Member Handbook Season 2016/17 Melbourne Torpedoes Swimming Club Glen Eira Sport and Aquatic Centre (GESAC) 200 East Boundary Road, Bentleigh East, VIC 3165 E: mtsc_vic@hotmail.com I torpedoes.swimming.org.au [Updated September 2016] 1 P a g e [ Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. CONTACT US... 3 2. ABOUT MELBOURNE TORPEDOES SWIMMING CLUB... 3 3. MISSION & VISION... 3 4. CLUB CULTURE... 4 5. MEMBER WELFARE... 5 6. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE... 5 7. MEMBERSHIP AND SQUAD FEES... 6 8. DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY... 6 9. SQUAD SUMMARY... 7 10. COMMUNICATION... 7 11. CONDUCT... 8 12. SAFE SPORT FRAMEWORK... 9 13. COMPETITION... 9 14. UNIFORM... 10 APPENDIX A SQUADS TIMETABLE... 11 APPENDIX B SQUAD COMPETITIONS... 12 APPENDIX C SWIMMING FEE SCHEDULE... 13 APPENDIX D SWIMMING VICTORIA REGISTRATION FEES... 14 APPENDIX E MEMBER TRANSFERS TO MTSC... 14 2 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
1. CONTACT US Melbourne Torpedoes Swimming Club (MTSC) Email: mtsc_vic@hotmail.com torpedoes.swimming.org.au 2. ABOUT MELBOURNE TORPEDOES SWIMMING CLUB Melbourne Torpedoes Swimming Club (MTSC) was formed in early 2016 as a high performance club aimed at swimmers looking to further their swimming through hard work and competition. The club enjoys a partnership with the best facility in the Glen Eira region, GESAC. Through the use of the indoor 25m pool, outdoor 50m pool and gym facilities. Melbourne Torpedoes provides a high level of training for all swimmers of any level. 3. MISSION AND VISION Mission Statement To be the swimming club of choice in Melbourne s South Eastern suburbs. Key Elements of Mission To provide quality training, in a selective environment, and The aim is not growth for growth s sake, i.e. not just grow the membership The aim is to cater to swimmers who are driven to be their best. To offer levels of progression from learner swimmers to top level national swimmers catering for diversity to focus on being a competitive club. To cater to community diversity by: offering a welcoming environment to all ethnic groups encouraging equal sharing of responsibility amongst the membership base being open to participation by groups and individuals willing to share and contribute To provide value to Partners through: working with partners, such as GESAC management and Glen Eira council to achieve their goals developing a mutually collaborative relationship with stake holders including: provision of annual business plan, accounts actively working with GESAC management to enhance the reputation and vibrancy of the facility potential for sharing of net annual operating income to GESAC to demonstrate our commitment to working together. 2020 Goals to Achieve Leading top 5 position in Metropolitan Melbourne Be actively sought out by competitive swimmers Maintaining a self-sustaining and financially viable club Maintaining a safe and secure club for all stakeholders. 3 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
Core Values and Operating Principles Core Values: The objective is to BUILD an environment that all stakeholders enjoy participating by adopting the following values: Community Respect Responsibility Sportsmanship Trust Strive to be the best Be part of the swimming and local communities to actively strive for the group goal and contribute to the community by offering a competitive swimming culture Accept the objectives of other stakeholders and work to facilitate a balanced outcome where others can achieve their goals As a club, work hard and don t lay fault with others To promote the spririt of sportsmanship amongst the members and at all levels within the club and in all dealings with key stakeholders Deliver on our promises and always provide open honest communication Be passionate to particate, and achieve the highest standards Club Operating Principles: SAFE ENVIRONMENT, QUALITY TRAINING, PARTNERSHIP HARMONY AND SWIMMER SUPPORT Health and Safety Partnerships Meet its Obligations Open Communication Club Excellence Swimmer support To follow the direction of GESAC staff at all times and to provide a safe environment To work collaboratively with all key partners To meet its current and future debt repayment obligations To ensure open communication with all stake holders, via the club president and authorised spokspersons Develop a strong set of internal processes and controls for governance To provide a caring environment as our swimmers grow and develop, in a supporting environment Vision Statement Give swimmers the best possible opportunities to achieve their swimming goals. To create a competitive swimming club. As a club we endeavour to create an exciting community of competitive swimmers, in an environment that allows our members to live, learn and grow from the sport of swimming. Focus on long-term partnerships with GESAC, the community of Glen Eira (and broader Melbourne area) recognising their perspectives and assisting with the achievement of their goals. Seek to re-establish itself, to develop and grow. Continue to leverage and broaden our unique offer to the sport of swimming. 4. CLUB CULTURE Melbourne Torpedoes Swimmers: Develop enthusiasm, resilience, perseverance and motivation to achieve their best Develop initiative and independence Be aware of their actions and the impact these have on those around them Understand and value themselves and respect those around them Become responsible members of the community Accept responsibility for their own development as athletes and people Learn problem solving skills & strategies to overcome challenges & disappointment. 4 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
