Policies

Signs and Symptoms

Our Child Welfare Officers are Sian Hughes and Amanda Evans.

They can be contacted in confidence by email on welfare@swansea-aquatics.co.uk

It is very important that everyone participating in our sport does all they can to ensure the welfare of children and young people in clubs

All Swim Wales affiliated clubs and organisations should adopt and implement the Policies and Procedures contained in this manual folder. It contains mandatory requirements, practical information and good practice guidance all in one place.

It is to be used by club officers, club members, parents, children and all those who work with young members so that everyone involved in the sport can play their part in safeguarding children and young people.

For further information please contact:

Zita Cameron
Office Manager
Swim Wales
Wales National Pool
Sketty Lane
Swansea
SA2 8QG
Tel; 01792 513641

 

Need to talk?

Contact ChildLine anytime – calls are free and confidential.

We always want to keep your contact with ChildLine confidential, but if we werevery worried about your safety or the safety of other peoplewe will talk to you about whether other people need to know.

We will only tell someone if we feel it’s an emergency and we will talk to you about this first.

We want to keep you safe. However, we also understand the sort of situations you might be in. If we do need to tell somebody, we’ll try and give you as much control over what happens as possible. The last thing we want is to make things worse for you.

You say you might need to tell someone if you’re very worried about me or someone else. What does this mean?

You can talk to ChildLine about anything that is important to you, no matter how big or small it might feel.

However there are some things that we think are too serious to keep between you and ChildLine.

We may want to tell someone else if:

• We think your life or someone else’s life is in immediate danger.
• You are being hurt by someone who has a position of trust and works with other children e.g. a teacher or policeman.
• You’ve told us that you have been hurting another person which makes us worried about their safety.

 

In these cases we will talk to you about whether other people need to know what’s happening.

 SWIM WALES / NOFIO CYMRU 

Swim Wales

Wales National Pool

Sketty Lane

Swansea

SA2 8QG

CLUB CONSTITUTION 

City of Swansea Aquatics

Constitution of City of Swansea Aquatics Swimming Club as at July 2015 

1) Name 

a) The name of the Club shall be City of Swansea Aquatics and City of Swansea Aquatic Club

b) incorporating (Swim Swansea County A.S.C known as Swim Swansea), City of Swansea Stingrays *

c) The competitive swimming part of the club to be known as SWANSEA AQUATICS.

d) Other sports will be referred to as: Swansea Water Polo, Swansea Diving, Swansea Synchro, Swansea Masters & Swansea Open Water. Disability Swimming to be referred to as Stingrays Disability

2) Objects 

a) The Club and all members of the Club (The Club Members) shall be bound by this constitution (as varied from time to time) and that of Swim Wales

b) The Swim Wales Constitution means its Articles of Association and the Swim Wales Rules (as varied from time to time).

c) The primary objects of the Club shall be to foster encourage and develop Swimming. Swimming – means swimming water polo synchronised swimming open water swimming and diving.

d) The objects of Swim Wales as expressed in the Swim Wales Constitution shall – where appropriate and relevant – apply to the Club – and its membership.

e) If there shall be any conflict between any provision of the Club’s Constitution and the Swim Wales Rules – the provision of the Swim Wales Rules shall apply

f) The Club shall be affiliated to Swim Wales and such other bodies as the Club may decide from time to time.

3) Management Committee 

a) Duties 

i) The management of the Club shall be conducted solely by the Management Committee and shall be known as the City of Swansea Aquatics Club Management Committee

b) Membership of the Management Committee 

i) The membership of the Management Committee shall comprise:

(1) The Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer; who may appoint;

(2) Others as Officers (and expressed to be Officers) to perform specific duties;

(3) At least two elected members (who must be aged 18 or over). The Management Committee may prescribe a higher number

(4) Any co-opted members who may include any athlete representative and swimming coach and who may be invited by the Management Committee to attend meetings of the Management Committee from time to time

ii) The Officers of the Club shall be as defined in 3b)i)(1) and 3bi)(2)

iii) The Officers of the Club and the elected members in 3b)i)(3) above shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend and vote at all meetings of the Management Committee

iv) Any co-opted members of the Management Committee who shall attend meetings of the Management Committee by invitation shall not be entitled to vote at such meetings

v) Every Member of the Management Committee must at all times be a fully paid up Club Member and a member of Swim Wales. Membership of Club Members of Swim Wales in this constitution means the affiliation of Club Members to Swim Wales which is derived from their membership of the Club

c) Election/Appointment of Members of the Management Committee 

i) Subject to any prescribed maximum number of elected members – members shall be elected or appointed to serve on the Management Committee as follows:

