The name of the Club shall be “Breifne
Amateur Swim Club” hereinafter referred to as “the Club”.
2. Objectives
The objectives of “the Club” shall
be:-
2.1 To teach/coach swimming.
2.2 To promote and encourage
excellence in competitive swimming to the
highest levels.
2.3 To promote swimming as a community
wide sport.
2.4 To promote the enjoyment and self
fulfilment of the swimmer in a safe
healthy environment for the sport.
2.5 Recognising the special needs of
children, the club will have a child centre focus, which will at all
times consider and give particular attention to the health, welfare,
development, safety and well being of the child.
2.6 “The Club” will ensure that
all members on payment of the appropriate fee are issued with a copy
of the Constitution, Code of Behaviour and Club Rules when joining
“the Club” or renewing membership.
3. Colours,
Logo and Status
“The Club” colours, Logo and
Status shall be determined by the Management Committee. The Club is
mixed and caters for both children, senior members and master
swimmers.
4. Affiliation
“The Club” shall be affiliated to
Swim Ireland. In so doing “the Club” will abide by the rules
of Swim Ireland and accepts the Swim Ireland Code of Ethics and Good
Practice in Children’s Sport in Ireland and supports the Child
Protection Policies adopted by The National Governing Body, the Irish
Amateur Swimming Limited (Swim Ireland). When abroad “the Club”
will abide by the rules of FINA as directed by Swim Ireland. Only
properly affiliated and paid up members may swim competitively paying
membership/registration/insurance fees.
5. Membership
General
Membership
5.1 Definition
of a Member
A member of “the Club” shall be
any person accepted as a member who has paid the current requisite
membership fee. Members will also be registered to become members
of Swim Ireland. Those aged under 16 years shall be known as
Junior Members and have no voting rights. The voting rights in
respect of these members are held by a parent/guardian of such
members. Those members aged 16 years and older will be known as
Senior Members and have full voting rights.
5.2 Obtaining
Membership
All applicants for membership must
complete the standard application form. Upon acceptance of
application of Membership after enquiry, applicants for membership
must pay the appropriate subscription.
5.3.1 The maximum number of members in
“the Club” at any given time shall be determined by the
Management Committee. The Management Committee in consultation
with “the Club” coaches shall determine this taking into account
inter alia Club objectives. Qualifying times and criteria otherwise
for admission to membership as laid down from time to time by the
Management Committee must be met.
5.4 New
Members
Applicants must be proficient in all
four strokes. Applications for membership must be approved by the
three member Committee comprised of the Coaching Staff/members of the
Management Committee designated for this purpose from time to time by
the Management Committee.
5.4.1 Newly accepted members shall be
on probation for one year or for such longer period as the Management
Committee determines. At the end of the probation period the
Management Committee shall decide if membership is to be confirmed.
5.5 Admission
and restriction of Membership
The Management Committee has the
right to approve membership and the right to restrict membership.
5.6. Transfers
“A transfer” from or to “the
Club” will be dealt with according to the procedures laid down by
Swim Ireland.
5.7. Associated
Honorary Members
Associated Honorary Members of “the
Club” may be elected at the discretion of the Management Committee.
5.8. Suspension/Termination
of Membership
The Management Committee shall have
the authority to suspend or terminate membership from “the Club”
with Swim Ireland being informed. Such action shall be considered
in particular if in the opinion of the Management Committee the
conduct of a member brings or is likely to bring “the Club” into
disrepute and/or if a member fails to comply with the Constitution
Code of Behaviour Rules of the club or for any substantial reason
otherwise. Subject to paragraph 5.8.1. hereunder, except in cases of
gross misconduct where immediate termination of membership is
deemed appropriate, members will be given an opportunity to put
forward their own case before a decision on termination is made.
Swim Ireland may impose suspension or termination of membership for
violation of it’s rules.
5.8.1. Whilst any allegation in the
context of Child Protection is outstanding, any Member, Parent,
Committee Member, Coach or other relevant person will stand down
until the matter is resolved.
5.9 Membership
of other Clubs
The member may be a member of other
clubs but should only represent “the Club” in open competition in
accordance with Rules set down by Swim Ireland under First Claim
Law.