Melbourne Torpedoes Committee Support the Club s mission and vision statements Are positive role models through their words, attitudes, behaviour and actions Foster a safe environment of tolerance, friendship and enjoyment Encourage excellence in all endeavors Support members toward realising their potential Are progressive and passionate Are active ambassadors for MTSC. 5. MEMBER WELFARE MTSC aims to provide the best environment to support the development of swimmers to their full potential. Please let us know of any concerns you may have so that we can resolve them quickly and best support your swimmer. Grievance Process Please initially direct any concerns to the Head Coach. If the issue is not able to be resolved satisfactorily, or you would like further advice or support, please arrange a time to discuss with the Grievance Officer. 6. ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE MTSC is governed by a committee of members elected from the membership at the Special General Meeting (SGM). The committee is made up of the executive members (President, Vice- President, Treasurer, Secretary and Registrar) and up to 5 additional committee members. Board and Staff Contact Details All Committee members can be contacted by email, please visit the website and select the name of the member you wish to contact. Committee Name Contact General Enquiries mtsc_vic@hotmail.com 0433 151 893 President Neil Matthews nmatthews@superinvestment.com.au Vice President Jane Liu janeliu668@gmail.com 0433 151 893 Treasurer Komala Ramu anuatireddy@gmail.com Secretary Clarissa Han hanyijoy@hotmail.com Registrar Tony Zhu zhuyili@yahoo.com Head Coach Daniel Blackborrow dmb84@hotmail.com 0401 425 682 Grievance Officer Rachel Loke rachel.loke@sap.com Safety Officer Laura Kartel laurakartel@mac.com General Member Leanne Getson-Ballan leanneg1147@gmail.com 5 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
7. MEMBERSHIP AND SQUAD FEES Membership is renewed annually on 1 July. All swimmers at MTSC are required to join as members of the MTSC. Club operation requires at least one parent also join where the swimmers is under 18. Swimmers must be financial MTSC members to participate in the swimming program. All members are also required to register with Swimming Victoria, enabling swimmers to participate in competition, and a compulsory insurance component. Relevant fees are detailed in Appendix C. Prescribed Squad Breaks Public holidays and squad breaks after training cycles and targeted meets is at the discretion of the Head Coach. 8. DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY Squad Structure MTSC provides a comprehensive program from developing swimmers through to elite swimmers competing at national and international level. Within this program a formal squad structure exists providing a pathway for progression at individual rates. Consideration is given to: Overall club numbers How many swimmers currently fit within each training band Squad size Lane and gym availability Progression through the Development Pathway At the completion of the three major competition periods each year, Australian/Victorian Short Course, Victorian Championship and Australian Championship, swimmers in all squads are assessed by coaching staff to identify which squad is appropriate for the coming preparation cycle. Progression through the development pathway is determined by the coaching staff s assessment of a swimmer s progress, training application and competition results as well as the availability of a vacant position in the appropriate squad. Squad Criteria In developing squad criteria MTSC considers: Age, maturity and social and physical development State and national qualifying times Training standards Number of sessions per week (swimming and gym) Competition requirements Behaviour After a move of squad takes place, a one month trial period will be in place to assess that the move is appropriate for the swimmer, with consultation some adjustment may be necessary. The Head Coach retains overall discretion and may allocate swimmers to a squad where criteria have not been met. 6 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
9. SQUAD SUMMARY Full details for each squad, including training times and equipment requirements, can be found at Appendix A. Swimmers are assessed against a range of performance and training criteria, before being allocated to a squad, to ensure all members of that squad are able to train at similar capacity and with the same primary focus. The Head Coach retains overall discretion of which squad is appropriate for any swimmer. NAME FOCUS QUALIFYING GUIDE National Open Preparing swimmers for national and international competitions. Achieve a national open qualifying time. Achieve a national age medal. Selected on an Australian Team (Age or Open). *At the discretion of the Head Coach. National Age Preparing swimmers for national and international age group competitions. Swimmers aged 11-18 years. Achieve a national age qualifying time. *At the discretion of the Head Coach. State Squad Swimmers aged 7-18 years. Achieve a state age qualifying time. *At the discretion of the Head Coach. Preparing swimmers for state age group competitions and working towards achieving a national age qualifying time. Competition Develop stroke technique and training skills. Prepare swimmers for competitions and working towards achieving a state age qualifying time. Swimmers aged 7-13 years. Compete in all four strokes. Have a high level of stroke and training skills. *At the discretion of the Head Coach. Development Develop stroke technique, training skills Swimmers aged 7-12 years. Compete in all and prepare swimmers for competitions. four strokes. *At the discretion of the Head Coach. 