Code of Conduct

Williamsburg Aquatic Club — More Than a Swim Team. The WAC Family.

Codes of Conduct

Four Agreements — Board · Coaches · Parents & Families · Swimmers

Adopted — August 9, 2026 · Version 1.0

Adopted by the Executive Board on August 9, 2026 under By-Laws Article VI §1E, following the membership’s adoption of six By-Law amendments the same day. Built on the USA Swimming Safe Sport Model Codes of Conduct and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP). Anchored to the WAC Constitution & By-Laws v2.1, as amended August 9, 2026.

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Here’s how WAC’s Codes of Conduct work

This page contains four complete, self-contained agreements. Each person signs only the agreement for their role — but every agreement contains the same shared Covenant, the same Channels, and the same Enforcement Ladder.

Read together, these four agreements form one governance instrument. Signed separately, each stands on its own.

The four agreements

• Agreement A — Board. Signed by each Board member on taking office and annually.
• Agreement B — Coaches. Signed by each coach on hire and annually.
• Agreement C — Parents & Families. Read and signed by each parent/guardian at annual registration.
• Agreement D — Swimmers. Read and signed by each swimmer at annual registration; a parent reads it with younger swimmers and co-signs.

Most families need Agreement C and Agreement D.

Every agreement has the same five parts

Using Agreement C as the example: C.1 the WAC Covenant · C.2 the code for that role · C.3 the Channels · C.4 the Enforcement Ladder · C.5 the acknowledgment.

Sections .1 and .3 are identical across all four agreements. Because section .1 — the WAC Covenant — is the same text in every agreement, it is printed once below rather than four times; A.1, B.1, C.1 and D.1 all refer to it. Section .4 is identical across all four except in Agreement B, where the provisions on By-Law authority, on final authority at Rung 4, and on review are written for coaches — a coach is an employee, not a member, so a different provision of the By-Laws applies. Otherwise only section .2 and the acknowledgment differ.

What sits alongside these Codes of Conduct

Two USA Swimming requirements are referenced throughout but not reproduced here: the USA Swimming Code of Conduct and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP). Every adult — coaches and parents — acknowledges MAAPP separately at registration each year. Where any conflict exists, USA Swimming policy and the WAC By-Laws govern.

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Reporting a Safe Sport concern

Safe Sport concerns are never handled internally and are never delayed. Any concern involving sexual, physical, or emotional misconduct, or a MAAPP violation, is reported directly to the authorities below.

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The WAC Covenant

Section .1 of every agreement — A.1, B.1, C.1 and D.1 are this same text. Shared by everyone at WAC: Board, coaches, parents & families, and swimmers.

Williamsburg Aquatic Club is more than a swim team. We are a family. We come from different homes, believe different things, and swim at different levels — and we choose to build something together that none of us could build alone. This Covenant is the promise we make to one another when we join WAC. It is the same promise for the youngest swimmer in Level G and the President of the Board.

What we believe

Being a teammate is a two-way street.
You give to this team, and this team gives to you — support, belonging, and a place to grow. Neither side is a spectator. We show up for each other at practices, at meets, in meetings, in travel, and on the hard days. What you put in, you help create for everyone.

The team is greater than any one of us.
We celebrate individual achievement, but we never let it come at the expense of the team. WAC survived because people chose the club over themselves. We honor that. The relay matters more than the split.

Every level deserves the same care.
The swimmer just learning a flip turn matters as much as the swimmer chasing a state cut. Coaches, parents, and teammates give every level the same attention, patience, and respect. No group is an afterthought.

We belong here — all of us.
WAC welcomes every person regardless of race, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or any other protected status. Discrimination and harassment have no place here. This reflects our values and the requirements of USA Swimming and the Amateur Sports Act. Everyone — board, coaches, parents, families, and swimmers — owes everyone else equal standing, respect, and inclusion.

We are nurturing and challenging at the same time.
This is a place of safety and a place of accountability. We push swimmers to be their best and we protect their well-being above their performance. Sport should be a healthy outlet for young people to express themselves, take risks, fail, and grow. We hold both: high standards and genuine care.

