Cypresswood Sharks Parent Code of Conduct

The most talked about event during any given season of youth athletics is generally the conduct of the parents. As many are aware, uncomely and embarrassing behavior at meets and practices is not an uncommon occurrence. How can we expect our children to conduct themselves professionally if we adults cannot exhibit the same behavior, especially under pressure?

Children’s sports are supposed to be fun-for the children. Unfortunately, many parents, fans and coaches don’t realize that their actions, whether verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly taken away by adults. The Cypresswood Sharks Summer Swim Team has a good reputation within NWAL and is looked at for exemplary behavior. This following Code of Conduct is for parents and spectators to abide by at every practice and meet.

Violation of the following “Code of Conduct” could result in expulsion of both the swimmer and family from the Cypresswood Sharks Summer Swim Team.

New as of 2025: Violation of the Code of Conduct could result in a $100 fine imposed on the swimmer or swimmer’s family by NWAL.

1. Coaches, Swimmers, and Parents (Swim Team Members) must exhibit good sportsmanship and acceptable behavior at all times. 

2. Cursing is a violation of the Code of Conduct.  

3. Members engaging in yelling, threatening or otherwise abusive verbal language with any other coach, swimmer, or meet official will be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct.  

4. Parents berating any of the coaching staff, officials, swimmers, or Board Members are considered in violation of the Code of Conduct.  

5. Parents or other family members who actively attempt to undermine the coaches’ or Board Member authority are guilty of violating the Code of Conduct.  

6. Parents who do not abide by the guidelines and rules set forth by the Board and administered by the Coaches are considered to be in violation of the Code of Conduct.

As a Parent …

1. I will not force my child to participate in sports.
2. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the sport is for youth, not adults.
3. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
4. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the league.
5. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators at every meet, practice, or other sporting event.
6. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of un-sportsman-like conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.
7. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
8. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.
9. I will demand that my child treat other swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.
10. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a race or his/her performance.
11. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
12. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.
13. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize meets and competition in the lower age groups.
14. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.
15. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials at the meets, and will take time to speak with them at an agreed upon time and place.
16. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.
17. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during meets and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.
18. I will cheer for the Sharks
19. I will show enthusiasm and support
20. I will help when asked to by a coach or an official
21. I will thank the coaches and other volunteers who conduct the meet.

Membership Disciplinary Action

As a member of the Cypresswood Sharks Summer Swim Team I agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

1. Verbal warning by official, head coach and/or head of organization.
2. Written warning by official, head coach and/or head of organization.
3. Parental / Swimmer meet suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved.
4. Parental / Swimmer suspension from participation in practice and meets.
5. Parental / Swimmer suspension for the season and forfeiture of volunteer deposit.
6. Parental/Swimmer expulsion from the Cypresswood Sharks Summer Swim Team permanently.