Shark Swimming Club. Information and membership pack for Shark Swimming Club members

Transcription

1 Shark Swimming Club Information and membership pack for Shark Swimming Club members 1

2 Shark Swimming Club 2014 Contents 1. Shark Swimming Club mission and safety statements Shark Swimming Club rules and guidelines Information on fees Pool supervision duties undertaken by parents / guardians 7 5. Land training information Information on gala entries Swim Ireland Codes of Conduct Membership forms (please print and complete). 19 2

3 Shark Swimming Club 2014 "You can't put a limit on anything. The more you dream, the farther you get". Michael Phelps Shark Swimming Club Mission Statement At Shark Swimming Club we promote and encourage competitive, recreational and enjoyable swimming. We aim to instil a life-long love for the sport of swimming, empowering our swimmers through dedicated coaching and teaching in order to achieve their desired individual potential. The Club expects swimmers to have, at all times, respect for themselves, their coaches and other competitors. Shark Swimming Club is affiliated to Swim Ireland and abides by the Swim Ireland child protection guidelines and policies. Shark Swimming Club Safety Statement The safety of all swimmers is of paramount importance to Shark Swimming Club, and we shall endeavour to keep all our young people safe and free from harm within our club. We shall ensure that all the correct procedures are in place to achieve these objectives in accordance with the guidelines of Swim Ireland. 3

4 Shark Swimming Club Guidelines and Rules Shark Swimming Club has an excellent reputation and relationship with its partner facilities and their staff together with other swimming clubs and related bodies. To maintain our high standards we have guidelines and rules. These are expected to be followed by both the club s swimmers and their parents/guardians as well as all other members. Guidelines (General information about the running of the club and communications within the club) 1. Any concerns relating to swimmer s welfare and protection are dealt with, in the first instance, by the clubs Child Protection Officer. The club s Child Protection Officer is: Ms Carmel Hosty contact number details on website at: 2. Shark Swimming Club information, both social and training related, can found in the first instance on our website and also on the club notice board (when the Leisureland pool complex is up and running again). It is the responsibility of swimmers to check this after each training session for changes or updates. 3. If there is an issue that you feel needs addressing please inform the committee. A response will be forthcoming as soon as is possible. 4. All committee members are volunteers and are elected by the club members at the AGM to run the club on their behalf. The club AGM is typically held in January of each year. 5. To communicate important information to the committee, please put the matter in writing to either the club secretary or the club chair. 4

5 Rules These rules must be complied with. They are in place to ensure the welfare and safety of the club s swimmers and officials together with all other members. Breach of a rule may result in the suspension or expulsion of the offending swimmer(s) or other offending member(s) from the club. The rules are listed in no particular order of merit. 1. It is mandatory for both swimmers and parents/guardians to show respect for the coaches at all times. Confrontation with the coaches is not permitted at any time. 2. A minimum of 80% attendance is expected of all swimmers by the coaching staff. Failure to meet this target may result in a swimmer being moved back to their previous squad. This is to protect the welfare of the swimmer. Swimmers should also aim to be changed and ready to swim 10 minutes before the start of a pool session in order to facilitate the completion of their pre workout exercises and stretches as well as a timely start to the session. 3. Appropriate time will be made available on request to discuss your child s swimming progress with the relevant coach. Appointments can be made through the club secretary (contact: sharksecretary@gmail.com or ). A committee member may also be present at the meeting if requested by the coach. 4. Parents are not allowed on poolside during training unless specifically requested. This must be adhered to without exception. 5. It is a membership requirement that all parents/guardians contribute time and effort towards the running of the club and to the club duties at swimming galas. You will automatically be added to the duty roster of the particular squad your child swims in. 6. It is mandatory that all parents undertake their parent on duty responsibility regarding pool supervision. The rota will be circulated periodically by and will also be available on the club website. It is your responsibility to find a replacement if you are unavailable to supervise a particular session. It is the expectation of the club that both club swimmers and their parents/guardians at all times do not act in a manner that might bring the club into disrepute. It is not possible to list every eventuality here. If you have any queries as to what is acceptable behaviour in this regard please the club secretary at: sharksecretary@gmail.com 5