We take personal responsibility.
Each of us owns our own conduct — our effort, our words, how we treat others, and how we handle disagreement. We don’t blame, we don’t undermine, and we don’t go around the people and processes that keep the club healthy. When we fall short, we own it and make it right.

We respect the places that host us.
WAC owns no pool. Every facility we use — every lane, locker room, and bathroom — belongs to someone who chose to let us in. We leave every space better than we found it. Damaging or disrespecting a facility puts the whole club’s access at risk, and that is everyone’s loss.

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Agreement A — The Board

Signed by each Board member on taking office and re-affirmed annually.

A.1 — The WAC Covenant

Shared by everyone at WAC and identical in all four agreements. It is printed once, at the top of this page. Read the WAC Covenant →

A.2 — Code of Conduct for the Board

Board members are fiduciaries. We hold the club in trust for its families, and the law holds us to three duties: care (show up prepared and decide deliberately), loyalty (put WAC ahead of personal interest), and obedience (keep the club on-mission and compliant). This code puts those duties into practice. It works together with the WAC Conflict of Interest Policy, which each Board member also signs.

As a Board member, I will:

• Put the club first. Place WAC’s mission and its families ahead of my own interests, and above any faction, level, or individual — including my own child.
• Come prepared. Read the materials, review the financials, ask real questions, and make deliberate decisions. I will not rubber-stamp.
• Govern, not meddle. Set direction and oversee results. I will not interfere in day-to-day management or in coaching decisions on the wet side (practice, placement, meet strategy). I monitor outcomes; I don’t run operations.
• Disclose conflicts and step back. Disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest as soon as it arises, and recuse myself from the discussion and vote. I will not vote on my own compensation or a family member’s.
• Speak with one voice. Once the Board decides, I support the decision publicly — even when I argued and voted against it. My dissent belongs in the room and in the minutes, not on the pool deck.
• Protect people; disclose decisions. Keep confidential matters confidential, and never hide a decision behind that confidentiality. (The line is defined below.)
• Treat everyone with respect. Conduct myself with courtesy toward fellow Board members, coaches, families, and swimmers, in meetings and everywhere I represent WAC.
• Follow the rules we set. Uphold the By-Laws, the policies this Board adopts, USA Swimming and Safe Sport requirements, and the law.

Confidentiality and transparency — where the line sits

WAC is rebuilding trust. That requires being open about what the Board decides and why, while protecting the people a decision touches. The principle: the Board deliberates in private so it can act as one in public. We never hide a decision; we protect the people a decision affects.

Stays confidential (protects people)

• Any individual’s compensation, employment, discipline, or performance
• Individual family financial matters (dues owed, hardship arrangements)
• Active complaints and the identities involved, while being resolved
• Legal advice and matters of potential liability
• The content of debate — who argued what, who voted which way*

Is made transparent (governs decisions)

• Every decision the Board makes — and the reasoning behind it
• Financials in aggregate: budget, revenue, spending, reserves
• Policy, fee, and schedule changes
• That a complaint process exists, and how it works
• Who to contact for what

*A member may still ask for a roll-call vote to place their individual vote on the record. That tool stays available for genuine matters of conscience; it is the exception, not the routine.

If a Board member violates this code

Board members are accountable to each other. A concern about a Board member’s conduct goes to the President — or, if it concerns the President, to the Vice President. The Board addresses it directly and, where warranted, may censure a member or refer removal to the membership under the By-Laws. Serious breaches — self-dealing, breach of confidentiality that harms a person, or conduct that damages the club — are grounds for removal.

A.3 — Raising a Concern: The Channels

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements.

This agreement refers to raising concerns “through the correct channel.” This section names those channels. Using them is what separates constructive participation (always welcome) from going around the process (a violation). Having a concern is never the problem; the path you take with it is what matters.

Where to take it

If you have… An operational question (schedule, billing, logistics)
Take it to: Your swimmer’s Level liaison — the parent representative for your training level. If your level does not yet have a liaison, write to memberatlarge@swimwac.com.

If you have… A question about your swimmer’s progress
Take it to: Your swimmer’s coach or lead coach, at an appropriate time — not on deck during practice.

If you have… A concern about coaching
Take it to: memberatlarge@swimwac.com — the Member-at-Large, who carries it forward to the board.

