Swim Melbourne Masters Code of Conduct  

Swim Melbourne Masters members accept that the opportunity to participate in club activities is a privilege and as such shall conduct themselves with integrity and in a sporting manner. In matters relating to Masters Swimming, members shall respect and protect the privileges of others who share and participate in club activities. Therefore, the privileges of membership and participation may be withdrawn or denied if the conduct of a member or prospective member is inconsistent with the mission of the club, U.S. Masters Swimming, or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in it.  

All members are expected to maintain an environment of respect free from harassment and intimidation. They shall refrain from publicly judging, criticizing, or otherwise creating a hostile environment. Physically or verbally abusive behavior is unacceptable at the pool, any Swim Melbourne Masters–sponsored activity, or event. 

Members shall obey all club, facility, and government-imposed rules, and share the pool responsibly and courteously. 

Members shall respect the decisions and judgment of the coach. In the event of a dispute, the member will first speak to the coach to resolve the issue. If resolution isn’t reached, the member may file a written grievance to the Swim Melbourne Masters coach or other club leadership identified for the purpose of receiving and reviewing grievances. 

Unsporting conduct that will result in disciplinary action includes: 

• Any act of fraud, deception, dishonesty, or knowingly providing false information 
• Any intentional nonconsensual physical contact, obscene language or gestures, or other threatening language or conduct directed toward other club members, coaches, facility staff, volunteers, and any other person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs and activities of Swim Melbourne Masters 
• Any nonconsensual sexual conduct, pattern of unwelcome sexual advances, or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action by a club member toward another club member or any other person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs or activities of Swim Melbourne Masters 
• Any form of harassment, hazing, or bullying 

Violation of the Code of Conduct: 

The coach is responsible to discipline members for violations of the Code of Conduct. It is expected that the coach will use reasonable judgement based on the following: 

• The nature and severity of the conduct 
• Any prior disciplinary actions regarding the member 
• The adverse effect of the conduct on other members 
• The application of the Code of Conduct   

Penalties for Violation of the Code of Conduct:

Any violation of the Code of Conduct as determined by the coach or Swim Melbourne Masters leadership determined by the club may result in the following penalties and notifications: 

• Private verbal reprimand 
• Removal from a practice or club activity (one time) 
• Suspension from practices or club activities (length of time) 
• Revocation of club membership  
• Notification to USMS of violations under Article 402 of the USMS rule book 
• Notification to the local authorities should the violation be illegal or criminal in nature