Introduction Introduction Scottish Swimming is the Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, High Diving, Masters Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo. Swimming is a sport for everyone and we are committed to developing the sport in an inclusive, equitable and fair way. Vision: Mission: Everyone Can Swim To inspire our members and partners in the development of aquatics, providing leadership and expert support, resulting in more people taking part and reaching their full potential Strategic Objectives: To increase the number of people of all ages and abilities participating in swimming for health, fitness and fun To support and develop stronger, more sustainable clubs that will provide increased and quality opportunities for people to participate at all levels To enhance the aquatic pathway, ensuring high performance results through effective athlete development and quality coaching Scottish Swimming s work is guided by our Corporate Plan, this is underpinned by our Development and Performance Plans and this Facilities Strategy. The Facilities Strategy has been produced by Scottish Swimming in partnership with sportscotland. The Strategy focuses on 3 areas: A review of the Scottish Swimming Facilities Strategy 2009 2015 Identification of the national and regional priorities and a review and consideration of local provision Guidance on best practice across: Partnerships Facility access Pool programming Quality facilities are essential in the development of aquatics across Scotland. Access to water time for club training, competitions, events and programmed activities such as learn to swim, as well as casual swimming time, all continue to be under pressure and so a network of suitable facilities, well programmed to support the development of all aspects of aquatics is critical. The current economic climate suggests local authorities/ leisure trusts and other pool owners and operators are under increasing financial pressure when keeping facilities open to the community. Given this climate, it is encouraging that pool owners and operators continue to view local pool provision as a valued community resource and continue to develop more multi-functional pools that are more efficient to run and manage. Taking account of the economic pressures, this new Strategy combines new facility priorities with best practice in partnerships, access and programming. Facilities Strategy from 2017 Introduction 2 3
Review Scottish Swimming Facilities Strategy 2009 2015 Review The Scottish Swimming Facilities Strategy, 2009 2015, detailed facility priorities for aquatics at a national, regional and local level. The Strategy had a strong emphasis on delivering an improved network of 50m pools of a national and regional standard along with a number of regional standard 25m pools. Good progress has been made against delivering on the network of 50m pools, however limited progress has been made against regional 25m pools. This type of provision must, therefore, become the priority through the life span of this plan and beyond. Progress has also been made in a number of areas where local aquatics forums have been set up. These engage clubs with local authority/leisure trust staff to discuss and agree access, pricing and operational issues. 2009 2015 Priorities Priority 1 Aberdeen National Delivered Standard 50m Pool Aberdeen Sports Village opened 2014 Includes National Diving Facility Priority 2 Dundee Regional Delivered Standard 50m Pool Olympia opened 2014 Includes Regional Diving Facility Priority 3 Glenrothes Regional Delivered Standard 25m Pool Michael Woods opened May 2013 Priority 4 Aberdeenshire Regional No Progress Standard 25m Pool Priority 5 East Regional Delivered Standard 50m Pool Royal Commonwealth Pool refurbished 2012 Includes National Diving Facility Scottish Swimming would like to thank and acknowledge local partners and sportscotland for their commitment to deliver against the priorities in the last Facilities Strategy, and look forward to working closely together in continuing to deliver high quality facilities across Scotland over the coming years. Priority 6 East Regional No Progress Standard 25m Pool 2009 2015 Discipline Priorities Priority 1 West National No Progress Standard Diving Those priorities not delivered in the last strategy have been carried over to the new strategy 4
