Home of the Plano Aquaducks

We ask that all families review this Policy against Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying with their children. Together we can ensure that all of our children and participants have a better understanding of the issue and can help make all programs enjoyable for everyone.

The Plano Aquaducks prohibits and will not tolerate acts of harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying (including cyber-bullying). “Harassment, intimidation, and/or bullying” means any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents that:

1. Is reasonably perceived as being motivated by either any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or mental, physical or sensory disability; or
2. By any other distinguishing characteristic; and that
3. Takes place in relation to any program function or team; and that
4. A reasonable person should know, under the circumstances, will have the effect of physically or emotionally harming a player or damaging the player’s property, or placing a player in reasonable fear of physical or emotional harm to their person or damage to their property; or
5. Has the effect of insulting or demeaning any player or group of players; or
6. Creates a hostile environment for the player by interfering with a player’s participation or by severely or pervasively causing physical or emotional harm to the player.

1. I will swim for the fun of it, not just to please my parents or coaches.
2. I will respect and show courtesy to my teammates, my coaches, and myself.
3. I will act with integrity at all times and represent the Aquaducks with excellence, respect, team spirit, and politeness.
4. I will be respectful of teammates’ feelings and personal space.
5. I will show respect for all facilities and other property (including locker rooms and equipment) used during practices, competitions, and team activities and events.
6. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all practices and meets, and I will never interfere with the progress of another swimmer during practice or otherwise.
7. I will set a good example of behavior and work ethic for younger teammates.
8. I will be an active participant in all practices, competitions, and other team activities and events.
9. I will use appropriate language, and I will resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

Dishonesty, theft, vandalism, fighting, and/or harassment will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Swimmers agree that if they fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, they will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but not limited to, the following:

1. Verbal warning
2. Written warning
3. Suspension from practice/swim meet
4. Indefinite suspension from all team activities
5. Permanent suspension from team

Parents are vital to the development of young athletes. Whether sitting in the stands or helping out as a volunteer, parents must set a positive example. Parents and adults involved in youth sports should be models of good sportsmanship and lead by example on and off the pool deck.

1. I will remember that children participate in organized sports to have fun, and I will encourage and support my child’s desire to play their chosen sport. I will not pressure them into participating.
2. I will remember this sport is for youth, not adults.
3. I understand that when my child is in the pool, the coaches do the coaching. I will not “side-line coach” my child or give my child, or any other swimmer, instructions counter to those of the coaches.
4. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the league.
5. I will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, spectators, and officials.
6. I will not directly challenge an official’s decision at a meet. If I have a question or concern, I will ask the coach to raise the issue with the official.
7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
8. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of their performance.
9. I will instill an understanding of and appreciation for self-esteem, personal accountability, self-discipline, goal setting, and goal achievement.
10. I will ensure my child is on time to all practices and meets, and I will pick my child up from practice on time.
11. I will read team communication.
12. I will adhere to all deadlines, including deadlines to submit meet entries.
13. I will not place unreasonable expectations on my child.

One of the traditional swim team communication gaps is that some parents feel more comfortable in discussing their disagreements or issues concerning coaching ability, philosophy, or team policies with other parents rather than taking them directly to the coach or the coordinator. This approach often results in new problems being created and rarely resolves the initial problem. This approach will not be tolerated. Parents shall refrain from gossip with other parents and all swimmers, including their own. If anyone has any concerns about the team, please direct them to the coaches first then the coordinator.

I have read and understood the principles stated above that were put forth by the Plano Aquaducks. I understand the above expectations and that my failure to adhere to them may result in disciplinary action which may include being asked to leave any practice, meet, or event and/or temporary suspension or permanent removal from the team.