1. FME swimmers should display proper respect and sportsmanship toward coaches, officials, teammates, parents, fellow competitors and the public at all times.
2. FME swimmers are to refrain from any illegal or inappropriate behavior that would detract from a positive image of the team or be detrimental to its performance objectives
3. The possession or use of alcohol or tobacco products by any athlete is prohibited.
4. Bullying is prohibited.
5. The possession, use, or sale/distribution of any controlled or illegal substance or any form of weapon fireworks is prohibited.
6. Swimmers are reminded that when competing in meets, and attending other meet-related functions, they are representing themselves as well as FME. Athlete behavior must positively reflect the high standards of the club.
7. Swimmers are to refrain from inappropriate physical contact at team activities and events.
8. Swimmers are to refrain from use of inappropriate language.
9. Swimmers are to respect the privacy of one another.

Swimmers should abide by the following applicable policies

1. Disputes not successfully resolved verbally between swimmers should be referred to the head coach.
2. Stay in the swim team area during swim meet.The coach must be able to quickly locate every swimmer, to tell them when to report to the clerk of course.
3. Be quiet for the start of each event or heat at all swim meets, so that all swimmers can hear the starter.Cheer for team members while they are swimming.
4. Remain in the water to congratulate the swimmers in the lane(s) next to you at the end of your heat before exiting the pool.
5. Use the trash receptacles in team area.Help to clean up the team area before leaving at the end of practice or a meet, even if you are not the last to leave.

Coaches make every effort to work with the swimmer before consequences are needed, safety is always foremost

1st infraction– reminding the swimmer of the Code of Conduct and redirection to the desired behavior.

2nd infraction – a period of sitting out. The specified time of sitting out will be determined by the disciplining coach. The main focus of the coach remains with the group. Should a 2nd infraction occur during a swim meet, while the swimmer is in the clerk of course, the swimmer will be removed from that event.The parent(s) of this swimmer will be promptly notified of the infraction.

3rd infraction – dismissal from practice or swim meet. If a swimmer has been dismissed from practice, they may not leave the pool deck area until the practice session is over and the coach personally speaks with and dismisses the swimmer. Should the disciplined swimmer wish to call his/her parents for immediate pick-up, he/she may do so with permission from the coach. The swimmer must remain on the pool deck until the parent arrives and the coach is notified that the swimmer is now under parental supervision. The discussion of the incident must be postponed until a time that is convenient for the coach.

4th infraction – suspension from the team. In the event of a suspension or expulsion from the team, the Team Representative will be notified as soon as possible, by the coach. A meeting time will then be set with the Team Representative, coach and parent(s) to discuss possible reinstatement to the team or permanent dismissal. The team representative(s) and coaches reserve the right to expel a swimmer for behavioral reasons at their discretion, without refund. 

FME Swimmers are held to the highest standards, and all swim team members are bound and agree to follow policies, rules, and guidelines listed in the linked sites below as a part of the FME Code of Conduct:

FME Safe Sport Policy

FME Electronic Communications Policy

Northern Virginia Swim League (NVSL) Rules and Code of Conduct

Aspects of the USA Swimming Code of Conduct also apply:

USA Swimming Code of Conduct 2022