In Australia we are proud of our sporting ability and our reputation as a nation of good sports. Our society expects high standards of behavior from all people involved in sport and it is vital the integrity of sport is maintained. At every level of sport, the principles of fairness, respect, responsibility and safety should be maintained. Swimming Australia is at all levels, committed to upholding the principles of:
Fairness Operating within the spirit of the rules, never taking an unfair advantage and making informed and honorable decisions at all times.
Respect Recognising the contribution that people make to sport, treating them with dignity and consideration, as well as caring for the property and equipment they use.
Responsibility Taking responsibility for one’s actions and being a positive role model at all times.
Safety Encouraging healthy and safe procedures, preventing and reporting dangerous behavior, while demonstrating concern for others.
WE ACT WITH INTEGRITY
We treat others with respect – we seek to listen, understand, empathise & constructively respond
We are inclusive and value diversity of views and perspectives
We act to build trust in our relationship through owning our behaviour and doing as we say we will do
We have the courage to tackle difficult situations and conversations to develop ourselves and others
WE FUEL THE PASSION
We recognise and celebrate the efforts and achievements of others
We encourage, motivate and inspire people, empowering others to be the best they can be
We promote our sport with enthusiasm and positivity, sharing our stories, success and learnings
We seek balance, look after ourselves and have fun along the way
WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER
We lead from every position
We collaborate and share information, experience, skills and perspectives
We communicate with honesty and transparency and at appropriate times
We support one another – as people, with teams and across teams
WE ACHIEVE ONGOING EXCELLENCE
We are driven to be the best we can be and continually improve
We are focused on achieving our vision
We innovate to explore different approaches and solutions
We discuss, decide and deliver
1. General competitor Behavioural Guidelines:
Abide by the General Behavioural Guidelines.
Follow the rules of Swimming Australia at all times.
Give your best at all times.
Never argue with an official. Use the appropriate rules and guidelines to resolve a dispute
Control your temper. Verbal or physical abuse is not acceptable.
Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team.
Be a good sport. Applaud good performances whether they are made by your team or the opposition.
Treat all swimming participants, as you would like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor.
Cooperate with your coaches, team mates, opponents, management, event staff and officials.
Participate for your own enjoyment and benefit, not to satisfy the expectations of others.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, ethnicity, cultural background or religion.
2. Parents/ Guardian Behavioural Guidelines:
Abide by the General Behavioural Guidelines.
Encourage your child to participate in sport for their individual enjoyment, personal satisfaction and improvement.
Focus on your child’s effort and performance, rather than winning or losing.
Encourage your child to abide by the rules and accept judgements made by officials.
Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or performing below expectation.
Be an example to your child and others. Appreciate good performances by all participants.
Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from the sporting environment.
Show appreciation and respect for all people involved in your child’s swimming.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants, regardless of their gender, ability, ethnicity, cultural background or religion.
3. Spectator Behavioural Guidelines:
Abide by the General Behavioural Guidelines.
Remember that people participate in sport for their enjoyment and benefit, not yours.
Applaud good performance and efforts from all individuals and teams. Congratulate all participants on their performance regardless of the outcome.
Respect the decisions of officials, and teach others to do the same.
Never ridicule or scold an athlete for making a mistake. Positive comments are motivational.
Reject the use of violence in any form, whether it is by spectators, coaches, officials or competitors.
Show respect for all athletes. Without them there would be no competition.
Encourage competitors to follow the rules and the officials’ decisions.
Do not use foul language, sledge or harass other competitors, coaches or officials.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion.