CODE
OF CONDUCT
EXPECTATIONS
Athletic participation is a
privilege. Rowers represent their family, their team, their school, and their
community and are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that makes a
favorable impression. All rowers are expected to exhibit proper conduct at
practice, on busses, and in restaurants and other public places. Rowers must be
respectful of other guests in hotels as well as of members of other teams in
and around the boathouse or regatta site. When a student chooses to
participate, he/she voluntarily elects a course of self -discipline that is
part of team membership. The school or team can revoke, or restrict, the
privilege of participating if the student fails to live up to the expectations
and standards outlined below.
• I will
demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. I understand that respect for
other participants, coaches, officials, other teams, chaperones and spectators
is essential for amateur competition and fair play. Profanity or vulgar
gestures will never be tolerated. An athlete who commits a flagrant act of poor
sportsmanship may be suspended from the team.
• I agree
to attend and take part in all scheduled practices and activities and observe
all rules of water and boat safety at all times. If I cannot attend a practice
or activity, I will advise my coach.
• I agree
to accept and carry out the instructions of my coaches, regatta staff,
officials and chaperones.
• I
understand that the possession, acquisition or consumption of alcohol or
controlled substances, or the possession of weapons are prohibited, and could
prevent the entire team from participating in a race or regatta.
• I
understand that personal displays of affection are not appropriate at any team
practice, competition or other event and will not be tolerated. Overt displays
of affection, including hugging, kissing, sitting on laps, holding hands or
cuddling under blankets or in sleeping bags, are not acceptable behaviors at
practice, on busses, or at regatta sites. Rowers whose behavior is repeatedly
observed by coaches or adult chaperones to be inconsistent with these policies
will be sent home at their own expense.
• I will
be respectful of other people’s possessions and property and will refrain from
activities that could cause damage to either. I understand that I am
financially responsible for any damage that I may cause when disobeying the
rules. Respect for all individuals regardless of ethnic or cultural background.
Respect for personal property.
• I will
travel and stay with the group at all times. Seat belts must be worn when
traveling by car.
• I will
first discuss any problems that may arise first with my coach. E-mail is
preferred.
• I
understand that if a fight between two or more people occurs, all persons
involved will be disciplined regardless of how the incident started.
• Rowers
must dress with discretion and in keeping with the norms for athletic events.
Beach wear and skimpy or provocative clothing are not acceptable at practice or
regattas.
• I
understand that failure to comply with any aspect of the code of conduct will
jeopardize my future regatta participation and may result in disciplinary
action, including suspension from practice and/or racing. I understand that if
I do not abide by these rules, I will return home at my parents’/guardians’ expense.
I further understand that any individual’s failure to abide by these rules can
jeopardize the entire group’s participation at regattas, practices and in the
future.
• There
is to be no hazing activity or initiations of any kind. If hazing occurs, the
students involved will be suspended indefinitely. If participation is
widespread, the team may be suspended, the schedule canceled, and the coach
disciplined. Allegations of hazing should be brought immediately to the attention
of the Director of Athletics.
• The
coaches, administrators and medical support staff make every reasonable effort
to insure the physical safety of the athlete; however, parents and students
must recognize that an element of risk is inherent in sports competition and
that the possibility of injury, even disabling injury, or death, cannot be
entirely eliminated from the program.
• Rowers
are expected to maintain VHS grade point of 2.0 and attendance standards for
participation in varsity sports. Failure to meet VHS eligibility requirements
will be handled according to VHS policy.
• I
understand that my High School Athletic Code of Conduct is in effect and I am
subject to all of the terms and conditions contained therein.
Coaches may also discipline rowers
for other actions detrimental to the team that are not
explicitly included above. Examples might include: profanity towards the coach,
public actions or comments detrimental to the team, disruptive behavior at
practices, or criminal activity not directly connected to rowing.
Non-negotiable
items:
No
possession or use of alcohol, marijuana, or illegal drugs.
No abuse
of legal or prescription drugs.
No sexual
intimacy or sexual harassment
No
possession of weapons.
*Any violation of one of these
items, meaning behavior that is disruptive to the team, or behavior that
threatens the safety of self or others, will result in the offending athlete(s)
being sent home immediately, at the parents’ expense. In signing this form, the
parents agree to cover all expenses related to sending their athlete home.
I ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF THE
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Rower signature Date
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Parent signature Date