5.10. Appointment
of Coaching Staff
The Management Committee shall employ
coaching staff for specialised training sessions for “the Club”.
Regular coaching is undertaken by the Coaching Manager i.e. Manager
of Cavan Regional Health Sport and Leisure Complex Limited and all
staff involved in coaching will hold a minimum qualification of
Assistant Teachers Certificate and will be assisted by any other
helpers, the Coaching Manager may deem suitable.
6. Management
Committee
6.1 The club shall be managed by a
Management Committee consisting of:-
(a) Chairperson (Officer)
(b) Vice-Chairperson
(c) Honorary Secretary (Officer)
(d) Competition Secretary
(e) Honorary Treasurer (Officer)
(f) Assistant Treasurer
(g) PRO
(h) Assistant PRO
(i) Four Committee Members
Coaches will be
invited to report or address the Management Committee but have no
voting rights. Members of the Management Committee must be in good
standing with Swim Ireland. The position of Chairperson will
normally
rotate at least once every three years. All members of the
Management Committee are eligible for re-election.
6.2 The Management Committee shall
have the power to co-opt extra committee members as desired.
6.3. The Management Committee may
delegate agreed responsibilities to certain sub-committees e.g.
Finance, Gala Committee. These committees should report back to the
Management Committee. Ad hoc committees will be convened by the
Management Committee as and when required. The terms of reference
will be agreed by the Management Committee. The Management
Committee may co-opt any member of “the Club” to serve on such a
committee. One member of each such committee should be a member of
the Management Committee.
6.4 Election
of Management Committee
The Management Committee shall be
elected at the Annual General Meeting. If a vacancy occurs in the
Management Committee by resignation or otherwise during year, such
vacancy(ies) may be filled by the Management Committee until the next
Annual General Meeting. Any member of the Management Committee who
fails to attend meetings with the Committee on a regular basis may be
asked to stand down by the Management Committee. The officers of
the Management Committee shall be elected by the members of the
Management Committee.
6.5. Selection
of Club Children’s Officers
Following review of persons deemed
suitable, the Management Committee shall select two Club
Children’s Officers, one male and one female, neither of whom will
be members of the Management Committee. The selection of these
Officers shall be announced at the Annual General Meeting. The Club
Children’s Officers will be volunteers. They may not be members
of the coaching staff or the Management Committee. Child Liaison
Officers should be child centred in focus and have as their primary
aim the establishment of a child centred ethos within “the Club”.
They will have a number of functions within “the Club”
including the following:-
(1) To promote awareness of the Code
of Ethics and good practice for children’s sport in Ireland within
“the Club”, particularly among the children and young people
within “the Club”. This would best be done by the production
of information leaflets etc. and by the facilitation of regular
information meetings.
(2) To influence policy and practice
within “the Club”, to ensure that all policy and decisions take
account of the child’s needs, as a matter of priority.
(3) To facilitate communication with
children through the creation of forums by which children can express
their views about “the Club” and can influence decisions within
“the Club”.
(4) To provide an accessible resource
to children when they need to express their concerns, views or
worries regarding their involvement in “the Club”.
(5) To act as an advisory resource
sports leaders on child protection issues, ensuring the statutory
guidelines and procedures are followed.
(6) To conduct research into why
children drop out of club activities.
The names of the Club Children’s
Officers will be made known to the children in “the Club” and
their parents by publication on “the Club” Notice Board.
Club Children’s Officers will
maintain contact with “the Club” Management Committee and advise
them of any matter requiring their attention.
6.6. Duties
of Officers
The Chairperson or in his or her
absence the Vice-Chairperson shall preside at all meetings. In the
absence of both of these officers, the Management Committee shall
nominate one of it’s members to preside. In the case of a tied
vote at a meeting, the Chairperson will have the deciding vote.
6.7. The
Treasurer
The Treasurer shall be responsible
for keeping proper accounts of the income and expenditure of “the
Club”. He/she shall collect any monies due to “the Club” and
prepare a Statement of accounts for the information of the AGM.