10. COMMUNICATION Information about the club, including regular news updates, is available on the Melbourne Torpedoes website http://torpedoes.swimming.org.au and via Facebook. MTSC communicates through the App Team App. Member emails are added to their particular squad on Team App for ease of communication. You may like to down load Team App to your smart phone from the app store. Please contact any committee member if you require assistance. 7 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
Contact with your Coach Swimmers meet regularly with their coach to review progress, establish goals, identify areas of focus and discuss meets/events to enter. Annual Coach Parent interviews are scheduled to provide an opportunity for parents to discuss their child s progress. If you wish to discuss a matter with a coach at other times an appointment can be made at a mutually suitable time. Email is the preferred method of initial contact with coaches. Regular updates from the coaches will be communicated through TEAM APP. Parents are asked not to approach a coach during training and to remain off the pool deck area at all times. 11. CONDUCT All members are expected to behave in a courteous and respectful manner, consistent with the values of the Club. Members should be familiar with the Swimming Australia Codes of Conduct adopted by MTSC. Consequences/penalties can apply for behaviour breaches of the MTSC Codes of Conduct. The Codes of Conduct are available on the Swimming Australia and MTSC websites. The Codes are comprehensive, covering requirements applicable to Competitors, Coaches, Team Officials & Managers, Technical Officials, Administrators and Parents/Guardians. Member conduct reflects on the reputation of the Club and of fellow members. Members are expected at all times to conduct themselves in a manner that does not damage those reputations including, but not limited to, training, competition, trips away, club activities and training camps. The Club may terminate membership without prior notice in the event of serious or willful misconduct or in the event of other sufficient cause. Serious or willful misconduct by a member includes, but is not limited to: Any serious or persistent breach of any of the terms and conditions of the Swimming Australia Codes of Conduct, Member Protection Policy or the Child Protection Policy Bringing Melbourne Torpedoes Swimming Club into disrepute Being charged with a criminal offence, other than an offence which in the reasonable opinion of the Club does not affect their role within the Club Competitor Code of Behaviour Play by the rules. Never argue with an official. Always use the appropriate rules and guidelines to resolve a dispute. Control your temper. Verbal abuse of officials and sledging other players, deliberately distracting or provoking an opponent are not acceptable or permitted behaviour in any sport. Work equally hard for yourself and/or your team. Be a good sport. Applaud all good performance whether they are made by your team or the opposition. Treat all participants in your sport as you like to be treated. Do not bully or take unfair advantage of another competitor. Cooperate with your coach, team mates and opponents. Participate for your own employment and benefit, not just to please parents and coaches. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. 8 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
Parent/Guardian Code of Behaviour Remember that children participate in sport for their enjoyment, not yours. Encourage children to participate, do not force them. Focus on the child s efforts and performance rather than winning or losing. Encourage children always to play according to the rules and to settle disagreements without resorting to hostility or violence. Never ridicule or yell at a child for making a mistake or losing a competition. Remember that children learn best by example. Appreciate good performances and skilful plays by all participants. Support all efforts to remove verbal and physical abuse from sporting activities. Respect officials decisions and teach children to do likewise. Show appreciation for coaches, officials and administrators. Without them, your child could not participate. Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every young person regardless of their gender, ability, cultural background or religion. 