If you have… Feedback or a suggestion to improve the club
Take it to: info@swimwac.com — reaches the whole board. The Secretary reviews and routes it; parent and swimmer feedback goes to the Member-at-Large, who brings it to the board.

If you have… A formal complaint
Take it to: The President directly — or the Vice President, if the concern involves the President.

If you have… a Safe Sport or abuse concern
Take it to: Reported externally to the U.S. Center for SafeSport and/or USA Swimming — and to law enforcement if a child is in danger. Never handled internally. See A.4.

How we close the loop

Every concern raised through these channels receives an acknowledgment within 48 hours — confirming it was heard, even when the resolution takes longer. Feedback that goes nowhere is how trust erodes; we treat the acknowledgment as an obligation, not a courtesy.

The Safe Sport channel is never routed internally and is never delayed. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Level liaisons are listed in the club’s published contact directory. WAC’s broader communications structure is being expanded through the Team Experience project; the channels above are in effect now and are the operative paths.

A.4 — The Enforcement Ladder

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements. This is how WAC handles a violation of any code, by anyone.

Accountability is a promise we make to the whole community. This ladder exists so that consequences are predictable, proportional, and fair — never arbitrary, never a surprise, and never decided by one person alone. Most issues are resolved at the lowest rung and never go further. Serious misconduct can start higher on the ladder.

Two principles first

• Proportional entry. Minor issues start at Rung 1. Serious misconduct — abuse, threats, discrimination, harassment, theft, willful destruction or vandalism of property, or anything endangering a swimmer — can enter directly at Rung 3 or 4. The response fits the conduct.
• Fair process. At every rung above the first, the person receives written notice of the concern and a genuine opportunity to respond before a consequence is imposed. Safe Sport matters follow the separate mandatory reporting path (below), which overrides this ladder.

The four rungs

Restitution

At Rung 2 and above, consequences may include restitution — repayment for property that has been damaged, destroyed, or stolen, whether it belongs to WAC, to a facility that hosts us, or to another member of the community. Restitution may be required in addition to any other consequence on the ladder. Where the person responsible is a minor, the obligation rests with their family.

How this connects to the By-Laws

This ladder does not invent authority. It operationalizes what the By-Laws grant. The Board’s authority to adopt these Codes comes from Art. VI §1E. The By-Laws give the Board the power to resolve complaints under any Code the Board adopts (Art. VI §1C); to classify a member “not in good disciplinary standing” for violating a Code (Art. III §1F); and to require restitution as a condition of restoring a member to good standing (Art. III §1F). A member under either classification does not practice with the club or represent the club in competition until the Board removes the classification. A member classified for failure to meet financial obligations who remains so for two consecutive months may be expelled; a member classified for a Code violation may be suspended or expelled through the process in this ladder, without regard to that two-month period. Classification under Art. III §1F is separate from voting eligibility, which under the Articles of Incorporation depends solely on timely payment of dues and fees. Today, with no standing committee chairs seated, the Executive Board is the Board of Directors, so the Executive Board holds final removal authority.

Safe Sport overrides this ladder

Appeals and records

A member subject to suspension (Rung 3) or removal (Rung 4) may appeal in writing within fourteen (14) days. The President then appoints an appeal panel of three (3) members in good standing, none of whom participated in the original decision and none of whom is a member of the Executive Board. The panel’s decision is final (By-Laws Art. VI §1C). The Secretary keeps a confidential record of all Rung 2–Rung 4 actions. The outcome of a conduct process is recorded and, where it affects the community, communicated; the personal details remain confidential.

A.5 — Acknowledgment

Signed by each Board member on taking office and re-affirmed annually.

By signing, I confirm that I have read and understood the WAC Covenant (A.1), the code that applies to my role (A.2), the Channels (A.3), and the Enforcement Ladder (A.4), and I agree to be bound by them. I understand this agreement works alongside the USA Swimming Code of Conduct and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP), which I acknowledge separately, and alongside the WAC By-Laws, which govern in the event of any conflict.

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Agreement B — Coaches

Signed by each coach on hire and re-affirmed annually.

