Code of Conduct
This code applies to everyone involved with the Digby Dolphins.
Last updated July 30, 2026
In short
Be respectful, follow the rules, keep swimmers safe, and speak up when something is wrong.
Who and where this applies
It applies to swimmers, coaches, officials, volunteers, board members, parents, guardians, spectators, and anyone else taking part in a team activity.
It applies at practices, meets, team travel, social events, fundraisers, and in team-related messages or social media.
Expected of everyone
Treat people fairly and with respect.
- Follow the law, facility rules, meet rules, and reasonable directions from coaches and officials.
- No bullying, hazing, harassment, discrimination, threats, violence, abuse, sexual misconduct, or retaliation.
- Use appropriate language. Do not insult, humiliate, or intimidate people.
- Respect team, facility, and personal property.
- Do not cheat or encourage anyone else to break the rules.
- Report injuries, unsafe conditions, or misconduct.
Swimmers
Swimmers are expected to:
- Arrive on time and bring the right clothing and equipment.
- Try their best and follow safety instructions.
- Respect teammates, competitors, coaches, and officials.
- Tell a coach or trusted adult about an injury or anything that feels unsafe.
Coaches and team leaders
Coaches and other adults in positions of trust are responsible for swimmer safety.
- Keep interactions with minors open and observable. Avoid being alone with one swimmer where possible.
- Plan safe activities that suit each swimmer's age and ability.
- Keep language, messages, physical contact, and discipline appropriate.
- Be a safe and trusted adult.
- Keep required training, screening, and qualifications up to date.
- Protect private information.
Parents, guardians, and spectators
Parents, guardians, and spectators are expected to:
- Encourage swimmers and never ridicule them for a mistake or result.
- Respect coaches, officials, volunteers, competitors, and other families.
- Do not coach from the stands or argue with an official.
- Stay in permitted areas and follow facility and photography rules.
- Raise concerns privately with a coach or the board, not during a race or in front of swimmers.
Officials, volunteers, and board members
Officials, volunteers, and board members are expected to:
- Know the rules for their role and apply them fairly.
- Tell the board about any conflict of interest.
- Protect personal and confidential information.
- Use the proper review or complaint process instead of criticizing people publicly.
- Act when safety or fair participation may be at risk.
Alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, and other substances
Minors may not use or possess alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal drugs during team activities. Adults may not be impaired while responsible for swimmers. Medication and medical accommodations are allowed when used properly.
Reporting a concern
Call 911 or police if someone is in immediate danger or a crime may have happened. Report possible child abuse or neglect to the proper child-protection authority. Do not investigate it yourself.
For a regular club concern, speak to a coach or email digbydolphinsswimteam@gmail.com. If the concern involves that person, or you do not feel safe reporting it to the team, use Swim Nova Scotia's Safe Sport reporting process.
Some concerns may need to be sent to Swim Nova Scotia, Swimming Canada, Sport Integrity Canada, or another authority.
- The team will limit who sees a report as much as it reasonably can.
- No one may retaliate against a person who reports a concern in good faith.
- The team may put temporary safety measures in place while it reviews a concern.
How concerns may be addressed
Depending on what happened, the response may include a conversation, training, an apology, limits on participation, removal from an activity, suspension, loss of membership or a team role, or referral to another authority. The person involved will normally have a chance to respond.
Other rules
By taking part in a Digby Dolphins activity, you agree to follow this code. Swim Nova Scotia, Swimming Canada, safe-sport rules, facility rules, and the law may also apply. Those rules take priority if they conflict with this page.