General behaviour

1. Treat all members of the club with due respect including: Fellow swimmers, Coaches & Officials.

2. Treat all competitors and representatives from competing clubs with due respect.

3. The use of inappropriate or abusive language, bullying, harassment, discrimination or physical violence will not be tolerated and could result in action being taken through the club disciplinary or child welfare policy. 

 

Swimming training 

1. Arrive in good time to stretch, 15 - 20 minutes before start time. At CCHSG 10 minutes.

2. Have all your equipment with you, i.e. paddles, kick boards, hats, goggles etc.

3. It is expected that you must now shower before you enter the pool.

4. Please ensure that you use the lavatory before training begins and when you have to use the toilet, always inform the coach so you agree when you need to leave the pool during training.

5. Listen to what your coach is telling you.

6. Always swim to the wall as you do in a race, and practice turns as instructed.

7. Do not stop and stand in the lane, you may get injured.

8. Do not pull on the ropes as this may injure other swimmers.

9. Do not skip lengths or sets; you are only cheating yourself.

10. Swimmers are expected to adhere to lane etiquette.

11. Think about what you are doing during training.

12. At CCHSG no mobile phones are allowed; neither are the taking of photos prohibited.

13. At CCHSG no noise is allowed, if you are caught being noisy you will be banned from using the pool.

Competition

1. You must swim events and galas that the Chief Coach has entered/selected you for unless agreed otherwise by prior agreement with the relevant club official.

2. At Open Meets, make sure you sign in on time for all events or withdraw by the cut off time.

3. Warm-up before the event. Prepare yourself for the race.

4. Warm up properly by swimming, not playing or stopping in the lane. Turning practice should have taken place during your normal training sessions.

5. Be part of the team. Stay with the team on poolside. If you leave for any reason you must tell the Coach and Team Manager where you are going.

6. Listen for your race to be announced. Go to the marshalling area in time and report in. Take your hat and goggles with you.

7. Support your teammates. Everyone likes to be supported.

8. You must wear club clothing and hats when representing the club.

9. Swim down after the race, if possible. Do not use this time to play.

10. After your race report to the coach, not your parents. Receive feedback on your race and splits.

11.  Many clubs and swimming pools do not allow mobile phones to be used poolside or in the changing rooms, make sure to follow this ruling.

 

Signed:    ……………………………………………………                                                   

Date:    

………………………………………

 

 

Print Name:   

……………………………………………………

 

This must be signed by the swimmer

This Code is an extension to the ASA Code of Ethics. Both should be followed.

 

The Teacher/Coach must:

 

1. Put the well-being, health and safety of members above all considerations including developing performance.

 

2. At all times adhere to the ASA Code of Ethics, Rules and Laws.

 

3. At all times adhere to the ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.

 

4. Consistently display high standards of behaviour and appearance.

 

5. Treat all swimmers with respect and dignity, value their worth and treat everyone equally, recognising their needs and abilities within the context of their sport.

 

6. Develop an appropriate working relationship with swimmers based on mutual trust and respect.

 

7. Meet the ASA commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

 

8. Always place the well-being, health and safety of swimmers above all other consideration including developing performance.

 

9. Always ensure that all teaching, coaching and competition programmes are appropriate for the age, ability and experience of the individual swimmer.

 

10. Always identify and meet the needs of the individual swimmer as well the needs of the team/squad.

 

11. Be fair and equal in team and training squad selection.

 

12. Never exert undue influence to obtain personal benefit or reward. In particular, coaches must not use their position to establish or pursue a sexual or improper relationship with an athlete or someone close to them.

 

13. Encourage and guide swimmers to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and performance.

 

14. Continue to seek and maintain their own professional development in all areas in relation to coaching and teaching children.

 

15. Treat all information of a personal nature about individual swimmers as confidential, except in circumstances where to do so will allow the child to be placed at risk of harm or continue to be at risk of harm.

 

16. Encourage all swimmers to obey the spirit of the rules and laws both in and out of the pool.

 

17. Co-operate fully with other specialists (e.g. other coaches, officials, sport scientists, doctors, and physiotherapists) in the best interests of the swimmer.

 

18. Never encourage or condone swimmers, volunteers, officials or parents to violate the rules of the club or the sport and report any violations appropriately.

 

19. Observe the authority and the decision of the officials and only question those decisions in the appropriate manner.

 

20. Treat all competitors and other club teams with respect, whether that is in victory or defeat and encourage all team members and fellow club members to do the same.

 

21. Refer all concerns of a child safeguarding nature in line with the club/ASA safeguarding children policy.

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

 

1. The ASA and British Swimming have committed themselves to tackling forms of discrimination and to strive to become inclusive of all those who want to participate in swimming (as competitors, officials, coaches and administrators) irrespective of their race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation and faith and ability.

 

2. This code of conduct includes the Association’s commitment to address equality, diversity and inclusion in swimming. To this end the Association will not tolerate:

a) Discrimination on the grounds set out in 1 above.

b) Harassment.

c) Bullying.

d) Abusive or insensitive language.

e) Inappropriate behaviour detrimental to any individuals or groups of individuals.