(1) By nomination by members (see Annual General Meeting (AGM) later)

(2) Members (from among nominated members) shall be proposed seconded and elected by ballot at the Annual General Meeting of the Club every year or – at the discretion of the Management Committee – at any other general meeting;

(3) By appointment by the Management Committee to fill a vacancy which may occur by resignation or death or otherwise.

(4) There should be a representative from Swansea Water Polo, Swansea Synchro and Swansea Masters on the Management Committee. Where applicable Diving and Disability can also be represented on the Committee

ii) The elected members and any member who may be appointed other than at the Annual General Meeting shall remain in office until the next Annual General Meeting after their election or appointment – and shall then retire.

iii) Retiring members shall be eligible for re-election except that members shall not serve for more than 8 complete continuous years.

iv) Any member who shall have retired – having served for the said maximum period – may seek re-election as a member on the expiration of a period of 4 years after the said retirement.

v) In the case of Members of the Management Committee on the date of the adoption of this constitution the maximum period of 8 years shall commence on that date

d) Management Committee – General Matters 

i) Frequency of Meetings 

(1) Management Committee meetings shall be held not less than quarterly unless the Management Committee shall prescribe more frequently held meetings..

(2) The Chairman and the Secretary shall have the discretion to call a meeting of the Management Committee at any time.

ii) Notice of Meetings 

(1) Not less than 7 days written or verbal notice of any Management Committee meeting shall be given to all the Management Committee members

(2) Swim Wales shall have the right to attend any meeting of the Management Committee and any club committee and sub-committee meetings if it deems it to be necessary. 

iii) Decision Making/Quorum 

(1) All resolutions of the Management Committee shall be by a simple majority

(2) If there shall be equality of votes cast for and against any motion/resolution the Chairman of the meeting shall be entitled to a second or casting vote

(3) The quorum for Management Committee meetings shall be 4 members of the Management Committee (that is officers and voting members (present in person)

(4) If a quorum shall not be present within a period of thirty minutes after the proposed start time of any meeting or adjourned meeting of the Management Committee – the meeting shall be re-convened at the discretion of the Chairman.

iv) Co-opted Members 

(1) The Management Committee may co-opt additional members to serve on the Management Committee for specific/designated purposes

(2) The attendances of co-opted members at Management Committee meetings shall be at the discretion of the Management Committee

(3) The Management Committee may terminate the appointment of any co-opted Member at any time

(4) Co-opted members shall not be entitled to vote at Management Committee meetings and shall not be counted in establishing whether a quorum is present.

v) Sub-Committees 

(1) The Management Committee may create sub-committees to perform specific/designated duties from time to time

(2) Any sub-committee members (who shall be members of the Management Committee) shall be appointed by the Management Committee.

(3) All sub-committees shall periodically report their proceedings to the Management Committee as required by the Management Committee. They shall conduct their business in accordance with the directions of the Management Committee – which shall have the sole power of decision making in relation to any sub-committee’s activities

vi) Employees 

(a) The Management Committee shall:

(i) have the sole right of appointing and terminating the employment of employees of the Club;

(ii) shall determine the terms and conditions of service of the employees of the Club

(iii) Ensure full compliance with employee rights and related legislation .

vii) Contracts/Financial Statements etc. 

(1) The Management Committee shall have sole power to enter into contracts involving the Club on behalf of all the Club Members.

(2) The Management Committee shall ensure:

(a) that the day to day accounts and financial controls and record keeping of the Club are fully secure and up to date;

(b) that all record keeping shall facilitate the preparation and presentation of the annual financial statements of the Club by the Club’s Accountant as a true and fair view of the financial affairs of the Club

(c) That it shall immediately inform Swim Wales if it has any grounds for believing that any financial record keeping or transactions of the Club shall be defective or that the Club may be insolvent – and shall take immediate appropriate remedial action with the guidance of Swim Wales

(3) The Management Committee may at its discretion submit its annual financial statements to an Independent Examiner for examination – and shall do if directed by Swim Wales.