Identification of Priorities Facilities Strategy from 2017 Through a combination of local conversations with partners, feedback from our members and through the sportscotland facility planning model, Scottish Swimming has considered the needs of the sport until 2021 and beyond. Scottish Swimming has maintained its approach from the previous Strategy, identifying the network of facilities that are required to cater for all levels of participation at a national, regional and local level. National Standard Facilities Good progress made with national standard facilities in the last Strategy This Strategy will focus and prioritise a national Diving facility Required in designated locations to cater for performance training and competition The specifications for national facilities are detailed in Appendix 1 Regional Standard Facilities Required across the country to provide competition and training facilities for competitive athletes and importantly also allows multi-client group simultaneous use through effective pool planning Gaps across the country with this type of provision The specifications for regional competition and training standard facilities are detailed in Appendix 1 Local Standard Facilities Required across the country to support all aspects of aquatics development, in particular providing local communities with access to good quality, local swimming pools Local pools should maximise the opportunities for schools, clubs (including competitions) and community access Range of sizes but always consider multi user groups, movable floors, competitive swimming dimensions Ideally collocated with dry side facilities, including gym and studio space Facilities Strategy from 2017 National Standard Facility Priorities for 2017-2021 Facility Type SS Region Location National Training & Competition standard Diving Facility West Glasgow National Training & Competition standard Diving Facility Dry Dive provision Grampian Aberdeen Sports Village Regional Facility Priorities for 2017-2021 Facility Type SS Region Location Regional Training & Competition standard Swimming Facility Grampian * North East Regional Training & Competition standard Swimming Facility Tayside Perth Regional Training & Competition standard Swimming Facility East * Edinburgh/East Regional Training & Competition standard Swimming Facility West North Lanarkshire Regional Training & Competition standard Swimming & Diving Facility West TBC *Facilities that were identified as part of the last Facility Strategy Facilities Strategy from 2017 Identification of Priorities Where other opportunities arise for pool replacement, Scottish Swimming would welcome discussion with local partners to consider the merits of a regional competition and training standard pool. 6 7
Identification of Priorities Regional Competition & Training Facility Dryside Facilities Fitness Studio Land Conditioning Spectator Seating: 250 seats plus space for further 250 temporary seats 20m warm-up/ training pool with movable floor 25m 8 lane pool with movable floor Drawings provided by Space & Place Architects Local Standard Facilities Local Standard Facilities Local standard facilities are required across the country to meet local aquatic development and community use needs. Local standard facilities could include school pools with appropriate club and community Access Agreements. These facilities need to be able to cater for a range of users including young people and adults learning to swim, disability swimmers, swimmers from minority backgrounds, club training, local competitions and recreational public use Major local facility challenges for operators to consider within their pool strategies are maintenance, upgrading and replacement of existing stock and the need to ensure facilities are sustainable into the future In all instances, Scottish Swimming will look to support partners in deciding upon medium and long term options aimed at delivering against local and national objectives Planning Considerations Appendix 2 shows an increase in provision against the same table in the last Facility Strategy; however, anecdotal evidence would suggest that there are some significant concerns around a number of facilities. This includes the age, efficiency and state of repair of many facilities, which are running on increasingly large subsidies. Scottish Swimming will work with partners to commission research into pool stock across Scotland. This research should consider the review completed in 2000, The Ticking Time Bomb The Maintenance, Upgrading and Refurbishment of Scotland s Public Pools, and update this work taking account of the age and state of the current facility stock and local planning and development. Facilities Strategy from 2017 Identification of Priorities Warm-up Pool & 25m Pool Section 25m Pool Moving Floor & Temporary Seating Warm-up Pool 8 9