B.1 — The WAC Covenant

Shared by everyone at WAC and identical in all four agreements. It is printed once, at the top of this page. Read the WAC Covenant →

B.2 — Code of Conduct for Coaches

What WAC asks of its coaches

• Put athlete well-being first. Place the health, safety, and well-being of swimmers above winning and above development goals, always.
• Uphold Safe Sport and MAAPP. Follow USA Swimming Safe Sport policy and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy in full — one-on-one interactions, electronic communication, travel, locker rooms, and therapy modalities — and complete required training and background screening on time.
• Coach every level with the same care. Give each training group and each swimmer genuine attention, patience, and respect, regardless of speed or potential.
• Model the standard. Demonstrate sportsmanship and respect toward swimmers, families, officials, opposing coaches, and competitors. Coach in a positive manner; avoid derogatory or abusive language. Win with humility; lose with dignity.
• Keep a professional boundary. Maintain a professional relationship with athletes at all times, consistent with Safe Sport.
• Respect the facilities that host us. Model care for the pools, locker rooms, and spaces WAC borrows, and hold swimmers to the same standard.
• Keep growing. Pursue ongoing professional development in coaching and in athlete safety.
• Respect the dry side. Recognize that governance, budgets, employment, and policy are the board’s domain, and partner with the board in good faith on the club’s direction.
• Communicate through the right channels. Keep families informed about their swimmer’s training and progress, and work with the club’s communication structure — set out in B.3 — rather than being the single point of contact for everything.

What coaches can expect from WAC

• Clear expectations. A defined role, defined reporting, and no arbitrary or overnight changes to employment. Significant decisions about a coaching role follow a fair, documented process. Coaching positions with WAC are at-will. This fair, documented process describes how WAC will communicate and act; it does not require WAC to have cause before ending a coaching relationship, and it does not change the at-will nature of that relationship.
• Authority to coach. Ownership of the wet side — practice design, training philosophy, swimmer evaluation and placement, meet strategy, and on-deck staff coordination — free from interference by the board or by parents.
• Professional respect and support. Resources to do the job, backing when families raise concerns through improper channels, and a board that supports rather than second-guesses coaching judgment.
• Fair process. Concerns raised and addressed through defined channels, an opportunity to respond before any consequence, and confidentiality around personnel matters.
• A voice. A standing, non-voting seat at board meetings and a two-way monthly report — the coach updates the board, and the board updates the coach.

B.3 — Raising a Concern: The Channels

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements.

This agreement refers to raising concerns “through the correct channel.” This section names those channels. Using them is what separates constructive participation (always welcome) from going around the process (a violation). Having a concern is never the problem; the path you take with it is what matters.

Where to take it

If you have… An operational question (schedule, billing, logistics)
Take it to: Your swimmer’s Level liaison — the parent representative for your training level. If your level does not yet have a liaison, write to memberatlarge@swimwac.com.

If you have… A question about your swimmer’s progress
Take it to: Your swimmer’s coach or lead coach, at an appropriate time — not on deck during practice.

If you have… A concern about coaching
Take it to: memberatlarge@swimwac.com — the Member-at-Large, who carries it forward to the board.

If you have… Feedback or a suggestion to improve the club
Take it to: info@swimwac.com — reaches the whole board. The Secretary reviews and routes it; parent and swimmer feedback goes to the Member-at-Large, who brings it to the board.

If you have… A formal complaint
Take it to: The President directly — or the Vice President, if the concern involves the President.

If you have… a Safe Sport or abuse concern
Take it to: Reported externally to the U.S. Center for SafeSport and/or USA Swimming — and to law enforcement if a child is in danger. Never handled internally. See B.4.

How we close the loop

Every concern raised through these channels receives an acknowledgment within 48 hours — confirming it was heard, even when the resolution takes longer. Feedback that goes nowhere is how trust erodes; we treat the acknowledgment as an obligation, not a courtesy.

The Safe Sport channel is never routed internally and is never delayed. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Level liaisons are listed in the club’s published contact directory. WAC’s broader communications structure is being expanded through the Team Experience project; the channels above are in effect now and are the operative paths.

B.4 — The Enforcement Ladder

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements. This is how WAC handles a violation of any code, by anyone.

Accountability is a promise we make to the whole community. This ladder exists so that consequences are predictable, proportional, and fair — never arbitrary, never a surprise, and never decided by one person alone. Most issues are resolved at the lowest rung and never go further. Serious misconduct can start higher on the ladder.

