a. Mission

The Ladysmith-Chemainus Swim Club embraces a long-term athletic development program that supports a positive environment for the benefit and development of all Club members, the Community and the Society.

b. Club Objectives

• To create a positive atmosphere fostering personal discipline, self-esteem, and goal achievement.
• To improve swim techniques and build endurance through a multi-faced program geared toward different ages and abilities.
• To introduce goal setting, nutrition, and other life-skill topics that will help the swimmer to grow as an individual and as a team member.
• To provide leadership to swimmers through a professional coaching staff.
• To promote the club as a champion of health, fitness and sport for the benefit of our Members and for the greater community in order to raise funds to meet financial obligations, thereby keeping membership affordable to all.
• To operate the Club in a manner conducive to maintaining a financially sustainable position for the benefit of all our members and the greater community.

c. Board of Directors

The Ladysmith-Chemainus Swim Club (LCSC) is a registered not-for-profit society and must comply with all regulations established in the BC Society’s Act.  LCSC is a parent volunteer run organization, operated by a Board of Directors consisting of members elected at the Annual General Meeting.  These elected members of the board handle all day-to-day operations of the club. For more information please refer to LCSC website for a list of active Board of Directors members and LCSC Bylaws.

d. Annual General Meeting (AGM)

The AGM is held in the fall, often late October/early November in order to elect members of the executive board, review the budget, and discuss the operation of the team for the coming year.  One representative from each swim family is required to attend to ensure we have sufficient numbers to support our annual BC Community Gaming Grant application and to ensure that club decisions are reflective of the entire club.  All families will be billed $75 on their account on October 1^st as a deposit to guarantee attendance at the AGM. This charge will be credited back to attending family’s accounts after full meeting attendance is recorded and signatures are obtained at the meeting. 

e. Coaches

The Board of Directors hires a Head Coach and Assistant Coaches in consultation with the Head Coach under an annual contract and includes semi-annual performance reviews. The Head Coach is responsible for the duties outlined in the annual contract and works in close consultation with the Board of Directors in all matters relating to swimmers. The Head Coach is responsible to bring any issues that might arise to the Board of Directors attention.

The Head Coach is responsible for the training and direction of all Assistant Coaches and works in consultation with the Board of Directors for the hiring of all Assistant Coaches. 

The Head Coach is accountable to the Board of Directors. All issues related to swimmers should first be addressed with the Coach and if satisfactory resolution cannot be reached the issue should be brought to the Board of Directors by the family in writing and it will be addressed at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting.

All matters relating to breaches in the LCSC Parent or Swimmer Codes of Conduct are considered serious infractions and final decisions in these matters falls solely under the jurisdiction of the Board of Directors. The Head Coach has the authority to temporarily suspend or dismiss any swimmer or family from participating in practices where he/she perceives a breach of LCSC Parent of Swimmer Code of Conduct or where he/she feels a swimmer is unfit to participate in practices and/or competitions due to injury or illness until a review and decision has been made on the matter by the Board of Directors.

f. Swimmer Code of Conduct

This policy is inclusive of all level swimmers. Swimmers must adhere at all times to standards of professional behavior that reflect well on Ladysmith-Chemainus Swim Club (LCSC) in particular, and competitive swimming in general. It is impossible to specify in precise terms all those actions that could be deemed to be prejudicial to swimmers. The following provides an indication of the standards of behavior that, if contravened, are likely to be considered breaches of the code. 

Any breach of this Code of Conduct is considered a serious dispute and should be brought to the Board of Directors either by the Head Coach or by the swimmers family in writing and will be addressed at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The Board of Directors has sole jurisdiction on any decision made regarding any and all disputes concerning the Swimmers Code of Conduct.

1. Swimmers are responsible for treating other LCSC members and other Swim BC members with respect within the context of their activity regardless of body type, physical characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, colour, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, religious belief, political belief, disability, or economic status.
2. Swimmers will refrain from criticism of coaches, fellow swimmers, parents and officials, particularly to and through the media. When public comments are made, swimmers have an obligation to ensure such comments are made judiciously, reflective of the facts, supportable and sensitive to the situation(s).
3. Swimmers will refrain from the use of profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language while participating in or observing local clubs, Swim BC or SNC sanctioned activities or events.
4. Swimmers will not use tobacco, alcohol or other drugs that affect their physical ability, mood or behavior, unless prescribed by a physician for medical purposes. LCSC and Swim BC have a zero tolerance level regarding drug and alcohol consumption during and around swimming competition. Swimmers jeopardize funding eligibility (both current and future) and membership with Swim BC if found to be abusing alcohol in and around competition. Swimmers should strive for excellence (according to their ability).
5. Swimmers will respect the achievements of teammates and opponents. Swimmers will not engage in any behavior that could be construed as hazing. Swimmers who represent LCSC, Swim BC, or SNC should behave in a manner that reflects favorably on those organizations.
6. Swimmers will refrain from using social media in any way that may discredit LCSC or any individual person such as a coach, teammate, or opponent.
7. Swimmers will not engage in bullying as outlined. Bullying is a conscious, repeated behavior of an individual or group with the intention to harm others or aggressive behavior intended to gain power.
8. Swimmers will act safely on the pool deck and observe all pool and club rules. Be considerate to your surroundings – abusing aquatic facilities or equipment or any other properties which LCSC has contracted is not permitted. 