Identification of Priorities Facility Standards & Development for the Disciplines Scottish Swimming is the Governing Body for Swimming, Diving, High Diving, Masters Swimming, Open Water Swimming, Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo. Consideration has been given to the Discipline requirements. Diving Three of the significant facility developments in the last five years have catered for Diving; Royal Commonwealth Pool, Edinburgh, Aberdeen Sports Village and Olympia, Dundee. If the priority of a national standard facility in the West is delivered then national level provision will be in place. However, with Diving growing in popularity local and regional pools should consider Diving provision, the requirements for local and regional standard Diving facilities are detailed in Appendix 1. Masters The provision of facilities for Masters swimming is covered effectively by the provision of pools for Swimming. Open Water While it is recognised that the majority of training for Open Water Swimming takes place in swimming pools and is therefore covered by the provision of swimming pools, there is a need and a growing demand for suitable open water venues. Outdoor competition requires access to suitable expanses of water with access for safety and rescue craft as well as changing facilities for competitors and access for emergency first aid provision. There are a number of venues across Scotland used for Open Water Swimming. With growing interest and participation in Open Water Swimming, Scottish Swimming would ask local partners to consider Open Water Swimming when developing any open water sites and would welcome early conversations to ensure Open Water Swimming is considered. Scottish Swimming will also work closely with Triathlon Scotland when considering open water training and competition venues and developments. 10
Identification of Priorities Facility Standards & Development for the Disciplines Synchronised Swimming Club level Synchronised Swimming is catered for through the provision of national, regional and local facilities. However the development of youth and senior athletes does require deep water, with a minimum depth of 2.5m and for international events a 3m depth. Water Polo Club level Water Polo is serviced effectively by national, regional and local facilities that are at least 25m x 12m with a constant depth of 2m. Unfortunately, in Scotland, unless a movable floor is in place, a constant depth is not likely to be achieved and this has a significant effect on the ability to develop youth and senior players. All new pool developments are asked to consider movable floors, which enable a constant 2m depth. Traditional shallow/deep pools are useful for introductory sessions, small sided fun games and training drills in the deep end. Specific considerations and features for all pools where Water Polo is to be played includes: Sufficient storage for goals, nets and electronic shot clocks and scoreboard Electronic Water Polo scoreboards and possession clocks Junior and senior goals All fixtures and fittings should be robust and protected from damage by balls, including light protection, emergency buttons etc For information on competition requirements at a junior, national and international level please contact Scottish Swimming. The Disciplines of Scottish Swimming are restricted in their development through a lack of appropriate facilities, this includes limited deep water for Water Polo and Synchronised Swimming, limited diving provision across Scotland and limited Open Water sites with appropriate infrastructure. 12
Good Practice Guide Good Practice Guide The purpose of the good practice guide is to share recommendations for pool providers wishing to develop the use of their facilities. This section is also for aquatics clubs wishing to strengthen their planning, partnership working and position in securing water space and access. We encourage pool operators and pool users to engage with Scottish Swimming where their practice might be of benefit to others. This section includes information on: Partnerships Facility Access Pool Programming Despite a challenging economic climate and a complex number of competing priorities, it is appreciated that many local authorities, leisure trusts and other pool providers are delivering quality swimming facilities and programmes. Feedback from many clubs indicates that it is becoming harder to secure water at their current pools and that the cost of water continues to be a challenge. Many learn to swim and club programmes are turning away potential participants due to lack of water time/access. Pool operators are commenting on the growing cost of heating bills and subsidies required to operate their pools whilst demand and cost of water space are both increasing. If we can collectively better manage our existing water, we could target and grow swimming participation for a greater range of users. Through the guide, we hope to enthuse those clubs and pool providers who have not had the opportunity to reflect recently on their approach to swimming development and water management, and further help those that have. We believe there is a tremendous opportunity for clubs and pool providers to review their practices and work more closely toward shared aims and Access Agreements. In summary, Scottish Swimming would like to support: A review of pool programming The development of Access Agreements for new pools and the