Code of Conduct
CODE OF CONDUCT
1. Coaches should always show respect for the competitive facility in which they are competing and are responsible to ensure their athletes abide by all rules of the host institution. This includes deck changing, which is strictly prohibited.
2. Coaches should conduct themselves in a manner that brings respect to their institution and the conference, understanding their responsibility as an educator and a role model for their athletes.
3. Coaches may discuss calls with officials in a respectful manner at the appropriate time. Discussions with officials after a game should take place in a location removed from spectators and players.
4. Coaches are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, adhering to the tenets of the CWPA Sportsmanship statement in its entirety. At no time may coaches publicly criticize officials.
5. Coaches should maintain a professional demeanor in appearance, abiding by the dress code: collared shirt, shoes or sandals, pants or shorts (no jeans or T-shirts).
6. Coaches are prohibited from all forms of illegal gambling and from making wagers on the sport of water polo and other collegiate sports.
7. All Individuals associated with the CWPA, including coaches, athletes, and officials, shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with protecting the integrity of the CWPA. Any person involved in activity, unlawful or otherwise, which in the discretion of the Commissioner is deemed to bring disrespect or otherwise adversely affect the integrity and reputation of the CWPA or the member teams may suffer disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion from the organization.
8. Any person officially charged with a crime will be removed from direct involvement with the CWPA until such time the matter is resolved, at which point the Commissioner in consultation with the Board of Directors may determine a course of action.
ATHLETES
1. Athletes should always show respect for the competitive facility, taking care to abide by all rules of the institution in which they are competing. Deck changing is strictly prohibited.
2. Athletes should conduct themselves in a manner that brings respect to their institution and the conference. The use of profanity is prohibited at all times, as is the consumption of alcoholic beverages or use of tobacco products in the facility.
3. Teams should be in uniform while on deck (suits or warm-ups, no street clothes) and wear caps during warm-up.
4. Athletes are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship, adhering to the tenets of the CWPA Sportsmanship statement in its entirety. Players may not publicly criticize officials at any time.
5. Athletes are prohibited from all forms of illegal gambling and from making wagers on the sport of water polo or other collegiate sports.
6. All Individuals associated with the CWPA, including coaches, athletes, and officials, shall conduct themselves in a manner consistent with protecting the integrity of the CWPA. Any person involved in activity, unlawful or otherwise, which in the discretion of the Commissioner is deemed to bring disrespect or otherwise adversely affect the integrity and reputation of the CWPA or the member teams may suffer disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion from the organization.
7. Any person officially charged with a crime will be removed from direct involvement with the CWPA until such time the matter is resolved, at which point the Commissioner in consultation with the Board of Directors may determine a course of action.
VIOLATIONS
All violations of the Code of Conduct are reviewed by the Commissioner and if appropriate, referred to the appropriate Governance Council. The procedure for this committee is outlined below.
Step 1 An allegation or issue arises and a contact is made to the CWPA office
Step 2 The CWPA investigates the situation, gathering statements and information
Step 3 If the situation requires discussion, the Commissioner sends a summary of the issue along with the information to the respective Governance Council. Otherwise he outlines the action to be taken based on current policy.
Step 4 If the matter can be reviewed by video, the CWPA creates an online version available for review
Step 5 The Commissioner arranges for a conference call, wherein the Governance Council arrives at a judgment
Step 6 The Commissioner relays the outcome to the parties involved
Authority
The Governance Councils have complete authority on all disciplinary matters
Standard
The CWPA Code of Conduct is used as the behavioral standard. When appropriate, past actions and history of those involved are weighed as part of the decision-making process.
Membership
The varsity teams and sport club teams have their own Governance Councils comprised of individuals from within the membership. These individuals are elected by the membership.