6 Information on Fees There are three terms in the swimming season, September to December, January to Easter, Post Easter to end of the relevant National Age Group Championships. This is the Division 2 championship at the end of June for all squads other than the black hat squad, and the Division 1 championship in July for the black hat squad. Term fees are based on a baseline fee of 175 for our Orange hat Squad. In terms of subsequent squad fees, there is then an increase of 50 per term for each additional pool session and 25 for an additional land training session. Term fees must be paid on time at the commencement of each term or swimmers will not be permitted to train or take part in competition. Shark Swimming Club has a no fee, no swim policy. This policy is essential for the club because there are potential insurance issues if non-fully paid up members swim. There are no reductions in term fees due to lack of attendance. If a swimmer cannot complete the term due to long term illness or injury they must put their case in writing to the committee together with supporting documentation, medical certificate(s), etc.. Each case will be considered individually and a possible outcome would be a compensating reduction allowed for the subsequent term fees. Squad Shark Swimming Club Term Fee Schedule Pool Sessions 2014/2015 Season Land Sessions Term Fee Orange Yellow White Blue Silver Black At the start of the season, in addition to the above club fees, all swimmers are required to pay a Swim Ireland annual registration fee in September of 39 per swimmer or 34 each for second and subsequent family members. 6

7 Parent/Guardian Pool Supervision duty In order to fulfil our obligations to the welfare of our children and as a club affiliated with Swim Ireland we must have a parental pool supervision system in place. This system consists of a rota by which the parents/guardians of the swimmers in a squad take it in turns to supervise the training sessions and, from time to time, to aid the coach on duty when requested. It is your responsibility to complete your supervision duty. If you are unable to make a session that you are scheduled to supervise, you may organise with another parent/guardian within your squad to cover for you on that occasion, but it is your responsibility to ensure that the particular session is covered. If there is no parent on duty the session may be cancelled by the coach. Duties 1. Arrive 15 minutes before the start of the training session to allow time for the swimmers to change.. 2. Obtain the Shark Swimming Club squad list folder from the pool reception or the lifeguard position (Kingfisher pool, Renmore). This folder must be kept with the parent on duty during the supervision period. 3. Supervise the swimmers passing through the entrance to the changing rooms at the start if the session and tick of the names of the swimmers attending the session as they arrive in the register. You must not go unaccompanied to the changing area with a swimmer. 4. Make yourself known to the coach on duty at the start of the session. 5. Sit in a position clearly visible to the coach and where the coach can easily access you for the purpose of communication. You should also have clear sight of the pool. 6. If a swimmer needs to leave the pool before the end of the session and/or your assistance is required, the coach will inform you. You must not go unaccompanied to the changing area with a swimmer. A swimmer leaving the pool early should dress and sit with the parent on duty until collected by their parent/guardian or until the session is over. 7. You may be required to go poolside and contact the swimmers parent if a swimmer becomes ill. 8. On occasion you may be requested by the coach to assist in the running of the session. This assistance could typically be aiding the coach in the timing of swimmers for trial/progress-monitoring purposes. To be prepared for this eventuality it is advisable to wear appropriate clothing and footwear in case you are needed on the poolside by the coach. 9. The pool supervision parent on duty rota is published on the club s website and is also circulated periodically by . If there is no parent present at the start of a training session it will be cancelled. 7

8 Shark Swimming Club Land Training Information Initial participation in the land training sessions will be on the recommendation of the Head Coach. To gain maximum benefit from the land training sessions it is a requirement that swimmers show a commitment to this form of training and participate to the best of their ability. Individual swimmers or a particular squad may be given specific individual exercises to be carried out at home and in their own time. Frequent monitoring and assessment of individual progress and performance will be carried out by the coach using tangible methods. It is expected that flexibility, strength and conditioning will improve over the season. All swimmers must be dressed appropriately to participate in land training. Full length t-shirts must be worn. Cropped tops are not suitable. Swimmers participation in land training sessions may be suspended or terminated by the head coach if on-going improvements are not maintained. 8