development of revised agreements for existing pools The development of partnerships between pool providers, clubs and swim schools where solutions to water constraints are brought forward collaboratively The extension of swimming pool opening hours, where appropriate Improved access to school pools for community use, including access during mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays The inclusion of swimming pools in new schools where this facilitates strong community use Improved access to pools for competition Scottish Swimming believe all local authorities/leisure trusts should have an Aquatics Strategy which takes account of their facility portfolio Good Practice Guide Partnerships Swimming is a sport for everyone and we are committed to developing the sport in an inclusive, equitable and fair way. To achieve this we work with partners who have mutual or similar ambitions to Scottish Swimming. To strengthen shared ambitions and bring partners together, Partnership Agreements are put in place to set out the areas where local authorities/trusts, clubs and Scottish Swimming will work together. Agreements also detail specific commitments to key areas of work including participation, club development and performance/performance development. Scottish Swimming suggests that there should be 32 Partnership Agreements in place in Scotland, one for each local authority area. Guiding Principles for Partnership Agreements Scottish Swimming has developed templates and resources to support local partners implement successful Partnership Agreements. Things to consider when developing Partnership Agreements: Purpose of the agreement Partners involved & organisational context Areas of agreement including Key Success Measures: Participation for Health, Fitness & Fun Stronger Sustainable Clubs Performance & Performance Development Events Policy & Planning Marketing & Communication Resource Commitment: Financial, Human & In-kind from all partners Terms of Agreement: Duration Review Process Management of Partnership In addition to an overarching partnership agreement, there may be Access Agreements and in areas where there is more than one club, a precursor agreement may be needed to establish how the clubs are going to work together, and who will be the clubs representative at discussions about the overall Partnership Agreement. Further Considerations Local Aquatic Strategy Scottish Swimming recommend all local authorities/trusts work in partnership with key stakeholders to create an aquatic strategy/development plan to underpin the vision, aims, objectives and priorities for aquatics in their local area Local Aquatics Forum Scottish Swimming recommend all local authorities/trusts lead a local aquatics forum made up of key stakeholders to share good practice, share resources, encourage open communication and support the development of aquatics in their local area For more information, support and templates on partnership agreements, please contact Scottish Swimming. Facilities Strategy from 2017 Good Practice Guide 14 15
Good Practice Guide Facility Access Facility Access is essential to ensure the facilities on offer are maximised and utilised by both athletes and local communities. A balance has to be struck between the competing user groups and this creates good opportunities for partnerships between them. At a very early stage it must be clear what the main purpose of the facility is, and clear agreements with user groups established. Mechanisms must be put in place to review these regularly to ensure they are fit for purpose, and the appropriate users are gaining access to the facility. Access Agreements The governing body, through its partnership work and support for the athlete pathway, has made a number of observations on facility access across Scotland. This experience translates into the development of Access Agreements across Scotland. Access Agreements should be easy to understand and widely available. Guiding Principles for Access Agreements Scottish Swimming has developed templates and resources, based on our knowledge and experience, to offer balanced access to a range of users. Access Agreements should include: The purpose of the agreement The partners involved The term of the agreement Defining roles and responsibilities Collective approach including a mechanism for resolving issues such as cancellations, set-ups, other users, etc. The agreement should also include these specifics Cost of access Number of sessions Configuration Time and length of sessions Pool equipment (lane ropes/blocks/pace clock/depth) Set-up time, where appropriate Poolside space (pre and post sessions) Land training access/space/equipment Use of equipment pool owned or not Storage space Lifeguarding Office space and use of meeting rooms Facilities Strategy from 2017 Good Practice Guide Each agreement will be unique and specific to local partners. The Access Agreement may require further sections or fewer to make the agreement meet the needs of the partners involved. Access Agreements will help with the running of a facility and assist in the programming of water space. They will also help sustain the partnerships to underpin a local aquatic strategy. 16 17
