POLICIES Charles River Aquatics

POLICIES

Charles River Aquatics

Illness Policy

May 2023

Charles River Aquatics Policy Regarding Illness

 

At Charles River Aquatics (CRA) the health and safety of our patrons and staff is of the utmost importance. 

Per the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, if you have a communicable disease, you may not swim

Please stay home if you are not feeling well.

Your adherence to this policy is essential to the health and safety of everyone. 

Thank you!

Code of Conduct and Policies, CRA

June 2023

Code of Conduct

Charles River Aquatics

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to provide the guidelines necessary to create an educational, supportive, and safe environment for all Charles River Aquatics (CRA) patrons including coaches, parents/guardians, athletes, participants, officials and any other attendees at Albany Road-Wellesley (d.b.a. Boston Sports Institute (BSI)). 

Youth athletic/sports programs play an important role in promoting the physical, social and emotional development of children and young adults. It is therefore essential for parents/guardians, coaches and officials to encourage youth athletes to embrace the values of good sportsmanship. Moreover, adults involved in youth sporting events should be models of good sportsmanship and should lead by example, demonstrating fairness, respect, and self-control. 

CRA offers a safe and supportive environment to patrons of all ages and ability levels.  In addition to ensuring a healthy environment for young athletes, it is essential that all individuals learning to swim, including adults, have a safe, comfortable place in which to do so. 

Any, coach, parent/guardian, athlete, participant, official or other attendee found in violation of this Code of Conduct is subject to immediate removal from the facility and may be subject to temporary or permanent debarment. 

CRA adheres to the policies of inclusion and safety as specified in USA Swimming guidelines, www.usaswimming.org.

Coaches, parents/guardians, and other responsible adults are expected to review this Code of Conduct, and adhere to it. Prior to use of the pools at Albany Road-Wellesley, coaches, parents/guardians, and other responsible adults are expected to share the contents of this Code with their athletes, students, campers, and clients and support adherence. 

Expectations of Conduct:

  • I will review and adhere to the rules and Code of Conduct of USA Swimming, www.usaswimming.org. I will encourage minors in my care and all others to abide by this Code.
  • I will not engage in unsportsmanlike conduct with any coach, parent/guardian, athlete, participant, official or any other attendee and I will encourage minors in my care and all others to demonstrate good sportsmanship.
  • I will not engage in any behavior which would endanger the health, safety or well-being of any coach, parent/guardian, athlete, participant, official, CRA staff member or any other attendee and I will encourage minors in my care and all others to behave in this manner.
  • I will not use drugs, alcohol or marijuana at Albany Road-Wellesley and I will not permit any minor in my care to use. I, and minors in my care, will not attend, coach, officiate or participate in any activities at Albany Road-Wellesley while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or marijuana. I will discourage use among other attendees.  
  • I will not use any tobacco products, including electronic nicotine delivery systems (also known as e-cigarettes, e-cigars, e-hookahs, and e-pipes) at Albany Road-Wellesley and I will not permit any minor in my care to use.  I will discourage use among other attendees. 
  • I will not engage in profane, abusive, violent or threatening language or behavior and I will not tolerate any such language or behavior from minors in my care, or from any others.
  • I will treat all coaches, parents/guardians, athletes, participants, officials, CRA staff members and all other attendees with respect regardless of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or ability. I will encourage this same respect in minors in my care and in all others.
  • I will not damage any property or equipment at Albany Road-Wellesley, I will remove all of my belongings upon departure, and I will properly dispose of trash. I will ensure this same respect from minors in my care and expect it from all others.
  • I will be respectful of all other patrons and of CRA staff members at Albany Road-Wellesley while attending programming in the natatorium. My behavior will not interrupt quiet enjoyment.  I will expect the same respect from minors in my care and from all others.

Charles River Aquatics at Albany Road-Wellesley, d.b.a. Boston Sports Institute (BSI)

POLICIES

 Safety

  • No Running on pool deck, in changing rooms, or in hallways
  • Glass Containers are not permitted in the natatorium or changing rooms
  • Pool patrons are not permitted to access storage closets or other areas restricted to staff
  • Any person with a known communicable disease may not use the pools
  • Any person with an open wound may not use the pools. Adhesive bandages are not sufficient wound coverage

 Supervision of Minors

  • All minors under the age of 12 attending lessons, clinics, camps, team practices, or other classes may be unattended only during the time allotted for the program. For all other programming, including special events, all minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
  • Expectations of the Code of Conduct are to be followed by all persons at all times while at the pools at Albany Road-Wellesley and must be reviewed with minors in advance of attendance at any program.
  • All minors age 12 and under must pass a basic deep end test before using the deep end of the Competition Pool during Recreational Swim or special events.
  • Coaches and adults supervising minors must abide by CRA’s Policy on the Protection of Minors https://charlesriveraquatics.com/policies/ 

Lap Swim 

Patrons swimming during designated Lap Swim hours must be 18 years or older

Swim Caps

  • All persons with hair 6 inches or longer must wear swim caps at all times.
  • All students enrolled in CRA swim lessons, levels 3 and higher, must wear swim caps at all times.
  • All athletes swimming with youth or adult swim teams must wear swim caps at all times.

