Grown-Up Swimming Code of Conduct 

The mission of Grown-Up Swimming (“GUS”) as part of U. S. Masters Swimming (“USMS’)  is to empower adults to improve their lives through swimming. The privilege of swimming with GUS may be withdrawn or denied by GUS at any time if GUS determines that a person’s conduct is inconsistent with the GUS mission or values, or if GUS deems a person’s conduct detrimental to the image or reputation of GUS or the sport of swimming. To assist Grown-Up Swimmers and to better serve the interests of those who participate in swimming, GUS has adopted this Code of Conduct, to which all Grown-Up Swimmers agree:

  1. They shall avoid all intentional nonconsensual physical contact, obscene language or gestures, or threatening language or conduct directed toward members, volunteers, staff, or bystanders in connection with GUS administrative activities, events, or workouts. 

  2. They shall not engage in discrimination or harassment based on an individual’s age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, mental or physical disability, protected health and medical information, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law, where applicable, directed toward members, volunteers, staff, or bystanders in connection with GUS administrative activities, events, or workouts. 

  3. They shall avoid all nonconsensual sexual conduct, pattern of unwelcome sexual advances, or other inappropriate sexually oriented behavior or action toward any other person participating in any capacity whatsoever in the affairs or activities of GUS. 

  4. They shall avoid causing any credible or material risk to the safety of any persons who may be present during GUS activities. 

  5. Alcohol, drugs, 

  6. They shall not aid or abet others in violating the Code of Conduct. 

Witnesses to behavior that deviates from the mission of GUS are asked to speak up. If a swimmer feels a violation of the Code of Conduct has occurred or that a coach has utilized discretionary judgment or made a decision that is unfair or in error, the swimmer should first speak to the coach and make an effort to resolve the issue. If unable to reach a resolution that way, the swimmer is encouraged to bring the matter to the attention of the involved Team and/or Regional Grown-Up (League Director) or file a written grievance to the Head Grown-Up: [email protected]. Grievances related to misconduct may also be elevated to the U.S. Masters Swimming national board of review for consideration as outlined in Part 4, Article 403 of the USMS Rule Book. 

Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in any or all of the following: private reprimand; denial of participation; or suspension or a permanent ban from GUS and/or USMS activities.

Grown-Up Swimming, a subsidiary of U.S. Masters Swimming (“USMS”), as an organization for adults, is not subject to the SafeSport Act but we have close partnerships with national governing bodies that are bound by the legislation. USMS views placement on the SafeSport Disciplinary list as a violation of 402.4.8 of the USMS code of conduct and will result in the suspension of USMS membership and ability to participate in GUS activities, with the ability of the member to appeal the finding, as outlined in Part 4, Article 403 of the USMS Rule Book.