 

3. The ASA and British Swimming are governed by UK law and will seek to ensure that its participants are committed to addressing its responsibilities under the sex discrimination Act 1975,Race Relations Act 1976, Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, Equal Pay Act 1970, Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Human Rights Act 1998, Disability Discrimination Act (Amendment)2005, Equality Act 2006.4. Committees, Officials and Volunteers in all aquatic disciplines must address this responsibility to support equality, diversity and inclusion in our sport.

 

Signed:

..........................................................

 

Date:

..........................................................

Parents, Carers and Guardians are expected to: 

1.      Complete and return the Health and Consent form as requested by the club and detail any health concerns relevant to the child on the consent form. Any changes in the state of the child's health should be reported to the coach prior to coaching sessions. And ensure the club has up to date contact details for you and any alternative person. 

2.      Deliver and collect the child punctually to and from coaching sessions/swim meets. At CCHSG drop off will be 10 minutes before the session begins and must be exited 10 minutes after the session ends. Please inform a member of the committee or coaching staff if there is an unavoidable problem. If the club changes your child’s lane and changing times, please remember the change is to provide appropriate levels of training and enable your child to progress and should always be facilitated and encouraged. 

3.      Ensure your child is properly and adequately attired for the training session/events including all required equipment, i.e. hats, goggles etc. 

4.      Inform the coach before a session if your child is to be collected early from a coaching session/meet and if so by whom. 

5.      Encourage their child to obey rules and teach them that they can only do their best. 

6.      Behave responsibly as a spectator at training/meets and treat swimmers, coaches, committee members and parents of yours and other clubs with due respect meeting the Swim England commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

7.      Ensure they do not use inappropriate language within the club environment. 

8.      Show appreciation and support your child and all the team members. 

9.      Ensure your child’s needs are met in terms of nutritional needs and listen to advice given from the club coach/nutritionist. 

10.  Support the club coach and committee appropriately and raise any concerns you have in an appropriate manner. Details of the club Welfare Officer can be found on the Club’s website. 

11.  Do not enter poolside unless requested to do so or in an emergency. If you wish to have a discussion with the coach check with the club Welfare Officer how this can be arranged.

12.  Most of all help your child enjoy the sport and achieve to the best of their ability. 

13.  At CCHSG you are not permitted to wander around the school or the grounds.

14.  At CCHSG you must be at the pool to collect your swimmer and escort them from the pool area.

15.  At CCHSG there is a zero-noise policy.  Anyone found making lots of noise on one of the many cameras will be banned from using this pool.

The club will undertake to: 

a.  Inform you at once if your child is ill and ensure their wellbeing until you can collect him/her. 

b.  Ensure good child protection guidelines are always followed to keep your child safe. 

c.   Ensure all activities are properly supervised/taught/coached and consent is obtained for any activity outside of that previously agreed. 

The parent has a right to: 

a.  Make a complaint to the club if they feel the club or a member of the club is not acting appropriate to Swim England/club laws and rules. Details of how to do this can be obtained from the club Welfare Officer. 

b.  Make a complaint on behalf of their child to the Swim England. Any misdemeanours and breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with by the club.

Signed:
………………………………………………………               

Date:

………………………………………………………              

Print Name:

………………………………………………………     

Terms of Reference

The content of this Code of Ethics applies to all those involved within the sport of Swimming, Diving, Water Polo, Open Water Swimming and Synchronised Swimming.

The Code of Ethics should be read in conjunction with the ASA Codes of Conduct contained in Wavepower (ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures).

ASA Code of Ethics

All individuals within the ASA aquatic disciplines will at all times:

•Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person, be they adult or child, treating everyone equally within the context of the sport.

•Respect the spirit of the sport adhering to the rules and laws in and out of the pool, incorporating the concept of friendship and respect for others.

•Promote the positive aspects of the sport and never condone the use of inappropriate or abusive language, inappropriate relationships, bullying, harassment, discrimination or physical violence.

•Accept responsibility for their own behaviour and encourage and guide all ASA members and parents of junior members to accept responsibility for their own behaviour and conduct.

•Ensure all concerns of a child safeguarding nature are referred in accordance with Wavepower (ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures).

•Conduct themselves in a manner that takes all reasonable measures to protect their own safety and the safety of others.

•Promote the reputation of the sport and never behave or encourage or condone others to behave in a manner that is liable to bring the sport into disrepute.

•Adhere to Wavepower the ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.

•Adhere to the ASA Anti-Doping Rules.

•Adhere to the ASA Equity Policy.

•Adhere to the ASA Laws and Regulations.

•Adhere to the ASA Codes of Conduct.

Colchester Swimming Club fully support and have adopted the recommendations of the ASA in their latest documentation entitled ‘Wavepower 2009/11’.

 

Further details can be found on the British Swimming website, www.britishswimming.org, in the Wavepower Section.