Two principles first

• Proportional entry. Minor issues start at Rung 1. Serious misconduct — abuse, threats, discrimination, harassment, theft, willful destruction or vandalism of property, or anything endangering a swimmer — can enter directly at Rung 3 or 4. The response fits the conduct.
• Fair process. At every rung above the first, the person receives written notice of the concern and a genuine opportunity to respond before a consequence is imposed. Safe Sport matters follow the separate mandatory reporting path (below), which overrides this ladder.

The four rungs

Restitution

At Rung 2 and above, consequences may include restitution — repayment for property that has been damaged, destroyed, or stolen, whether it belongs to WAC, to a facility that hosts us, or to another member of the community. Restitution may be required in addition to any other consequence on the ladder. Where the person responsible is a minor, the obligation rests with their family.

How this connects to the By-Laws

This ladder does not invent authority. It operationalizes what the By-Laws grant. The Board’s authority to adopt these Codes comes from Art. VI §1E. The By-Laws give the Board the power to resolve complaints generally (Art. VI §1C). Coaches are employees, not members, so Article III of the By-Laws, which governs member discipline, does not itself reach a coaching relationship. The Board’s authority to suspend or remove a coach instead comes from its general power to manage the club’s affairs (Art. II §1(B)), together with Art. VI §1C. Today, with no standing committee chairs seated, the Executive Board is the Board of Directors, so the Executive Board holds final authority to suspend or remove a coach under this Section.

Safe Sport overrides this ladder

Appeals and records

A coach is an employee, not a member, so the member appeal panel under By-Laws Art. VI §1C does not apply to a coaching decision. A coach subject to Rung 3 or Rung 4 may request review by the Executive Board within fourteen (14) days, and receives written notice and a genuine opportunity to respond before any consequence is imposed. The Secretary keeps a confidential record of all Rung 2–Rung 4 actions. The outcome of a conduct process is recorded and, where it affects the community, communicated; the personal details remain confidential.

B.5 — Acknowledgment

Signed by each coach on hire and re-affirmed annually.

By signing, I confirm that I have read and understood the WAC Covenant (B.1), the code that applies to my role (B.2), the Channels (B.3), and the Enforcement Ladder (B.4), and I agree to be bound by them. I understand this agreement works alongside the USA Swimming Code of Conduct and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP), which I acknowledge separately, and alongside the WAC By-Laws, which govern in the event of any conflict. I understand that my coaching position is at-will, that WAC’s fair-process commitments in B.2 and B.4 do not change that at-will status, and that WAC is not required to have cause before ending my coaching relationship.

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Agreement C — Parents & Families

Read and signed by each parent/guardian at annual registration. Both parents/guardians of a swimmer are expected to sign.

C.1 — The WAC Covenant

Shared by everyone at WAC and identical in all four agreements. It is printed once, at the top of this page. Read the WAC Covenant →

C.2 — Code of Conduct for Parents & Families

Your child’s growth in this sport depends on a partnership between families and the coaching staff. The most important thing you can do is provide the coaches with respect and the authority to coach, support your swimmer’s effort over their outcomes, and model for your child how adults handle both winning and losing. Healthy, constructive participation isn’t optional at WAC — it’s part of being a WAC family.

As a WAC parent/guardian, I will:

• Set the example. Show sportsmanship and courtesy at all times toward swimmers, coaches, officials, competitors, other parents, and the facilities we use.
• Support effort, not just results. Let my swimmer own their experience. I’ll cheer, encourage, and let the coaches coach.
• Get involved. Contribute to the club as it needs — volunteering at meets, helping at events, and staying informed. Meets and the club run on family participation.
• Respect every level. Treat every swimmer and every family with respect, whatever their group or ability.
• Honor inclusion. Uphold the Covenant’s commitment to respect and inclusion for everyone, regardless of any protected status.
• Respect the coaches’ authority. Let the coaching staff make the coaching decisions — training, group placement, meet lineups, and race strategy.
• Care for the facilities. Treat every pool, locker room, and space we use with respect, and be responsible for my swimmer’s conduct in them.
• Follow Safe Sport. Acknowledge and follow USA Swimming Safe Sport policy and MAAPP, including the annual MAAPP acknowledgment I sign at registration.
• Meet my commitments. Keep my financial obligations to the club current, as membership requires.

