Code of Conduct

An athlete receives many benefits from participating in training and competition: physical fitness, mental discipline, self-understanding, communication skills and friendships.  The following code of conduct was created to ensure that we provide the best environment for a swimmer’s development.  The conduct of NSAC swimmers and their parents shall always reflect positively and respectfully toward others and the NSAC team.  As a member of NSAC, I accept the following responsibilities and agree to the following:

1. As a NSAC Swimmer I agree to:

• Respectfully comply with the instructions of NSAC Coaches.  They put forth maximum effort to help me succeed.
• Arrive on time, and conscientiously and enthusiastically apply myself to all practices, swim meets, team functions and meetings I attend, as late arrivals and bad attitudes are very disruptive and detrimental to our team.
• Conduct myself in an honest and respectful manner and with good sportsmanship towards coaches, officials, administrators, parents and fellow athletes.
• Always maintain and display a positive and supportive attitude toward the NSAC program, team, coaches, and my teammates.
• Refuse to participate in any behavior that could be considered detrimental to NSAC, NSAC Coaches, or my teammates and refrain from any activity that could tarnish the positive reputation of NSAC
• I care for my body and maintain a lifestyle to enable my body to operate at its maximum performance.
• Show team spirit and make an effort to participate in club activities as the club’s success depends on the involvement of all of its swimmers and their families.
• Obey all pool and locker room rules.  Remember, we are always guests at pools.
• Not leave practices or swim meets early without the coach’s permission.

2. At swim meets as a NSAC Swimmer I agree to:

• Arrive 15 minutes before warm-up is scheduled.
• Report to my coach upon arrival at meets.
• Perform all warm up and warm down assignments as directed by the coaches.
• Check-in in a timely manner and keep track of my heat/lane assignment and the meet progression.
• Report to my coach before and after each of my events.
• Show support for my teammates.
• Enthusiastically participate in team cheers.
• Willingly participate in relays when possible.

3. Swimmers are prohibited from:

• Using alcohol, tobacco products, illegal drugs or controlled substances
• Using profanity or obscene gestures
• Inflicting physical abuse, sexual abuse, fighting, bullying, or hazing
• Destroying or stealing the property of others, including athletic facilities
• Engaging in any illegal activity or behavior

NSAC Swimmer Disciplinary Policy

At NSAC, we strive to provide a safe, healthy, and positive environment so that swimmers can focus on their swimming. Above the Line behaviors are necessary for this to occur. Swimmers choosing to continuously engage in Below the Line behaviors may be asked to sit out in practice or, depending on the situation, be asked to leave practice for the night. Consequences will be designed to fit the problems of individual swimmers and they may be different even when the problems appear to be the same. Equal is not always fair. Consequences for Below the Line behaviors will be up to the coach’s discretion as each swimmer and situation is unique.

Engaging in Bottom Line behaviors will result in the removal of a swimmer from practice for three days and the swimmer will not be able to return until a meeting with the coach, swimmer, and parent takes place.

• Reinforcing the NSAC Code of Conduct with your swimmer.  Respectful and obedient swimmers allow our coaches to focus on assisting your swimmer(s) rather than disciplining them.
• Maintaining focus on what’s best for your swimmer's maximum potential.  Encourage and praise their hard work and accomplishments. 
• Maintain reasonable expectations and foster a positive, supportive, and productive relationship with NSAC coaches and staff.
• Being punctual regarding picking up and dropping off your swimmers.  The coaches are neither responsible nor liable for swimmers left at the pool more than 15 minutes prior to and 15 minutes after practice times.
• Conducting myself in an honest, respectful manner and with good sportsmanship towards coaches, officials, administrators and other swimmers.
• Refuse to participate in any behavior that could be considered detrimental to NSAC, NSAC coaches, or NSAC swimmers and refrain from any activity that could detract from a positive image of NSAC.
• Refrain from disrupting practices by: arriving late, staying on the pool deck, or talking to NSAC coaches during practice.  The coaches have limited time with swimmers so they need to maximize their scheduled time by staying focused on their athletes.  Although it may appear that a quick question or comment is not disruptive, it detracts from the coach’s and swimmers’ focus during practice.
• Bringing issues and concerns to lead coaches in a timely manner before or after practices or via email.
• Always maintaining and displaying a positive and supportive attitude towards the NSAC program, team, coaches, and NSAC swimmers.
• Ensuring that your swimmer(s) are wearing team gear at all meets (i.e. team suit, team cap.
• Providing your swimmer(s) with appropriate nutritional meals, snacks and beverages.
• Ensuring your swimmer(s) are well rested for optimal performance at all meets and practices.