Club training sessions will be sent out to change. Parents will be informed of their child's misbehaviour if it is a regular occurrence. It is important for swimmers to behave at all times especially during galas and open meet.

11. Lost property is not the responsibility of club officials or pool staff.

Health and Hygiene

1. Members who suffer from medical problems must notify the Club and complete the Medical Declaration Form.

2. Members should not attend training sessions with open wounds, severe head colds or catarrh.

3. Members must use the toilets before a training session before being allowed use the pool.

4. No clothing is to be thrown into the pool.

5. Outdoor shoes are not permitted on poolside.

6. Smoking is not allowed during club sessions.

PARENTS I GUARDIANS

Parents I Guardians have a responsibility arising out of the "Duty of Care" owed to the Swimming Club,
and its members as outlined in Appendix A to ensure that the Club or its members are, as far as it is
reasonably practicable, not exposed to unnecessary and / or significant risk. All parents /guardians are required to certify that they, and their child shall be bound by the Club Rules and Code of Conduct, and
shall observe all Safety Guidelines laid down by the Club.

SWIMMERS

Swimmers have a responsibility arising out of the "Duty of care" owed to the Club and their fellow members as outlined in Appendix B to ensure that the Club or its members are, as far as it is reasonably practicable, not exposed to unnecessary and I or significant risk. All swimmers are required to certify that they shall be bound by the Club Rules and Code of Conduct, and shall observe all Safety Guidelines laid down by the Club.

COACHES / POOL ASSISTANTS

Coaches / Pool Assistants have a responsibility arising out of the "Duty of care" owed to the Club and its members as outlined in Appendix C to ensure that the Club and its members are, as far as it is reasonably practicable, not exposed to unnecessary and I or significant risk. All Coaches / Pool Assistants are required to certify that they shall be bound by the Club Rules and Code of Conduct, arid shall observe all Safety Guidelines laid down by the Club.

OFFICIALS / VOLUNTARY HELPERS

Officials and Voluntary Helpers have a responsibility arising out of the "Duty of care” owed to the
Club and its members as outlined in Appendix D to ensure that the Club and its members are, as far as
it is reasonably practicable not exposed to unnecessary and / or significant risk. All Officials and
Voluntary Helpers are required to certify that they shall be bound by the Club Rules and Code of Conduct, and shall observe all Safety Guidelines laid down by the Club.
CHILD PROTECTION

All club personnel who have contact with members must complete the Welsh Amateur Swimming Association Child Protection Personal Compulsory Declaration and adhere to the Club's Child Protection Policy.

APPENDIX A

GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS / GUARDIANS

As a parent I guardian you cannot ignore your own responsibilities. You know your child better than the Club officials, so you must inform the Club at the time your child joins or rejoins the Club if he / she has any continuing illness, disability, handicap or condition, that could affect his / her safety and well-being, or that of others. Should the condition develop after joining, you must tell Club Officials and / or your child's coach.

At the time of joining or rejoining the Club, you will be required to complete a special application form which requires such details of children under 18. Older children may sign for themselves. Make sure the Club know the facts. These of course will be treated in confidence. In doubt, you should consult the Family Doctor to check whether swimming activity is or is not good for your child.

As parents / guardians you have the responsibility to make sure that your child is

• Properly equipped for swimming;

e.g. Goggles for sensitive eyes; Swimming caps for head and hair; Poolside footwear; Etc

• Hygienically prepared for swimming;

e.g. Freshly bathed I showered; No bleeding, abrasions etc; Verruca socks when needed; etc

If your child has been ill, or suffered an injury, you should check with your G.P. that it is safe to start or resume swimming. There could be a poolside check and doubtful cases will be refused entry.

For more serious cases, medical certificates clearing your child may be requested for his / her own safety and well-being.

In the interests of healthy and safe swimming, it will sometimes be necessary for qualified personnel to check Verrucae. Advance notice will be given and your permission and co- operation will be expected. Should Verrucae or other condition be found, you will be advised accordingly.

Competition Swimming is enjoyable, challenging and motivating and you may be keen that your child should join in as soon as possible. But beware of the risks! Don't enter your child for competition without consulting the Club's coach and for the following reasons:

• Your child must be capable of swimming the stroke and I or distance.

Competition Swimming demands high standard of fitness and health.

• If your child cannot reach these standards because of illness or some condition or lack of training - don't put him I her at risk. It is better to wait for another day.

Help us to make your child's enjoyment of the sport as safe as possible. The law requires this of Pool Operators and Club and the Club must require this of you.

GUIDELINES FOR SWIMMERS

As a club swimmer you cannot ignore your own responsibilities. You must listen to the Club coach I pool assistants / officials I helpers at All times, and must not take part in any activity that may endanger yourself or any other person. You have a responsibility to inform the Club coach I pool assistants /officials I helpers of anything that could affect the safety and well being to yourself and I or another person.
Be Alert to the Dangers

Always take care for your risk of having an accident and doing yourself an injury. If you fool about and ignore the warning of your coach / pool assistants or life guard then you could hurt yourself and I or other swimmers. Read all the safety posters and remember that your safety is important in the showers and changing rooms as well as around the poolside and in the water. DO NOT ENTER THE WATER UNTIL YOUR COACH OR POOL ASSISTANT ARRIVES ON THE POOLSIDE.
Swim within your Ability, Fitness and Health

• Your ability decides the class or squad you join or are transferred to. Do not try and match those in higher classes or squads - you cannot!

• Keep within the area or lane reserved for your class or squad. This too is decided by your ability. Do not join a class, squad or lane that is for better and stronger swimmer. If in doubt ask your coach or pool assistant.

• If you are unwell or feeling "off colour" - don't swim.

• If you have missed several classes or training sessions due to illness, exams or holidays, take extra care. You may not be up to your normal workload and must not attempt too much too soon. Tell your coach or pool assistant!

• Do not have a heavy meal before going to classes or training sessions.

• If you are using bandages, plasters or other first aid material, clearly something has happened to you. Check with your coach I pool assistant that it is safe, healthy and hygienic for you to swim.

• If your arms, legs or other parts of your body hurt when swimming tell your coach / pool assistant and especially if during the week you have had a bump, knocked yourself etc.

• It is healthy and hygienic to be clean, to shower and to use the foot pool before going onto the poolside. Please do so.

• It is also hygienic to wear swimming caps to cover your head and hair; wear goggles for sensitive eyes, and use poolside footwear to protect your feet.

Entering and leaving the water

• DO NOT DIVE IN at the shallow end unless you have received diving instruction and have some experience. You could hit your head on the pool bottom! Do not dive in if the water is too shallow.

• DO NOT JUMP INTO the water at the shallow end as you can and will hit the pool bottom and can injure your foot, ankle or legs.

• If steps are provided, use them to enter the water or lower yourself down gently.

• When entering the water, make sure it is safe to do so and that you don’t dive in or land on someone else.

• When leaving the water do so by steps or make your way to the shallow part where you can step out safely. DO NOT CLIMB OUT unless you can do so safely as this can also cause injury especially to other swimmers in the proximity

Competition Swimming

• Before entering a competition, check with your coach / pool assistant that you are capable of swimming the stroke and / or distance.

• Most events start with a "racing dive" off the blocks. Check with your coach / pool assistant that you have the ability to do so. Otherwise, do not use the blocks but dive in off the poolside or start in the water.

• Check with your coach / pool assistant that it is safe to start with a racing dive at the shallow end. If in doubt - DON'T! This also applies to relay starts and take-overs.

• Competition swimming demands a high standard of fitness and health. If you can’t reach these standards because of illness, or some condition, or lack of training - "DON'T 'ENTER -" you put yourself at risk.

Unruly Behaviour

Unruly behaviour WILL NOT be tolerated.

You must not be found to be:

• Playing or larking about in the changing rooms, showers, foot pool or around the poolside.

• Running onto or around the poolside.

• Doing gymnastics or acrobatics around the poolside. Ducking, bombing, splashing, pushing or jumping.

• Shouting or screaming at each other. The noise you make prevents you from hearing any instructions or warnings.

• Throwing of ANYTHING! Even the smallest and harmless object can cause an injury.

• Playing or interfering with poolside or changing room equipment. Leave lifebuoys and other life saving aids where they have been placed.

If you have been warned about unruly behaviour - STOP IMMEDIATELY

You must clear the water immediately when instructed to do so.

Look out for Others

If you spot your classmates, friends etc in difficulty, immediately shout a warning to your coach / teacher or lifeguard. .

DO NOT GO TO HELP unless you have received the appropriate training as you could be putting yourself at risk.

Emergencies

If you are asked to leave the water or poolside or changing rooms because of an emergency, do so straight away without rushing or running and follow instructions.

DON'T STOP TO GATHER UP YOUR CLOTHES AND BELONGINGS. You can pick them up later when it is safe to do so.