BRC Club Handbook

General Policies

Fundraising, branding, grievances, and more.

Section 19

Fundraising and Sponsorship

Fundraising helps support team operations, scholarships, equipment, travel, and special events. Families may be asked to participate in approved fundraising efforts. All fundraising using the club name, logo, athletes, or affiliation must be approved in advance by club leadership. Sponsorships, donations, and restricted gifts must be processed according to club financial procedures.

Section 20

Officials and Volunteer Development

The club depends on trained volunteers and officials. Families are encouraged to become certified officials, timers, meet marshals, computer operators, hospitality volunteers, and committee members. Officials are essential to hosting meets and supporting athlete competition.

Interested parents should contact:
Officials Coordinator: Stanzi McGowan, Owner — (661) 565-3057

Section 21

Team Branding and Logo Use

Athletes are encouraged to wear approved team apparel at designated meets and events. Club logos, names, marks, and branding may not be used for personal merchandise, fundraising, social media pages, or outside activities without club approval.

Section 22

Social Media and Public Representation

Athletes, parents, coaches, and volunteers are expected to represent the club positively online.

Do not post content that:

  • Harasses, bullies, humiliates, or targets another person.
  • Shares private team, athlete, medical, disciplinary, or family information.
  • Shows locker rooms, changing areas, or prohibited spaces.
  • Damages the reputation of the club or violates team rules.
  • Suggests illegal, unsafe, or inappropriate conduct.

The club may repost public competition photos, results, and athlete achievements unless a parent/guardian has submitted a media opt-out request.

Section 23

Grievance and Complaint Procedure

The club encourages concerns to be addressed early, respectfully, and through the appropriate pathway.

  1. Direct Communication — When appropriate, first contact the person closest to the issue, such as the practice group coach or administrator.
  2. Written Concern — If the concern is unresolved, submit a written concern to Stanzi McGowan, Owner, describing the issue, relevant dates, people involved, and requested resolution.
  3. Review — Club leadership will review the concern, gather information as appropriate, and determine next steps. The club may decline to handle matters that must be reported to or handled by USA Swimming, the U.S. Center for SafeSport, law enforcement, child protective services, or the facility.
  4. Resolution — The club will communicate the outcome to the extent appropriate while respecting privacy and confidentiality.

Section 24

Confidentiality and Privacy

The club respects the privacy of athletes, families, coaches, and staff. Medical information, disciplinary matters, Safe Sport concerns, financial assistance, and personal family information will be shared only with individuals who have a legitimate need to know or as required by law, USA Swimming, SafeSport, or facility policy.

Section 25

Non-Discrimination Statement

Bakersfield Race Club (BRC) is committed to an inclusive environment. The club does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. The club will make reasonable efforts to support athletes with disabilities or medical needs when safe and appropriate within the structure of the program and facility.

Section 29

Handbook Updates

The club may update this handbook at any time. When updates are made, the club will communicate changes to families. The most current version will be maintained at www.bakersfieldrace.club.

If any part of this handbook conflicts with USA Swimming rules, U.S. Center for SafeSport requirements, federal or state law, LSC rules, or facility requirements, the stricter or controlling rule will apply.

Appendices

The following acknowledgment forms are required for all participating families. Please contact stanzi@bakersfieldrace.club to obtain current versions.

  • Appendix A: Athlete Code of Conduct Acknowledgment
  • Appendix B: Parent/Guardian Code of Conduct Acknowledgment
  • Appendix C: Medical Release and Emergency Contact Form
  • Appendix D: Media, Photography, Video, and Social Media Release / Opt-Out Form
  • Appendix E: Organizational Requirements For Education & Training And Prevention Policies
  • Appendix F: CANRA / Mandated Reporter and Child Abuse Prevention Policy / Acknowledgement to Report a Child

Download Full Handbook PDF