Oakland, CA
5. Code of Conduct & Grievance Policy
TEME, a U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) Gold Club team, welcomes and fully supports team members of all levels of swimming background and ability. “Masters” refers to athletes ages eighteen and over, not expert level swimming. Our coaches and volunteers recognize the dignity of each person and refrain from behaviors or words that are disrespectful of any one or any group.
It is a team priority to provide a rewarding experience to the entire swimming community. TEME welcomes and fully supports team members of all sexual and gender identities, socioeconomic status, national origins, races, and religions. We offer our members an environment that seeks to ensure the safety and inclusion of all members, and any athletes and/or spectators who attend our team sponsored events.
By registering as members of TEME, all members acknowledge and accept that the opportunity to participate in TEME team activities is a privilege, and as such shall conduct themselves with integrity and in a manner consistent with TEME’s team mission at all times. Therefore, members agree to the following:
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All team members shall respect and protect the privileges of others who share and participate in TEME activities. TEME reserves the right to revoke the privileges of membership. Participation in team practices and/or events may be withdrawn or denied if the conduct of a member or prospective member is inconsistent with the mission of TEME, U.S. Masters Swimming, or the best interest of the sport.
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All members are expected to maintain an environment of respect, free from rude and discourteous behavior, harassment, intimidation, and violence (including threats of violence). Members shall refrain from publicly judging, criticizing, or otherwise creating a hostile environment. Physically or verbally abusive behavior is unacceptable at practices, in the locker rooms, and at any TEME sponsored activity or event.
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Members shall obey all team, facility, and government-imposed rules, and share the pool responsibly and courteously.
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Members shall respect the decisions and judgment of the coaches while at practice.
The Board of Directors of Temescal Aquatic Masters Swimming Association adopts United States Master Swimming Association (USMS) Bylaws Article 402 – “Conduct of Members” and any violation shall be considered “misconduct prejudicial to the best interests of the organization.” Unsporting conduct (Article 402.4), or other conduct inconsistent with TEME’s Code of Conduct that will result in disciplinary action, includes, but is not limited to:
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Any act of fraud, deception, dishonesty, or knowingly providing false information.
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Any intentional non-consensual physical contact, obscene language or gestures, or other threatening language or conduct directed toward other club members, coaches, facility staff, volunteers and any other person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs and activities of TEME.
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Any non-consensual sexual conduct, pattern of unwelcome sexual advances, or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action by a team member toward another team member, coach, facility staff, volunteers or any other person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs or activities of TEME.
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Any form of harassment, hazing, or bullying, either in-person or via social media postings.
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
In the event a conflict among members arises based on alleged misconduct, the members may:
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Try to work out differences among themselves,
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Ask the Head Coach or coach on deck to intervene in an attempt to reach a remedy, or
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Submit a written complaint to the Head Coach or Board President if the member(s) considers the alleged misconduct to be prejudicial to the best interests of the organization. This option may be invoked when the nature and severity of the conduct warrant possible disciplinary action.
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If there is no Head Coach employed at the time the written complaint is filed or the Head Coach is unavailable, the written complaint should be submitted to the Board President who will appoint two or three board members to oversee the complaint.
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If the complaint is against the Board President, then the written complaint may be made to the Head Coach, Vice President or another member of the Board.
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A coach on deck may also file a written complaint involving alleged misconduct by a member(s).
In any written complaint, the complaining party must submit facts in writing supporting the alleged misconduct. The head coach (or appointed board members) may also gather facts from any interested party who has knowledge of the misconduct and require them to submit their observations in writing. Confidentiality of the complaint and the name(s) of the parties involved will be maintained to the extent possible. Complaints should be based on violations of conduct mentioned in these policies and not on personal opinions or personal assessment of character.
Upon receipt of a member’s written complaint, the Head Coach (or appointed board members) shall:
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Notify the member(s) accused of misconduct in writing of the allegations of misconduct and furnish a copy of the allegations submitted by the accusing member. Names and information may be redacted to the extent it is necessary to prevent confidentiality.
