PROGRAM RULES

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Manatee River Youth Sailing has a philosophy of respect in all of our programs. This applies to campers, their families, staff, and other MRYS community members regardless of physical or cognitive ability, sexual orientation, gender identification, race, or religion. Sailors are choosing to participate in an organization that holds these values and understand that our participant expectations are reflective of this philosophy. 

Sailor Expectations: 

Friends: Show respect to everyone you meet at summer sailing. Understand that some sailors come to camp with many friends and others all by themselves. Sailors may not be friends with everyone at camp but they must be respectful to everyone at camp. We encourage everyone to make an effort to make new friends which may include occasional mixing of groups and sailing partners in some activities. 

Games & Activities: There are a wide variety of games and activities that happen at camp, some of which you may not have tried before. We understand that campers may like some activities more or less than others. However, we expect campers to participate and try their best in each activity. 

Community: We expect sailors to be helpful to fellow classmates, participate in clean-up after activities, and follow directions given by instructors.

Getting Help: If sailors or their families are having a problem at summer sailing, the instructors are there to help you. Please proactively speak with instructors and staff about any issues, questions or concerns you have.

Inclusion: Everyone at summer sailing has different skills, behaviors, and abilities. Some sailors may need extra help to accomplish things that may be easy for others. We value all members of our sailing community. If sailors feel confused, frightened, or angry it is okay to ask your instructor for help. It is not okay to make fun of or tease other sailors. 

Violence: We have the expectation of non-aggressive, non-violent participation in all our programs. We expect all sailors to approach and resolve issues in a non-physical manner and to approach staff for help. If your sailor or family has a need that could require additional support, we expect that you will proactively work with our instructors to create a summer sailing plan that will facilitate success for your camper.

Safe Community Spaces: It is our expectation that sailors and their families understand that the use or possession of alcohol, recreational non-prescription drugs and/or tobacco, weapons or firearms is strictly prohibited at the sailing center and in all programs.

Anti-Bullying Policy: Bullying is when one or more people exclude, tease, taunt, gossip, hit, kick, or put down another person with the intent to hurt another. At MRYS, we have a firm policy against all types of bullying. We work together as a team to ensure that campers gain self-confidence, make new friends, and go home with great memories.

No Horseplay: Running and pushing is prohibited. 

Lifejackets must be worn and secured at all times while on the water or docks. 

Close-Toed Shoes must be worn at all times. Sandals are not permitted. 

Sailors shall demonstrate teamwork, helpfulness, and cooperative behavior. All Students must work together during the rigging and derigging of the boats. This includes getting the boats in and out of the water and on and off the racks. 

In framing these sailor expectations, instructors utilize the language of 3 basic rules. 

• RESPECT YOURSELF 
• RESPECT OTHERS 
• RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT 

These three "rules" provide sufficient space to engage sailors on any desired or undesirable behaviors while being easy to remember and define at any age. Using age appropriate language and examples, instructors lead a "three rules brainstorming" conversation at the start of each new session. 

DISCIPLINARY POLICY

While the safety of our participants is paramount, we also place emphasis on recognizing and responding to each child's needs and personal development while participating in a group community environment. As often as possible we seek to engage sailors in proactively defining safe and acceptable camp behaviors. When needed, we utilize guided conflict resolution, peer inquiry, and discussion. Should a situation escalate, in general, our disciplinary intervention plan follows the structure below:  

Step 1: The sailing instructor will check in with the sailor regarding their behavior. If needed they will pull the sailor aside and provide the required mediation or safety modifications for immediate continued participation. 

Step 2: The sailor will be pulled out of the activity, we will review our previous behavior agreement with the sailor and we will keep them out of the activity or activities until it is determined that they are able to participate safely and respectfully. Sailing instructors may notify parents. 
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Step 3: The sailors parent/s (and the sailor depending on the age and situation) will have a discussion with appropriate sailing instructors to discuss the continued participation of the sailor in the program. We reserve the right to adjust our disciplinary policies as appropriate to the nature of the situation, and needs of the sailors. If a camper is dismissed for disciplinary reasons, there will be NO REFUND for the unused days.