Code of Conduct and Essential Eligibility Requirements

Sarasota Youth Sailing Code of Conduct

    I promise to maintain a positive attitude and to be responsible for my conduct at all times while  participating in SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING activities and will follow these rules and  regulations and any other rules given by my coach: 

    1. I will not use or tolerate the use by other teammates, alcohol, drugs, tobacco or non-prescribed drugs, understanding that a drug free environment is necessary in order to  achieve individual and team success.

    2. I will respect the property of others, neither stealing, damaging, destroying or borrowing  another’s property without permission, nor tolerating such behavior by other  teammates. This extends to the property of SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING.

    3. I will treat other sailors, instructors, club staff and members, race officers and umpires  with respect, regardless of race, religion, gender or abilities. I understand that I may expect similar treatment from others.

    4. I will follow all safety procedures given by my coaches and other responsible adults,  understanding the paramount importance of safety. I will notify a coach or other  responsible adult if I feel that- other sailor is in danger.

    5. I will refrain from using inappropriate or profane language.

    6. I will attend every practice possible and will notify my coach if I cannot.

    7. I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow sailors, coaches and parents.

    8. I will not abuse my teammates, whether verbally, physically, or emotionally, nor tolerate such conduct in others, understanding that every team member has a right to enjoy  their participation. I understand that swearing, in any context, is unacceptable behavior.

    9. I will strive to listen and learn from my coaches.

    10. I will be responsible at all times for the transportation, safe storage, maintenance, and  setup of my boat and other equipment.

    11. I will behave and dress at all times in a manner consistent with the high standards  expected of my team, of my program, and of myself.

    12. I will demonstrate teamwork, helpfulness, and cooperative behavior.

    13. I understand what bullying is and will always refrain from any form or level of it.

     

    Bullying

    Bullying will never be tolerated on any SYS team. Bullying is conduct that is unwelcome by others, including other athletes, coaches, faculty and staff members. This includes conduct which a person knows, or ought reasonably to know, is unwelcome to the recipient. Unwanted physical contact, verbal abuse and threats, neglect, and unwelcome remarks including jokes, innuendo, or taunting (in verbal, written or digital form) about a person’s body, race, gender identity, attire, sexual orientation, or religion are all forms of bullying. Other examples of bullying may include but are not limited to:

    • Personally picking on a person in front of others, or in private.
    • Non-constructive criticism addressed in such a way as to belittle another person’s abilities and achievements, intimidate, undermine confidence, or implies incompetence.
    • Physical violence such as hitting, pushing, spitting or cruel practical jokes towards another person.
    • Interfering with another person’s property, such as by stealing, hiding or damaging it.
    • Using abusive or foul language and/or intimidating behavior including gestures and comments and use of offensive names when addressing another person.
    • Making rude, derogatory or offensive remarks, teasing or spreading rumors about another person or his/her family.
    • Writing offensive notes or graffiti about another person.
    • Unreasonably excluding another person from a group activity.
    • Ridiculing another person’s appearance, way of speaking, or mannerisms.
    • Cyber Bullying: misusing technology to hurt, intimidate, embarrass, and/or humiliate another person including peers and coaches.
    • Sexting: the sending of messages that include unwanted sexual remarks and/or photos/videos of a sexual nature.
    • Hazing: any initiation practice that may humiliate, degrade, demean, and/or disgrace a person regardless of location or consent of participants.
    • Repeated behavior which a person has previously objected to.
    • Any unwanted sexual remark or physical contact.

    Bullying can occur either through a single incident, or through a series of incidents. Bullying may occur even if the individual involved does not intend his/her conduct to be bullying.

    Bullying does not include the exercise of authority related to safety, the provision of advice, assignment of work or coaching, discipline or other similar supervisory functions undertaken for legitimate coaching purposes.

    14. I will refrain from any and all forms of harassment. Harassment is defined as engaging in any course of vexatious comment or conduct against another, which is known or thought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome. Harassment can also relate to a form of discrimination.

    15. I agree to report to my coach if I witness any other teammate bullying, harassing, exhibiting disrespectful behavior, or otherwise breaking the code of conduct.

       

      Disciplinary Actions 

      SARASOTA YOUTH SAILING employs a zero-tolerance policy with regards to prohibited  activities during program hours on program premise and during travel events. This includes the  use of illegal drugs, alcohol, tobacco and inappropriate use of controlled substances. Violation  of the zero-tolerance policy could result in immediate dismissal from the program. There will be  no refunds or proration of fees for suspensions or expulsions in connection with misconduct. SYS Program Director, Sailing Director, staff and coaches are responsible for enforcing certain rules and may discipline SYS participants when rules are broken at practices or while coaching at regattas.  When a sailor is under the supervision of a parent team leader, the parent team leader has been  provided guidelines to enforce rules and regulations consistent with SYS Disciplinary Actions contained herein. 

      In all cases, the decision of the SYS Executive Director and SYS Sailing Director is final. 

      The guidelines are  as follows: 

      Level 1 Infractions

      Disciplined at coach’s discretion and may include limiting practice time, isolation exercises or other testing. Report submitted to SYS Sailing Director and Program Directors office.

       

      Level 2 Infractions

      May be asked to go home from practice. Review for suspension from one or more future program days. Report submitted to SYS Sailing Director and Program Directors and guardians or parents will be notified of incident and concerns.

       

      Level 3 Infractions

      Removal from practice and review for suspension.

       

      Level 4 Infractions

      Removal from practice and suspension and tentative expulsion. 

      Sarasota Youth Sailing Essential Eligibility Requirements 

        Safe participation at Sarasota Youth Sailing (SYS) requires certain physical, mental, emotional, and social health abilities, and we are therefore limited in the types of accommodations we are able to provide, and the participants we can serve in the various formats of sail training SYS operates. What follows are the essential eligibility requirements for participants in our programs.

        An eligible participant must:

        • Demonstrate basic water skills, including swimming in a PFD 100 feet unaided and without stopping.
        • Be able to identify and recognize hazards independently, including, but not limited to, rough water, boat collisions, falling, capsizing, and other risks associated with the marine environment and the sport of sailing.
        • Be able to exit a capsized boat, fend for self while in the water away from the boat, attain and maintain correct body position if out of a vessel in rough seas, exit out of the water to shore, grabbing onto another boat or line as necessary for rescue purposes, and perform self-rescue and/or cooperate with an assisted rescue.
        • Be able to move around the vessel as necessary to perform tasks such as sail setting and striking and /or avoid hazards on board, such as avoiding the boom during a change in tack.
        • Be able to observe and assess sail trim, the surrounding navigational environment, and the hazards that are inherent in the operation of a vessel.
        • Be able to understand verbal and visual instructions individually and in a group setting, and follow such instructions whether supervised or not.
        • Be able to comprehend hazards and safety concerns when explained, and to adhere to safety policies and procedures even when instructors are not present.
        • Be able to identify and recognize hazards posed by the environment (e.g. water, sun, wind, cold, etc.) and other participants.
        • Be able to effectively communicate with others personal distress, injury or need for assistance, and communicate to others any hazards and dangers that they perceive.
        • Be able to stay properly hydrated and nourished and learn skills for self-care, including proper hygiene and use of clothing and equipment in the marine environment.
        • Be able to contribute to a safe social and learning environment and maintain appropriate relationships with other group members and instructors, refrain from harassment and bullying, and all other behavior that disrupts the learning of others or the cohesion of the group.