 

Statement of Intent

We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our members so they can swim in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at our club. If bullying does occur, all swimmers or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We are a TELLING club. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening is expected to tell the club Welfare Officer or any committee member.

 

What Is bullying?

Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim.

Bullying can be:

Emotional - being unfriendly, excluding (emotionally and physically), sending hurtful text messages, tormenting, (e.g. hiding goggles/floats, threatening gestures)

Physical - pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.

Racist - racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.

Sexual - unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.

Homophobic - because of, or focusing on the issue of sexuality.

Verbal - name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.

 

Why is it Important to respond to bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Swimmers who are bullying need to learn different ways of behaving. A club has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

 

Objectives of this policy

All committee members, coaches and teachers, swimmers and parents should have an understanding of what bullying is. All committee members, teaching and coaching staff should know what the club policy is on bullying, and follow it when bullying is reported. All swimmers and parents should know what the club policy is on bullying, and what they should do if bullying arises. As a club we take bullying seriously. Swimmers and parents should be assured that they would be supported when bullying is reported.

 

Bullying will not be tolerated.

 

Signs and symptoms

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child:

•Says he or she is being bullied.

•Is unwilling to go to club sessions.

•Becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence.

•Feels ill before training sessions.

•Comes home with clothes torn or swimming equipment damaged.

•Has possessions go “missing”.

•Asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully).

•Has unexplained cuts or bruises.

•Is frightened to say what’s wrong.

•Gives improbable excuses for any of the above.

•In more extreme cases starts stammering.

•Cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares.

•Becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable.

•Is bullying other children or siblings.

•Stops eating.

•Attempts or threatens suicide or runs away.

 

These signs and behaviours may indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.

Colchester Swimming Club is totally committed to being a non-discriminatory and inclusive club for all those who want to participate in the sport. To this end we have adopted the ASA’s framework to achieve this objective. Their documentation is reproduced below.

 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

 

1. The ASA and British Swimming have committed themselves to tackling forms of discrimination and to strive to become inclusive of all those who want to participate in swimming (as competitors, officials, coaches and administrators) irrespective of their race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation and faith and ability.

 

2. This Policy Statement includes the Association’s commitment to address equality, diversity and inclusion in swimming. To this end the Association will not tolerate:

•Bullying

•Harassment

•Abusive or insensitive language

•Inappropriate behaviour detrimental to any individuals or groups of individuals.

 

3. The ASA and British Swimming are governed by UK law and will seek to ensure that its participants are committed to addressing its responsibilities under the Sex Discrimination Act 1975, Race Relations Act 1976, Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, Equal Pay Act 1970, Disability Discrimination Act 1995, Human Rights Act 1998, Disability Discrimination Act (Amendment) 2005, Equality Act 2006.

 

4. All participants, coaches, officials and volunteers in all aquatic disciplines must address this responsibility to support equality, diversity and inclusion in our sport.

 

ASA/British Swimming Equal Opportunity and Diversity Policy

 

5. ‘Equal Opportunity is about celebrating difference and diversity and as such providing a swimming structure that can respond to this in a proactive and positive manner’. The ASA and British Swimming are totally committed to the principals and practice of equal opportunities across all of their aquatic disciplines, both as an employer, provider and as facilitator of such practices by all their members. In our work with key partners, such as swimmers, clubs, teachers, coaches, officials and administrators, we will advocate our policies to make every effort to ensure that all participation has equality, diversity and inclusion at its core.

 

6.Swimming is a ‘sport for all’. It can and should be enjoyed and made accessible to everyone and to achieve this:

 

•The ASA/British Swimming is committed to work towards ensuring that swimming is accessible to the many rather than the few.

 

The ASA/British Swimming recognise the need to acknowledge the diversity of provision that is required to ensure that all people, regardless of their race, sex/gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, social or economic background can access swimming and develop at a level that is appropriate to them. The ASA/British Swimming recognise the need to celebrate differences and diversity of provision as a means of creating entitlement and accessibility to our structures. The ASA/British Swimming recognise that equal opportunity is about recognizing that people are different and therefore require different provision. The ASA/British Swimming recognise the need to consult widely in order to respond to diversity. The ASA/British Swimming recognise the need to become more inclusive in our work and engage with a wider cross section of society to bring to all people the opportunities and benefits that swimming and its aquatic disciplines offer.

 

Addressing Equal Opportunities

 

7. In addressing equal opportunities, the ASA/British Swimming will respond to issues of diversity and inclusion by: Recognising that swimming as an organisation - our staff, swimmers, coaches, teachers, officials and administrators need to adapt and work flexibly in order to respond to the needs of a wide and diverse range of people. Taking positive action to increase the involvement from underrepresented groups in all aspects of our organisation. In doing so the ASA/British Swimming supports four key principles as being fundamental to ensuring that everyone can participate in our sport and the achievement of equality of opportunity:

Entitlement: People have a right to participate in and access quality and appropriate experiences within swimming.

 

Accessibility: It is the responsibility of the ASA - our teachers, coaches, officials and administrators - to adapt provision to fit the needs of the many.

