The Woodlands Marlins Swim Team

In consideration of my child's right to participate in the Woodlands Marlins Summer Swim Team, on behalf of ourselves and our child(ren), we hereby release, waive, and agree to hold harmless the Woodlands Marlins Summer Swim Team, Conroe ISD, and the CISD Natatorium, and their respective coaches, members, directors, employees, organizers, and parent volunteers, for any and all liability claims, legal actions, and demands of any nature whatsoever which may arise from or in connection with the swim team or related activities.

I recognize and fully understand certain things, including:

• Use of the pool facilities during these swim practice and meets involves certain risks, including:
• The risk of injury resulting from possible malfunction of the pool equipment;
• The risk of injuries resulting from tripping or falling over obstacles in the pool area;
• The risk of injuries resulting from swimmers colliding;
• The risk of other injuries resulting from participating in swim program.
• I recognize and fully understand that the above list is not a complete or exhaustive list of all possible risks; the list only provides examples of types of risks that I am assuming.
• In exchange for the Marlins allowing my child to participate in the swim team, I hereby agree to the conditions below.I fully intend and choose to give up the legal rights, as stated below:

1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS on behalf of my swimmers that I have or may have in the future against the CISD, its directors, officers, employees, agents, or representatives (hereinafter referred to as the “Releasees”) relating to my participation in the adult swim sessions;

2. TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, injury, expense, or other cost that may swimmer may suffer or that my next of kin may suffer in connection with the swimmer’s participation due to any cause whatsoever, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES;

3. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability to property, or personal injury to, any third party, resulting from my swimmer’s participation;

4. That I further agree to abide by the dates and times for the swim practices and meets;

5. That the only persons permitted to attend the swim practices and meets are registered swimmers of the Marlins; and

6. That this Waiver, Release, and Agreement is fully effective and shall be effective and binding upon me, my swimmer, and my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, and assigns, or anyone else authorized to act on my behalf or on behalf of my estate.

I have read and understood this document.  I am authorized to sign on behalf of my swimmer(s) and I am aware that by signing this document, I am waiving certain legal rights for my swimmer and myself that I may have against the Releasees, and I fully agree to do so.

Parent Volunteer Information

Swim meets are more than just races; they're vibrant community events where our swimmers shine, build confidence, and create lasting memories. And the secret ingredient to making these events successful, safe, and fun for everyone? Our incredible volunteers!

Unlike many sports, competitive swimming relies almost entirely on parent volunteers to function. From our volunteer board to the starting block to the awards stand, every position plays a vital part in ensuring our swimmers have the best possible experience.

Why is your volunteer commitment so important?

• Enables the Event: Quite simply, without enough volunteers, we cannot hold swim meets. Each role is essential to ensure fairness, safety and proper timing.
• Supports Our Swimmers: When you volunteer, you're not just performing a task; you're actively creating the environment where our young athletes can thrive. Your presence and effort show them your unwavering support and contribute to their sense of team and accomplishment.
• Fosters Community: Volunteering is a fantastic way to connect with other families, build friendships and strengthen our team community. You'll meet new people, share a common goal, and gain a deeper understanding of how our team operates.
• Best Seat in the House: Many volunteer roles offer a unique, close-up perspective of the races, giving you an unparalleled view of your swimmer's efforts and triumphs!

Our volunteers are how we run our swim team. To have a fun and successful summer swim season, it is essential that we have the full support of our families.

Essential Volunteer Positions at a Swim Meet:

Even if you have no prior swimming experience, there's a role for you! Most positions require little to no training and offer a great way to learn more about the sport. Here are some common volunteer roles you'll find at our meets:

• Timers: (Often 2-3 per lane) This is one of the most hands-on and popular roles! Timers use stopwatches to record the time for the swimmer in their assigned lane. You'll have a front-row seat to all the action!
• Age Group Parents: These volunteers are the heart of the team area. They help organize swimmers for their events, ensure they have their caps and goggles and escort younger swimmers to the Ready Bench. They provide encouragement and help keep the flow of the meet organized. If you want to be in the action and see how excited the kids get up-close -- this role is for you!
• Ready Bench: These volunteers are responsible for lining up swimmers by heat and lane, making sure they are ready to go before their race. They are crucial for keeping the meet running on schedule.
• Runners: They collect the time sheets from the timers and DQ (disqualification) slips from officials, delivering them to the scoring table. They help ensure quick and accurate results.
• Stroke & Turn Judges (Certification Required): These certified officials ensure fair competition by observing strokes, turns, and finishes to ensure they adhere to NWAL rules. While this role requires specific training and certification through NWAL, it's incredibly rewarding and essential for the integrity of the meet. Also, certified officials receive one free swimmer as part of their commitment.
• Meet Set-Up & Take-Down: Before and after the meet, these volunteers help transform the pool deck into a competition venue and then return it to normal. This can involve setting up tents, tables, chairs, and even the timing system.
• Awards / Ribbons: Responsible for labeling and organizing ribbons and awards for the swimmers after results are posted.
• Scoring / Computer Operator (Certification Required): Works with the meet management software to input times, calculate results, and generate heat sheets and final reports. These roles often require some training.

