MISSION WPC CODE OF CONDUCTS & PARENT ENGAGEMENT POLICY

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Mission Water Polo Club (“Mission WPC”) is committed to providing athletes with exceptional coaching, meaningful development opportunities, high-level competition, and a safe, respectful, and positive team environment.

The success of our program depends on a shared commitment from athletes, parents, guardians, coaches, and families. The Athlete Code of Conduct establishes the standards of behavior expected from every Mission WPC athlete. The Parent Engagement Policy & Code of Conduct establishes the standards for parent and guardian communication, conduct, and participation in the Mission WPC community.

Together, these policies are intended to:

• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
• Encourage athletes to develop discipline, accountability, teamwork, and leadership.
• Support positive relationships among athletes, coaches, families, officials, opponents, and the broader water polo community.
• Establish clear expectations for communication and conflict resolution.
• Protect the integrity and positive culture of Mission WPC.
• Ensure that athletes and families understand their responsibility to represent themselves, their families, and Mission WPC with respect and integrity.

All athletes and their parents or guardians must read, understand, and agree to the applicable sections of this document before participating in Mission WPC. Parents and guardians are responsible for reviewing the Athlete Code of Conduct with their athletes and supporting them in meeting these expectations.

Failure to comply with these policies may result in disciplinary action, up to and including suspension or removal from Mission WPC.

Mission WPC expects every athlete to contribute to a safe, respectful, competitive, and positive team environment. Athletes are representatives of themselves, their families, their teammates, and Mission WPC.

1. Commitment to Safety

Mission WPC is committed to providing a safe learning and competitive environment for all athletes.

Athletes must not engage in:

• Physical or verbal harassment
• Bullying, intimidation, or threats
• Inappropriate physical contact
• Behavior intended to harm, frighten, humiliate, or intimidate another person

Athletes are expected to speak up and seek help from a coach or club leader when they experience or witness conduct that may compromise the safety or well-being of others.

Violations of this standard may result in suspension or removal from the team or Mission WPC.

2. Respect and Sportsmanship

Athletes will demonstrate respect and good sportsmanship toward:

• Coaches and club staff
• Teammates
• Opponents
• Officials
• Volunteers
• Spectators and the public
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Athletes must refrain from negative, disrespectful, or derogatory speech or behavior toward or about another athlete, teammate, opponent, coach, volunteer, or member of the public.

Athletes are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on themselves, their teammates, their families, and Mission WPC.

3. Dedication, Effort, and Attitude

Athletes are expected to demonstrate commitment to their team and their individual development.

Athletes will:

• Attend practices, games, tournaments, and team activities regularly.
• Arrive on time and prepared to participate.
• Notify their coach in advance when they are unable to attend a scheduled activity.
• Give consistent effort during practices and competitions.
• Maintain a positive and constructive attitude both on and off the pool deck.
• Contribute to an environment that is enjoyable, challenging, and supportive.

Athletes understand that dedication, preparation, and effort are essential components of individual and team success.

4. Cooperation and Teamwork

Mission WPC believes that strong teams are built through cooperation, trust, and mutual support.

Athletes will:

• Work cooperatively with teammates.
• Communicate in a constructive and respectful manner.
• Encourage and support their teammates.
• Celebrate teammates' accomplishments.
• Contribute positively to the team regardless of their individual role.

Athletes are expected to understand that team success depends on each member contributing to a positive team culture.

5. Fair Play and Integrity

Athletes will play by the rules and uphold the spirit of fair competition. Athletes are expected to:

• Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
• Respect the decisions of officials.
• Compete with appropriate intensity while maintaining respect for others.
• Accept both success and disappointment with maturity.
• Understand that success is measured not only by the final score but also by effort, character, teamwork, and personal conduct.

6. Care for Equipment and Facilities

Athletes are expected to respect and properly care for:

• Mission WPC equipment
• Team uniforms and apparel
• Pool and training facilities
• Equipment and facilities used during travel, scrimmages, tournaments, and competitions

Athletes must immediately report accidental damage, loss, or unsafe conditions to a Mission WPC coach. Damage resulting from negligence, misuse, or intentional destructive behavior may result in disciplinary action and may require the athlete or family to be responsible for appropriate repair or replacement costs.

7. Communication

Athletes are expected to communicate openly, respectfully, and appropriately with teammates, coaches, and club staff.

When an athlete has a concern or conflict, they should:

1. Address the matter respectfully with the appropriate teammate or coach when appropriate.
2. Seek assistance from a coach or club leader when they are unable to resolve the issue constructively.
3. Avoid gossip, personal attacks, group messaging conflicts, or public social media discussions about team issues.

