Policies

During our practice times we have any number of swimmers, at any one time, swimming within designated lanes. In order for this to be effective, there must be organization to ensure the safety of all swimmers involved. Usually in Lane 2 we have the newer or developmental swimmers (just learning stroke technique and turns) progressing up to the fastest and most experienced swimmers with advanced stroke technique in Lane 7. (NOTE: Workouts might be posted at each lane or the coach will deliver the workout orally.)

The following procedures are designed to help run a smooth and safe Masters workout.

1. Start of the Practice: Gather your own equipment for the workout. If you are unable to arrive on time you will be joining a session that is already in progress. Please join in at whatever set is in progress - not at the beginning. Wait on the bulkhead until all swimmers in your lane have acknowledged your presence, then join as the last swimmer of the set.

2. Finding the Appropriate Lane: The goal is to have people of approximately equal speed in each lane. You will want to swim in a lane that matches your pace/skill/fitness level. Confer with the coach, who will help you find the proper lane assignment. If you find yourself constantly catching up to others or that others are constantly catching up to you, discuss with the coach about moving to another lane.

3. Lane Orientation: If there are only two swimmers in a lane, you can both agree to swim side-by-side, or circle swim. If there are three or more swimmers in a lane, you MUST circle swim. The custom is to stay to the right and swim counter-clockwise. If you are the only person in the lane during warm-ups please swim in a circle so that those getting to the pool a few minutes late will be able to join the warm-up in progress.

4. Leaders: The fastest person for the set should lead. Leaders should understand the set, and the pace time given by the coach (if the coach is absent set the pace time that is appropriate for everyone). Leave 5-10 second intervals between swimmers. Slower swimmers can shorten the set for themselves. Do not hesitate to ask lane mates if you need any clarification on the workout.

5. Don’t Leave Wall Early: If the lane is going 5 seconds between swimmers, don’t leave the wall after 3 seconds. In no time at all, you will be on the feet of the swimmer in front, and that is inconsiderate.

6. Pace Times: Work together as a team, and follow the coach’s suggested stroke, pace time and number of repetitions. Please don’t alter these unless there is unanimous agreement in your lane. Doing so should be the exception, not the rule.

7. Turns: Move to the side of the lane and push off straight so you do not interfere with swimmers coming into the lane.

8. Passing: If you need to pass a swimmer, pass on the left. Preferably tap the foot of the person in front of you before passing. It's best though to make the pass at the wall rather than in the middle of the lap. If you are being overtaken at the turn, stop and wait until the other swimmer has pushed off.

9. Breaks: If you need to stop for a rest, clear your goggles, adjust your fins or gasp for air, PLEASE squeeze into the right corner of the incoming swimmers, so they will have sufficient room to turn on the left. Rejoin the set in progress; don’t start off where you left.

11. Share the Wall: Allow others to finish the set properly by leaving space at the wall. When you have finished a set, move to the left corner or the centre of the lane so that the right corner wall is left for swimmers to touch.

12. Be Aware of Others in Your Lane: Try not to kick or swing your arms into another lane or across your own lane especially when you are near another swimmer. It is also recommended to keep your finger and toe nails trimmed to prevent further injury if a collision does occur.

13. EMERGENCIES: Swimmers are to clear the pool immediately when the lifeguards blow ONE LONG whistle indicating an emergency.

Members are required to read the Lane Etiquette and agree to incorporate it into their workouts to ensure a safe and fun environment for all participants.

The Masters Code of Conduct protects the team’s reputation in the community and athletes should consider it their responsibility to abide by the Code of Conduct and report any behaviour which does not adhere to the Code of Conduct to the coach.

Any Thunder Rays Master swimming athlete not abiding by the Code of Conduct will be asked to change or to stop the behaviour. If the athlete fails to comply, they will be asked to leave temporarily or permanently.

The Masters Code of Conduct Includes:

1. Treating all facilities, facility staff, coaches and teammates with respect at all times (including in the change rooms and off deck areas).

2. Maintaining high standards of behaviour, politeness and sportsmanship at all times.

3. Being respectful of property. The cost of repair and/or replacement of any damage or destruction, negligently or intentionally caused by an athlete to property will be payable by the athlete.

4. Behaving in a reasonable and acceptable manner as outlined by the coach and the executive. Examples of unacceptable behaviour during swim meets, practices and/or team functions include but are not limited to:

a. Unsportsmanlike and disrespectful conduct

b. Wilful damage to property; and

c. Committing any illegal act

5. Foul, threatening or abusive language in any form (written, verbal or otherwise) that is directed at another Masters member will not be tolerated and will result in the Thunder Rays membership being rescinded immediately (still be a member of MSO and MSC, but no longer associated with the Thunder Rays).

Appropriate behaviour allows everyone the right to learn, to be safe, and to be treated with respect, courtesy and consideration. Consequently, appropriate behaviour with Thunder Rays Masters is mandatory. Each person must take responsibility for his/her behaviour and make appropriate choices.

Members are required to read the Code of Conduct and agree to abide by it. The Executive holds the final word on any rules, regulations, or disciplinary action.