(4) The annual accounting period of the Club shall end on 31st March or as decided otherwise by the Management Committee.

(5) Any annual reports of Officers and the annual financial statements of the Club shall be forwarded to Swim Wales within a period of 3 months after the end of every accounting period

(6) The annual financial statements shall include a detailed income and expenditure account and a balance sheet. The income and expenditure account shall – by way of note – state the number of Club Members and the fees actually paid by them

(7) All Club money shall be lodged at a bank or building society which shall be approved by the Management Committee

(8) The Management Committee shall decide all matters relating to the Club’s bank/building society account(s) (including account signatories)- But – all Club cheques – other payments and all instructions to the Club’s bank must be authorised by at least 2 approved signatories.

e) Indemnity 

i) The Management Committee members shall be indemnified by the Club against all liabilities claims and demands which may be properly incurred by any of them in the course of carrying out duties as a Management Committee member. This shall not apply in the case of any dishonesty or negligence on the part of any Member

ii) The Management Committee may approve the purchase and maintenance of insurance at the expense of the Club for the benefit of the Management Committee members in respect of any loss. A loss in this case means any loss or liability which has been or may be incurred by any such member in connection with his or her duties and responsibilities for and to the Club

f) Termination of Membership of the Management Committee 

i) The Management Committee may terminate the membership of a member of the Management Committee:

(1) who shall be absent from three consecutive meetings of the Management Committee without a reasonable cause;

(2) who may – in the reasonable opinion of the Management Committee – have acted in any way which harms or shall harm the reputation of the Club.

g) Conflict of Interest 

i) Every Member of the Management Committee must avoid any kind of conflict of interests which he she may have with those of the Club and shall not participate in any decision making in relation to any such conflicting interest. Any such conflict and any interest which any Member may have in any business which may be conducted by the Management Committee must be fully disclosed by the particular Member to the Management Committee prior to any consideration of the particular business. In that case the said Member shall vacate the meeting and shall take no part in any such consideration or decision making in relation to the particular business

h) Officers 

i) The Officers of the Club shall be appointed by the Management Committee – and by Club Members at the Annual General Meeting. The Management Committee may terminate the office of any Officer at any time. The six Executive officers are:

 Chairman

 Vice Chairman

 Treasurer

 Secretary

 Swim Wales Representative

 Swansea Council representative

The role of Treasurer can only be vested in an appropriately qualified member. Such qualification would normally be a certified or chartered accountant. In the absence of such a qualification the Management Committee may devolve the role of acting Treasurer to Swim Wales Swim Wales may choose to devolve this role to an external provider.

Swim Wales and City of Swansea Council may have a person of their choosing attend Management Committee and Committee meetings. The Executive Officer and Committee positions of Swim Wales and Swansea Council are not electable by AGM and their place is permanent on the groups. These executive roles are subject to the same conditions of all other officers with the exception of elections

ii) Officers shall remain in office until the next Annual General Meeting after their appointment or re-appointment – and shall then retire.

iii) Retiring Officers shall be eligible for re-appointment except that no Officer shall serve for more than 8 continuous years. Any Officer who shall have retired – having served for the said maximum period – may be appointed as an Officer on the expiration of a period of 4 years after the said retirement.

iv) In the case of Members of the Management Committee on the date of the adoption of this constitution the maximum period of 8 years shall commence on that date

v) An Officer may not be an office holder of more than one office at any one time. (“Office holder” means – Officer of the Club or the holder of any other office or designated role within the Club – whether paid or not). A family relative or partner of any office holder or of any other member of the Management Committee shall not be permitted to serve on the Management Committee in any capacity.

vi) Officers shall attend Swim Wales safeguarding courses at least once every three years or as required by the Management Committee– and any other course which Swim Wales believe to be appropriate

i) The Club Welfare Officer 

i) The Club – as with all Swim Wales affiliated clubs – must have a Club Welfare Officer

ii) The Club Welfare Officer – who shall not be an Officer of the Club – shall be entitled to receive notice of and to attend but not to vote at meetings of the Management Committee. He or she can attend in an advisory capacity.

iii) Reference to the role of the Welfare Officer can be found in the Y Plant – Swim Wales Safeguarding Policy for Children and Vulnerable Adults or shall be as otherwise defined by Swim Wales.

iv) The Club Welfare Officer shall attend:

(1) a Swim Wales “Time to Listen” course within a period of 3 months after his or her appointment and whenever Swim Wales may require; and

(2) Swim Wales safeguarding courses at least once every three years or as required by the Management Committee– and any other course which Swim Wales believe to be appropriate

4) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 

a) Date/Business

i) The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held within a period of 6 months after the end of the Club’s financial year.

ii) The business of the AGM shall be:

(1) To receive any annual reports of the Officers

(2) To receive the annual financial statements of the Club

(3) To appoint Officers

(4) To elect members to serve on the Management Committee

(5) To consider any motion which may be proposed

(6) To confirm membership fees

(7) To consider any other appropriate business at the discretion of the Chairman

b) President/Vice-President(s) 

i) The Annual General Meeting may on the recommendation of the Management Committee elect a President and/or Vice-President(s)

c) Notice of the AGM 

i) Notice of the AGM shall

(1) be given in writing to the Club Members and to Swim Wales at least 21 days before the date of the AGM

(2) invite nominations for the appointment of Officers

(3) invite nominations for elected membership of the Management Committee

(4) Prescribe the latest date for the submission of such nominations

(5) Require that nominations shall be proposed and seconded by voting Club Members of the Club and shall be signed by the person nominated.

(6) be accompanied by copies of the annual reports and financial statements of the Club

d) Voting and Quorum 

i) Voting at the AGM shall normally be by a show of hands. The Chairman of the meeting shall have the discretion to call a ballot – and shall do so if at least 5 voting Club Members request one

ii) The quorum for the AGM shall be at least 10 voting Club Members – present in person. If this quorum shall be or shall become impractical it may be varied at the joint discretion of the Management Committee and Swim Wales

iii) An aggregate of – at least 10 voting Club Members or at least 10% of the number of voting Club Members of the Club (whichever shall be the highest number) may require the consideration of a motion at the AGM by giving written notice to the Club at least 7 days before the meeting.

iv) All Club Members shall be entitled to vote at general meetings of the Club – except

(1) Club Members who shall not have reached 16 years of age;

(2) Suspended Club Members. A suspended Club Member means a member who shall be deprived of membership rights pending an enquiry or appeal

(3) Lapsed Club Members. A lapsed member means a member who shall have failed to pay membership fees whose membership rights shall be withheld until all outstanding membership fees have been fully paid

(4) Honorary Club Members – and Presidents and Vice-Presidents – in those capacities

v) A parent or guardian may represent and vote on behalf of a Club Member under the age of 16 – on presentation of proof of his or her relationship with the particular Club member in a form approved by the Management Committee. A parent or guardian of 2 or more of such Club Members shall be restricted to 2 votes on any motion

vi) Swim Wales shall have the right to attend any General Meeting – including any Special General Meeting if it deems it to be necessary.

5) Special General Meeting (SGM) 

a) A Special General Meeting:

i) may be called at any time by the Management Committee;

ii) shall be called on a written requisition in writing to the Club by not less than 20% of the number of voting Club Members; and

iii) shall be called on a written requisition by Swim Wales to the Club.

b) Any such written requisition shall set out precisely the specific and prescribed purpose of the requisitioned meeting.

c) No other business shall be transacted at such a meeting.

d) If the SGM shall not be called within a period of 4 weeks after the service on the Club of any such requisition – the said Club Members or Swim Wales (as the case may be) may convene the meeting and may prescribe how it shall be conducted.

e) Otherwise the above provisions which apply to the AGM – as appropriate – in relation to notice – voting and quorum shall apply to an SGM – except that in the case of a Club Members’ requisition – at least 80% of the voting Club Members of the Club who shall have expressly requisitioned the SGM shall be an additional quorum requirement for the meeting

6) Membership 

a) Membership of the Club shall be open to all persons subject to the approval of the Management Committee – and to any written directions of Swim Wales in accordance with the Swim Wales Rules.

b) The Club shall be required to affiliate all Club Members to Swim Wales. All Club Members shall be bound by the Swim Wales Rules and constitution of Swim Wales and of the Club which are in force at the appropriate time. .

c) All Club Coaches and Teachers – Club Swimmers and other Club service providers must be or must become Club Members. Club service providers means any person (who may include a parent or relative or carer of any Club member) who shall carry out any swimming related activity (whether poolside or not) for and with the written authority of the Management Committee. No person shall be permitted to carry out any such activities for the Club or for any Club member unless he or she shall have been admitted as Club Member before doing so.