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Inform the accused member of his or her right to respond in writing, share the TEME Code of Conduct and Grievance Policies and answer any initial questions.
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Notify the accused member(s) of his or her right to appear before the head coach (or appointed board members) to respond to the allegations.
If a member so accused fails to respond within 21 days from the date of notice of the allegations of misconduct, the head coach and board may make a finding, taking such action as necessary to remedy the situation.
In no event shall any complaint remain unresolved for more than 30 days.
VIOLATION OF THE TEME CODE OF CONDUCT
The head coach is responsible for disciplining team members for violations of the Code of Conduct. The head coach will use reasonable judgment based on the following factors:
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The nature and severity of the conduct.
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The intention of the party engaged in conduct contrary to the Code of Conduct.
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Any prior disciplinary actions regarding the team member.
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The adverse effect of the conduct on other team members.
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The application of the Code of Conduct.
The head coach shall keep the Board President fully informed during the resolution process and may at any time request advice and assistance from the TEME Board of Directors in resolving a grievance. A written record of the final resolution will be kept by the Board Secretary.
The decision of the head coach or Board of Directors in regard to any complaint, and any resulting disciplinary action is final.
PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION OF THE TEME CODE OF CONDUCT
Any violation of the TEME’s Code of Conduct, as determined by either the head coach or the TEME Board of Directors, may result in the following notifications and/or penalties:
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Private verbal reprimand.
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Removal from practice or team activity.
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Implementation of a probationary period.
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Suspension from practices or team activities.
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Revocation of team membership, and a ban from returning to the team in the future.
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Notification to USMS of violations under Article 402 of the USMS Rule Book available online at www.usms.org.
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Notification to the local authorities should the violation be illegal or criminal in nature.
Temescal Aquatic Masters Swimmer's Handbook
Table of Contents
1. Swim Workout Protocols
These best practices ensure smooth, enjoyable, and cooperative swims.
Lane Assignments
You are matched with teammates who share your swimming ability and speed. That's based on a variety of factors including your fitness, experience, desire, and maybe your 100-freestyle time.
The lanes, slowest to fastest, are: Tortugas, Dolphins, Otters, Sharks, Humpbacks, and Orcas. Lane assignment may change depending how many are in the lanes or in the pool in general, late arrivals, or coaches’ professional discretion. Lanes rotate across the pool on a regular basis so everyone can swim in the center of the pool.
Stopping & Resting
It's always OK to stop or rest as necessary. But it's essential that you wait at the extreme right side of the lane (as you face the wall) so the left side is unobstructed for other swimmers to turn. If you can’t complete a lap, move to the extreme right side of the lane and continue to the wall at your best pace.
When you re-enter the lineup after a pause, make sure there's enough space between you and the swimmer in front, and that you don't cut off the swimmer approaching the wall.
Late Arrival
Please arrive five to 10 minutes before the workout. If you arrive after the coach has begun the workout, pick up the workout (same stroke, same speed as everybody else) or wait for an opportunity to join the lane.
Five Second Stagger
Give the swimmer ahead of you five seconds before you push off the wall.
When you re-enter the lineup after a pause, make sure there's enough space between you and the swimmer in front, and that you don't cut off the swimmer approaching the wall.
Circle Swim, Counter Clockwise
We swim circles. So please swim on the right side of the lane at all times.
Swim in the Correct Lane
Part of the experience is challenging yourself by swimming in a faster lane or taking it easier in a slower lane. But if you are repeatedly getting toe-touched by a swimmer behind you or catching up to swimmers in front of you, please move to the appropriate slower or faster lane.
Passing Another Swimmer
Please wait until the end of a set to change places with another swimmer. To pass in the middle of a swim, tap the leading swimmer’s foot twice as you approach the flags (one tap might be an accident). The tapped swimmer should stop at the next wall (on the right) to let you pass. Note: If you pass someone, be prepared to stay ahead for the rest of the set, and preferably the rest of the workout. If you feel your foot tapped twice, allow the swimmer behind you to pass.