Good Practice Guide Good Practice Guide Further Considerations for Access Key Holder Status for Clubs Opportunities for facilities to work with clubs and explore the option of giving clubs key holder status to reduce the requirement of staffing costs. This will require the club to take full responsibility for the safety of the sessions and further training and checks may be required Access to School Community Pools/Opening the School Estate Opportunity to maximise usage and gain access to school/community pools. This will ensure water space is being accessed out with normal school hours for club and community sessions Events are a vital part of swimming and also need to be considered with facility access. If the facility is designed with the thought of being used for competitions and events this must be planned into the access agreement and in some cases a condition of investment, to avoid clashes with programming later on. Clubs/Districts/Scottish Swimming to create more forward planning and consider an events strategy to ensure things are scheduled well in advance For more information, support and templates on developing Access Agreements, please contact Scottish Swimming. 18
Good Practice Guide Good Practice Guide Pool Programming It is essential that all parts of the aquatic pathway are provided for through quality facility provision. We encourage all local authorities and trusts to have a swimming pool facility strategy alongside a robust water management plan and effective pool programming. Participants should get appropriate access to water space for their needs, while ensuring the pool space is maximised and utilised effectively. This will always prove challenging when income is involved. Some user groups may bring in more than others financially and therefore be more appealing to pool operators, however to offer a full and sustainable programme all users must get appropriate access. Guiding Principles for Pool Programming Consider programming across the range of pools within the area, targeting the most appropriate facilities for learn to swim (smaller sized, shallow pools), for Club Swimming (25m tank), and others for the relevant discipline activity (e.g. pools with the necessary depth to accommodate Synchronised Swimming and Water Polo). The aim should be to match user groups to the most appropriate facilities in the local authority area Form partnerships in each local authority between the club(s), the pool provider(s) and Scottish Swimming to ensure a commitment is in place to deliver against the principles of long term athlete development for the whole pathway Programme as much water time as possible Establish and communicate the right culture for the pool and environment for pool user groups Continuity of provision is critical; most groups require regular use and need a settled programme of access. Any potential changes should involve long lead in times in order to provide time for discussion Develop and update a strategic overview of the facilities in the area Consider the whole swimmer pathway when programming pools Develop aquatic infrastructure through pool programming: Grow meaningful participation with return customers Build performance development and performance Improve the quality of teachers and coaches Create long term Access Agreements between clubs and pool providers to ensure that clubs as important repeat customers are a vital component in a vibrant community Consider shared activities and pool time Consider user groups collectively when pool programming Scottish Swimming has developed a number of pool programme templates and resources with support from our Development Team which are knowledge based and offer an integrated programme for a range of users. Once consideration is given to programming facilities across pools in a given area, Scottish Swimming suggests that pool providers take account of local demographics to ensure that community needs are met. For more information, support and templates on effective pool programming, please contact Scottish Swimming. In Summary There has been some good progress to enhance Scotland s provision of swimming pools in the last ten years. However, there is a need and opportunity to make further improvements, including: Ongoing investment for the maintenance of existing pools The need for a network of regional competition and training pools Opportunities around new school developments and the importance of school pools with community access The importance of pool programming and partnership working to maximise access The need for a detailed piece of work to understand accurately the current pool provision and its life cycle Scottish Swimming aims to support pool providers, clubs, swim schools, and other users to ensure the right water is secured at the right time at a reasonable price. Scottish Swimming and sportscotland would be delighted to discuss ideal specifications with any pool provider wishing to review its Facility Strategy and/or develop a new pool. We would also be pleased to share suggestions with pool operators and users around partnerships, Access Agreements and pool programming. Facilities Strategy from 2017 Good Practice Guide 20 21