 

Inclusion: Wherever and whenever possible, all to access the same provision.

 

Integrity: Whatever we do as an Association to change or adapt provision, it must be of equal worth, challenging, relevant and in no way patronising.

 

Lines of Responsibility

 

8. The ASA/British Swimming will strive to become an organisation that values diversity and in order to achieve this we recognise that there must be clear lines of responsibility between all segments of the organisation. ASA equality, diversity and inclusion statement for child safeguarding

 

The ASA/British Swimming as an Employer:

 

9. The ASA/British Swimming aspires to provide a diverse workforce, a composition of which reflects that of the broader community in terms of gender, ethnicity and disability. In order to bring about this diversity we undertake to:

 

Provide full and fair considerations for all job/role and applications.

 

• Assist all our employees to realise their full potential by ensuring that they receive fair consideration of their training and career development needs and promotion opportunities.

 

Wherever possible modify employment practices and procedures to reduce barriers experienced by members of disadvantaged social groups in seeking and during employment with the Association.

Maintain records in recruitment, training and employment and use this information as a means of identifying areas of inequality.

Require all our employees to undergo relevant training before taking part in recruitment and selection.

Regularly review our recruitment, selection, training and promotion procedures to ensure thatthey are fair and reflect current best practice.

 

The ASA/British Swimming as a Membership Organisation

10. The ASA/British Swimming is committed to encouraging membership from all sectors of the community.

To achieve this we undertake to:

Promote an open and honest culture that values diversity.

Communicate widely, ensuring that our messages can be understood and appreciated by all.

Positively encourage the involvement of all people, regardless of their gender, race, disability, age and social background. Work to redress the effects of discrimination.

Change attitudes and working practices to ensure that everyone can feel a valued member of the Association.

Teachers and Coaches

11. In our training and development of teachers and coaches, we will strive to ensure that they:

Establish and implement professional and ethical values and practice.

Promote and apply the principles and practices of equal opportunities.

Promote positive images of people with special needs.

Have a commitment to providing entitlement and access to all their professional activities.

Encourage high expectations and standards of achievement from all they teach.

• Involve everyone in meaningful and appropriate activity to ensure a quality experience. Help everyone to achieve their full potential.

Officials and Administrators

12. In our involvement of officials and administrators we will expect them to:

Adopt, promote and practice the values of the Association.

Ensure that participation can be enjoyed by all.

Provide meaningful and appropriate experiences, which recognise and value the diversity of the participants.

Actively encourage the participation and involvement of people from disadvantaged groups of the community.

Colchester Swimming Club is committed to equality and diversity, upholding equality principles in line with the Equality Act 2010 and related legislation.

Swimming at Colchester Swimming Club is a fully inclusive activity. Swimmers from the disability community have the opportunity to participate in swimming training and competitive galas, enabling all to improve their swimming and realise their potential.

As a growing Club, however, our capacity is limited and we cannot therefore guarantee that there will always be a place available.

On occasion, parents may be delayed and unable to collect their child from training or after an event. The list of emergency numbers for the parents is to be used in such situations. Parents should be asked to inform the appropriate club officer if they are delayed with a clear guidance on what the club will be required to do i.e. the parent must give consent if they wish another parent to transport their child home. The club officers must never leave a child or young person alone unless they are over 16 and then only with parent’s permission. It is recognised some young people aged 16 and over will take themselves home so the club officer must assess situations as they arise in an appropriate manner. Until a child is not collected, to maintain the wellbeing of all concerned, two appropriate club officers or parents must remain with the swimmer.

 

Parents who persistently fail to collect a child on time or have not arrived after a reasonable period of time, and have given no prior notice or informed the club they are delayed, may be failing in their care of their child. The club should use the emergency numbers they have for the child to try to arrange for a nominated person to collect the swimmer. If no one nominated is available to collect the swimmer, and the parent has still not contacted the club officers after a reasonable period of time the club should consult the police or Local Authority Safeguarding Team duty officer for advice on action to take.

 

If a parent arrives to collect a child and the club officers are concerned at their ability to take appropriate care of the child (i.e. they are considered to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs to the level where they are unfit to drive, and/or take care of their child) the club should gain advice from the police or Local Authority Safeguarding Team duty officer.

 

The club should:

 

1. Attempt to contact the parent/ carer – from the information sheet completed on joining/renewing membership.

2. Attempt to contact the emergency contact person nominated.

3. If there is no reply from the emergency contact, ask the child if there is another family member who may be contacted.

4. Wait with the young person(s) at the club with at least one other official/ coach/teacher/volunteers or parents.

5. If no one is reachable, contact the local police to enquire about the best course of action.

6. Remind parents/carers of the policy relating to late collection. The club Coaches/Teachers and Officers should avoid:

•Taking the child home or to another location.

•Asking the child to wait in a vehicle or the club with them alone.

•Sending the child home with another person without permission.