Raising a concern — the right way, and the wrong way

Having concerns, questions, and suggestions is not just allowed — it’s welcome. What matters is how you raise them. The line is simple: use the channel (C.3), don’t go around it.

Welcome — constructive participation

• Raising a question or concern through the channels in C.3
• Talking with your swimmer’s coach about their progress at an appropriate time
• Bringing a coaching concern to the Member-at-Large, who carries it forward
• Volunteering ideas and suggestions to improve the club
• Disagreeing respectfully, and letting the process work

Off-limits — channel violation & interference

• Cornering a coach on the pool deck during or around practice to argue about coaching
• Lobbying to change your child’s group, lineup, or race assignments
• Attacking coaches, board members, officials, or other families — in person or online
• Publicly undermining a decision, or recruiting other families into a faction
• Interfering in club administration, hiring, or governance

Having an opinion is never a violation. Going around the people and processes that keep the club healthy — that is.

C.3 — Raising a Concern: The Channels

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements.

This agreement refers to raising concerns “through the correct channel.” This section names those channels. Using them is what separates constructive participation (always welcome) from going around the process (a violation). Having a concern is never the problem; the path you take with it is what matters.

Where to take it

If you have… An operational question (schedule, billing, logistics)
Take it to: Your swimmer’s Level liaison — the parent representative for your training level. If your level does not yet have a liaison, write to memberatlarge@swimwac.com.

If you have… A question about your swimmer’s progress
Take it to: Your swimmer’s coach or lead coach, at an appropriate time — not on deck during practice.

If you have… A concern about coaching
Take it to: memberatlarge@swimwac.com — the Member-at-Large, who carries it forward to the board.

If you have… Feedback or a suggestion to improve the club
Take it to: info@swimwac.com — reaches the whole board. The Secretary reviews and routes it; parent and swimmer feedback goes to the Member-at-Large, who brings it to the board.

If you have… A formal complaint
Take it to: The President directly — or the Vice President, if the concern involves the President.

If you have… a Safe Sport or abuse concern
Take it to: Reported externally to the U.S. Center for SafeSport and/or USA Swimming — and to law enforcement if a child is in danger. Never handled internally. See C.4.

How we close the loop

Every concern raised through these channels receives an acknowledgment within 48 hours — confirming it was heard, even when the resolution takes longer. Feedback that goes nowhere is how trust erodes; we treat the acknowledgment as an obligation, not a courtesy.

The Safe Sport channel is never routed internally and is never delayed. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Level liaisons are listed in the club’s published contact directory. WAC’s broader communications structure is being expanded through the Team Experience project; the channels above are in effect now and are the operative paths.

C.4 — The Enforcement Ladder

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements. This is how WAC handles a violation of any code, by anyone.

Accountability is a promise we make to the whole community. This ladder exists so that consequences are predictable, proportional, and fair — never arbitrary, never a surprise, and never decided by one person alone. Most issues are resolved at the lowest rung and never go further. Serious misconduct can start higher on the ladder.

Two principles first

• Proportional entry. Minor issues start at Rung 1. Serious misconduct — abuse, threats, discrimination, harassment, theft, willful destruction or vandalism of property, or anything endangering a swimmer — can enter directly at Rung 3 or 4. The response fits the conduct.
• Fair process. At every rung above the first, the person receives written notice of the concern and a genuine opportunity to respond before a consequence is imposed. Safe Sport matters follow the separate mandatory reporting path (below), which overrides this ladder.

The four rungs

Restitution

At Rung 2 and above, consequences may include restitution — repayment for property that has been damaged, destroyed, or stolen, whether it belongs to WAC, to a facility that hosts us, or to another member of the community. Restitution may be required in addition to any other consequence on the ladder. Where the person responsible is a minor, the obligation rests with their family.

