ASA/Swim England Code of Ethics

The new ASA/Swim England code of Ethics

As part of achieving its NSPCC Advanced Standard in Child Safeguarding, the ASA has released an updated Code of Ethics. Read on to learn more.

As part of achieving the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit Advanced Standard in Child Safeguarding, the ASA has released a revised and shortened Code of Ethics. The new general Code is for:

  • Swimmers,
  • Parents,
  • Coaches and Teachers, and
  • Committee members, officials and volunteers who work directly with children.

Code of Ethics

Terms of Reference

The content of this Code of Ethics applies to all those involved within the sport of Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water Swimming and Synchronised Swimming.
The Code of Ethics should be read in conjunction with the ASA Codes of Conduct contained in Wavepower ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures).

ASA Code of Ethics

All individuals within the ASA aquatic disciplines will at all times:

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person, be they adult or child, treating everyone equally within the context of the sport.
  • Respect the spirit of the sport adhering to the rules and laws in and out of the pool, incorporating the concept of friendship and respect for others.
  • Promote the positive aspects of the sport and never condone the use of inappropriate or abusive language, inappropriate relationships, bullying, harassment, discrimination or physical violence.
  • Accept responsibility for their own behaviour and encourage and guide all ASA members and parents of junior members to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and conduct.
  • Ensure all concerns of a child safeguarding nature are referred in accordance with Wavepower (ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures).
  • Conduct themselves in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others.
  • Promote the reputation of the sport and never behave or encourage or condone others to behave in a manner that is liable to bring the sport into disrepute.
  • Adhere to Wavepower the ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
  • Adhere to the ASA Anti-Doping Rules.
  • Adhere to the ASA Equity Policy.
  • Adhere to the ASA Laws and Regulations.
  • Adhere to the ASA Codes of Conduct.

ASA members should note that this is a general “umbrella” code and is supplemented by the ASA Codes of Conduct which can be found in Wavepower 2009/11 under section 2, page 68 – 71.
ASA Board formally adopted the new Code of Ethics at the ASA Board meeting held on the 27th November 2009. It can also be found in the 2010 Handbook.

Published July 2013 (to be reviewed July 2017)