 

Persistent failure to collect a child/ young person on time: If a parent/carer fails to collect their child or young person on several occasions with no contact or reasonable reason for the delay, the club Welfare Officer and another club officer should arrange to meet with them and discuss the matter. It may be the parent/carer can be assisted in arriving promptly.

 

If there is no change, the club Welfare Officer should either contact the children’s team at the local social services or seek advice from the ASA ICPO.

 

Introduction

 

This policy is a joint policy statement by the British Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (BSCTA), Institute of Swimming (IoS), British Swimming and the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA). It is endorsed by the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU).

 

Colchester Swimming Club is working towards adopting all of the recommendations.

 

Background

 

There is growing concern being expressed about what is and what is not permissible in the area of communication between adults and children and young people in sport with a number of cases in sport relating to this issue. Understandably, with the rapid development of mobile phones, text messaging, email and other forms of electronic communication, these methods of communicating have become a feature of the sporting landscape. The purpose of the policy is to provide a recommendation of best practice to swimming teachers and coaches regarding the following:

•Use of mobile phones whilst having responsibility for the supervision and safety of young people.

•Communication between coaches/teachers and young swimmers to the swimmers’ mobile phones. Policy

 

1. Coaches and Teachers should not contact young swimmers by text or voice directly to their mobile phone. All communication should either be from the coach/teacher to the swimmer’s parent or guardian or, if it is essential, communication is made directly to the young swimmer, it should be by a nominated female person at the club who has undergone CRB checking and appropriate training and is authorised to hold the mobile phone details of young swimmers. Any such communication must be with the consent of each swimmer’s parent or guardian.

 

2. It is recommended that clubs retain a confidential list of mobile numbers approved by parents or guardians, to which batch text messages advising of changes to training times, coach departure times for events etc. may be sent by the nominated female person at the club who has undergone CRB checking and appropriate training.

 

3. Coaches of elite swimmers may, with the consent of the swimmer’s parents or guardian, use text messaging or email to communicate with the swimmer when they are away with international teams. The text messages or emails must be restricted to information on training, events, results etc.

 

4. Coaches and teachers should not email young swimmers directly unless it is a circular email to an undisclosed distribution list held by a nominated female club member who has undergone CRB checking and is authorised to hold the email addresses of young swimmers with the consent of each swimmer’s parent or guardian.

 

5. Coaches and teachers should not take or make calls whilst supervising young swimmers in a teaching or training session. It is permissible for a coach to make or take a call during a swimming event providing she/ he is not the sole supervisor of the swimmers and is not actively engaged in supervising warm up or swim down at the time of the call.

 

6. Coaches who have mobile phones with camera facilities must fulfil the obligations set out for the use of cameras and guidelines for the use of photographs. Any teacher or coach wishing to use the phone to take photographs at an event must register the phone/camera with the promoters of the event. Whenever mobile phones are taken into changing rooms the facility to take photos must not be used. The publishing of a photograph of a swimmer under 18 years should only be done with the parent’s consent and it should be noted that parents and guardians have the right to refuse to have a child photographed. If a photograph is taken for publication it should be a head and neck only photograph, or in full tracksuits if full length. Identifying details such as full name, place or residence or school attended should not be given alongside the photograph.

 

7. In the event of a swimmer showing a teacher or coach a text message or image, which is considered to be inappropriate for a child to have, the teacher/coach, must advise the nominated person at the club.

 

Recording and retention of mobile phone numbers and email addresses of young swimmers

 

1. Clubs should not insist on obtaining email addresses or mobile telephone numbers from young swimmers. Parental/guardian consent must be obtained before the information is obtained.

 

2. If a club does obtain email addresses or mobile telephone numbers of young swimmers the data should only be used by a nominated female adult member who has undertaken CRB checks.

 

3. The club should set a policy for the use of the lists, e.g. mass circulation of training news by email or emergency contact by mobile phone if parents/ guardian agree and are unavailable.

 

4. All email distribution lists must be set up to ensure the recipients of the email cannot seethe email addresses of the other recipients.

 

Children and young people’s swimming achievements are to be celebrated. Families most naturally would want to capture these special moments via photographs and for celebratory purposes, however, it is equally important to be aware of the misuse of films and photographs which generate child protection and safeguarding concerns.  Hence, in order films in order to celebrate and share the successes of their children whilst being part of a special event or activity.

Although in one sense, photographs and videos are usually taken to diminish any potential for misuse of images, Colchester Swimming Club has subsequently devised a photography protocol to ensure that our swimmers and water polo players participate in a safe, non-threatening and thriving aquatics environment.

Drawing on ASA Wavepower child safeguarding policy and procedures, this policy document applies to all parents/ guardians/ members affiliated with the organisation. It relates to all images and videos taken on any type of camera-phone or recording device at all swimming activities and ASA affiliated meets.

 

Recommendations for best practice:

1. The publishing of a photograph of a swimmer or water polo player under 18 either on a notice board, social media and websites, published article or video recording (including video streaming) of swimming competitions (‘Publication’) should only be done with the parents’ consent and in line with ASA Wavepower safeguarding policy guidelines. 