Showering

ALL patrons must thoroughly rinse before entering the pools.  This keeps the pools clean, and ensures a healthy environment for all to enjoy.

Changing Rooms

  • Changing rooms in the natatorium at the Albany Road-Wellesley are available for use only while swimming. CRA is not responsible for personal belongings.  Therefore, patrons are encouraged to bring valuables to deck while swimming. All belongings must be removed upon exit from the facility. 
  • CRA expects all patrons to demonstrate respect and modesty. No children over the age of 4 are allowed in the changing room of the opposite sex.  The Family Changing Room is intended for use by all, regardless of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity.

Children in Diapers

Form fitting swim diapers, underneath rubber pants with leg gathers, are required for all babies and toddlers not yet toilet trained.

Strollers

Strollers are not permitted on pool deck.

Photography

CRA upholds a strict policy regarding photography in and around the pools at Albany Road-Wellesley.

All photographs must observe generally accepted standards of decency, in particular:

  • Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity, not a sexualized image in a sporting context
  • Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or displaced swimsuit
  • Photographs may not be taken from behind starting blocks at the start of a race, or exhibit an individual climbing out of the swimming pool
  • Photographs may not be taken in the changing rooms or bathrooms

Equipment

  • Diving boards, starting blocks, and other competitive equipment are only for use under the direct supervision of a coach or with special permission of CRA Management and lifeguards.
  • SCUBA equipment and personal flotation devices are not permitted in the pools at Albany Road-Wellesley unless under the supervision of an instructor.

Private Swimming Lessons

The use of the pools at Albany Road-Wellesley during recreational or lap swim to offer private swimming lessons is strictly prohibited.  Only CRA staff may provide swim instruction. 

*The possession of weapons, and the use, possession or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, or illegal substances is strictly prohibited at Albany Road-Wellesley.*

Behavioral Policy

Children Enrolled in CRA Programming

CRA is committed to fostering a safe learning environment for all participants.  Any disruption to the learning process will not be tolerated. Children will be issued a warning for the first infraction and given a supervised out-of-the-water timeout for the second.  During a timeout, trained deck staff will discuss appropriate behavior with the goal of a swift return to the group.

Any child receiving three timeouts in one class period will be removed and sent home early.

Serious behavioral and safety infractions, such as hitting, pushing, kicking, or spitting on others, will not be tolerated and will result in immediate expulsion from the program.  No refund will be offered for the remainder of the month or for the week of camp in which the incident occurred.

Anti-Bullying Policy

Anti-Bullying Policy

CRA is committed to providing a safe and civil educational environment, free from harassment, intimidation, or bullying for all program participants.  Bullying, harassment, and intimidation will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action or expulsion from CRA.

CRA abides by the Anti-Bullying Policies put forth by USA Swimming. https://www.usaswimming.org/

Policy on the Protection of Minors

June 2023

Policy on the Protection of Minors

Charles River Aquatics (CRA)

An adult is defined as a person aged 18 years or older.

A child (minor) is defined as anyone under the age of 18.

All staff (of CRA and of other user groups) must read and abide by policies for child safety and abuse prevention as outlined in this Policy on the Protection of Minors.

All programs must have a procedure to receive and investigate grievances and complaints filed by program participants.

All staff (of CRA and of other user groups) suspecting, observing or receiving a report of child abuse or neglect must make immediate report to CRA Management and to the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, Child-At-Risk Hotline, 1-800-792-5200.

If risk/danger is immediate, call 911.

All Staff (of CRA and of other user groups) must meet the following requirements for the protection of minors:

  • Speak to minors in a respectful manner, not in a manner demeaning or abusive.  Refrain from using inappropriate language/humor in the presence of minors.  This includes, but is not limited to: swearing, racial, sexist or ethnic comments or jokes, or comments regarding physical appearance.
  • Touching must be age and contextually appropriate.  Touch should be based solely on the needs of the instruction being given.
  • Physical contact with minors can be misconstrued by both minors and other adults.  Touch must be appropriate, public and non-sexual (high-five, fist bump, hand shake, pat on the back, etc.).  Maintain proper boundaries at all times.
  • Structure programs to eliminate any one-on-one time between an adult and a minor in a private area, not readily observable by others.  To the extent possible, have at least two adults present at all times.  This includes, but is not limited to, transporting a minor to/from activities, escorting a minor to the bathroom, changing facilities, showers, or waiting with a minor to be picked up.  Staff (of CRA or other user groups) should not give a child whom is not their own, a ride home.
  • Provide notice to parents/guardians that the pools at the Albany Road-Wellesley (d.b.a. Boston Sports Institute (BSI)), including changing rooms and restrooms, are not limited exclusively to one user.  Other groups will use the facility simultaneously.
  • All staff (of CRA or other user groups) is prohibited from engaging in any sexually-oriented conversation with minors.
  • All staff (of CRA or other user groups) is prohibited from possessing sexually-oriented materials or accessing similar materials on the internet in the presence of minors.
  • All staff (of CRA and other user groups) is prohibited from accepting gifts from minors without the knowledge of the parent/guardian.
  • All staff (of CRA or other user groups) is prohibited from the use, possession, or being under the influence of alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances while working with minors. No one shall provide alcohol, marijuana or illegal substances to a minor.
  • All staff (of CRA or other user groups) athletes, participants, or other attendees will adhere to the Policy on Photography, as outlined.