Changes to the Workout
Please do not change the workout for the lane unless everyone in the lane agrees (e.g., three seconds between swimmers when the lane is crowded, faster/slower intervals, etc.). If you want to make your own changes (e.g., swim a different stroke, use equipment when no equipment is specified), it is your responsibility to communicate your plan with all of the other swimmers in your lane and avoid interfering with swimmers doing the posted workout.
The Coach on Deck Is in Charge
An expert at providing a safe, fun and effective workout, the coach on deck is completely in charge. Depending on the workout and the number of swimmers, the coach may ask you to move up or down a lane. A swimmer who does not follow directions may be asked to leave the pool. If you have an issue with a coach, please discuss it with our head coach or e-mail your concerns to a board member at tememasters@gmail.com.
Swim Friendly
Everybody's swim goals and attitudes are different. Some may be happy just to do gentle laps while others are aggressively trying to improve time or technique. But as a team, our goal is to create a fun, good natured, mutually supportive experience. Please stay aware of others, avoid confrontations, and assume everyone there has good intentions.
If a problem arises in the pool, on deck, or in the changing rooms, please take it to the coach immediately.
Turning at the Wall
It doesn't matter whether you choose to do flip turns or grab turns, as long as you can maintain your momentum and keep about five seconds between you and the swimmers in front and
behind you.
2. Lane Assignments
The team is divided into six groups and lanes, defined by speed, from fastest or more competitive to slowest or more recreational. Every Monday, groups move two lanes to the right, allowing everyone to rotate through the wall lanes and center lanes of the pool.
The Tortuga lane welcomes anyone who wants to swim casually or improve at their own pace. Officially, to join the team you just need to swim two lengths without stopping, and without time limits. You don't need to swim any strokes other than freestyle.
The Dolphin lane is the next incremental lane. They swim a 100-yard freestyle set on a 2:00-minute interval. Swimmers typically know the basic mechanics of all four strokes (freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke, and butterfly) and are working on consistency.
The Otter lane swims a 100 yard freestyle set on a 1:50-minute interval. Swimmers are typically capable of doing all four strokes.
The Shark lane swims a 100 yard freestyle set on a 1:40-minute interval. Swimmers are competent at all strokes.
The Humpback lane swims a 100 yard freestyle set on a 1:30 interval. Swimmers are proficient in all strokes.
The Orca lane swims a 100 yard freestyle set on a 1:20-minute or less interval. Swimmers have mastered all strokes.
3. Team Communications Guidelines
These are a set of guidelines, not hard-and-fast rules. They may be modified in particular circumstances where an exception is appropriate.
General Communication Guidelines
Communication via the team email list (currently handled through Zen Planner) is appropriate for sending messages and alerts related to the team and its greater membership
Please do not send messages which are not relevant to a majority of the team
Team emails should be sent sparingly regardless of who they’re from or what they're about
Team emails should be sent through Zen Planner when related to:
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Practice updates, including changes to the schedule, cancellations, and pool information
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Team functions, including fundraising and social events
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Competitions
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Membership reminders, including USMS registration
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General team-related news updates
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Swimming-related news that may be of interest to the greater membership
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Other updates affecting general membership
Team emails should not be sent when related to:
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Personal interests of Board members, coaches, or team members, including outside fundraising and social or special events that are not related to swimming. Exceptions may be made according to Board vote.
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Business-related news that is not directly connected to the team’s mission
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Free or paid events or tickets not related to swimming or aquatics. Exceptions may be made according to Board vote.
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Other special circumstances not fitting the above criteria, as decided by TEME Membership Chair
Social Media Communication Guidelines
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Social media channels are less formal and as such will not be as heavily monitored as the email list.
