Roles and Responsibilities
CYAT Swimmers strive to be positive team members in and out of the pool. Most importantly, swimmers should always remember that they represent the YMCA and the CYAT swim Team. Their words and actions reflect not only on themselves but on their teammates, parents, coaches, and the YMCA. With the guidance of coaches and parents, swimmers are expected to demonstrate the YMCA’s character development traits of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.
Focus on Team
Individual achievements are important but supporting others and working together toward a common goal raises everyone’s performance level. Furthermore, shared experiences are more fun and exciting than individual ones. Together Everyone Achieves More.
Act, Think, Look, and Talk Positively
Attitudes are contagious so make sure that yours is worth catching. Every member of a team contributes to the overall team experience. Help make ours AWESOME!
Take responsibility - for your belongings, words, actions, and swimming. Attend practice regularly. Be on time and remember all equipment (cap, goggles, suit, towel, etc.) Don’t blame others when things don’t go your way. Excuses satisfy only the person who makes them.
Demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Athletes with good sportsmanship habits earn the respect of their competitors and gain pride and confidence in themselves. Loud, emotional, or rude displays are inappropriate, regardless of the reason. Always think before you speak or act. Remember that you represent the YMCA - at the pool and away from it.
Show respect. The best way to gain respect is to show respect. Allow others to share their opinions and ideas freely. Follow rules set forth by coaches and officials. Do not talk while others are talking, and don’t talk back to coaches or officials. Refrain from speaking or acting negatively toward other swimmers, teams, coaches, or officials. Do not misuse or abuse property - in YMCAs, at meets, in restaurants, etc.
Be honest. Do not lie. Do what you think is right, not just what is popular. Give an honest effort toward achieving your stated goals. Communicate with coaches regarding anything that might affect your performance, or the team as a whole.
Code of Conduct
As representatives of the CYAT Dolphins Swim Team and the Greenbrier Family YMCA swimmers are expected to speak and behave in a manner that is respectful, responsible, honest, and caring. If each swimmer is mindful of these traits, appropriate conduct should never be an issue. These guidelines are to be followed by CYAT swimmers at all practices, meets, and other team functions. Special activities, such as team travel trips, require adherence to additional activity-specific conduct guidelines.
The following behaviors are not acceptable:
- Unsportsmanlike conduct - taunting, teasing, or speaking negatively about teammates, competitors, officials, or coaches.
- Use of inappropriate, strong, or vulgar language or gestures.
- Lying, deceit, dishonesty.
- Littering, abuse, or misuse of equipment, furniture, or other items of property.
The first violation will receive a verbal warning. The second will result in dismissal from the practice, meet, or team function where the violation was made. The third violation will result in suspension from the team for a period of time determined by the swim team director. A fourth violation will cause the removal of the swimmer from the program. Parents will be notified at each step.
The following actions will not be tolerated:
- Verbal or physical abuse toward others.
- Theft of any kind.
- Vandalism or any destruction of property, public or private.
- Use of tobacco products or other illegal substances.
- Consumption of alcoholic beverages or other illegal substances.
- Sexual activity
Dress Code
Swimmers are expected to dress with dignity and appropriate taste whenever representing the team. This includes going into and out of practices, meets and team activities. Swimmers may not show any part of their undergarments (boxer shorts, bra straps, etc.) outside of their clothes. No crude, rude or suggestive pictures or writing will be permitted. Swimmers should monitor the condition of their suits so that they are not worn by themselves when they no longer provide adequate coverage and support.
Coaches
Coaches occupy a unique place in a swimmer’s life - part parent, part teacher, part friend. CYAT coaches take these roles seriously and strive to be good role models, leaders and listeners.
Coaches shall...
- instruct swimmers in all aspects of the sport: technique, training methods, mental preparation, competitive strategy, etc.
- offer encouragement, constructive criticism, and honest assessments with suggestions for improvement
- demonstrate and encourage values and behaviors consistent with the principles of the YMCA
- lead the team at competitions
- make decisions about group placement; meet opportunities, and events for swimmers (based on a number of factors and with the interest of the swimmer and the team in mind)
- communicate with swimmers and parents about plans, issues, and philosophy within the program
Points to Keep in Mind:
- Individual swimmers develop at different rates. This fact alone may cause stress for swimmers and external pressure cannot quicken or slow the pace of natural development. Excessive pressure can, however, contribute to burnout.
- Coaches, swimmers, and parents are human. Mistakes are inevitable. The most productive response is to admit them, excuse them, and move on.
- Let the coaches coach, let the swimmers swim, let the parents support.
- The process, not the awards, is the most valuable part of competitive swimming. The friendships, lessons, skills, and memories gained from participating in the sport and the team last forever. They help create a healthy, happy and strong person.