Athletes are encouraged to take an active role in communicating about their own development and experience.

8. Responsible Social Media Use

Athletes are expected to use social media and other online platforms responsibly.

Athletes must not post, share, or promote content that is:

• Harassing, threatening, or discriminatory
• Bullying or intimidating
• Derogatory toward teammates, coaches, opponents, officials, or volunteers
• Intentionally harmful to another person
• Inappropriate or inconsistent with Mission WPC standards

Athletes should understand that their online behavior can affect their teammates, families, and the reputation of Mission WPC. The expectations of this Code of Conduct apply to online conduct when an athlete is identifiable as a Mission WPC athlete or when their conduct directly affects the club, its athletes, or its community.

9. Athlete Cell Phone and Device Policy

Mission WPC wants athletes to be fully present during practices, competitions, and team activities. Limiting cell phone and device use helps create a focused learning environment and supports the development of meaningful relationships and friendships among our athletes. To support these goals:

• Athletes must keep cell phones and personal electronic devices in their pockets, bags, or other designated storage areas when they arrive at the facility for practices and games.
• Cell phones and devices should remain put away throughout practices and games unless a coach gives permission for their use.
• This expectation also applies during official team functions, including team meals, team events, and other activities where athletes are gathered as a group.
• Athletes may always use their phone to contact a parent or guardian when needed. However, athletes should notify a coach before using their phone or device.
• Coaches may establish additional device expectations for specific practices, competitions, travel, or team activities.
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The purpose of this policy is not to restrict necessary communication, but to encourage athletes to be present, engaged, focused, and connected with their teammates and coaches.

Parents and guardians are an essential part of the Mission WPC community. Their role is to support their athletes, reinforce the values of the club, and help create an environment where athletes can learn, compete, and grow.

1. Positive Support and Sportsmanship

Parents and guardians are expected to model the character, sportsmanship, and behavior we want our athletes to develop. Parents and guardians will:

• Provide positive support and encouragement for their athlete, teammates, families, coaches, and the Mission WPC community.
• Model good sportsmanship in both victories and defeats, demonstrating humility, composure, and respect.
• Treat coaches, athletes, teammates, opponents, officials, volunteers, and spectators with courtesy and respect.
• Recognize that officials and opposing teams are essential contributors to the competitive and developmental experience of our athletes.
• Refrain from behavior, language, or actions that could incite conflict, create a negative atmosphere, or undermine the team environment.
• Support the coaching staff and allow coaches to perform their responsibilities without interference.

These standards apply at practices, games, tournaments, travel events, team functions, parking lots, and any other setting where parents are representing Mission WPC.

2. Let Coaches Coach, Let Players Play

Parents and guardians are expected to allow coaches to coach and athletes to play.

Parents and guardians will:

• Remain in designated spectator areas during practices, scrimmages, and games unless otherwise directed by club staff.
• Refrain from coaching, instructing, or directing athletes from the stands, sidelines, pool deck, or spectator areas.
• Allow coaches to make decisions regarding training, lineups, positions, strategy, and playing time.
• Support athletes without placing additional pressure on them during or immediately after competition.

Questions about an athlete's development should be directed to the coaching staff through the communication process below.

3. Communication with Coaches and Club Staff

Mission WPC encourages open, respectful, and productive communication. Parent communication should focus on the development, well-being, and experience of the parent's own athlete.

Parents and guardians will:

• Communicate respectfully, professionally, and in a timely manner.
• Discuss concerns with the appropriate Mission WPC staff rather than with other parents, athletes, or through public or group forums.
• Address concerns regarding their own athlete only.
• Allow coaches reasonable time to respond.

Communication Process

Significant questions, concerns, or complaints should follow this process:

Step 1: Athlete's Head Coach
Parents should first contact their athlete's Head Coach by email. Initial communications regarding a significant concern should be approximately 300 words or fewer, clearly explain the concern, and request a meeting if additional discussion is needed.

Step 2: Age Group/High School Director
If the concern cannot be resolved with the Head Coach, or if the matter requires additional oversight, parents may request a meeting with the athlete's Age Group or High School Director.

Step 3: Club Director
When appropriate, unresolved matters may be escalated to the Club Director.

Parents should not bypass this process unless the nature of the concern requires immediate involvement from club leadership.

Meetings

Meetings with coaches should be scheduled in advance. Significant concerns should not be addressed through impromptu conversations before, during, or immediately after practices or competitions.

Parents are encouraged to include their athlete in meetings with coaches when appropriate and when doing so supports the athlete's development and understanding of the situation.

