Nickel City Splash Masters Swimming (NICK) Members accept that the opportunity to participate in team activities is a privilege and as such shall conduct themselves with integrity and in a sporting manner. In matters relating to Masters Swimming, Members shall respect and protect the privileges of others who share and participate in club activities. Therefore, the privileges of membership and participation may be withdrawn or denied if the conduct of a Member or prospective Member is inconsistent with the club, U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS), or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in it.
Each Nickel City Splash Member shall be charged with the responsibility of conducting themselves in a manner that is consistent with customary standards of good sportsmanship and respect for athletic traditions.
The coaching staff may, in its reasonable discretion, suspend, expel, or demand the resignation of a Member for: (i) violation of the rules, regulations, policies, or procedures of USMS); (ii) any misconduct or acts prejudicial to the reputation or best interests of NICK or its Members; or (iii) any disrespectful or abusive action or behavior directed towards any Member, including any NICK coach, or towards any lifeguard or other third-party non-Member.”
The USMS Standards of Conduct are as follows:
ARTICLE 402: Conduct of Members
402.1 Standards of Conduct. The opportunity to participate in Masters swimming is made possible by USMS. Members accept that this opportunity to participate is a privilege and as such shall conduct themselves with integrity and in a sporting manner. In matters relating to Masters swimming, members shall respect and protect the privileges of others who share this mission; therefore, the privileges of membership and participation may be withdrawn or denied if the conduct of a member or prospective member is inconsistent with the mission of the organization or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in it.
402.2 Compliance with Rules and Regulations. It shall be the responsibility of all members to comply with the rules and regulations of USMS and the applicable rules, constitution, and bureau decisions of World Aquatics.
402.3 Enforcement. Any prospective member may be denied membership, and any member may be denied membership, censured, placed on probation, suspended, fined, or expelled from USMS if such member engages in any unsporting conduct listed in article 402.4.
402.4 Unsporting Conduct. The following shall be considered unsporting conduct as it relates to Part 4:
402.4.1 Violation of the opportunity to participate, as set forth in article 401.
402.4.2 Discrimination in violation of article 501.3.
402.4.3 Any act of fraud, deception, or dishonesty in connection with any USMS-related activity.
402.4.4 Knowingly providing false information, including name, date of birth, age, or gender on USMS membership applications or meet entries.
402.4.5 Any intentional nonconsensual physical contact, obscene language or gesture, or other threatening language or conduct directed toward members, volunteers, staff, or bystanders in connection with USMS administrative activities, events, or workouts.
402.4.6 Any discrimination or harassment based on an individual’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, mental or physical disability, protected health and medical information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, where applicable, directed toward members, volunteers, staff, or bystanders in connection with USMS administrative activities, events, or workouts. Application of Part 1: Swimming Rules regarding age groups, gender categories, swimwear, and guidelines for officiating swimmers with disabilities shall not be considered as violations of this article.
402.4.7 Any nonconsensual sexual conduct, pattern of unwelcome sexual advances, or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action by a USMS member toward a member or any other person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs or activities of USMS.
402.4.8 Any act, conduct, or omission that is detrimental to the image or reputation of USMS, a Local Masters Swimming Committee (LMSC), or the sport of swimming.
402.4.9 Causing a credible and material risk to the safety of USMS members or others who may be present during USMS activities. A lifetime ban, declaration of permanent ineligibility, or permanent resignation of membership from a member organization of United States Aquatic Sports may be considered as evidence of a violation of this article 402.4.8.
402.4.10 Aiding or abetting another to engage in any of the foregoing violations.
In addition, the coaching staff has determined that misconduct or acts prejudicial to the reputation or best interests of NICK or its Members include, but are not limited to:
- Abusive language or other abusive behavior directed toward NICK coaches, Members, or lifeguards during NICK activities.
- Bringing weapons or other dangerous objects to any NICK activity.
- Repeated failure to follow reasonable instructions of NICK coaches with respect to lane assignments and etiquette.
In the event any Member engages in violation of the rules, regulations, policies, or procedures of NICK or USMS; any misconduct or acts prejudicial to the reputation or best interests of NICK or its Members; or any disrespectful or abusive action or behavior, the coaching staff, in their discretion, shall give the Member a verbal reprimand. If that Member repeats the conduct, the privileges of membership and participation may be withdrawn or denied.