BRC Club Handbook

Governance & Communication

How we operate and connect.

Section 4

Governance and Leadership

Bakersfield Race Club (BRC) operates as a privately owned club, LLC.

Governance Principles

The club will operate with transparency, accountability, and clear lines of responsibility.

  • Wet-side decisions — practice group placement, training plans, meet entries, athlete progression, and competition strategy — are the responsibility of the Club Owner, Head Abyss Group Coach, and coaching staff.
  • Dry-side decisions — budget, policy, communication systems, facility agreements, and administrative operations — are handled by the Club Owner according to the club's governance structure.

Section 5

Communication Standards

Clear communication keeps the club organized and protects athletes, coaches, and families.

Official Communication Channels

  • Email: admin@bakersfieldrace.club
  • Website: www.bakersfieldrace.club
  • Parent Meetings: Once per quarter

Families are responsible for reading club communications and keeping their contact information current.

Communication Chain

For most questions, families should follow this chain:

  1. Practice group coach — practice, attendance, training, meet preparation, swimmer development.
  2. Head Abyss Coach — group placement, program direction, unresolved coaching questions.
  3. Club Owner — billing, registration, volunteer requirements, policy issues.
  4. Safe Sport Coordinator — Safe Sport education, policy awareness, reporting pathway guidance.

24-Hour Rule for Performance Concerns

Parents should not approach coaches immediately after a race, practice conflict, or emotionally charged situation unless there is a safety concern. For performance, placement, or coaching concerns, wait 24 hours, then request a meeting or send a respectful message.

Electronic Communication with Minor Athletes

Electronic communication between adults and minor athletes must follow USA Swimming Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policy requirements and club policy. Communication must be professional, transparent, and related to club activities. Adults should not engage in private, inappropriate, or personal electronic communication with minor athletes.