Muskingum Megalodons Swim Team - YMCA - Expectations / Conduct

Swim Team Expectations

Swimmer Conduct at Practice

Show up ready, with gear organized and attitude positive
No phones. No profanity. Respect space and pace.
Coaches must approve any swimmer leaving the pool deck

Swimmer Conduct at Meets

Congratulate competitors and stay with relay teams
Check in with coaches after races
Keep camp areas clean; respect facilities and officials

Parent Expectations at Practice

Parents may observe but should not interrupt instruction
Wait until after practice for non-emergency questions
Swimmers under 12 must be picked up within 30 minutes of practice ending
If a swimmer is dismissed for behavior, a parent must report to deck

Parent Expectations at Meets

Mark swimmer's shoulder with first initial + last name
Sign up for volunteer shifts (timers, runners, etc.)
Let coaches handle any disputes or disqualifications
Ensure swimmers stay hydrated, fueled, and supervised

2025/2026 Megalodon Swim Season Strike System and Behavior Policy

To ensure a safe, respectful, and focused environment for all swimmers, the following strike system will be in place for the 2025/2026 swim season.

MAJOR OFFENSES (3-Strikes = Immediate Action)

Any Major Offenses will be documented and a meeting with parent will be arranged to go over disciplinary actions. After 3 Major Offenses, further disciplinary action will be taken, which may include suspension or removal from the team.

Examples of Major Offenses:

Physical violence of any kind
Stealing
Any Safe Sport Athlete Violations (Please reference the USA Swimming Safe Sport Handbook or ask any coach if there are any questions regarding Safe Sport Violation: USA Swimming Safe Sport Handbook
Leaving the facility without a parent or guardian
Taking photos or videos in bathrooms or locker rooms (practice or meets)
Cyberbullying
Behavior negatively affecting another swimmer's phyical, mental, or emotional well-being (Coach's discretion)
Vandalism of home or away facilities

MINOR OFFENSES (Strike-based Consequences)

Each minor offense results in a strike.

Consequences escalate based on the number of strikes:

Strikes 1 through 5: Verbal warning to the swimmer and parent
Strikes 6 through 10: Meeting with swimmer, parent, and coach + written behavioral plan
>10 Strikes or non-compliance with written behavior plan: Parent/Guardian will be required to sit on the pool deck during the swimmer's scheduled practice time

Minor Offense Examples:

Talking while the coach is speaking
Breaking any pool rules
Going underwater while the coach is talking
Inappropriate use of equipment
Cussing or inappropriate language
Unwanted physical contact such as grabbing other swimmers' feet while swimming
Cutting off swimmers in the lane
Intentionally not leaving enough space between swimmers
Making hurtful or rude remarks to teammates
Ignoring instructions from coaches or lifeguards
Hiding in the bathroom during practice
Playing in the showers, sauna, or steam room
Horseplay on the pool deck
Misuse of dryland or gym equipment
Leaving a meet early without coach approval
Unsportsmanlike conduct at swim meets (to teammates or other teams)
Erasing content from the dry erase board without permission
Taking another swimmer's equipment or drink without asking
Delaying the start of practice (e.g. playing on your phone, chatting, not being ready)
Not cleaning up equipment after practice (after being reminded)

*Coaches reserve the right to use discretion in evaluating behavior. We aim to promote a positive team culture where all swimmers feel welcomed and safe. All consequences are meant to keep all swimmers safe and to help swimmers grow in responsibility, and sportmanship.