KOOTENAY SWIM CLUB

Code of Conduct and Ethics

1. Purpose

KSC is committed to a safe, inclusive, respectful and positive swimming environment. This Code establishes the standards of behaviour expected of everyone participating in or connected with KSC activities and identifies conduct that may result in discipline.

2. Application

This Code applies to all Participants during KSC business, practices, meets, camps, clinics, travel, meetings, social activities, online communications and other Club-related activities. It may also apply to conduct outside Club activities where the conduct has a serious and detrimental effect on another Participant, the Club environment, or KSC’s reputation.

3. Definitions

Athlete – a swimmer or other athlete participant registered with or participating in KSC.

Minor – a Participant under 19 years of age in British Columbia.

Participant – any athlete, coach, employee, contractor, official, volunteer, director, officer, committee member, manager, chaperone, parent/guardian, spectator or other person engaged in KSC activities.

Person in Authority – a Participant who holds a position of trust, responsibility or authority over another Participant, including coaches, managers, chaperones, officials, directors and designated volunteers.

Vulnerable Participant – a Minor or a vulnerable adult who is in a position of dependence or is otherwise at increased risk of harm.

Harassment – unwelcome comment or conduct that a reasonable person would know is unwelcome, including bullying, discriminatory harassment, sexual harassment, hazing, threats, persistent ridicule or degrading behaviour.

Discrimination – differential treatment based on a protected characteristic under applicable human rights law.

Abuse/Maltreatment – conduct that includes psychological maltreatment, physical maltreatment, sexual maltreatment, neglect, grooming or other abuse of a Participant.

4. General Responsibilities of All Participants

• Treat all Participants with dignity, fairness, respect and integrity.
• Refrain from discrimination, harassment, bullying, hazing, abuse, sexual misconduct, violence, threats, intimidation and retaliation.
• Use language and behaviour appropriate to the age and circumstances of those present.
• Respect the rules of swimming, facility rules, KSC policies, Swim BC policies, Swimming Canada rules and all applicable laws.
• Respect the property, privacy and personal boundaries of others.
• Use social media, electronic communication, photography and video in a respectful and safe manner.
• Avoid conduct intended to manipulate competition results, undermine fair play or bring KSC or the sport into disrepute.
• Report serious safety concerns, suspected maltreatment and significant policy breaches through the appropriate KSC or Swim BC process.
• Cooperate in good faith with legitimate investigations, discipline processes and safety measures.
• Refrain from retaliation against any person who raises a concern, participates in a complaint or provides information.

5. Alcohol, Cannabis, Tobacco, Drugs and Anti-Doping

• Minors must not possess or consume alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, nicotine products or illicit drugs at KSC activities or travel.
• Adults responsible for Minors must not consume alcohol or cannabis while supervising athletes and must never be impaired while carrying out Club responsibilities.
• No Participant may provide alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, nicotine products, illicit drugs or prohibited performance-enhancing substances to a Minor.
• Participants must comply with the Canadian Anti-Doping Program and applicable Swimming Canada anti-doping requirements.

6. Coaches and Other Persons in Authority

• Recognize and never exploit the power imbalance inherent in positions of authority.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and comply with the KSC Athlete Protection Policy and Rule of Two requirements.
• Do not use the power imbalance inherent in a position of authority to establish or maintain a sexual or romantic relationship with an athlete, or to encourage inappropriate physical or emotional intimacy, regardless of the athlete's age.
• Provide training appropriate to the athlete’s age, experience, ability and health, and avoid methods that are unsafe, degrading or punitive.
• Support athlete well-being and involve parents/guardians of Minor athletes in decisions where appropriate.
• Maintain required qualifications, screening and criminal record checks.
• Keep confidential information private except where disclosure is authorized, required for safety or required by law.

7. Athletes

• Attend practices, competitions and team activities on time and prepared, subject to health and reasonable circumstances.
• Follow reasonable directions from coaches, officials and chaperones.
• Respect teammates, competitors, officials, volunteers, facility staff and coaches. 
• Encourage and support teammates and demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play during practices, competitions and team activities.
• Report injuries, illnesses or safety concerns that could affect participation.
• Use team facilities, accommodations and equipment responsibly.
• Follow team travel, curfew, rooming and supervision expectations.

8. Parents/Guardians and Spectators

• Encourage athletes to compete fairly and resolve conflict without hostility.
• Model respectful behaviour, good sportsmanship and a positive, encouraging environment for all athletes.
• Respect coaching decisions, officials and volunteers and use appropriate Club channels for concerns.
• Do not ridicule, threaten, harass or publicly demean athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers or other families.
• Do not interfere with practices, competitions or athlete preparation.
• Support KSC’s safe sport, travel and athlete protection requirements.

9. Directors, Officers, Committee Members and Staff

• Act honestly, in good faith and in the best interests of KSC.
• Exercise appropriate care, diligence, confidentiality and financial responsibility.
• Disclose and manage conflicts of interest.
• Respect properly made Board decisions and maintain the confidentiality of in-camera or sensitive matters.
• Ensure complaints and reports are directed to the appropriate process rather than handled through informal gossip or public discussion.

10. Reporting and Consequences

Alleged breaches of this Code may be reported and addressed under the KSC Discipline and Complaints Policy. Immediate safety measures may be imposed where reasonably necessary. KSC may refer or escalate matters to Swim BC, Swimming Canada, law enforcement, child protection authorities or another appropriate body where required.

11. Relationship to the B.C. Universal Code of Conduct

KSC expects Participants to comply with the B.C. Universal Code of Conduct and with applicable Swim BC safe sport requirements. If this Code conflicts with a mandatory requirement of Swim BC, Swimming Canada or applicable law, the higher governing requirement will prevail.