12. SAFE SPORT FRAMEWORK To abide by the Swimming Australia guidelines regarding Child Welfare Policies and Procedures Detail, the best practice requirmements including Working With Children checks for all responsible persons etc. 13. COMPETITION This handbook contains details of competitions members of each squad are expected to enter. The competitions listed in your squad groups are a minimum level of meets. With consultation with your coach additional competitions may be added. Entries In most cases swimmers are responsible for their own entries and entry fees. Entry/payment is normally online, using the swimmer s individual user name and password (generated during membership registration). At relevant competitions Relay Only swimmers must enter themselves online by selecting the relay swimmer option from the event listing. MTSC will lodge entries for relay teams at identified meets and covers the cost of these entries. Teams will be selected according to the MTSC Relay Policy. Timekeeping at Swimming Victoria and Metro District South Competitions Swimming Victoria (SV) and Metro District South (MDS) conduct competitions throughout the year. It is a condition of MTSC membership that swimmers, or their representative, will assist as timekeepers at SV and MDS meets entered by the swimmer. General Competition Guidelines Swimmers should aim to arrive at the competition venue 90 minutes before their first event or at the beginning of warm up if swimming in early events. Swimmers should warm up 1 hour before their first race or according to coach s instructions Swimmers should talk to their coach before and immediately after each race Parents wishing to talk to coaches should do so before or after the meet Parents and swimmers should ensure they treat all Coaches, Officials, Venue Staff, Club members, and competitors with courtesy and respect 9 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
Drug Testing The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) is a government statutory authority whose mission is to protect Australia's sporting integrity through the elimination of doping. The ASADA website includes a checking tool to verify the status of substances/medications and a detailed explanation of the testing process. The Prohibited List is updated annually, coming into effect on 1 January of that year Athletes can be randomly selected for testing at any time and should familiarise themselves with the procedure Doping regulations do not allow ignorance about a medication as an excuse or justification Drugs, medications and substances listed on ASADA s website are brand-name products sold in Australia. Avoid using any overseas product ASADA cautions athletes about the use of sports supplements as the contents can vary from batch to batch and may contain prohibited substances. Athletes who take supplements are at risk of committing an inadvertent anti-doping rule violation Supplements Swimming Australia advises the following: Athletes should focus on a well-planned training program that develops good technique, skill and fitness, supported by adequate nutrition and recovery practices. Focusing on sound nutrition and recovery practices will give swimmers a better platform for performance than supplements. Swimmers aged under 18 years should not use supplements unless specifically recommended by a sports physician/doctor, sports dietitian or sports physiologist. Parents and swimmers should familiarise themselves with the following websites: Swimming Australia, www.swimming.org.au Swimming Victoria, www.vic.swimming.org.au Metro District South, www.metrosouthswimming.com.au ASADA, www.asada.gov.au 14. UNIFORM It is a condition of membership that swimmers wear uniform as directed. Uniform can be purchased from the uniform coordinator. The table below indicates when/where uniform items are to be worn compulsory (green tick) not permitted (red cross). Club uniforms are available to be ordered throughout the year. Please see a committee member or the Uniform Coordinator/s for updates. All members will be advised via Team App when the Club is taking orders. Uniform Items Training Racing Presentation on MTSC Swim Cap Blocks Polo Shirt Optional Medal Presentation Hoodie Optional Optional Optional Optional Jacket Optional Optional Optional Optional Shorts Optional Optional Optional Optional 10 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
APPENDIX A SQUADS TIMETABLE National Open AM AM PM PM Swim Gym Swim Gym MONDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) TUESDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) 5:15-7:00 (LC) 4:30-5:15 WEDNESDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) THURSDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) 5:15-7:00 (LC) 4:30-5:15 FRIDAY 5:15-7:00 (LC) SATURDAY 7:00-9:15 (LC) 9:30-10:30 EQUIPMENT: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kick Board, Flippers, Finger Paddles, Hand Paddles, Snorkel, Pull Buoy, Water Bottle. National Age AM AM PM PM Swim Gym Swim Gym MONDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) TUESDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) 5:15-7:00 (LC) 4:30-5:15 WEDNESDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) THURSDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) 5:15-7:00 (LC) 4:30-5:15 FRIDAY 5:15-7:00 (LC) SATURDAY 7:00-9:15 (LC) EQUIPMENT: Goggles, Swim cap, Kick board, Flippers, Finger Paddles, Hand Paddles, Snorkel, Pull buoy, Band, Water bottle. State Squad AM AM PM PM Swim Gym Swim Gym MONDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) TUESDAY 4:00-5:15 (LC) 5:15-6:00 WEDNESDAY 5:30-7:30 (SC) 5:30-7:00 (LC) THURSDAY 4:00-5:15 (LC) 5:15-6:00 FRIDAY 4:00-5:15 (LC) SATURDAY 9:15-10:45 (LC) EQUIPMENT: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kick Board, Flippers, Finger Paddles, Hand Paddles, Snorkel, Pull Buoy, Water Bottle. 11 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
