Santa Barbara Masters Swimming (SBMS) Members accept that the opportunity to participate in club activities is a privilege and as such shall conduct themselves with integrity and in a sporting manner. In matters relating to Masters Swimming, Members shall respect and protect the privileges of others who share and participate in club activities. Therefore, the privileges of membership and participation may be withdrawn or denied if the conduct of a Member or prospective Member is inconsistent with the mission of the club, U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS), or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in it.
Section 6.4 of the SBMS Bylaws provides that each SBMS Member shall be charged with the responsibility of conducting themselves in a manner that is consistent with customary standards of good sportsmanship and respect for athletic traditions.
Section 6.5 of the SBMS Bylaws provides: “The Board may, in its reasonable discretion, suspend, expel, or demand the resignation of a Member for: (i) violation of Section 6 of these Bylaws or the rules, regulations, policies or procedures of SBMS or USMS); (ii) any misconduct or acts prejudicial to the reputation or best interests of SBMS or its Members; or (iii) any disrespectful or abusive action or behavior directed towards any Member, including any SBMS coach, or towards any lifeguard or other third-party non-Member.”
The USMS Standards of Conduct are as follows:
ARTICLE 402:
Conduct of Members
402.1 Standards of Conduct
The opportunity to participate in Masters swimming is made possible by USMS. Members accept that this opportunity to participate is a privilege and as such shall conduct themselves with integrity and in a sporting manner. In matters relating to Masters swimming, members shall respect and protect the privileges of others who share this mission; therefore, the privileges of membership and participation may be withdrawn or denied if the conduct of a member or prospective member is inconsistent with the mission of the organization or the best interest of the sport and those who participate in it.
402.2 Compliance with Rules and Regulations
It shall be the responsibility of all members to comply with the rules and regulations of USMS and the applicable rules, constitution, and bureau decisions of World Aquatics.
402.3 Enforcement
Any prospective member may be denied membership, and any member may be denied membership, censured, placed on probation, suspended, fined, or expelled from USMS if such member engages in any unsporting conduct listed in article 402.4.
402.4 Unsporting Conduct
The following shall be considered unsporting conduct as it relates to Part 4:
402.4.1 Violation of the opportunity to participate, as set forth in article 401.
402.4.2 Discrimination in violation of article 501.3.
402.4.3 Any act of fraud, deception, or dishonesty in connection with any USMS-related activity.
402.4.4 Knowingly providing false information including name, date of birth, age, or gender on USMS membership applications or meet entries.
402.4.5 Any intentional nonconsensual physical contact, obscene language or gesture, or other threatening language or conduct directed toward members, volunteers, staff, or bystanders in connection with USMS administrative activities, events, or workouts.
402.4.6 Any discrimination or harassment based on an individual’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, mental or physical disability, protected health and medical information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, where applicable, directed toward members, volunteers, staff, or bystanders in connection with USMS administrative activities, events, or workouts. Application of Part 1: Swimming Rules regarding age groups, gender categories, swimwear, and guidelines for officiating swimmers with disabilities shall not be considered as violations of this article.
402.4.7 Any nonconsensual sexual conduct, pattern of unwelcome sexual advances, or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action by a USMS member toward a member or any other person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs or activities of USMS.
402.4.8 Any act, conduct, or omission that is detrimental to the image or reputation of USMS, a Local Masters Swimming Committee (LMSC), or the sport of swimming.
402.4.9 Causing a credible and material risk to the safety of USMS members or others who may be present during USMS activities. A lifetime ban, declaration of permanent ineligibility, or permanent resignation of membership from a member organization of United States Aquatic Sports may be considered as evidence of a violation of this article 402.4.8.
402.4.10 Aiding or abetting another to engage in any of the foregoing violations.
In addition, the Board has determined that misconduct or acts prejudicial to the reputation or best interests of SBMS or its Members includes, but is not limited to:
- Abusive language or other abusive behavior directed toward SBMS coaches, SBMS Members, or lifeguards during SBMS activities;
- Bringing weapons or other dangerous objects to any SBMS activity;
- Repeated failure to follow reasonable instructions of SBMS coaches with respect to lane assignments and etiquette.
In the event any Member engages in violation of the SBMS Bylaws or rules, regulations, policies, or procedures of SBMS or USMS; any misconduct or acts prejudicial to the reputation or best interests of SBMS or its Members; or any disrespectful or abusive action or behavior, the coach, in his or her discretion, shall give the Member a verbal reprimand. If that Member repeats the conduct, the coach shall refer the matter to the Board for action pursuant to Section 6.5 of the SBMS Bylaws.