Appendix 1 Appendix 1 Requirements Swimming National Standard Facilities 8 10 lane 50m pool, 2m depth with movable floor and boom Lanes shall be 2.5m wide with 2 spaces of 2.5metres outside lanes 1 and 8 Appropriate warm-up pool, with movable floor Appropriate sound and scoreboard provision Seating for at least 500 spectators Deck space Appropriate dry land facilities (studio, land conditioning, gym) Meeting rooms/conference facilities Regional Standard Facilities 8 10 lane 25m pool, 6 8 lane 50m pool, 2m depth with movable floor and boom (50m pool) Lanes shall be 2.5m wide with 2 spaces of at least 0.2m outside the first and last lanes Appropriate warm-up pool with movable floor Appropriate sound and scoreboard provision Seating for at least 250 spectators, plus the ability to erect temporary seating Deck space Appropriate dry land facilities (studio, land conditioning, gym) Meeting rooms/conference facilities Local Standard Facilities 6 lane 25m pool with movable floor 12m by 6m learn to swim/warm-up pool with optional movable floor Seating for at least 100 spectators Standard competition equipment lane ropes, starting blocks, timing equipment Access to dry land facilities Diving National Standard Facilities A dedicated diving pool of at least 5m depth with 2x1m springboards side by side, 2x3m springboards side by side, 1x5m platform, 1x10m platform Dry dive provision next to diving pool Appropriate sound and scoreboard provision Appropriate dry land facilities (studio, land conditioning, gym) Meeting rooms/conference facilities Regional Standard Facilities Dedicated diving pool of at least 4m depth with 1x1m springboard, 1x3m springboard, 1x5m platform Appropriate sound and scoreboard provision Appropriate dry land facilities (studio, land conditioning, gym) Meeting rooms/conference facilities Local Standard Facilities A minimum depth of 3.3m with 1x1m springboard Reference should always be made to FINA specifications and standards, which are subject to change. www.fina.org Appendix 2 Public Pool Provision by Region & Local Authority Data supplied by sportscotland (2016 Data) Area Council Pools* Pools Pools Pools Sq Metres of water* % of population within % of population within Total Lesiure only 25m/6 lane 50m per 1,000 people 20 mins 25m/6 lane pool 30 mins of 50m pool Central 20 0 4 1 18.0 92.2% 66.5% Clackmannanshire 2 0 1 0 11.0 98.9% 99.4% Falkirk 11 0 2 0 18.0 99.2% 46.1% Stirling 7 0 1 1 21.9 76.4% 83.3% East 59 0 17 1 15.9 91.7% 66.1% East Lothian 6 0 3 0 18.3 86.5% 62.1% Edinburgh City 21 0 4 1 11.9 99.3% 99.3% Midlothian 7 0 3 0 19.7 100.0% 99.8% Scottish Borders 8 0 2 0 19.2 43.7% 0.0% West Lothian 17 0 5 0 21.9 99.9% 1.5% Grampian 32 1 8 1 15.0 56.0% 50.4% Aberdeen City 13 1 5 1 18.8 100.0% 99.9% Aberdeenshire 13 0 3 0 11.8 36.7% 24.2% Moray 6 0 0 0 14.3 0.0% 0.0% Highland 40 0 5 0 21.7 36.3% 0.0% Highland 20 0 2 0 16.4 33.1% 0.0% Orkney 6 0 1 0 39.0 49.0% 0.0% Shetland 8 0 1 0 42.4 48.2% 0.0% Western Isles 6 0 1 0 36.3 43.5% 0.0% Tayside & Fife 41 0 7 1 12.9 66.6% 33.7% Angus 7 0 2 0 13.0 66.3% 45.2% Dundee City 10 0 1 1 19.1 100.0% 100.0% Fife 19 0 4 0 12.4 78.1% 13.4% Perth Kinross 5 0 0 0 7.8 5.9% 9.1% West 85 0 31 2 9.7 87.5% 65.5% Argyll & Bute 8 0 3 0 21.7 44.3% 0.0% Dumfries & Galloway 8 0 1 0 11.5 32.6% 0.0% East Ayrshire 5 0 1 0 8.4 68.1% 3.1% East Dunbartonshire 4 0 3 0 12.3 100.0% 96.7% East Renfrewshire 5 0 2 0 12.4 100.0% 99.0% Glasgow City 18 0 7 1 10.3 100.0% 100.0% Inverclyde 2 0 1 0 6.2 97.9% 0.0% North Ayrshire 4 0 2 0 8.8 74.5% 0.0% North Lanarkshire 9 0 4 0 7.0 100.0% 95.9% Renfrewshire 5 0 1 0 7.9 100.0% 89.1% South Ayrshire 4 0 1 0 8.3 83.9% 0.0% South Lanarkshire 9 0 4 1 8.4 89.3% 84.5% West Dunbartonshire 4 0 1 0 10.9 72.7% 28.7% Scotland 277 1 72 6 13.0 79.1% 55.6% * Excluding leisure water Pools 25m/6 lane includes regional standard 8 lane pools Facilities Strategy from 2017 Appendix 2 22 23
Facilities Strategy from 2017 scottishswimming.com Registered Name and Office: Scottish Amateur Swimming Association Limited National Swimming Academy University of Stirling Stirling FK9 4LA Scottish Swimming is the trading name for the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association Limited. Registered in Scotland. Company Number SC246645 24