9 Information on Gala Entries The Shark Swimming Club Gala Secretary is your point of contact for all competition entries. The contact details for the Shark Swimming Club Gala Secretary are listed on the Shark Swimming Club website at: The following information is a guide for those who are new to swimming competitions and a reminder for all others. Please note the following: 1. Details of any upcoming competitions will be displayed on the club website at: and on the club Facebook page at: so keep checking. Your child s swimming coach will also speak to swimmers about upcoming galas. 2. Gala entry details and guidelines will also be circulated by in advance of any upcoming gala, together with the coaches recommendations as to what events the swimmer should enter. In the event of any queries please contact the Gala Secretary allowing sufficient time for any issues to be resolved before any deadlines arise. 3. The time and location at which entries for a gala are to be taken by the club will be notified in advance. Please make your entries on this day at the location specified or organise someone to make your entries for you. 4. The closing date for entries is very important. Please make a note of the club s closing date for entries for swimmers. We have to allow sufficient time for our entries to be processed by our club before submission to the relevant host/organising body. Late entries or late submission of gala fees cannot be accepted. 5. On gala entry day please bring the following information to the gala secretary: Name of Gala/Competition might seem obvious but occasionally we may be taking entries for more than one competition at the same time. Swimmers name and date of birth. Details of event name and event number (if available). E.g.: 100m Freestyle, Event No. 4 Total number of events and total entry fee. If you could bring the exact amount of the total entry fee it would be great appreciated. Availability for selection for Relay Teams and willingness to participate in any relay events: Yes / No 9

10 One final point: To help make swimming galas run smoothly and successfully the club is often required at galas to provide volunteers to undertake various specified duties. It is a requirement at Connacht and national competitions, as well as many other events that the club provide timekeepers, turn judges, stroke judges, call stewards etc., and rosters for these duties are issued in the lead up to these competitions. If your child is swimming in a competition then your services will often be needed to take a duty on the roster which will be circulated in advance of the competition. Please volunteer and please help out if asked to do so. 10

11 Swim Ireland Codes of Conduct: Safeguarding Children Policies & Procedures 2010 The Code for Young People CLUB: As an athlete you have rights and responsibilities. The following code will help identify these for you if you are not sure ask your parent or your Club Children s Officer to explain them. This is your Code, whatever your ability or wherever you take part and you should encourage others to follow it. In your sport you should Be happy, have fun and enjoy taking part and being involved in your sport Be treated fairly by everyone, adults and other athletes Feel safe and secure when you are taking part in your sport Be listened to and allowed to reply Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect Have a voice in the decisions that affect you within the Club and Swim Ireland Say no to something which makes you feel uncomfortable Train and compete at a level that is suitable for your age, development and ability Know that any details that are about you are treated with confidentiality 11

12 Your responsibilities are to Treat Leaders who may be teachers, coaches, team managers, officials or other parents with respect Be fair at all times, do your best to achieve your goals; be gracious if you do not achieved your goals Respect other athletes and your opponents Be part of the team and respect and support other team members both when they do well and when things go wrong; Never bully or use bullying actions against another person; you should never hurt other team members, athletes or your opponent, this includes never taking/damaging their property, never spreading rumours or telling lies about other young people or adults Keep to rules and guidelines set by Swim Ireland, the Region and your Club and make sure you understand the rules e.g. if you play a team sport what contact is allowed; as a swimmer in competitions what togs are allowed Take part in your sport without cheating; you are responsible for not cheating and must not allow others to force you to cheat Listen to and respect decisions made by others; if you feel unjustly treated you can talk to your Club Children s Officer or your parents; Behave in a manner that is respectful towards Swim Ireland, your region and your club Never use violence or bad language; do not shout or argue with leaders, team mates or opposing participants talk to someone if you are upset or angry or if someone has caused you to be upset or angry Talk with your Coach, Team Captain, Club Children s Officer or a trusted Swim Ireland member if you have any difficulties or do not understand something; you should never keep secrets about any person who may have caused you harm or has made you feel upset Understand sport can be hard work and requires discipline to achieve your goals; you should understand the commitment and attendance needed set at a level for what you want to achieve; talk through any worries or concerns with your parent and/or your Club Children s Officer Do not, or allow others to make you, try or take banned substances to improve your performance END 12

