News

Good Afternoon again,

I am writing to communicate a growing number of unsavory incidents that are happening lately at SGC and SQ events involving supporters and/or members of clubs affiliated with SGC. Certain events have been witnessed by SGC Technical officials and SGC Committee members, as well as numerous incidents communicated to the SGC committee by concerned members of the GC swimming community.

First and foremost, can I please implore that we are conducting (generally) a children’s sporting activity and any displays of intimidation, bullying, aggression and any other forms of disgusting behaviour will be dealt with accordingly. The fact this is on the rise between parents, between swimmers and also aimed at both coaches and swimmers is beyond belief. SGC is requesting that all club leaders please ensure that it is made clear to ALL attendees attached to their club at any swimming event to conduct themselves in a way that is befitting an intelligent, civilised grown up person that is at a sporting event to watch their child(ren) or grandchild(ren). The most disturbing of these involve disgusting comments aimed at women, including coaches, intimidation of other swimmers, especially MC swimmers and general bad behaviour of parents including arguing with other event attendees, abuse and intimidation of technical officials and most disturbingly getting involved in physical altercations.

SGC has made a concerted effort to raise awareness about these types of issues through inclusion of different posters added into our meet programs, and we will be increasing our communication around appropriate behaviour through our social media channels. We had hoped not to do this publicly, due to the negative connotations that it portrays about the entire region, however, we no longer have a choice. All club and SGC hosted meet attendees are bound by the SGC and Swimming Australia Code of Conduct (links below). Any breach of these documents moving forward will be dealt with accordingly, with ongoing issues risk the potential for individuals to be stripped of membership and refused entry to SGC affiliated events and extreme ongoing events at any single club could also call into question the opportunity of ongoing affiliation with Swimming Gold Coast.

This is a very serious matter relating to member and child protection issues, that needs to be stopped in its tracks immediately. Please ensure your members and event attendees attached to your club are aware of their expected behaviours at any swim meet or swimming activity.

Finally, if you are witness to any incidents moving forward, please let a member of the SGC committee know as soon as possible, or alternatively let a SGC technical official know, if it is at a swim meet. Members coming forward are also protected through the Swimming Australia Whistleblower Policy (link below).

SGC Code of Conduct

SwimAus Code of Conduct

SwimAus Whistleblower Policy

We cannot afford to cheapen the experience of our swimmers and their families at our events, nor can we risk any child safeguarding or member protection issues within Swimming Gold Coast. Please provide any necessary feedback and please disseminate throughout your clubs as you see fit.

Regards,

Warren Dopson

President

Swimming Gold Coast

Mobile 0419 627 519

swimminggoldcoast.org.au



PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WE ARE VOLUNTEERS DOING THIS FOR YOUR CHILDREN