In 2010 Godalming swimming club will be making a concerted effort to gain Swim 21 accreditation.
What is Swim 21?
The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) is the governing body for swimming and
associated water based disciplines such as water polo in England. Clubs
affiliating to the ASA must comply with its rules and the laws of swimming.
Swim 21 is the ASA's Club Development model - a planning tool, based on the principles of long term athlete development, enabling clubs to help athletes, teachers, coaches and administrators to achieve their full potential. It focuses particularly on the needs of athletes - striving to provide them with the best possible support and environment.
Swim 21 Accreditation is a 'Quality mark'. It recognises nationally and regionally the clubs that are committed to providing safe, effective and quality services for the benefit of their members.
What do Clubs have to do?
Clubs aiming to achieve Swim 21 standards complete an audit of their swimming
programme and structure and then develop an action plan to address areas
needing attention. Evidence is collected to demonstrate achievement all of
the measures and submitted to the ASA for approval by a Swim 21 panel.
Each year clubs are required to maintain and update their action plan and submit to the ASA for approval.
After four years clubs are required to apply for re-accreditation and go through the full process of audit and evidence submission for approval by the Swim 21 panel.
How Are Clubs Assessed?
Following implementation of the action plan, clubs go through a process of
self-assessment against a range of ‘elements’ and are required to score
themselves against these criteria. The assessment and evidence are submitted
to an ASA assessment panel for their consideration.
What are the standards?
There are four levels of accreditation:
1. Teaching (emphasis on quality
teaching using a multi-skill approach)
2. Skill Development (athletes develop their technical skill within a quality
programme of coaching and competition)
3. Competitive Development (athletes are part of a quality training and
development programme, which consistently enables athletes to compete
successfully at regional and national levels)
4. Performance (athletes can access training and support services in a
performance development environment that is focussed and coach driven)
Within each level the elements for
assessment are grouped into three areas:
1. Compliance (emphasis on good club management)
2. Workforce Development (focus on training and development of people within
the club)
3. Athlete Development (concentration on the needs of the swimmer)
Swim 21 can be achieved in any of the four aquatic disciplines of swimming, water polo, synchronised swimming and diving.
Want to know more or help?
If you would like to know more or think you can help out please contact our Swim 21officer - Corinne Turner