13 The Code for Parents/Guardians CLUB: You should help and support the implementation of best practise policies in your child s/children s Club by following the code below. Become members of the Club and contribute your time and effort in the daily running of the Club; no club can operate successfully and safely without the help of volunteers Understand and ensure your child/children abide by The Code for Young People Be available for specified duties if and when required; some duties are mandatory and form part of the procedures for safeguarding your children; some will be at the request of the Club. Have an awareness of and respect for Leaders and other adults and their roles within the Club Respect and abide by the decisions made by the Committee and other Leaders, these should be made in the best interests of the children in the Club Understand the complaints process and follow the proper procedure if you feel unjustly treated, with the knowledge that any complaint will be dealt with effectively and confidentially Know your child s training and/or competitive programme, and accept it is your responsibility for delivering and collecting your child/children. Parents/guardians should ensure they do not leave their child/children waiting unsupervised at any time Ensure the environment is safe and enjoyable for your child/children Promote fair play and the positive aspects of sport Be a role model for your children and young people by maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and respectful behaviour in any activity related to the Club or Swim Ireland. Allow your child to focus their efforts and success in terms of their goals rather than winning being the main objective 13

14 Promote participation for children that is fun, safe and in the spirit of fair play Ensure appropriate leaders are informed regarding any absenteeism, medical conditions or other relevant matters concerning your child Arrange an appropriate time and place for discussing any matter with leaders and coaches; communication should not take place whilst leaders and coaches are in a position of supervision or responsible for other young people You should have the opportunity to put forward suggestions and comments Provide the Club and your child with emergency contact information and to be reasonably available in case of emergency Abide by the procedures and policies in this document especially with regard to the use of mobile phones, any type of camera and videoing equipment. Be aware and abide by the Code of Ethics, this document, the rules and constitution of Swim Ireland and the rules and constitution of your own Club END 14

15 The Code for Leaders and Coaches/Teachers CLUB: You must follow the points stated in the code of conduct as described below: Be familiar with and follow the required procedures in the Code of Ethics, this document, Swim Ireland rules and Regional and Club rules Carry out your duties and responsibilities understanding that the welfare of children is paramount Where relevant you should be qualified for your position and have obtained up-to-date knowledge and skills as required by Swim Ireland Create a safe and enjoyable environment for children by: - Planning and preparing appropriately and be positive during sessions - Making sure all levels of participation should be enjoyable and fun, - Prioritising skill development and personal satisfaction over highly structured competition. - Setting age appropriate and realistic goals - Avoiding favouritism each child will need attention according to their sporting needs - Praising and encouraging effort as well as results - Showing respect for all involved, children and adults Recognise and ensure the welfare of children by: - Keeping attendance records - Not exposing a child to criticism, hostility or sarcasm - Never swearing at, ridiculing, shouting unnecessarily or arguing with a child - Being aware of a child s developmental needs and how a child may be psychologically or physically affected (if relevant for your role) - Working in an open environment - Ensuring there is adequate supervision - Involving and updating parents, especially if a problem has arisen - Respecting a child s sensitivity to their height and weight - Never using physical punishment or force - Not using verbal or physical punishments or exclusion for mistakes Do not allow or engage in bullying behaviour, rough physical games, sexually provocative games, never allow or engage in inappropriate physical contact of any kind or make sexually suggestive comments about or to a child 15