Copy of the Statements shall be forwarded to the Honorary Secretary
of the Club. The Accounts of “the Club” shall be audited at
least once in every year prior to the AGM by an Auditor appointed at
the AGM of “the Club”. All records and accounts will be passed
to the incoming committee.
6.8. Access
to Bank Account(s)
Access to Bank Account(s) maintained
by “the Club” shall require signatures by any two of the
following:-
(1) Chairperson
(2) Treasurer
(3) Any nominated Management
Committee Member.
6.9 The financial
year for “the Club” shall run from 1st
September to 31st
August in each year and the Accounts shall be closed on 31st
August and balanced and presented to the AGM for acceptance following
an independent audit with the Auditor(s) who shall be appointed at
the AGM.
6.10 The Committee may from time to
time, set aside funds for a specific purpose.
6.11 No expenditure which will incur
liability for the club may be incurred without the prior approval of
the Management Committee.
6.12 The
Secretary
The Secretary will be responsible for
all the correspondence of “the Club” except as decided by the
Management Committee. The Secretary will be responsible for
keeping minutes of all business at all Management Committee meetings
and annual general meetings. The Secretary will be responsible for
the normal secretarial duties of “the Club”. He/she shall
prepare a Report of the AGM and assist the Chairperson on an ongoing
basis in the administration of “the Club”, ensuring adherence to
the rules of both “the Club” and Swim Ireland.
6.13 The Secretary will archive all
Club Records and make these available as necessary to facilitate
incoming personnel and/or research.
6.14 The Management Committee will
ensure that the records of all matters
relating to the running of the club
during their tenure are passed to the incoming committee.
7. Subscriptions
7.1 Annual
Subscription
There shall be an
annual membership subscription renewable on 1st
December of each year payable in advance of this date. Membership
shall cease if a subscription is not paid on or before 21st
December in each year.
7.2 Review
of Annual Subscription Amounts
The amount of the annual subscription
shall be reviewed at least annually by the Management Committee.
7.3. Refund
or Part Payment of Annual Subscriptions
A member who leaves or is expelled
from “the Club” during a year will not be entitled to a refund of
subscriptions.
A Person/s who joins “the Club”
during a year, may pay a fee pro-rata to the annual subscription.
7.4. Method
of Payment of Annual Subscription
The Method of payment will be agreed
with “the Club” Treasurer as delegated by the Management
Committee.
8. Meetings
8.1 Management Committee Meetings will
be convened by the Secretary at least once every two months. The
time and date of such meeting shall be communicated by the Secretary
to the committee members. Special meetings may be called as and
when required. A quorum will be deemed to be 6 members entitled to
attend. Decision making will be resolved by a simple majority.
The Chairperson will have the casting vote. Minutes will be kept
of all meetings.
8.2 General
Meetings
The Management Committee may call a
general meeting at any time, giving at least 21 days notice and
publishing the business of the meeting. A quorum shall be 12 fully
paid up members and/or parents /guardians of fully paid up members
entitled to vote.
8.3. On a written request by 12 fully
paid up members and/or parents/guardians of fully paid up members
entitled to vote, the Secretary shall call an Extraordinary General
Meeting giving 21 days notice at which no business, other than that
for which the meeting is called, shall be transacted.
8.4 Annual
General Meeting
An Annual General
Meeting will be held no later than during the month of November in
the relevant year. At least 14 days advance notice of the AGM will
be given to fully paid up members/parents/guardians of fully paid up
members entitled to vote. Only fully paid up members are eligible
to vote. A quorum shall be 12 fully paid up members and/or parents
/guardians of fully paid up members entitled to vote. The Secretary
shall call an Annual General Meeting by publication of an Agenda on
“the Club” Notice Board at least 14 days beforehand. Notices
of Motion must also be published with the Agenda. These may be
submitted (proposed and seconded) by the Senior Members. All such
motions must be received by the Honorary Secretary at least 21 days
before the date of the AGM. They should be in writing and signed
by at least two members eligible to vote. Any proposed changes to
the constitution shall require 2/3rd
majority of those present and entitled to vote. Any other
proposals require a simple majority of those present and entitled to
vote.
The AGM of “the Club” shall elect
by majority vote the Management Committee. Nominations for
positions on the Committee must be made in writing with the nominees
consent and be proposed and seconded by two fully paid up members.
