The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to set clear expectations for safe, respectful, and positive participation in the CYC Community Sailing Center Programs and Regattas. It applies to all our sailors, parents/guardians, and staff during all program-related activities. This Code of Conduct is intended to support a healthy learning environment and to provide CYC-CSC with a clear basis for addressing conduct concerns when needed.

I. Our Shared Values

Our shared values, which guide the personality of our community, how others engage with you, and the way you will engage with others.

1. Safety. I will prioritize the safety of myself, my fellow sailors, and my coaches. I will follow all safety instructions given by coaches and staff, and I will report any unsafe conditions or behavior immediately.

2. Respect. I will treat all coaches, staff, volunteers, and fellow sailors with respect, kindness, and courtesy. I will not engage in any form of bullying, harassment, or verbal abuse. All participants are expected to uphold the principles of the SafeSport Code for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Movement.

3. Engagement. I will actively engage in activities, challenge myself, and be a cooperative member of the community. I will take responsibility for my own development and actions and practice a growth mindset.

4. Equipment care. I will handle all equipment with care and respect. I understand that equipment is used by me and other sailors. Therefore, I will properly care for, use, and store equipment while it is in my possession.

5. Facilities care. I will care for our facilities and treat them with care and respect. I understand that we share facilities with the CYC of Seattle. Therefore, I commit to clean up after myself, keep all areas clean, and behave respectfully with other club members.

II. Our Commitment to Diversity and Neurodiversity

We embrace all young sailors, regardless of their backgrounds, races, sexual orientations, experiences, or neurologies, and are dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We believe that diversity strengthens our community and enriches the learning experience. Our goal is to cultivate an environment where every child feels understood, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential, both on and off the water.

We particularly champion neurodiversity as a significant asset within our sailing community. We warmly welcome neurodiverse children, including those with ADHD, dyslexic processing styles, and high-functioning autism. We understand their unique learning and information processing methods can lead to rapid learning and innovative racing strategies. For example, traits often seen in ADHD, such as intense focus, swift decision-making, and thriving in dynamic situations, can be especially beneficial for sailing and may accelerate a sailor’s development. These diverse approaches enrich our program for everyone. We are dedicated to making accommodations to support everyone's learning and participation. For instance, some sailors may quickly rig their boats on land and make final adjustments once in the water, avoiding delays for others and eliminating the need for a fully pre-rigged launch.

We are dedicated to creating a diverse learning environment where sailors can experience mutual learning and growth, reflecting the broader world. This commitment is supported by our unwavering Code of Conduct, which every sailor must uphold with the full support of the group. This is essential to the environment we aim to foster.

III. Your Duty of Care

In the program's 15-year history, we have never had to charge a sailor for boat repairs or equipment loss, as outlined in our code of conduct. Sailors will be responsible for covering the cost of equipment repair or replacement if intentional damage or repeated carelessness is observed. This has been rare at the club and should not be expected as a routine part of participation.

In recent years, we've observed a concerning trend of increasing equipment carelessness among our sailors, leading to more losses and damage to boats. While raising fees was an option, we believe it's more in line with CYC-CSC values to address this behavior directly with the sailors exhibiting it. We are committed to working collaboratively to instill in them the crucial life skill of equipment care. 

We encourage parents to work with their children to repair damage, as we believe this is a more effective way to address the behavior. If you lack experience with fiberglass, we can provide guidance. Otherwise, an estimated cost list for replacements and repairs is provided in Attachment A. Note: All charter equipment must be repaired by a professional. Please contact the Sailing Director for a list of approved vendors before attempting any repairs.

V. Strictly Prohibited Behavior

We are committed to providing an environment free from all forms of abuse and misconduct consistent with US Sailing’s SafeSport Code. All forms of abuse and misconduct are strictly prohibited and include, but are not limited to, verbal, written, electronic, or social media communications, sexual misconduct, emotional abuse, physical abuse, bullying, harassment, and hazing. Any reported violations will be investigated and addressed in conjunction with the disciplinary process outlined below, and if so determined, immediate suspension or expulsion from the program will occur at the sole discretion of CYC-CSC’s Sailing Director. 

1. Intentional disregard for safety. Any instance of deliberate disregard for safety practices or actions that endanger the safety of the sailor or any other person.

2. Violence, threats, and bullying. Any instance of violence, physical threats, hazing, bullying or sexual misconduct directed towards any person

3. Deliberate equipment damage or loss. Continued, intentional, or careless damage or loss of CYC-CSC equipment or another sailor’s equipment.

4. Theft of any kind. Any type of theft of CYC-CSC equipment or other sailors’ equipment, including but not limited to blocks, lines, fittings, or spars, as well as the equipment of other sailors.

5. Weapons and Illicit Substances. Bringing any type of weapon, including but not limited to knives (except sailing safety knives), guns, or explosives, or possession of any illicit or illegal substance while on the CYC-CSC premises.

IV. Disciplinary Procedure

We view our disciplinary process as a partnership between sailors, families, and CYC-CSC coaches. It is designed not just to address problems, but to create learning opportunities that help sailors grow in judgment, responsibility, and sportsmanship. When conduct concerns arise, our goal is to work together—through clear communication, coaching, and consistent follow-through—to support each sailor in meeting the expectations of this Code of Conduct and thriving in our community.

Reporting. Any Sailor, Coach, or Parent may report an alleged breach of this Code by a sailor or support person at any time by filling out a Code of Conduct Incident Report. The Sailing Director will receive and review all reports. 

Process. All reported violations will be investigated internally by the Sailing Director. If warranted, the CYC-CSC Youth Sailing Program uses an escalating disciplinary process to address violations of this Code of Conduct. The steps are as follows:

1. Verbal Warning: For a first-time or minor offense, a coach or staff member will issue a verbal warning to the sailor and explain the violation. The primary parent/guardian on record will be notified of the warning.

2. Written Warning: If the behavior continues or is a more serious offense, a Written Warning will be issued. This will be documented and signed by the sailor, a parent/guardian, and the Sailing Director.

3. One-Week Suspension: A third offense or a significant violation may result in a one-week suspension from the program without a refund of any fees.

4. Expulsion for Cause: Continued or repeated offenses, or a single severe violation, may lead to expulsion from the program for cause, without a refund of any fees.