4. Playing Time, Team Decisions, and Player Evaluation

Mission WPC is intentionally structured to provide athletes with targeted instruction, individualized development, and meaningful opportunities to compete. Participation on a team, roster, practice group, or tournament roster does not guarantee equal playing time.

Playing time, lineups, positions, competition rosters, and other personnel decisions are determined solely by the coaching staff based on athlete development, performance, team needs, competition circumstances, and the coaches' professional judgment. Equal playing time should only be expected when coaches explicitly communicate that it will be provided for a specific game or tournament.

Parents may discuss their own athlete's:

• Development and progress
• Strengths and areas for improvement
• Skill development
• Competitive readiness
• Training recommendations
• General expectations and opportunities

Parents may not request or expect coaches to:

• Discuss another athlete's playing time or performance
• Explain another athlete's role or evaluation
• Compare athletes
• Justify why another athlete is playing
• Discuss another family's child

Coaches will only discuss the parent's own athlete. All player evaluations and personnel decisions are the responsibility of the coaching staff. Parents are expected to respect the final decisions of the coaches.

5. Parent Group Chats, Messaging, and Social Media

Parent group chats, text-message groups, messaging applications, public message boards, and similar communication channels should be used primarily for logistical and informational purposes, including:

• Practice and game schedules
• Tournament information
• Transportation coordination
• Team logistics
• Other appropriate team-related information

These platforms must not be used to:

• Criticize or undermine coaches
• Discuss or debate playing time
• Evaluate or compare athletes
• Discuss another family's child
• Spread rumors, speculation, or misinformation
• Publicly complain about the club or its personnel
• Create conflict or division among families

Concerns about the club, coaches, or an athlete's experience should be communicated directly to the appropriate Mission WPC staff member through the established communication process.

6. Representing Mission Water Polo Club

Parents and guardians should understand that their conduct can reflect on Mission WPC and their family. Parents are considered representatives of Mission WPC when they:

• Attend club practices, games, tournaments, or events
• Travel with or for the club
• Wear Mission WPC apparel
• Communicate publicly about Mission WPC
• Tag, mention, or reference Mission WPC on social media

Parents are therefore expected to maintain the highest standards of respectful and sportsmanlike behavior whenever they are associated with the club. This expectation applies regardless of whether the club is actively in session.

Mission WPC believes that concerns are best resolved through direct, respectful communication with the appropriate club staff. Parents and guardians should not attempt to resolve concerns through other parents, athletes, group chats, social media, or public discussion. 

However, when all other avenues discussed in this document have been exhausted, and a conflict still exists, the club will first ensure that each of the following representatives have been involved, and then the Board of Directors will decide on a final resolution.

1. Athlete's Head Coach
2. Athlete's Age Group/High School Director
3. Club Director

Parents are expected to give each level an appropriate opportunity to address the concern before escalating the matter, unless the nature of the concern requires immediate involvement from the Club Director or Board of Directors.

Policy Violations and Duty to Report Violations

Athletes, parents, and guardians are expected to comply with Mission WPC Code of Conducts and all other Mission WPC policies. Violations may result in disciplinary action appropriate to the nature and severity of the conduct. Consequences may include, but are not limited to:

• Verbal or written warning
• Parent or athlete meeting with club leadership
• Required corrective action
• Suspension from club activities or events
• Removal of a parent or guardian from a club activity
• Suspension of an athlete
• Dismissal from Mission WPC

Mission WPC reserves the right to determine the appropriate response to conduct that negatively affects the safety, well-being, development, or culture of the program. Parents, players, coaches and volunteers are encouraged to report all suspected violations of the Mission WPC Code of Conduct. All reported violations of the Code of Conduct laid out by Mission WPC will result in a review by the Mission WPC Directors. 

The Mission WPC Directors will enforce the Code of Conduct through the following means, in the Director's absolute discretion, based on the severity and repetition of violations:

1st Level Offense: Letter from Mission WPC defining discipline actions and restitution.

2nd Level Offense: Suspension of player and/or parent from attending games and/or practices.

3rd Level Offense: PARENT and PLAYER suspended or expelled for the remainder of the season and a hearing to determine the player's eligibility for future play.

If conduct occurs away from home, the player may be sent home by the first available transportation (after notice to, and coordination with, the player's parent). Any additional expenses incurred in the transportation will be the parents' or guardians' sole cost and expense.

PLEASE NOTE: Mission WPC has the right to suspend or expel any player and/or parent without proceeding through Levels 1 and 2 if an incident is deemed sufficiently serious, for example violent or threatening behavior, or inappropriate physical contact.