Team Rules & Codes of Conduct

Participation in swimming and diving is a privilege not a right. Each coach along with the Principals shall have authority to establish specific guidelines for membership and leadership eligibility. Because of the demands and responsibilities of elected offices (student government), work, and varied activities and organizations, participants must be able to commit time and effort while still maintaining high standards. Therefore, if participants meet the eligibility requirements and are selected to represent to Odessa Permian High School Swimming and Diving Team, they agree to comply with the assigned rules. These rules are set forth in the Ector County Independent School District Discipline Management Plan, the Student Code of Conduct, the Team Rules & Code of Conduct for Swimming and Diving, U.I.L. T.I.S.C.A, and all National Federation of State High School Swimming/Diving Association rules and guidelines.  

Athletes must always remember that they are representatives of their school and community. The athletes must make a constant effort to project a positive, respectful image. Athletes should always be considerate of those around them and never allow themselves to get into compromising situations that may disgrace themselves, the swim/dive team, or Odessa Permian High School.  

The conduct of an athlete is closely observed in many areas of life. The extracurricular participant understands that the team rules and code of conduct shall govern not only conduct at school and school-related activities, but also conduct at any time outside the school day. The participant is also aware that if they violate either school and/or team rules in any way, they may lose the privilege of participation.  

The conduct of an athlete is closely observed in many settings, therefore, his/her behavior must be above reproach in all of the following areas:

1.                   Making fun of or cutting down of a team member (whether in person or in private) will not be tolerated! Always demonstrate an unselfish and respectful attitude for the team and its’ members. Even if you do not like them as your friend you are still their teammate.  TEAM comes first during swimming and diving not individuals.

2.                   Be gracious in defeat and modest in victory.

3.                   Always display excellence in sportsmanship.

4.                   Do not use profane of vulgar language.

5.                  Be respectful in language and actions towards meet officials, all opposing teams and coaches at all times.

6.                   Demonstrate appropriate classroom conduct toward teachers, administrators, and all other students. 

7.                   Respect you superiors and teammates 

8.                   Abide by National Federation, TISCA, UIL, and school training rules and regulations. 

9.                   All earrings, jewelry, and watches cannot be worn during competition.     (In the event of a tattoo, it must be covered up.)

10.               Do not use illegal tactics. 

11.                 Practice attendance is mandatory. Be prompt from stretching and enter the pool in a timely manner.

a)       If you must miss a day(s), the coach must be informed with evidence that he/she can check up on for assuredness.

b)       All missed practices missed will be made up before the next meet or the swimmer will not attend the next meet. Practice attendance must be at 90% or the individual will not letter.

c)       Your falling behind in school because of laziness does not constitute reason to miss practice.

d)       Two unexcused practices will result in one missed meet and will continue until the problem is resolved.

12.               A continuing string of truancies will result in parent conference after that dismissal from the team.

13.                 School attendance on the day of competition is required unless approved by the coach and principal. (State and UIL rule)

14.                 Conduct during team travel must be exemplary.

a)       Grooming standards;

-          Hair must be neat, clean, and well groomed (no flamboyantly dyed hair)

-          No pierced body parts (except earrings)

-          Travel attire must be appropriate for dinning out (no clothes with holes, stains, or inappropriate wording, symbols or pictures.)

b)       Sneaking out of the hotel (or room after curfew) will result in dismissal from the meet and possibly the team

c)       Wandering the halls without the coach’s notification is prohibited.

15.               Detention, ISS, & AEP are inexcusable.

a)       Detention will result in the loss of meet participation and the missing of a team practice. (With the exception of tardy detentions)

b)       ISS & AEP will result in the loss of up to three meets.

16.               Athletes should eat and drink properly and get adequate rest. 

17.               If and athlete becomes academically ineligible during any 6 or 9 week grading   period he  or she will not be allowed to participate in meets and will attend tutorials when needed.

18.               An athlete dismissed from the swimming/diving team, or one who quits, will forfeit his/her letter award.

19.               An athlete who quits a sport after the official contest (season) begins will not be Allowed into another sport until the quit sport is over, without the consent of the coach whose sport was dropped. (UIL rule)

20.               Keep swimming in its proper perspective. Enjoy it. It is only a game.

a)       Family always comes first. Then school-Then swimming/diving.

Penalties for Violations of Team Rules (Reference #8 above)

First Offenders: of rules are subject to disciplinary action, suspension from team, or expulsion from team.

The head coach has the authority to determine the extent of the punishment. This disciplinary action recommended may be in addition to any other disciplinary action taken as a result of the policies that are applicable for all students. The coach or athletic director will consult parents if any action is necessary. Counseling will be recommended.

Second Offenders: Student athletes who violate any training rules for the second time in a school year will be dismissed from the athletic program for an amount of time stipulated by athletic administration and head coach. A committee will be formed to determine the length of expulsion. The committee shall include: the athlete’s present coach, dual sports coordinator, head coach of that particular sport, campus principal, and district athletic director. The district athletic director will chair the committee. Factors entering into decision shall include, but not limited to the following criteria:

1.       Material in personal file such as conduct reports, personal attitude, demerits, and attendance records, academic record, and general reputation as a student.  

2.       Willingness to submit to the guidelines/rules.

3.       Behavior since first offense committed through the dismissal time period.

The disciplinary action recommended maybe in addition to any disciplinary action taken as a result of policies that are applicable to all students.

Violations of All Other Athletic Code Requirements: Violation of all athletic code requirements is subject to punishment ranging from disciplinary action to expulsion determined by the coach of the team.

-Please cut here and return the lower portion signed and dated.

I have read Team Rules & Code of Conduct for Swimming/Diving and hereby agree to abide by the contents therein.

Parent Signatures:   ___________________________________                         Date: _________________

                             ___________________________________

Date: __________________

Athlete Signature:                        ___________________________________ Date: __________________

*Code of Conduct 2005-2006