 

2. Only photographs/videos of the swimmer/ water polo player are permitted if permission is granted by the parent/guardian of the individual concerned.  Particular attention needs to be taken to avoid having other swimmers/ players in the frame when taking images at Galas/Activities/Events, please try and endeavour to make your swimmer/ player the main focus.  

3. Parents/Members are advised that while the ASA does not support the banning of phones, as children need them to keep in touch with parents, particularly in emergencies.

4. We need to remind you that NO mobile phones are taken into changing rooms by parents, swimmers, water polo players or any participating audiences at any ASA galas, training sessions and Open meets hosted by the Club.   

5. A parent or guardian has a right to refuse to have children photographed. The exercise of this right of refusal should not be used as grounds for refusing entry into a swimming/ water polo competition. Therefore any photo that may go to press, on a notice board, or social media and websites, be it through a member of the club or official photographer, should have received parental consent before publishing/displaying the photo, preferably in writing.

6. Under ASA Wavepower guidance on the taking of photos, once a parent has signed the club’s Photography Book Register or given written consent, we are happy for them to take photos in the belief that their swimmer/ player is the main subject of the photo. However, another person can object to a parent/carer taking a photo if they believe their child, not the child of the photographer to be the main subject of the photo. 

7. In the case of open meets and other competitions where the host club has an official photographer present, all parents attending should be made aware of this in the meet details. If photos are to be published anywhere, the individual parent should be given the opportunity to withhold consent. Their right to do so should be specifically drawn to their attention. 

8. It is recommended that individualised photographs should not be kept on a club’s website and certainly not with identifying names as this could lead to a child being approached and placed in a vulnerable position. Names without photos are one way to publicise achievements. Unless, written parental consent is granted to publicise the swimmer’s individual achievements in the public arena.  In which case, published photographs may identify the swimmer or player by name and club but should not state the swimmers place of residence or school attended. This is of course once parents have given permission for details to be released. 

9. The videoing of children during club sessions is not recommended. Under the direction of the Head Coach, any videos that are taken would have to be justified as to why this video has been made, (e.g. to assist in stroke development). Written consent should is required from the parents of the children, with an invitation for parents to attend the videoing and subsequently viewing of the video. After videoing, unless it can be justified as to why the video is to be kept, the video should be destroyed once it has served its purpose.

10. Under NO circumstance is any parent allowed to video someone else’s child during training. Parents/Members in a volunteering capacity are not allowed to use any image capturing device on poolside. 

The ASA guidelines for publication are as follows.

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

·       Action shots should be a celebration of the sporting activity and not a sexualised image in a sporting context.

·       Action shots should not be taken or retained where the photograph reveals a torn or displaced swimming costume.

·       Poolside shots of children should normally be above the waist only in a swimming costume, though full length tracksuit shots are approved.

·       Photographs should not be taken from behind the starting blocks at the start of a race or exhibit young swimmers climbing out of the swimming pool.    

If may wish to take photographs, (individual and in groups) of swimmers under the age of 18. This may include your child during their membership of the club. All photos will be taken and published in line with ASA policy.

Colchester Swimming Club Photo Consent Form (PER CHILD)

Colchester Swimming Club requires parental consent to take and use photographs for publication on the website, noticeboard, published articles and social media and networking sites.  Parents have a right to refuse agreement to their child being photographed. 

As the parent or carer of............................................................. I give my consent/do not give my consent (delete as appropriate*) to Colchester Swimming Club photographing or videoing my child in accordance with the ASA ‘Photography and Photographing swimmers Policy’. 

 

Signed..............................................................................................................................  Dated.............................................................................................................................. 

Please return this form to the Club Membership Secretary Julie Johnson. 

This will then be passed to the Club’s Welfare Officer – Carlene Cornish 

Please note you can withdraw your consent in writing to the Club Welfare Officer at any time should you wish to. 

Many thanks for your co-operation.  

Dated: 02/02/2018

Club Welfare Officer

SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Safeguarding and child protection matters are high on the political agenda; the political ethos echoed in The Children Acts (1989 and 2004) and The Working Together to Safeguard Children (2015) publication updated in 2017. As an organisation, Colchester Swimming Club believe that all children involve in aquatics sports have the right to stay safe and have fun when engaged in swimming and water polo activities. Hence for this reason, safeguarding practice is integral to our role; to ensure that as a Club we establish a non-threatening environment that enables all children to suitably develop their sporting abilities.

Drawing on national safeguarding legislation, in conjunction with the ASA’s Child Safeguarding Policy, our organisation agrees to:

1. Adopt and Implement the ASA’s Wavepower 2016-2019 in full. Being the new ASA Child Safeguarding Policy and Procedures, it replaces all previous versions.
2. Embrace a child-centred approach which places the child’s needs and views central to the club’s safeguarding system. 

3. Recognise that the welfare of the child is, and must always be, paramount.

4. Acknowledge that every child, regardless of age, gender, faith or religion, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, background, economic position, disability or level of ability have the right to a safe and enjoyable environment. 