d) Coaches teachers and club service providers shall attend Swim Wales safeguarding courses at least once every three years or as otherwise required by the Management Committee – and any other courses which Swim Wales believe to be appropriate

e) Any person applying for membership of the Club who is already a member of another Club shall be admitted at the discretion of the Management Committee

f) Any person applying for membership of the Club shall do so on the prescribed form of the Club.

g) The Management Committee may appoint any person as an honorary Club Member for such period as it thinks fit. Any honorary Club Member shall be entitled to all the privileges of membership except that he or she shall not be entitled (in the capacity of honorary member) to vote at general meetings of the Club nor serve as Officer. Any honorary Club Members must be included in the Club’s annual return as to membership.

7) Membership Fees 

a) Membership fees payable by Club Members shall include the Club joining fees and the ongoing Club fees – and the subscription fees of Swim Wales

b) The Club joining and ongoing Club fees shall be reviewed annually (or as necessary at other times) by the Management Committee. The said Club joining and ongoing Club fees and the annual Swim Wales subscription shall be confirmed at the AGM

c) Membership fees – payable by Club Members – shall be due on the first day of March in each year and shall be paid to Swim Wales before the 30th April in every year.

d) The Management Committee may lapse the membership of a Club member who shall fail to pay all membership fees by the due date. Any such Club Member (while he or she shall be a lapsed member) shall not be permitted to take part in any Club activity whether competitive or not – nor to attend and vote at any general meeting of the Club. The membership of a lapsed member may be re-instated by the particular member paying up all membership fees which shall be due. It shall then be as if he or she had not been a lapsed member

e) Any person applying for membership on or after the first day of April shall – for the period to 31st March – be required to pay the Club joining fee and the Swim Wales subscription fee – and such part of the ongoing Club fees for the period to 31st March as shall be decided by the Management Committee. All fees shall be payable within one month of acceptance of membership

f) Any person applying for membership on or after the first day of January shall for the period to 31st March – be liable to pay the fees as in e) above – except that the Swim Wales subscription fee shall be at its reduced rate for the period.

8) Resignation of Club Members 

a) A Club Member wishing to resign membership of the Club must give written notice to the Club of his/her resignation and must discharge all liabilities to the Club. A member’s resignation shall only take effect when this rule has been complied with.

b) A Club Member whose membership Fees shall be more than 2 months in arrears shall be deemed to have resigned. Where any membership shall be terminated in this way the individual concerned shall be informed in writing of the termination of membership by written notice handed to him/her or sent by post to his/her last known address.

9) Disciplinary/Dispute matters 

a) Whenever any dispute may arise which involves a Club Member or if any alleged breach of discipline by a Club Member may occur – the Club shall endeavour to resolve the dispute/breach as quickly – informally – and as amicably as possible and in accordance with the Club’s relevant Code of Conduct. Where appropriate the Club Welfare Officer shall be involved and consulted from the outset.

b) Subject to the said Code of Conduct – any need to discipline Club Members for minor incidents of misbehaviour or to resolve a dispute – can usually be done by the Coach/Team Manager. If this fails or cannot be resolved within a period of 7 days or if it is clearly necessary to discipline a Club member – the Club shall follow its published Disciplinary Code unless the disciplinary process/dispute resolution shall be conducted by Swim Wales.

c) If any dispute shall be employee related the parties shall be bound by the terms of the employment contract.

d) Subject to the preceding clauses a) and b) – the following principles shall apply in the case of any dispute/disciplinary action which involves a Club Member

i) Any resolution of any dispute between the Club and a Club Member and any disciplinary proceedings involving a Club Member shall be conducted by the Club unless Swim Wales may be involved in any Appeal. The Club shall inform Swim Wales of any such dispute or disciplinary action immediately.

ii) It will always be in the interests of the Club and the particular Club Member to commence and conclude any dispute or disciplinary proceedings without delay.

iii) The Club shall commence and diligently follow its dispute/disciplinary procedures which are prescribed in its Disciplinary Code within a period of 7 days after having received notice of the dispute or alleged breach. The Club shall make all reasonable endeavours to resolve any such dispute and to conclude any disciplinary proceedings without delay and within a period of three months after the dispute or alleged breach becomes known to the Club.