How this connects to the By-Laws

This ladder does not invent authority. It operationalizes what the By-Laws grant. The Board’s authority to adopt these Codes comes from Art. VI §1E. The By-Laws give the Board the power to resolve complaints under any Code the Board adopts (Art. VI §1C); to classify a member “not in good disciplinary standing” for violating a Code (Art. III §1F); and to require restitution as a condition of restoring a member to good standing (Art. III §1F). A member under either classification does not practice with the club or represent the club in competition until the Board removes the classification. A member classified for failure to meet financial obligations who remains so for two consecutive months may be expelled; a member classified for a Code violation may be suspended or expelled through the process in this ladder, without regard to that two-month period. Classification under Art. III §1F is separate from voting eligibility, which under the Articles of Incorporation depends solely on timely payment of dues and fees. Today, with no standing committee chairs seated, the Executive Board is the Board of Directors, so the Executive Board holds final removal authority.

Safe Sport overrides this ladder

Appeals and records

A member subject to suspension (Rung 3) or removal (Rung 4) may appeal in writing within fourteen (14) days. The President then appoints an appeal panel of three (3) members in good standing, none of whom participated in the original decision and none of whom is a member of the Executive Board. The panel’s decision is final (By-Laws Art. VI §1C). The Secretary keeps a confidential record of all Rung 2–Rung 4 actions. The outcome of a conduct process is recorded and, where it affects the community, communicated; the personal details remain confidential.

C.5 — Acknowledgment

Read and signed by each parent/guardian at annual registration. Both parents/guardians of a swimmer are expected to sign.

By signing, I confirm that I have read and understood the WAC Covenant (C.1), the code that applies to my role (C.2), the Channels (C.3), and the Enforcement Ladder (C.4), and I agree to be bound by them. I understand this agreement works alongside the USA Swimming Code of Conduct and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP), which I acknowledge separately, and alongside the WAC By-Laws, which govern in the event of any conflict.

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Agreement D — Swimmers

Read and signed by each swimmer at annual registration. If you are too young to read this yourself, a parent will read it with you and co-sign.

D.1 — The WAC Covenant

Shared by everyone at WAC and identical in all four agreements. It is printed once, at the top of this page. Read the WAC Covenant →

D.2 — Code of Conduct for Swimmers

Each promise below starts with a headline — short enough for our youngest swimmers to understand. The sentence under each headline says more, for older swimmers.

• I try my best and let my teammates try theirs.
  I give real effort at practice and meets, and I encourage the people around me instead of putting them down.
• I respect my coaches and do what they ask.
  I listen to my coaches, follow instructions, and bring a good attitude even when it’s hard or I’m tired.
• I am a good teammate to everyone.
  I cheer for my teammates at every level, welcome new swimmers, and never leave anyone out.
• I am kind. I don’t bully.
  I don’t tease, exclude, threaten, or hurt anyone — in person or online. I treat every person the way I want to be treated, no matter who they are.
• I show good sportsmanship.
  I win without bragging and lose without excuses. I respect officials, competitors, and other teams.
• I take care of the places we swim.
  The pools, locker rooms, and bathrooms we use belong to other people who let us use them. I treat every facility with respect, I clean up after myself, and I never damage, deface, or vandalize anything. If something gets broken, I tell an adult.
• I take care of myself and speak up.
  I take care of my body and my health, and if something or someone makes me feel unsafe, I tell a coach or a trusted adult right away.
• I represent WAC well.
  At practices, meets, travel, and online, I remember I’m part of the WAC family and I act like it.
• I own my choices.
  When I make a mistake, I own it, I make it right, and I try to do better — that’s what responsibility means.

D.3 — Raising a Concern: The Channels

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements.

This agreement refers to raising concerns “through the correct channel.” This section names those channels. Using them is what separates constructive participation (always welcome) from going around the process (a violation). Having a concern is never the problem; the path you take with it is what matters.

Where to take it

If you have… An operational question (schedule, billing, logistics)
Take it to: Your swimmer’s Level liaison — the parent representative for your training level. If your level does not yet have a liaison, write to memberatlarge@swimwac.com.

If you have… A question about your swimmer’s progress
Take it to: Your swimmer’s coach or lead coach, at an appropriate time — not on deck during practice.

If you have… A concern about coaching
Take it to: memberatlarge@swimwac.com — the Member-at-Large, who carries it forward to the board.