5. Treat seriously and respond appropriately to any allegations of abuse or concerns regarding children in line with Club protocol. The Club will therefore firmly and immediately deal with any reported incidents of abuse, bullying, victimisation, harassment and cyberbullying.

6. Collaborate with organisations and practitioners in accordance with local partnership arrangements and Wavepower. 

7. Uphold the ASA’s recording and reporting procedures to safeguard and protect all children when concerns are raised.

8. Create a culture that promotes the confidential sharing of information when concerns arise. 

9. Ensure good recruitment practice in accordance with ASA Safe Recruitment Policy. Therefore ensuring all individuals who work with children in the organisation, whether paid or voluntary, are suitable to work with swimmers and water polo players.

10. Make certain all individuals who are working with ASA members are DBS checked and have undertaken the appropriate safeguarding training outlined in Wavepower. 

11. Appoint a welfare officer with the required level of skills, knowledge and training that enables the investigation of reported safeguarding concerns.

12. Make available the contact details of the welfare officer to ensure staff members, ASA members and their parents are able to communicate any safeguarding concerns. 

Dated: 01/02/2020

Club Welfare Officer

Social Media is a growing online resource that helps to communicate the Club’s swimming achievements on local, regional and national platforms. However, conversely, social networking sites can be misused and give rise to cyberbullying, harassment and offensive posts. Thus, in order to negate any safeguarding concerns, drawing on the ASA Wavepower Child safeguarding policy and procedures for clubs, the following Social Media protocol has been devised. The ultimate aim is to drive home the organisation’s commitment to establish a safe, non-threatening and thriving aquatics environment.

Policy guidelines

1. The use of mobile phones and tablets are prohibited in changing rooms and poolside, with the exception of the Head Coach or Team Manager in case of notification of meet-withdrawals or emergencies.
2. This Social Media protocol applies to all parents/ guardians/ members affiliated with the organisation.
3. We encourage positive comments on Colchester Swimming Club Facebook page, personal page and/or other social networking sites. Comments that are considered negative will be deleted from the page.
4. Under NO circumstances are swimmers and waterpolo players allowed to post any negative comments about other swimmers or training issues on their personal social media and networking sites. This will be in breach of the Club’s Safeguarding and Anti-Bullying policies found on the website too.
5. Cyberbullying, offensive and upsetting posts will not be condoned and treated seriously; it will suitably be dealt with by the Head Coach, Club Welfare Officer or Chair Person.
6. Any form of derogatory speech from individual swimmers, parents, or fellow participating audiences will not be tolerated and will be dealt with accordingly. Such post will be removed and individuals will be dealt with in line with the either the Club’s Safeguarding Policy or Behavioural Conduct Policies. Please familiarise yourselves with the expected standards of respect and behavioural conduct encouraged in the organisation.
7. We will speak well of each other and be complimentary of all swimmers’ achievements, whether Personal Best times have been achieved or not.  The same principle of respect applies in the case of water polo players.  

8. Causing offence to individuals or other clubs and organisations are not encouraged. At all times, please be respectful. It has been known that regrettably there have reported occasions within the swimming environment, that parents of swimmers have used social networking sites to criticise or verbally abuse an organisation, its officers, officials, coaches, teachers, and/or members in an inappropriate and unacceptable manner. This has, in some cases, led to the person who is the subject of the abuse to take action through statutory agencies or statutory legislation to address the comments made. 
9. Parents are expected to behave responsibly as a spectator at all training sessions, events and activities, and treat members, coaches, committee members and parents of other members of any aquatics organisation, be that your child’s organisation or not, with due respect; in order  to meet the ASA’s commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

10. This principle extends to the use of social media networking sites too. Parents/Members should be aware that posting messages, comments or any other media on a social networking site that breaches the above requirements in an ASA club may also breach the ASA Parents Code of Conduct.

Dated: 02/02/2018

Club Welfare Officer

Parents and Carers are responsible for the safe delivery and collection of their child to any training or competitive event, except when the club have organised transport for the team.

 

It is not the responsibility of the coach or other poolside staff to transport, or arrange transport for swimmers to and from any swimming event. Arrangements made between parents to transport the children of other club members are at the sole discretion of the parents concerned.

 

When the club, in the form of a mini bus or coach, provides transport, the club should ensure consent is obtained by the parent or carer for the child to be transported by coach and a check should be made that a signature giving Medical Consent to Emergency Treatment has been obtained.

 

The Team Manager will provide parents and carers with details of:

 

•Where swimmers should be dropped off and met before and after the event.

•The time the swimmers is expected to meet the coach and the expected time of return.

•Any fees due for the coach journey and how they will be collected.

•A contact phone number for parents to use if they are unavoidably delayed in collecting swimmers or to arrange suitable alternative plans for collection.

 

Parents/Carers are responsible for providing contact phone numbers particularly if the numbers for that event differ from the numbers held by the Club.

 

The Team Manager will ensure they have:

• Relevant forms completed and signed by parents and details of the parents contactphone number for that event.

