Aquatic Foundation of Alaska

Aquatic Foundation of Alaska (AFA)

Empowering Alaskans through Water Safety, Education, and Competitive Spirit
Website: www.aquaticfoundationalaska.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (779) AFA–YETI

AFA Code of Conduct

Effective Date: October 10, 2025
Approved By: AFA Board of Directors
Last Reviewed: October 10, 2025

1. Purpose

The Aquatic Foundation of Alaska (AFA) is dedicated to nurturing a lifelong connection to water through safety, skill, and community.
This Code of Conduct establishes the shared expectations for all members of AFA — including athletes, parents/guardians, coaches, staff, volunteers, and board members — to ensure every environment connected to AFA is safe, respectful, and growth-oriented.

Our goal is to uphold the principles of Respect, Integrity, Safety, Responsibility, and Sportsmanship, creating a culture where everyone can thrive both in and out of the water.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all individuals participating in or representing AFA in any capacity, including:

  • Swimmers and athletes

  • Parents and guardians

  • Coaches and staff

  • Volunteers and officials

  • Board and committee members

The Code of Conduct governs behavior at all AFA-related activities, including practices, competitions, travel, meetings, digital communications, and public appearances.

3. Core Values

  • Respect: Treat teammates, coaches, volunteers, officials, and competitors with dignity. Value diversity and inclusion.

  • Integrity: Be honest, accountable, and dependable. Follow through on commitments.

  • Safety: Prioritize the physical and emotional safety of yourself and others. Follow all Safe Sport and facility safety rules.

  • Responsibility: Represent AFA with pride, discipline, and consistency. Own your actions.

  • Sportsmanship: Compete and participate with fairness, humility, and encouragement for all.

4. Behavioral Expectations

Athletes

  • Arrive on time and be ready to give your best effort.

  • Demonstrate respect toward teammates, coaches, and competitors.

  • Follow instructions and maintain a positive attitude.

  • Avoid profanity, gossip, or negative behavior that affects team unity.

  • Refrain from bullying, hazing, or unsafe conduct.

  • Model leadership by helping younger swimmers and representing the Yeti spirit with pride.

Coaches & Staff

  • Create a safe, inclusive, and positive training environment.

  • Uphold all Safe Sport and AFA safety requirements.

  • Maintain professional boundaries and positive communication.

  • Provide feedback constructively and support athlete development.

  • Report misconduct immediately to the Head Coach or Safe Sport Coordinator.

Parents & Guardians

  • Support athletes through encouragement and positive reinforcement.

  • Respect the coaching process — avoid sideline coaching or interference.

  • Address concerns respectfully and through the appropriate chain:

    1. Athlete’s Coach

    2. Parent Coordinator or Admin

    3. Head Coach / CEO

    4. Safe Sport Coordinator (for misconduct or safety concerns)

  • Follow AFA volunteer and communication policies.

  • Model integrity, patience, and sportsmanship.

Volunteers & Officials

  • Act in the best interest of athletes and the program.

  • Maintain impartiality, professionalism, and confidentiality.

  • Support the event environment and uphold AFA’s behavioral standards.

Board Members & Committees

  • Lead with transparency, accountability, and integrity.

  • Avoid conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality in sensitive matters.

  • Uphold AFA’s mission, values, and policies in all decisions and communications.

5. Unacceptable Conduct

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited:

  • Physical, verbal, or emotional abuse

  • Bullying, hazing, or harassment of any kind

  • Discrimination or exclusionary actions

  • Inappropriate communication or relationships with minors

  • Use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping, or illegal substances during AFA activities

  • Disrespectful behavior toward officials, coaches, teammates, or parents

  • Theft, vandalism, or destruction of property

  • Any action that jeopardizes safety, team reputation, or AFA’s mission

6. Enforcement & Disciplinary Process

AFA handles all violations with fairness, confidentiality, and consistency.
Progressive disciplinary steps may include:

  1. Verbal Warning

  2. Written Notice or Meeting

  3. Suspension from AFA Activities

  4. Removal from AFA Membership

Removal Clause: AFA reserves the right to remove any athlete, parent, coach, or volunteer whose behavior is inconsistent with this Code of Conduct, Safe Sport principles, or AFA’s mission.

Serious misconduct or illegal behavior will be reported immediately to USA Swimming’s Safe Sport Office, law enforcement, or appropriate authorities.

7. Reporting Concerns

Concerns, misconduct, or safety issues can be reported through any of the following channels:

All reports will be acknowledged within 48 hours and reviewed following the AFA Grievance & Reporting Policy.

8. Acknowledgment

Participation in AFA programs constitutes agreement to this Code of Conduct.
All members — athletes, parents, coaches, staff, and volunteers — are required to sign an acknowledgment form annually during registration.

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Aquatic Foundation of Alaska (AFA) — Promoting safety, excellence, and inclusion through the power of water.
www.aquaticfoundationalaska.org • [email protected] • (779) AFA–YETI


 


 

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