We expect each swimmer’s family to work at least six shifts during the swim season. This requirement may be adjusted – depending on the final number of families swimming.

Failure to meet your service responsibilities will result in your swimmer or swimmers not being allowed to swim in swim meets.

Can I pay a fee to opt out of volunteering?

There is no fee to opt our of volunteering. This is because we cannot hire people to be a timer or an age group parent at our swim meets. We need our volunteers!

The welfare and safety of any swimmer on the team is of paramount importance and the following guidance and conditions need to be followed:

• All swimmers joining the team are asked to notify the team of any medical condition they may have. Similarly, any swimmers who may have developed a medical condition since joining the team and may need medication e.g., asthma inhalers, must inform the team’s Website and Membership Administrator and coaching team so that they are made aware of the condition.
• All children reporting to swim are assumed fit, unless written notification of an injury or other condition is provided to the Coach and the Board.
• Following any injury/ illness that has prevented a swimmer from swimming for more than 1 week then a medical release stating that the swimmer is fit to rejoin the team from a doctor or allied health care professional is required and given to the Head Coach and the Board prior to practice or meet. Such information will be treated confidentially.
• The Head Coach in agreement with all the coaching staff has the right to request a swimmer does not participate in practice or meets if in their opinion the swimmer cannot be safely accommodated. In all instances the Coach will raise their concerns with the Board.
• I CERTIFY THAT MY CHILD DOES NOT HAVE ANY UNDISCLOSED MEDICAL OR HEALTH CONDITIONS THAT WOULD PREVENT HIM/HER FROM PARTICIPATING AND IS ABLE TO SWIM.

I am the parent or guardian of a child(ren) on The Woodlands Marlins Summer Swim Team (the “Marlins”). I agree to the following: I understand that my child(ren) registered with the Marlins may be photographed while participating in Marlins swim meets, practices, and team events. I understand that these photographs may be used in celebrating or promoting the Marlins online. With my acceptance below, I grant permission for my child(ren) to be photographed, or their images recorded for electronic use in celebrating or promoting the Marlins, without payment or any other consideration. I understand that it is my responsibility to update this form in the event that I no longer wish to authorize the above uses. I agree that this form will remain in effect during the term of my child’s enrollment with the Marlins.

NORTHWEST AQUATIC LEAGUE 

PARENT/COACH CODE OF CONDUCT

Children’s sports are supposed to be fun-for the children. Unfortunately, many parent, fans and coaches don’t realize that their actions, whether
verbal or nonverbal, can have a lasting emotional effect on children. Too many children are leaving sports activities because the fun is unfairly
taken away by adults. This following Code of Conduct is for parents and spectators to abide by at every practice, meet and invitational.

Preamble

The essential elements of character building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles:
trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, and caring and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition

reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

1. I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the sport is for youth, not adults.

2. I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.
3. I will learn the rules of the sport and the policies of the league.

4. I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by
demonstrating positive support for all swimmers, coaches, officials and spectators at every meet, practice, or other sporting event.

5. I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsman-like conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting;
refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.

6. I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well-being of the athletes.
7. I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

8. I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

9. I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a race or his/her performance.

10. I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.
11. I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participants for making a mistake or losing a competition.

12. I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning. I will also de-emphasize meets and competition in the lower age groups. 

13. I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

14. I will respect the officials and their authority during meets and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches or officials at the meets, and will take time to speak with them at an agreed upon time and place.

15. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, vapes, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

16. I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during meets and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

I also agree that if I fail to abide by the aforementioned rules and guidelines, I will be subject to disciplinary action that could include, but is not limited to the following:

Verbal warning by official, head coach and/or head of league organization 

Written warning

Parental meet/Invitational suspension with written documentation of incident kept on file by organizations involved. 

Meet forfeit through the official or coach

Parental season suspension.

The basis for this code of conduct is produced by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation