Starfish Swimming Club

Starfish has a duty of care to safeguard from harm all members (children and adults with learning difficulties) and volunteers below the age of 18 (children) who are involved with the club.  ALL have a right to protection regardless of age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity and disability.  Starfish will ensure the safety and protection of all members and children involved with the club, through adherence to the ASA Child Protection in Swimming Procedures and Guidelines and Starfishs Policies and Rules.
The Starfishs Policies and Rules aim to promote good practice:

1. Providing members and children with appropriate safety and protection whilst in the care of Starfish
2. Allowing all staff and volunteers to make informed responses to specific member and child protection issues

The underlying principles of the Club are built upon the following:

1. The members and childrens welfare is the first consideration
2. All members and children have a right to be protected from abuse irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual identity or disability
3. Members and children should be treated with respect, dignity and integrity.
   The ASA Child Protection in Swimming Procedures and Guidelines are available on the ASA web site.

The ASA Child Protection in Swimming Procedures and Guidelines are available on the ASA web site.

The Starfish code of conduct and good practice has been drawn up in line with ASA guidelines. The aim of the code is to outline for all club members and others involved with the club what is acceptable behaviour and how to promote good practice.

Starfish will:

1. Ensure that all members comply with the ASA code of ethics (available on www.britishswimming.org)
2. Ensure appropriate/expected standards of behaviour at all times from coaches, teachers, volunteers, officials and helpers who have significant contact with members
3. Encourage all personnel in the Club involved directly with members and children to undertake suitable training
4. Provide guidance of the expected and acceptable behaviour of members towards others (see below)
5. Provide a non-violent, non-humiliating disciplinary measures, and a Disciplinary Procedure that complies with the ASA guidelines
6. Promote an informed and aware atmosphere in which members are 'listened' to and respected as individuals
7. Not allow bullying, humiliating behaviour, racist or sexist comments within the club
8. Not allow any physically rough or sexually provocative games, or inappropriate talking or touching by anyone
9. For galas and other events, ensure, in so far as is possible, that mixed teams are accompanied by male and female coaches, teachers, volunteers and parents as required

Starfish will promote good conduct and behaviour in staff, members, volunteers and parents based upon the following guidelines which outlines the responsibilities of all involved with the club. It is expected that the principles of the code of conduct will be followed at all times including training sessions, competitions etc.:

1. Behaviour and personal conduct must at all times be of a high standard and reflect favourably on the club.  Language in public or relevant group situations must be appropriate and socially acceptable
2. Parents and members should discuss any queries with coaching staff at a suitable opportunity after, and not during a coaching session
3. Members and others involvement in external galas and events will be governed by this code of conduct and team kit and equipment will be worn as directed by the Team Manager
4. Alcohol is forbidden to members and others under age as defined by UK law. Unless provided lawfully as part of a Club social event, it must not be consumed by members or others involved in Club activity
5. Smoking is forbidden to members and others under age as defined by UK law. Unless part of a Club social event and allowed by UK law, smoking by members or others involved in Club activity is forbidden
6. Illegal and/or performance enhancing drugs / substances are strictly forbidden. Whilst some may not appear on the banned list, they remain prohibited in line with ASA Guidelines
7. Accidents/incidents occurring in or around the pool before, during or after training, galas or other events will be noted in the venues accident book, in case of further action being taken
8. Sanctions of the Code of Conduct will be dealt with in the first instance by the Club official on hand. The incident shall be reported to the Club Secretary and/or the Child Welfare Officer to handle as appropriate on behalf of the Club
9. In addition to the above, it is expected that all members and others involved with the Club when attending any Club activity:

• Comply with and not encourage violation of the Club codes, policies and rules and ASA guidelines
• Respect the basic rights, dignity and worth of each member of the club, and all other competitors/swimmers
• Observe the authority and decisions of all officials
• Treat other competitors and teams with respect, in victory and in defeat