Competition/Development MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY AM AM PM PM Swim Gym Swim Gym 9:15-10:30 (LC) 7:00-8:30 (SC) 7:00-8:30 (SC) 7:00-8:30 (SC) 7:00-7:45 (SC) EQUIPMENT: Goggles, Swim Cap, Kick Board, Flippers, Finger Paddles, Snorkel, Pull Buoy, Water Bottle APPENDIX B SQUAD COMPETITIONS All upcoming events/meets will be published and regularly updated in Team App. 12 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
APPENDIX C SWIMMING FEE SCHEDULE At present, MTSC swimmers do NOT require a separate GESAC Aquatic membership. This is already included in the monthly swimming fees. MTSC Club Registration Fee (one-off) $105 (including $55 per swimmer under 18 and $50 per responsible parent) $55 for each additional swimmer under 18 MTSC Club Membership Renewal Fee (annual) $80 per family per year, payable at first week of July each year. Applicable from the second year of MTSC membership. Fees below are monthly and are expected at the start of each month. National Age/Open - $291, State Squad - $270, Competition/Development Squad - $208 Payable on the 1 st day of each month. No Pay No Swim All new swimmers are required to make payment of registration fee and first month training fee before the training is commenced. Monthly training fee is payable at the 1st day of each month. GESAC access and club training would be suspended for any delayed training fee of more than one week (7 calendar days). All club fees and training fees are not refundable or transferrable. Club Membership Suspension: MTSC offers up to 4 weeks membership suspension each year, providing a written Suspension application notice is given to both Club President and Head Coach at least two weeks before the suspension start date. The conditions are: 1. The minimum suspension period is 14 days. Membership suspension can only take multiples of 7 days, and the maximum for each swimmer is 4 weeks (28 days) per year. 2. Any extended suspension period above 4 weeks is to be paid as usual to reserve the spot. 3. Two weeks written notices is required for any suspension, the suspension application notice should be sent to both Club Treasurer and Head Coach, and clearly indicate: swimmer s full name, current squad level, contact number and email, suspension reason, suspension start and end date with signature. 4. All suspensions should be approved by Club President and/or Head Coach before the suspension start date. 5. Medical suspension would be approved upon the receiving of valid medical certificate. 6. Club committee reserves the right to explain to conditions or make decisions for specific circumstance. Leaving the Club: Any swimmer who decides to quit would need to provide at least two weeks written notice to the MTSC Club President and Treasurer to apply for terminating the membership. The termination would be approved upon the clearance of all club membership payment, training fee payment, Swimming Victoria payment and all other debts to the club. 13 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]
APPENDIX D SWIMMING VICTORIA REGISTRATION FEES Swimming Victoria registration fees are required on an annual basis to allow the swimmers to compete in official meets and to be covered by SV insurance. All swimmers are required to register with Swimming Victoria. This can be done on the website: vic.swimming.org.au and select the Join Now button. Every swimmer and one parent (if the swimmers is below 18) is required to register with SV. APPENDIX E MEMBER TRANSFERS TO MTSC Swimmers or parents who are wishing to transfer to MTSC should follow the follow procedure (once the Head Coach has confirmed a place in the squad program) If the person is a financial member of their old club: The person will need to advise the MTSC Registrar/Secretary that they wish to transfer to the club in writing MTSC will apply for a transfer from their old club via ClubLane The person s old club is required to approve the transfer within 14 days (or inform the person and Swimming Victoria why they have not approved the transfer within 14 days). Once the transfer is granted, and membership approved by the Committee, the person will be sent a renewal membership email from MTSC. Once the renewal has been paid, the person will be a financial member of MTSC. If the person is a financial member of their old club: The person will need to inform MTSC that they wish to transfer to the Club. You can do this by emailing mtsc_vic@hotmail.com once your place in a squad is confirmed. MTSC will apply for a transfer from their old club The person s old club will be required to approve the transfer within 14 days (or inform the person and Swimming Victoria why they have not approved the transfer within 14 days). The person will be invoiced by MTSC for a $42.00 (which Swimming Victoria will have charged to MTSC). Once payment of the transfer fee is received, the MTSC committee will meet to approve provisional membership. Once provisional membership is approved the Club will activate the person s membership. 14 Page [Melbourne Torpedoes Handbook]