Shared Expectations
Derwentside & Gateshead Swim Team
Shared Expectations
Our club works best when athletes, parents and coaches are pulling in the same direction. This page sets out what we each commit to, so that everyone knows where they stand.
Our committee, coaches, team managers, officials, and many of the people who help behind the scenes are all volunteers who generously give their time to support the club and our swimmers. Many of us are parents, balancing our volunteer roles alongside work, family, and other commitments. We all give our time with the best interests of the club at heart and are continually learning, developing, and striving to make the best decisions we can. We appreciate that members may sometimes have questions or different perspectives, and we encourage respectful, constructive conversations. A little patience, understanding, and kindness help create the positive and supportive club environment that we all want for our swimmers.
D&G Swim Team is built on mutual respect, open communication and a shared commitment to athlete development. These expectations apply to everyone involved in our club.
What the Club Commits to Athletes and Parents
Coaching and Safety
- All coaches are qualified, DBS-checked and committed to ongoing development.
- Every session is delivered in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
- Safeguarding and welfare policies are followed at all times. Our Welfare Officer is available to any athlete or parent who has a concern. See our Policies page for full details.
- We will never tolerate bullying, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour from anyone within the club.
Communication and Transparency
- Session times, squad changes and cancellations will be communicated promptly through our usual club channels.
- Gala selection criteria are applied consistently and fairly. If you have a question about selection, speak to your coach.
- We will provide honest, constructive feedback on athlete progress when requested.
- Concerns raised by parents or athletes will be taken seriously and responded to in a timely manner.
Development Focus
- Squad placement is based on coach assessment of ability, attitude and commitment, not age or length of membership alone.
- We take a long-term view of athlete development. Short-term results are not the only measure of progress.
- We will support athletes through setbacks as well as successes.
What We Ask of Parents
Practical Responsibilities
- Drop off and collect your child punctually. Please do not leave until your child is under the supervision of a coach.
- Keep your contact details and your child's medical information up to date with the club.
- Pay membership fees and gala entry fees on time. If you are experiencing difficulty, please speak to us in confidence.
- Notify the club of absences in advance wherever possible.
- Ensure your child arrives with the correct kit and ready to train.
Behaviour and Attitude
- Please do not coach your child from the poolside. This undermines the coach-athlete relationship and can cause confusion.
- Encourage your child positively, regardless of results. Focus on effort and improvement rather than times and placings.
- Respect coaches, officials, other athletes and their families at all times, at training and at galas.
- Raise concerns through the correct channels: speak to the head coach or welfare officer rather than raising issues poolside or on social media.
- Uphold the club's values in all interactions, including online.
Consent and Communication
- Keep your consent preferences up to date, including photography and social media consent. Our Policies page includes our photography and data protection policies.
- Contact coaches through the club's agreed communication channels. Please do not approach coaches during sessions.
- Respond promptly to gala entry requests and deadline reminders, as late responses may mean your child misses out on entries.
What We Ask of Athletes
Athletes also have their own dedicated shared expectations document covering the coach-athlete relationship in more detail. Read the Athletes and Coaches Shared Expectations here.
Commitment and Conduct
- Attend sessions consistently and give advance notice when you cannot make it.
- Arrive on time, ready to train, with the correct kit.
- Give your best effort in every session. Coaches notice attitude as much as ability.
- Respect your coaches, teammates and officials at all times.
- Represent D&G with pride at galas and events, on and off the poolside.
Behaviour and Responsibility
- Uphold the club's code of conduct, including on social media. See our Policies page for the full code of conduct.
- Speak to your coach or welfare officer if something is worrying you. We are here to help.
- Be aware of anti-doping responsibilities as you progress into senior competition. Ignorance is not a defence.
- Support your teammates. A strong team culture benefits everyone.
Our Shared Commitments
Together, we commit to
- Treating every person in the club with dignity and respect.
- Communicating openly and honestly, and raising concerns through the right channels.
- Prioritising the long-term wellbeing and development of every athlete over short-term results.
- Creating an environment where athletes feel safe, valued and motivated to achieve their potential.
- Upholding the reputation of D&G Swim Team in everything we do.
Raising a Concern
How to get in touch
- For welfare or safeguarding concerns, contact our Welfare Officer directly. Full details are on our Policies page.
- For coaching or squad queries, speak to the head coach at an appropriate time, not during a session.
- For general club matters, use the contact form on our website.
- If you feel a concern has not been addressed, you can escalate to the club committee.