 

The concept of Whistle Blowing is important in any organisation that is committed to maintaining appropriate levels of safeguarding and good practice. Whistle Blowing allows individuals to raise issues of poor practice or misconduct by members and employees.

 

Children are vulnerable to abuse and all adults who work in clubs, whether paid or unpaid or whether members or non-members must look to safeguard their welfare. The ASA believe it is necessary to develop a culture in all clubs, counties and regions where concerned individuals can raise issues about unacceptable practice and misconduct in a safe and supportive environment.

 

Whistle Blowing is an important part of the safeguarding of children in swimming, delaying raising concerns does not deal with them, it just delays the inevitable and may cause matters to get worse. Such matters will seldom, if ever, improve by being ignored and the damage to the children involved will inevitably increase.

 

When is it necessary to whistle blow, a member or employee may witness or be told about a situation of poor practice, a failure to safeguard or even abuse within the sport regarding an incident of abuse in which a colleague is implicated.

 

For example, a child might tell you of something that has happened to them while in training with a swimming coach or being chaperoned by an ASA volunteer. Or you might become suspicious about the behaviour of a colleague or volunteer. Or a parent might make an allegation of abuse involving someone working with you in a paid or voluntary capacity. It is not your responsibility to investigate such incidents. Your role is to respond appropriately and to report the situation in line with the ASA Safeguarding Policy Wavepower 2009/11.

 

Once the concern has been raised, the Club Welfare Officer, the ICPO and/or the statutory agencies will take action as appropriate.

 

The person raising the concerns is likely to have mixed emotions at their action, as colleagues are seen as people to trust implicitly and suspecting “unpleasant things” about a colleague is hard. It may be the person concerned finds it hard to accept what is being alleged and to think that the person raising the concern is disloyal. Alternatively they may fear victimisation if they raise a concern against a colleague. It is not unusual to feel this way but it is important to consider the welfare of the child as paramount and not allow your judgment on what is the right action to be taken to be clouded by personal feelings and beliefs.

 

The ASA recognise that a person referring concerns involving a colleague may need additional supporting light of the action they have taken and such support is available through the ICPO.

 

If you have a concern, it should be referred to the club Welfare Officer or another appropriate member of the club committee. Anyone who refers a colleague or fellow club member in good faith will be supported by the ASA. Anyone against whom a concern is raised will have the concerns dealt with properly and in accordance with ASA law.

 

Introduction

Colchester Swimming Club is an amateur swimming club, affiliated to Swim England East Region and governed by the rules and guidance of Swim England.

The Club is managed by a team of dedicated volunteers, supported by a team of highly qualified swimming and water polo coaches and teachers, whose aim is to work with children and adults to develop their skills and enable them to fulfil their individual potential in competitive aquatic sport.

As in any organisation, misunderstandings can arise from time to time, which may lead to a parent or adult member wishing to express concern. A concern is not a complaint and should not be treated as a complaint by the parent or the club. Only a very small number of concerns, which cannot be resolved through informal conversation, escalate into complaints which need to be investigated using the formal procedures outlined below.

When concerns are addressed and resolved there should be no need for a formal complaint. An initial request for action or an enquiry is not a complaint. However, failure to respond or address concerns could give rise to a complaint.

Welfare

If the nature of the concern affects a child’s welfare or safeguarding, reference must be made to Swim England’s Wavepower document (https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/wavepower-child-safeguarding-for-clubs/). Following this, the Welfare Officer can be contacted at welfare@colchesterswimming.com.

Disputes and complaints

Any concern should always be raised with the Club, using the following process:

1)    Initially, the concern should be discussed informally with your or your child’s designated teacher or coach in the first instance, where every effort should be made to resolve the difficulty.
2)    If you are not happy with the response from your coach or teacher, you should document your concern to the swimming Head Coach at chief.coach@colchesterswimming.com or the Water Polo Coach at waterpolo.assist@colchesterswimming.com.
3)    The Head Coach or Water Polo Coach will review and consider your concerns and either telephone you or email you to acknowledge your contact and confirm the details of your concern.  
4)    If required, he/she will then seek information from any other involved parties to investigate your concern, before arranging a suitable time to informally discuss your concerns with a view to agreeing a satisfactory resolution and any adjustments necessary.
We anticipate that most concerns will be resolved informally.  However, if you are dissatisfied with the outcome of that meeting, you are encouraged to contact the Club Chair, who may be contacted at chair@colchesterswimming.com.  

If the concern is about the Head Coach or Water Polo Coach, you should make a formal complaint to the Club Chair, who may be contacted at chair@colchesterswimming.com.

Formal Complaints Procedure

On receipt of a complaint, the Club Chair will acknowledge receipt in writing within 5 working days and, where this is not possible due to other commitments, will provide an explanation.

If the complaint requires clarification, the Club Chair may contact the member or parent for further details and will follow the Internal Disputes procedure set out in the Swim England Handbook.

Steve Redmond
Club Chair
Colchester Swimming Club
Updated 26th April 2022