Code of Conduct

Introduction to the Code of Conduct
This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavioural standards for interactions with 
each other in Swimming. 

Commitment to the Code of Conduct
The Code of Conduct should be read in conjunction with:

• the specific requirements of your role as defined in your ‘position 
• description’ statement, if applicable;
• the National Integrity Framework; 
• our relevant policies, guidelines or procedure documents, including, but 
• not limited to the SA Privacy Policy and Anti-Doping Policy; and
• all applicable laws in your jurisdiction.

Swimming Bodies and Clubs may consider a failure to observe the Code of Conduct & Discipline Policy as misconduct and may take appropriate 
disciplinary action in accordance with this Code of Conduct & Discipline. 

Exceptions
There may be exceptional situations where the Code of Conduct does not apply, for example, in an emergency situation. However, it is crucial that, 
where possible, you seek authorisation of a Senior Person prior to taking action that may contravene the Code of Conduct or that you advise a Senior 
Person as soon possible after any incident of any breach.

Code of Conduct
Swimming Bodies and Clubs expect that the following Code of Conduct is followed at all times and by all people involved in any way with Swimming:

• Treat everyone involved in Swimming in a considerate, objective and courteous manner with proper regard for their rights, dignity and worth.
• Be ethical, considerate, fair, courteous and honest.
• Be professional in, and accept responsibility for, your actions.
• Avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Give all people equal opportunity to participate.
• Follow and encourage others to follow SA's standards, rules, policies and procedures at all times. 
• Operate within the rules and spirit of Swimming, including the national and international guidelines that govern SA.
• Report any concerns or breaches of this Code of Conduct & Discipline Policy or the National Integrity Framework through the appropriate channels and in 
• a timely manner.
• Provide a safe environment for the conduct of activities in accordance with any relevant Swimming Body's policy.
• Show concern, empathy and caution toward others.
• Be a positive role model to all and do not shame, humiliate, oppress, belittle, harass or degrade any person.
• Respect and protect confidential information at all times - particularly personal information of any Member or Child or Young Person or other sensitive issues or matters, whether regarding individuals or organisations.
• Maintain the required standard of accreditation and/or licensing of professional competencies, as applicable to your role(s).
• Ensure that any physical contact with others is appropriate to the situation, such as being necessary for the person’s skill development. 
• Ensure your actions or inaction do not bring or are not reasonably likely to bring the sport of Swimming into disrepute.
• Provide a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment that places the health, welfare and wellbeing of participants above all else. 
• Conduct yourself appropriately when using Social Networking.
• Adopt and maintain a responsible attitude towards the consumption of tobacco products and alcohol. 

Social Networking 
All Participants must conduct themselves appropriately when using Social Networking in relation to sharing information or content. This includes but is not limited to using Social Networking as an electronic means of engaging with others through private messaging (e.g., What’s App, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other electronic messaging forums). 

When using Social Networking sites (or others) to share information or content related to Swimming, any postings, blogs, status updates and tweets (or similar) must not contain material which, in the reasonable opinion of SA or a Member Association:

• is or has the potential to be offensive, aggressive, defamatory, threatening, discriminatory, obscene, profane, harassing, embarrassing, intimidating, sexually explicit, bullying, hateful, racist, sexist or otherwise inappropriate;
• is inaccurate, misleading or fraudulent;
• is in breach of the National Integrity Framework;
• is in breach of laws, court orders, undertakings or contracts;
• breaches the privacy or confidentiality of others; 
• brings or is likely to bring SA, a Member Association, a Club, a Member, themselves or Swimming into disrepute; or has the potential to, or does, derogate from or negatively affect the image, goodwill, name or reputation of SA, its Member Associations, Clubs and Members of Swimming.

Reporting Complaint 
Step 1: Complainant tells a Person in a Position of Authority about their Complaint.

Step 2: Person in a Position of Authority talks to Complainant and identifies facts, records, explains next steps and reports to Senior Person.

Step 3: Senior Person documents Complaint using Complaint Recording Template (refer to Annexure A).

Internal Investigation of Complaint
Step 4: Involved Organisation (Investigation Officer) conducts internal investigation of Complaint.

Determining Complaint
Step 5: After the internal investigation is completed, the CEO of the Involved Organisation evaluates next steps and determines whether to:
(a) close the Complaint where no further action is required, or no longer sought by the Complainant;
(b) make decision and impose disciplinary measures (in accordance with section 9);
(c) refer Complaint to Independent Investigation (refer to section 6.11); 
(d) refer Complaint to Mediation (refer to section 6.14); or
(e) refer Complaint to Hearing Tribunal (refer to section 6.12).

Resolution of Complaint 
Step 6: Decision made and disciplinary measures (if required) imposed as a result of the relevant Step 5 process.

Step 7: Appeal (if deemed valid) may be lodged in relation to decision. If the appeal is heard, a decision is made and new disciplinary measures may be imposed. (Refer to section 6.13).

Step 8: Record of Complaint finalised. SA and Involved Organisation notified of outcome of Complaint.

Complaint closed

Swimming Australia General Code of Conduct & Discipline Policy

Annexure A - Complaint Recording Template