iv) If any dispute resolution or disciplinary proceedings shall not be commenced and concluded within the above period – Swim Wales may at its discretion direct the Club to refer the dispute/disciplinary proceedings to Swim Wales.

v) If Swim Wales shall exercise its discretion under the previous Clause the Club shall refer the dispute/disciplinary proceedings to Swim Wales as soon as it is directed to do so. Swim Wales shall then conduct the dispute resolution or disciplinary proceedings in accordance with its Disciplinary Code

vi) Any dispute between a Club Member and a Club Member of a different Club or between a Club Member and Swim Wales shall be referred by the Club to any dispute resolution shall be conducted by Swim Wales. The Club shall refer the dispute to Swim Wales as soon as it becomes aware of it. Swim Wales shall then conduct the dispute resolution process in accordance with its Disciplinary Code and shall make all reasonable endeavours to commence and conclude the proceedings within the above period of three months

vii) The Club’s and Swim Wales’ Disciplinary Codes shall include the policies and the procedures which shall be followed in the case of any disciplinary action and how the process and any appeal shall be conducted. The Disciplinary Code shall also include provisions relating to the procedures and policies which shall relate to the resolution of any dispute involving a Club Member – and how any dispute resolution shall be conducted

viii) The relevant Disciplinary Code shall be made available to the particular Club Member at the earliest opportunity.

ix) The particular Club Member shall be treated fairly and shall be given opportunities to present his or her case and responses – and shall have the right to be accompanied by a suitable person at any hearing.

x) Every Club Member has a right of appeal to Swim Wales against any determination by the Club of any dispute and any decision of the Club relating to disciplinary action involving the Club Member. Any such Appeal shall be conducted in accordance with the Swim Wales Rules.

xi) The Management Committee or Swim Wales (as the case may be) shall ensure that all procedures which shall be followed shall be in accordance with the relevant Disciplinary Code

xii) The Club’s and Swim Wales’ powers in relation to any disciplinary action shall be at their discretion and may include a written warning – or suspension or expulsion as a Club Member

10) Health & Safety 

a) The Club will

i) take all reasonable steps to ensure compliance with health and safety obligations by the Club and its members

ii) ensure compliance with

(1) all insurance policy provisions involving the Club

(2) all statutory regulations relating to the public display of insurance certificates

(3) Any directives which Swim Wales may make in relation to its insurance policies which cover the Club

11) Child/Vulnerable Adult Protection 

a) The Club shall comply with all Vulnerable Adult/Child Protection legislation – Y Plant Swim Wales Safeguarding Policy and related Swim Wales Rules which are in force from time to time

b) The Club shall ensure that a risk assessment shall be carried out whenever it shall have any direct responsibility for any child or vulnerable adult. The assessment shall cover all persons – acting on behalf of or under the control of the Club – who shall have any responsibility of any kind for – or any access to any data or financial matters relating to – any child or vulnerable adult. The risk assessment must consider a person’s wellbeing to undertake any role and qualifications where appropriate. Anyone within these criteria must have a Disclosure and Barring Service check undertaken which shall be renewed every three years

12) Execution of Documents 

a) Any document deed or contract entered into by the Club after prior approval of the Management Committee shall be signed by at least two Officers of the Club

13) Indemnity 

a) Every Officer of the Club shall be indemnified out of the assets of the Club against any losses or liability of any kind which he or she may sustain or incur in or about the proper and lawful execution or discharge of his her duties as Officer of the Club.

b) This indemnity shall apply in the same way to any Club Member who may incur any such losses or liabilities in connection with any claim or demand against that Member for any action or omissions of the Club

c) No Officer nor any Club Member shall be liable for any loss, damage or misfortune which may happen to or be incurred by the Club in the proper execution or discharge of his or her office or duties or in relation to such office or duties or as Club Member

d) The Management Committee may decide to purchase and maintain insurance at the expense of the Club for the benefit of any relevant Officer or any Club Member in respect of any such loss or liability as above.