All photographs must observe generally accepted standards of decency, in particular:

  • Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity, not a sexualized image in a sporting context
  • Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or displaced swimsuit
  • Photographs may not be taken from behind starting blocks at the start of a race, or exhibit a child climbing out of the swimming pool
  • Photographs may not be taken in changing rooms or bathrooms

 

 

Spectator Policy

Spectators, including parents/guardians of youth participants, are not permitted during any instructional or team programming. 

Parents/guardians of youth enrolled in Instructional Swim Lessons will be periodically invited for a visiting day.  Observation is not permitted during summer/vacation camps or clinics

Spectators are not permitted during any swim team practices

The presence of spectators at events is assessed for each individual event.  Decisions regarding the presence of spectators will be made in advance of each event and shared by event organizers.  

 

Policy Regarding Photography

Charles River Aquatics (CRA) upholds a strict policy regarding photography in and around all pools.

For the safety and privacy of all members of the CRA community, the use of video cameras, still cameras or cell phone cameras by any swimmer or CRA community member (sibling, parent/guardian, or visitor) in the changing rooms or restrooms at any facility providing CRA programs is strictly prohibited.

All photographs taken in the natatorium must observe generally accepted standards of decency:

  • Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity, not a sexualized image in a sporting context
  • At no time may a photograph be taken from behind the starting blocks at the start of a race, or exhibit an individual climbing out of the pool
  • Action shots should not be taken or retained if the photo reveals a torn or displaced swimsuit.
  • The use of cell phones for any purpose in a changing room or restroom is prohibited. If a call or text is received, the recipient must step outside of the changing room to respond.

Any CRA program participant or other community member (sibling, parent/guardian, or visitor) found in violation of this policy is subject to permanent debarment.

Policy Regarding Valuables

Charles River Aquatics is not responsible for personal belongings.  Do not bring valuables to the natatorium at the Boston Sports Institute. 

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Charles River Aquatics

Vision for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Charles River Aquatics (CRA) we embrace differences as strengths.  

We commit to:

  • Offering equity of opportunity
  • Recognizing and authentically engaging all peoples and perspectives
  • Taking action if witness to injustice or unkindness

We foster a culture of mutual respect, honesty and goodwill in pursuit of a truly diverse and inclusive community.

 

Cancellation Policies

School Year Season | Group Instructional Swim Lessons
  • CRA does not offer refunds or credits for missed or cancelled lessons.
  • CRA does not offer make-up lessons and cannot offer schedule changes for a single day.
  • 30 days notice is required to drop enrollment.
  • CRA does not prorate tuition.
  • Requests to change class day/time will be honored when possible.  Mid-month changes incur a $10.00 administrative fee per registration.
Private Instructional Swim Lessons

CRA does not offer refunds or credits, or schedule make-ups for missed or cancelled Private Instructional Swim Lessons.  

Clinics

CRA does not offer refunds or credits for missed Clinics.

Summer Camp

Cancellation/Change Policy, CRA Camp:

If you have NOT purchased our $35 per swimmer/per week insurance that allows changes/cancellations up to 72 hours prior to the start of camp, these are the policies:

  • Cancellation by April 1, CRA account credit, less $50 administrative fee
  • Cancellation April 1–May 1, CRA account credit, less $100 administrative fee for the first week, $50 for each additional week
  • Cancellation after May 1, no credits offered unless there exists a waitlist for the week.  If a waitlisted camper can take the vacated spot, cancellation will incur a $100 administrative fee for the first week, and $50 for each additional week cancelled, with the balance as a CRA account credit. 
  • Switching registration to a different scheduled week is dependent upon availability and incurs a $25 change fee
Summer Session | Group Instructional Swim Lessons

CRA does not offer refunds or credits for cancelled Summer Session Group Instructional Swim Lesson enrollment.

Registration for each summer session closes the Friday immediately prior to session commencement.  Once registration is closed, changes to enrollment are not permitted.

 

Snow Days and Other Cancellations

Closings due to inclement weather or mechanical/facility issues will be posted on the CRA Facebook page.  CRA closings do not always align with those of the local schools.  

https://www.facebook.com/CharlesRiverAquatics/

Call (617) 939-8078 with questions