16 Co-operate with the recommendations from medical and ancillary practitioners in the management of a child s medical or related problems. You may request a certificate of medical fitness to ensure safe continued participation Avoid carrying out any medical testing or giving advice of a personal or medical nature if not qualified to do so or undertake any form of therapy (hypnosis etc.) in the training of children. Any such activity, if qualified, must only be with parent/guardian consent and the understanding of the child Keep any information in relation to a swimmer of a personal or medical nature strictly confidential unless the welfare of the child requires the passing on of this information. Never exert undue influence over a participant in order to obtain personal benefit or reward. Acknowledge the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco is incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity and must be discouraged. Avoid the use of alcohol at all times whilst responsible for young people e.g. training sessions, events and on trips with young people END 16

17 The Code for Committees CLUB: Committees should follow the points as below: Be familiar with the Code of Ethics, this document, Swim Ireland Rules and any Regional and/or Club rules Within a Club ensure and approve the appointments of Club Children s Officers (noncommittee) and a Designated Person (on committee) Carry out your required duties for Swim Ireland, Region or Club understanding that the welfare of children is paramount Follow the Swim Ireland policies and procedures so that all activities are in accordance with this document: - Create safe environment for young people - Ensure the codes of conduct are in place for all involved - Provide adequate supervision for training sessions with attendance record being kept - Recruit volunteers/employees including vetting and training is completed - Understand and implement the complaints and disciplinary procedures - Ensure safe induction and supervision of volunteers/employees - Ensure other activities follow procedures e.g. away trips - All required procedures contained in this document are adopted Ensure complaints including rumours are not ignored and dealt with appropriately, following the relevant procedures including - Recording all incidents - Reporting the incident/accident or injury - Informing the parent or guardian (if child involved) Keep and store securely all documentation with respect to meetings, correspondence and minutes of committee meetings together with General Meetings, including the Treasurers report Set up, maintain, revise and implement rules in the best interests of Swim Ireland, the Region or Club. Rules should not contravene any Swim Ireland rules and must be communicated to the relevant members. Ensure effective communications with members through recognised means e.g. , web posting, use of noticeboards, etc. 17

18 Inform parents/guardians in advance and obtain consent for children to be involved in events outside the normal activities within the aquatic disciplines e.g. fun day out, fundraising. Inform parents/guardians where a matter or problem arises relating to their child Monitor with the Children s Officer any changes in membership and any unusual dropout, absenteeism or Club transfers by children or leaders. Ensure these are followed up to determine the reason for the trend. Children s Officers and Coaches must be invited to at least 50% of committee meetings per annum to report and advise the Committee. Children s Officers and Coaches/Teachers may not be appointed/elected members of the committee END 18

19 Shark Swimming Club Membership Forms Forms on the next five pages should be filled out by all swimmers and parents/guardians wishing to become a Shark Swimming club member. The forms are: 1. Shark Swimming Club Membership form. 2. Medical Consent form. 3. Code of Conduct form. 4. Photography Consent form. 5. Swim Ireland New Member from. Please ensure that both swimmers and their parents/guardians (for swimmers under 18 years of age) sign all forms where required to do so. Forms should be handed over to the club secretary of their representative on club registration day at the start of the season together with the required term fees. 19

20 Shark Swimming Club Membership Form 1. All members must complete this form to register with the club 2. All relevant codes of conduct must be signed and handed in. 3. New members must also complete and sign the Swim Ireland Membership Form. Membership of the Club places a legal responsibility on parents/guardians to pay fees owed by their child. The obligation still applies even if the swimmer leaves the club with accrued debts. Name of Swimmer: Address: Swimmers Date of Birth: Male/Female: Name of Parent/Guardian: Phone No. of Parent/Guardian: Address (Please Print): Club information will be communicated by and occasion by text message. Please clearly print your preferred address above. I agree to pay all Club and related fees incurred by the above whilst a member of the Shark Swimming Club. Signed: (Parent/Guardian) Date: 20