14) Alteration of the Constitution 

a) This constitution may be altered only with the prior approval of Swim Wales. The Club may recommend alterations from time to time by resolution (by a simple majority) of its Members.

b) It is in the best interests of Swimming in Wales and its proper governance that every affiliated Club shall adopt this constitution as varied or replaced from time to time

15) By-Laws / Swim Wales Approvals 

a) With the prior written approval of Swim Wales the Management Committee may make – repeal – or amend any by-laws which the Club may from time to time consider necessary for the wellbeing of the Club

b) Any such approved By-laws shall have effect until set aside by the Management Committee or at a general meeting

c) If there shall be a conflict between any by-law and the Club’s constitution the provisions of the constitution shall apply and prevail.

d) References in this constitution to approvals by Swim Wales mean the approvals of the Directors of Swim Wales on its behalf – exercising their delegated powers in accordance with the Articles of Association of Swim Wales

16) Cessation of Club Activities – Club Closure 

a) The conduct of any cessation and closure of the Club shall be the sole responsibility of the Management Committee

b) Before any such cessation and closure of the Club:

i) The Management Committee and Swim Wales shall engage in consultations and discussions at the earliest opportunity to consider the future of the Club – when up to date Club accounts shall be made available;

ii) If it shall then be proposed that cessation and closure of the Club should proceed – a Special General Meeting (SGM) of the Club shall be convened as soon as shall be practical to consider and decide on any proposed cessation and closure. The Management Committee shall convene or Swim Wales may requisition the Special General Meeting.

c) In the case of any closure of the Club – any assets which there may be after settlement of the Club’s financial commitments shall be applied towards the furtherance of the Club’s objectives and/or swimming in Wales. Management of any assets of the Club by Swim Wales will be provided in the event of a Management Committee not being in place.

17) Swimming in Wales – Organisation/Re-Organisation – 

a) Swim Wales has the absolute discretion – with prior consultation with all interested parties – to organise and re-organise the structure and conduct of Swimming in Wales. This may include the amalgamation or other re-organisation or unification of Member Clubs. This may result in the reduction of the number of Member Clubs in Wales – periods of temporary membership of Member Clubs and the termination of the membership of some Member Clubs.

b) The Club – with the prior written approval of Swim Wales – may – by resolution of its Members – approve the continuity and conduct of the Club’s swimming club and related activities as an incorporated body on terms which shall be approved by Swim Wales

Revised July 2015

* * *

City of Swansea Aquatics Constitution 2015 Final

Squad Criteria 2022/23

 

Squad Progression, the Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) and the Athlete Development Support Pathway (ADSP).

An essential element of the development of our swimmers is their progression through the Swansea Aquatics squad structure. This has been carefully designed to group swimmers into age, trainability and competition-ability appropriate squads.

Progression enables swimmers to develop their skills and stamina in an appropriate squad environment. For a range of reasons, swimmers develop at different rates, and it is important that progression through the squad structure is determined by the requirements for the long term development and wellbeing of the individual.

In common with all clubs, at Swansea Aquatics we use some specific criteria to make informed decisions about swimmer progression and development. As swimmers enter the club, we focus particularly on the development of technical ability, as the basis for the long term development of our swimmers. As they progress through the squad structure, we will increasingly benchmark swimmers’ development against particular time criteria. These help coaches in making decisions about how swimmers are developing, and they help swimmers, too, to be able to develop by allowing them to set targets and to measure their performance.

They are not, however, the exclusive basis for decisions about squad progression. Where swimmers are in relation to these benchmarks gives coaches important information about their development at a particular point in time. Coaches also need to weigh up other factors in their judgements on squad progression, not least of which is the potential for the younger swimmer to handle the physical demands of higher squads. The decision by the Head Coach on squad progression and swimmer development is final.

 

How do coaches make decisions about squad progression?

In general terms, our coaches’ decisions on progression, including on retaining a swimmer within a particular squad, are informed by a number of conditions:

• Commitment to training as evidenced by regular attendance at the required minimum number of sessions;
• Swimmers’ work ethic in sessions as displayed over time and their ability to manage the physical demands of a squad;
• Technical ability, and especially evidence of progressive improvement in technical performance and skill development;
• Mqualifying time criteria – used initially for progression into National Development and Youth Development squads and then, with increasingly challenging targets, for higher squads.
• The trainability of a swimmer – a crucial aspect of not only the development of an individual swimmer but also of an effective squad is evidence that a swimmer responds positively to coaching.