If you have… Feedback or a suggestion to improve the club
Take it to: info@swimwac.com — reaches the whole board. The Secretary reviews and routes it; parent and swimmer feedback goes to the Member-at-Large, who brings it to the board.

If you have… A formal complaint
Take it to: The President directly — or the Vice President, if the concern involves the President.

If you have… a Safe Sport or abuse concern
Take it to: Reported externally to the U.S. Center for SafeSport and/or USA Swimming — and to law enforcement if a child is in danger. Never handled internally. See D.4.

How we close the loop

Every concern raised through these channels receives an acknowledgment within 48 hours — confirming it was heard, even when the resolution takes longer. Feedback that goes nowhere is how trust erodes; we treat the acknowledgment as an obligation, not a courtesy.

The Safe Sport channel is never routed internally and is never delayed. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first.

Level liaisons are listed in the club’s published contact directory. WAC’s broader communications structure is being expanded through the Team Experience project; the channels above are in effect now and are the operative paths.

D.4 — The Enforcement Ladder

Shared by everyone at WAC. Identical in all four agreements. This is how WAC handles a violation of any code, by anyone.

Accountability is a promise we make to the whole community. This ladder exists so that consequences are predictable, proportional, and fair — never arbitrary, never a surprise, and never decided by one person alone. Most issues are resolved at the lowest rung and never go further. Serious misconduct can start higher on the ladder.

Two principles first

• Proportional entry. Minor issues start at Rung 1. Serious misconduct — abuse, threats, discrimination, harassment, theft, willful destruction or vandalism of property, or anything endangering a swimmer — can enter directly at Rung 3 or 4. The response fits the conduct.
• Fair process. At every rung above the first, the person receives written notice of the concern and a genuine opportunity to respond before a consequence is imposed. Safe Sport matters follow the separate mandatory reporting path (below), which overrides this ladder.

The four rungs

Restitution

At Rung 2 and above, consequences may include restitution — repayment for property that has been damaged, destroyed, or stolen, whether it belongs to WAC, to a facility that hosts us, or to another member of the community. Restitution may be required in addition to any other consequence on the ladder. Where the person responsible is a minor, the obligation rests with their family.

How this connects to the By-Laws

This ladder does not invent authority. It operationalizes what the By-Laws grant. The Board’s authority to adopt these Codes comes from Art. VI §1E. The By-Laws give the Board the power to resolve complaints under any Code the Board adopts (Art. VI §1C); to classify a member “not in good disciplinary standing” for violating a Code (Art. III §1F); and to require restitution as a condition of restoring a member to good standing (Art. III §1F). A member under either classification does not practice with the club or represent the club in competition until the Board removes the classification. A member classified for failure to meet financial obligations who remains so for two consecutive months may be expelled; a member classified for a Code violation may be suspended or expelled through the process in this ladder, without regard to that two-month period. Classification under Art. III §1F is separate from voting eligibility, which under the Articles of Incorporation depends solely on timely payment of dues and fees. Today, with no standing committee chairs seated, the Executive Board is the Board of Directors, so the Executive Board holds final removal authority.

Safe Sport overrides this ladder

Appeals and records

A member subject to suspension (Rung 3) or removal (Rung 4) may appeal in writing within fourteen (14) days. The President then appoints an appeal panel of three (3) members in good standing, none of whom participated in the original decision and none of whom is a member of the Executive Board. The panel’s decision is final (By-Laws Art. VI §1C). The Secretary keeps a confidential record of all Rung 2–Rung 4 actions. The outcome of a conduct process is recorded and, where it affects the community, communicated; the personal details remain confidential.

D.5 — Acknowledgment

Read and signed by each swimmer at annual registration. If you are too young to read this yourself, a parent will read it with you and co-sign.

By signing, I confirm that I have read and understood the WAC Covenant (D.1), the code that applies to my role (D.2), the Channels (D.3), and the Enforcement Ladder (D.4), and I agree to be bound by them. I understand this agreement works alongside the USA Swimming Code of Conduct and the Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy (MAAPP), which I acknowledge separately, and alongside the WAC By-Laws, which govern in the event of any conflict.

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Williamsburg Aquatic Club · Codes of Conduct v1.0 · Adopted August 9, 2026 by the Executive Board under By-Laws Art. VI §1E. Questions: info@swimwac.com.