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We will not require moderator pre-approval of social media communications for the time being
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Social Media communication (Facebook, Instagram) is appropriate for sending messages and alerts related to the team and its greater membership
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If a message is not swimming or athletics related, or does not affect the majority of team members, a social media message/post should not be sent/posted
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Posts related to personal interests of Board members, coaches, or team members, including outside fundraising and social or special events, will be handled on a case-by-case basis
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Frequent, casual communication is encouraged through this channel
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Team social media posts and messages should be related to:
‣ Practice updates, including changes to the schedule, cancellations, and pool information
‣ Team functions, including fundraising and social events
‣ Competitions
‣ Membership reminders, including USMS registration
‣ General team-related news updates Swimming-related news that may be of interest to the greater membership
‣ Other updates affecting general membership
‣ Fun and appropriate comments and/or questions related to practice, competitions and/or team events
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Team social media posts and messages should not be related to:
‣ Business-related news that is not directly connected to the team’s mission
‣ Free or paid events or tickets not related to swimming or aquatics
‣ Other special circumstances deemed not fitting the above criteria, as decided by the Temescal Aquatic Masters Membership Chair
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When a social media message or post does not fit the required criteria, a Board member or administrator of the social media channel reserves the right to hide or delete the message or post, with a goal of doing so within 24 hours or less
Tips for Effective Communication:
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Keep messages clear and concise
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Ensure that your message will be readily understood by all team members
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For any upcoming events, such as social events or fundraisers, ensure that your message clearly addresses:
‣ What
‣ When
‣ Where
‣ Why and who, if applicable -
Anticipate follow-up questions and how to answer them
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Be mindful of timing. Ask yourself: “Is it most effective to send this communication now or early next week or later this month?”
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Be sensitive to diversity
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Avoid political, religious or other references that may offend
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Avoid using references a majority of team members won’t understand
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Uphold the Temescal culture: be fun, energetic, courteous and positive when communicating
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Be polite when engaging others on Temescal Aquatic Masters social media outlets.
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Language and/or images that are rude, vulgar, or aggressive go against the “Swim Friendly” mantra in our Swimmer Etiquette guidelines.
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Temescal Aquatic Masters has a Grievance Policy through which swimmers can seek recourse when such language is used.
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Finally, when in doubt, leave it out.
4. Glossary of Terms
3L, 6L = 3 Lengths, 6 Lengths, etc.
SC = scull
K = Kick
BLD = build speed within a length, a distance, or a set (e.g., 3L build to sprint)
DR = drill
FL or FLY = butterfly stroke
SW = swim
BK or BACK = backstroke
BR or BRST = breaststroke
FR or FREE = freestyle stroke
FR or FREE = freestyle stroke
FR or FREE = freestyle stroke
Hypoxic: less oxygen
IM or IMO = individual medley (order) - fly, back, breast & free in that order
RIMO = reverse IM order
Ø FR = non-freestyle - fly, back or breast
CH or Ch Str = choice stroke
EZ / Fast = easy / fast by lap
Alt = alternate (e.g., 6L alternating Freestyle with Backstroke)
Opt = optional (ie: kick board, fins, buoy opt)
Neg split = negative split - second half swim faster than first
Descend = swim faster each consecutive set. (e.g., descend 1-3, 4-6 on 2:15)
♥ rate = heart rate
Br = breathe - Hypoxic drill (e.g., 12L free br 3/5/7} x2 )
Cool Down = swim gently to finish the workout
Good turns = fast, strong flip turns at walls
Scull = a drill to strengthen hand and arm motion
Aerobic Pace = long swim set, solid pace, little rest (ie: 3 x 12L r:30-45)
Anaerobic = short distance, fast speed, lots of rest (ie: 10 x 2L r:10)
Odds = 1, 3, 5, 7 (e.g., swim 4 x 3L, odds are IMO, evens are FR)
Evens = 2, 4, 6, 8
6. Important Contact Information
5. Important Contact Information
• Medical and/or Safety Emergencies: Call 911
NOTE:
From the Temescal Pool phone dial: 9911
• Temescal Pool: 371 45th St, Oakland, 510-597-5013