Martinsburg Marlins

Marlins pride themselves on good sportsmanship and all-around good character. Swimmers, family members and guests attending team events will be held accountable for their conduct. We expect all adults to be positive role models for our team and encourage good behavior from all children.

Parent Code of Conduct

Parents should:

• Register through the team’s SwimTopia site: www.marlins.swimtopia.com. All swim meet opt-ins/outs and volunteer commitments will be conducted through www.marlins.swimtopia.com. I will be held accountable to follow team related information disseminated by the coaches and the Board of Directors.
• Be prepared to volunteer at every scheduled swim meet (home and away) to support the needs of the swim team if my swimmer is competing. If a parent or guardian from the household is unable to attend, I will provide a competent proxy unless excused by the volunteer coordinator. Be prepared to make updates through SwimTopia as requested by the volunteer coordinator to confirm my availability for events. Read and be in compliance to the Parent Participation Contract.
• Represent the Marlins with excellence by demonstrating and encouraging good sportsmanship and respect for all those in my presence regardless of age, race, gender, creed or abilities and can expect to be treated accordingly.
• Make every effort to ensure my swimmer attends each scheduled practice and warm up for swim meets on time. In the event my swimmer is unable to attend a scheduled meet, I will opt my child out of the meet at least two days in advance. In the event my swimmer is unable to attend a scheduled practice, I will notify the coaches.
• Listen to the coaches and captains and make every effort to ensure my swimmer follows their instructions so they may improve his/her skills and learn the sport while observing all safety precautions. I will also enforce my swimmer(s) to follow the “Swimmer’s Code of Conduct”. I understand that I am to abide by the Parent Handbook and the Martinsburg Marlins By-Laws.
• Be aware that if I have a concern regarding someone or something, I may discuss it in a professional manner with the board of directors and/or a coach when they are not leading practices or swim meets and will choose a time when the attention I require does not risk the safety of others. I will allow a 24-hour cool-down period after swim meets before addressing anyone unless the concern involves immediate health and safety concerns.
• Uphold an environment free of illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, weapons and aggressive behavior by not engaging in or supporting their use throughout the season.
• Not engage in any behavior that would endanger my health, safety, physical and/or emotional well-being or that of the coaches, athletes, volunteers, league officials or attendees of any team activity.
• Not allow my children or guests to play in the changing rooms or bathrooms unattended. If they are caught in the act of destruction or vandalism, I will assume full responsibility for the payment and cleanup of damages they cause.
• Not engage in disparaging behavior such as gossip, profanity, verbal abuse, intimidation, physical abuse, hazing on social media or in-person toward any person or entity affiliated with the swim league before, during or after the swim season.

Athlete Code of Conduct

Athletes should:

• Represent the Marlins with excellence by demonstrating and encouraging good sportsmanship and respect for all those in my presence regardless of race, gender, creed or abilities and will expect to be treated accordingly.
• Make every effort to attend each scheduled practice and swim meet. In the event I am unable to attend a scheduled practice or meet, I will notify my coach AND respond to each event on SwimTopia at least two days in advance.
• Listen to my coaches and captains and make every effort to follow their instructions so I can improve my skills and learn my sport while observing all safety precautions. If I need to discuss a concern with my coaches, I will do so when they are not leading a practice or event to avoid putting others at risk.
• Uphold an environment free of illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, weapons and aggressive behavior by not engaging in or supporting their use throughout the season.
• Not engage in any behavior that would endanger my health, safety, physical and/or emotional well-being or that of my coaches, teammates, volunteers, league officials or attendees of any team activity.
• Not engage in disparaging behavior such as gossip, profanity, verbal abuse, intimidation, physical abuse or hazing on social media or in-person toward any person or entity affiliated with the swim league before, during or after the swim season, nor will I engage in destruction or vandalism of property.
• Notify an authoritative figure such as the head coach or the board of directors if I know of anyone participating or planning to participate in such behaviors toward any person or group affiliated with the team.

Failure to abide by the above code of conduct, they will be subject to disciplinary action that may include, but is not limited to one or all of the following reprimands in the order decided by the Board of Directors. Absolutely no refund will be given for any registration fees or other monies paid if you are subject to any form of disciplinary action by an Official, Head Coach, Member of the Board of Directors or MBCPR authority. Possible disciplinary actions: a. Verbal Warning b. Written Warning c. Meet Suspension/Season Suspension.

** If a parent or swimmer has a problem with someone or something, you may discuss it with the board of directors and/or coaches when they are not conducting practices or swim meets. You are not to conspire against volunteers, employees or participants of the team, nor may you use the email addresses of the team families or social media to rally personal interests or opinions concerning the Martinsburg Marlins that are inconsistent with the efforts of the staff, the board of directors and/or parent volunteers.