Coaches, then, look at a number of factors in considering the long term development of an individual swimmer. It is especially important to understand that hitting particular qualifying times is not a guarantee of progression. As important as this is as a measure of a swimmer’s development, coaches need to look more broadly at the other factors outlined above. This can be a source of some frustration, but the best interests of the swimmer and of the club are served by decisions based on our evidence of an individual’s performance at particular point in their development.

Swimmers develop at different speeds, and the squad structure at the club allows for swimmers to change pathways when coaches have evidence this is the correct decision for the swimmer. I regularly consult with coaches in each of the squads to be briefed on the swimmers’ development, which enables us to review our perspectives on a swimmer’s future progression. When the time comes for a swimmer to progress, coaches will set out the rationale for decisions. These will have been made in consultation with me as Head Coach and this decision must be accepted as final.

 

When do squad changes occur?

Squad progression is based on swimmers’ development over time and therefore we use age bands to help us making decisions, based on the evidence we have available, is the appropriate squad for an individual swimmer.  Here, again, we use a number of general conditions:

• Any swimmer outside of the age band or criteria can be put forward for fast tracking by the lead squad coach and a case made for a squad movement. This is at the deliberation and discretion of the Head Coach who will make final the decision.
• Swimmers will be continually assessed with moves happening around the competition calendar.
• The swimming season runs from September – August. Swimmers swim as age as at 31st December of the calendar year. This is in line with the Swim Wales and British Swimming criteria.
• All swimmers are encouraged to compete at the appropriate level for their age and development.
• For squads where qualifying times are in place for selection criteria, decisions take place after the following meets: Winter Welsh Championships; West Wales Regional Championships; Swim Wales Easter Long Course Championships; and Swim Wales Summer Open.
• Swimmers will still be offered the opportunity to link into other squads, when the coach feels it is appropriate for the future development of the swimmer.

Our primary goal at Swansea Aquatics is to support our swimmers to achieve their full potential, whatever their age and be the best that they can be. Placing swimmers in the correct squad is how we make this happen.

Joel Knight,

Head Coach, Swansea Aquatics

_________________________________________________________________

­­­­­­­­­­­­

City Of Swansea Aquatics
Equality, Diversity And Inclusion Policy

1. Swim Wales 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, therefore, the Association will not tolerate:

• • Discrimination on the grounds set out in 1 above
  • Harassment October 2017 M&F
  • Bullying
  • Abusive or insensitive language
  • Inappropriate behaviour detrimental to any individuals or groups of individuals.

3. Swim Wales and British Swimming are governed by England and Wales (Scotland where applicable) laws and will seek to ensure that its participants are committed to addressing its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, Equal Pay Act 1970, and the Human Rights Act 1998.
4. Committees, officials, and volunteers in all aquatic disciplines must address this responsibility to support equality diversity and inclusion in our sport. Any misdemeanours and breach of this code of conduct will be dealt with by the club in the first instance.

 

 

Signed: _____________________________________________________________________

Dated: _____________________________________________________________________

Name: _____________________________________________________________________

City of Swansea Aquatics Meet Entry Procedure

• Swimmers will be invited by email, through Swim Manager, to enter a meet.
• A meet pack will be provided with the invite email along with any other informationthat may be required.
• It is the responsibility of the swimmer and parent/guardian to read the meet packcarefully before entering the meet.
• Entry to a meet will be done via the swimmer’s online swim portal, unless otherwisestated.
• Coaches should be consulted with, if advice on entry is required.
• Queries for all meets should be sent to meets.swanseaaquatics@gmail.com

The Club’s policy on entry times is as follows: The Swim Manager system will convert the swimmer’s time from short course to long course and vice versa to achieve the fastest time for the swimmer. This enables the swimmer to be entered into the fastest possible heat giving them the best opportunity.

 

Reasons why parents should abide by the Meet Entry Procedure

1. Meet entries are all completed using one entry file. If swimmers enter by an alternative method, they may get missed from the entries.
2. When the entries are submitted, the entry numbers dictate how many coaches and team managers are required for the meet. Entering without using the correct protocol can put the Club at risk from not adhering to those guidelines.
3. When swimmers enter via the swim portal, the coaches have the opportunity to see what events the swimmer has entered and can then advise on the number and type of events to enter at that meet.
4. When entering Swim Wales or British meets strict entry closing dates are set. If the closing date is missed, late entries are not accepted.
5. It is good practice to get into the habit of meeting entry closing deadlines.