g. Swimmer Responsibilities

Swimmers are expected to attend 100% of the practices and conscientiously apply themselves to the program provided, which means:

• Demonstrating respect, honesty, and sportsmanship toward all coaches, officials, administrators, parents, and fellow swimmers.
• Swimming for yourself because you enjoy it, not just to please your parents or coach.
• Abiding by the Swimmers Code of Conduct.
• Taking care of yourself by eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, getting lots of rest and maintaining good study habits for school.
• Arriving 15 minutes before practice to ensure preparedness (changed, water bottles filled, prepped and ready to go on time).
• Having all equipment available, adjusted, and ready for use in practice.
• Listening to directions and asking questions when necessary.
• Performing drills and sets as instructed.
• Assisting with clean up after practice.

h. Parent, Guardian or Volunteer Code of Conduct

Parents and Guardians should adhere at all times to standards of personal behavior that reflect well on Ladysmith-Chemainus Swim Club (LCSC) in particular, and competitive swimming in general.  It is impossible to specify in precise terms all those actions that could be deemed to be prejudicial to parents and volunteers within LCSC.  The following provides an indication of the standards of behavior that, if ignored, will be considered breaches of this code.

Any breach of this Code of Conduct is considered a serious dispute and should be brought to the Board of Directors either by the Head Coach or by the swimmers family in writing and will be addressed at the next scheduled Board of Directors meeting. The Board of Directors has sole jurisdiction on any decision made regarding any and all disputes concerning the Parents, Guardians or Volunteer Code of Conduct.

1. Parents, guardians, and volunteers are responsible for treating all other LCSC members with respect within the context of their activity regardless of body type, physical appearance, characteristics, athletic ability, gender, ancestry, colour, ethnic or racial origin, nationality, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, religion, religious beliefs, political belief, disability, or economic status.
2. Parents, guardians, and volunteers will refrain from using profane, insulting, harassing or otherwise offensive language while participating in or observing LCSC, Swim BC, or SNC sanctioned activities or events.
3. As active members of LCSC parents, guardians, and volunteers will adhere to personal standards of behavior that reflect positively on LCSC while participating in or observing LCSC, Swim BC, or SNC sanctioned activities or events.
4. Parents, guardians, and volunteers will abstain from using intoxicants while attending LCSC, Swim BC, or SNC sanctioned events or activities.
5. Parents, guardians, and volunteers will refrain from criticism of coaches, swimmers, parents, and fellow officials particularly to and through the media.  When public comments are made, parents/guardians/volunteers have an obligation to ensure such comments are made judiciously, reflective of the facts, supportable and sensitive to situation.  
6. Parents, guardians, and volunteers will ensure they do not in any way misrepresent their qualifications, affiliations, or professional competence to any member or prospective member or any publication, broadcast, lecture, or seminar.  Misrepresentation, after due consideration by LCSC Board of Directors, may be deemed to be a breach of this code.
7. Parents, guardians, and volunteers will respect the achievements of LCSC, Swim BC, and SNC swimmers.
8. Parents, guardians, and volunteers will refrain from using social media in any way that may discredit LSCS or any individual person such as a coach, teammate, or opponent.
9. Parents, guardians, and volunteers will not engage in bullying as outlined.  Bullying is a conscious, repeated behavior of an individual or group with the intention to harm others or aggressive behavior intended to gain power.​​​​​​​

i. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

Parents are responsible for participating in a positive experience for their swimmer, which means:

• To be supportive of your swimmer in a positive manner and encourage them to participate in the sport of swimming for their own enjoyment. 
• Do not compare your swimmer with other swimmers. Be proud of your swimmers individual efforts, progress and accomplishments.
• Allow the Coaches to do the coaching. Stay back from the poolside during practice. If you have concerns with respect to your swimmer you must discuss this privately with the Coach outside of practice times.
• Avoid approaching the coach during practice times as this reduces the time our Coach spends with all swimmers. Contact the Head Coach outside of practice times to set up a time to discuss any concerns with respect to your swimmer.
• Ensuring your swimmer arrives at the pool in good health, rested and with sufficient nourishment and enough time to prepare themselves for the practice or competition.
• Keep your financial account in good standing and account information up to date and stay informed of Club news, needs, and upcoming events. 
• Be responsible for your swimmers participation in competitions by informing yourself through our website and by speaking with your Coach regarding attendance of swim meets well in advance of entry deadlines. All accounts and information are accessible through our website.
• Complete all volunteer hours required for the season.