Swimming is a sport that values teamwork, co-operation, diversity, inclusion and leadership, and one that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Swimming New Zealand (Swimming NZ) is committed to ensuring that a diverse range of participants continue to enjoy our sport for years to come and to providing a safe environment in which to do so. Swimming NZ has developed the Membership Protection Policy Manual (the Policy) to reinforce its commitment to providing an environment for participants of all ages and backgrounds that is safe, free from harassment and abuse, and promotes respectful and positive behaviour and values.

This Policy includes a Code of Conduct that forms the basis of appropriate, ethical and acceptable conduct, which all members must abide by. It also includes a number of position guidelines that clearly set out Swimming NZ’s expectations in relation to behaviour and conduct, including the protection of our members under the age of 18, and a series of policies that guide members through the complaints, disputes, disciplinary and appeals processes.

The document is intended for the use of and to be applied to the members of Swimming NZ. For example,individual members, clubs and their committees, regions and their Boards, technical officials, andcoaches.