21 Medical Consent Form The completion of this form is for your own child s protection. This form will be held in strict confidence. Name of Swimmer: Address: Number to be contacted in an emergency: Date of Birth: I am currently taking the following medication on a continuing basis: Dosage Required: Purpose of Medication: How is the medication taken?: GP s Name (for emergencies only): GP s Number: Please indicate if there is any other relevant information that our coaching staff should be made aware of YES NO (Circle Yes or No to indicate response) I give permission for the above named swimmer to be given appropriate medical treatment in the event of illness or injury whilst participating in Shark Swimming Club activities. Signed: Date: 21

22 Shark Swimming Club Code of Conduct Agreement Form To be signed by the swimmer To be signed by their parent/guardian (for swimmers aged under 18 years) Young People I have read, understood and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for Young People (Swim Ireland Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures 2010), the rules of Swim Ireland and Shark Swimming Club. Signature of Young Person: Date: Print Name: Parent/Guardian I have read, understood and agree to abide by the Code of Conduct for Parents/Guardians (Swim Ireland Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures 2010), the rules of Swim Ireland and Shark Swimming Club. Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date: Print Name: 22

23 Photography Consent Form From time to time, the Shark Swimming Club may wish to take photographs or video footage of activities that involve your child. These photographs may be used for purposes of posting images to our website, distributing the images to media outlets or including images in presentations which are designed to raise the profile of the club. Photography for the club will only ever be conducted with the full permission of the Shark Swimming Club chair and committee and will be coordinated with the clubs children s officer. The photography itself will always be managed by a senior club officer. When filming or photography is carried out by the club or the news media, children may be named individually, particularly if they have been successful at an event or gala. However, photography will always be conducted in accordance with the Swim Ireland photography policy. This policy may be found in full at: This policy stipulates, among other things, that children must wear t-shirts and shorts/tracksuits or the club kit for poolside shots and that Action shots with children in swimming attire, only which capture the nature of the sport are acceptable. A parent/guardian can request to see photographs of their child held on file by us at any time. Parental permission for photography can also be withdrawn at any time. I hereby: Grant permission: [ ] Do not grant permission: [ ] (Tick appropriate box to indicate response.) to Shark Swimming Club to take and use photographs and/or digital images of my child in accordance with the policy outlined above. I further agree that my child s name and identity may be revealed in descriptive text or commentary in connection and relevant to the image(s). Child s Name: Signature of Parent/Guardian: Date: 23

24 Membership Form Please Tick here if this person is a head of family Swim Ireland Number if existing member Club ID: Title: Club Name: Gender First Name: Address 1 Middle Name: Address 2 Surname: Address 3: Date of Birth: Town: Family Head ID: County: Phone: Country: Mobile: If not can you enter the ID of the head of their family (U21 Roles: Disciplines: Competitor Non-Competitor Secretary Coach Water Polo Treasurer Teacher Diving Designated Person Team Manager Masters Children s Officer Official Open Water Committee Member Synchronised Swimming Do you agree to abide by the Safeguarding Children Policies and Procedures and rules of Swim Ireland and Club? Do you agree to abide by the code of conduct as laid out by Swim Ireland and Club? Have you ever been asked to leave a sporting organisation? (If you have answered yes, we will contact you in confidence) Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence or been the subject of a caution; a Bound Over Order; or are you at present the subject of criminal investigations? Applicant's Signature: Date: (If the Application is for an under 18 then the parent must also sign) Parent's Signature: By signing this form you give your club secretary permission to enter your details onto the Swim Ireland online database. Please remember that the information you are sending to Swim Ireland Head Office through this form is personal data and must be treated in accordance with the Data Protection Acts, 1988 and Please read your club s data protection policy for further information. 24

25 Declaration of Club Secretary: As the Club Secretary I confirm that the above named has been accepted and is involved as a member of the club, and I have verified their date of birth. Club Secretary: Signature: Name: For all NEW members this form must be printed, signed and the hard copy kept by the club for official records. *Please note evidence that the club are holding these forms in a safe and secure location will form part of the Club Mark process. It is your responsibility as club secretary for ensuring the accuracy and validity of the information that you submit using this form and Swim Ireland accept no responsibility whatsoever for any errors or omissions that you may make. 25