Nominees proposed and seconded must be in good standing with “the
Club”. Nominations must be received by the Honorary Club
Secretary not less than 14 days before the AGM.
8.5 Voting entitlement is as follows.
Each fully paid up member over the age of 16 years is entitled to
vote. In addition a parent/guardian of one or more fully paid
members aged under 16 years shall have one vote – irrespective of
the number of such members under 16.
9. Fund
Raising/Finance
9.1 Fund raising by or on behalf of
“the Club can only be carried out with prior approval of the
Management Committee.
10. Complaints
Procedure
10.1 “The Club” will ensure that
each member is issued with a copy of “The Child Protection
Guidelines Booklet” and will be required to sign a Statement
agreeing to abide by the regulations contained therein.
10.2. Any complaint
or allegationof
child abuse should be made immediately to one of the Club Children’s
Officers by parents or children. All complaints of this nature will
be dealt with in accordance with the procedures outlined in “The
Code of Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland”
including reporting to the relevant Authorities. The Club
Children’s Officer will maintain a confidential record of all such
complaints. This record of complaints, and the action taken to
deal with them, will be passed on to succeeding Club Children’s
Officers with the guarantee that confidentiality will be maintained.
10.3 “The Club will ensure that when
a complaint has been made in relation to allegations of child sexual
abuse by a committee member,club official, member, coach, parent,
Leisure Complex Employee or other person that the said committee
member, club official, member, coach, parent, Leisure Complex
Employee or other person shall stand down whilst the complaint is
being examined – no guilt or otherwise being implied. No
investigation of the complaint will be undertaken by “the Club”.
Such report shall be forwarded immediately to the Swim Ireland
Child Protection Officer, the Health Board and the Gardai. The
procedure in relation to child protection and complaints will be
reviewed annually.
10.4. A General Complaints Book will
be held by the Honorary Secretary to record written complaints
concerning non-child abuse or breaches of guidelines and will form
part of the record passing on to an incoming committee.
General complaints will be dealt
with by the Management Committee at the next planned Management
Committee Meeting. If there is no meeting planned for sometime, a
special Management Committee meeting will be called to hear the
complaint within two weeks of the complaint being made. Both sides
shall be given adequate opportunity to state their case. If the
complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the Management
Committee, an independent Arbitrator shall be appointed with the
agreement of the complainant and the Management Committee and in
default of the agreement by the President for the time being of Swim
Ireland.
11. Club
Insurance Policy
11.1 “The Club” shall provide
insurance cover for all members whilst involved in Club activities or
Club business in accordance with the regulations laid down by the
Ulster Region of Irish Amateur Swimming Association Limited or Swim
Ireland.
11.2. “The Club” shall not be
responsible for any private property, lost, stolen or damaged and/or
injury sustained at any function/activity of “the Club”.
11.3. The Officers and Management
Committee Members of “the Club” shall not be liable at any time,
either jointly or severally for any damage to or injury sustained by
individuals or property on or at Club premises, vehicles utilised by
“the Club” and/or Club events/training sessions or otherwise
howsoever.
11.4. All equipment and trophies
should be adequately documented, valued and insured by UR-IASA or
Swim Ireland or other body.
12. Galas,
Trips etc.
Members of “the Club” can only
compete in Galas and/or participate in trips with the express
approval of the Management Committee. Regulations will be applied
as outlined in the Club Rule Book.
13. Change
of Constitution/Swim Ireland Rules
The Constitution
of “the Club” may only be altered by a Notice of Motion proposed
and seconded by a 2/3rd
majority of those present and voting at a general meeting of “the
Club”. The Notice of Motion must appear in full in a Notice
convening the meeting.
All changes to the Constitution and
“the Club” Handbook and Rule Book will be notified to Swim
Ireland without delay. The Management Committee will inform members
of and will implement as soon as practicable any changes in Rules
which Swim Ireland may introduce from time to time.
14. Omissions
from Rules
Anything not covered in this
constitution may be decided by the Management Committee by majority
decision.
15. Club
Coaching Staff
The teaching/coaching staff of “the
Club” are employees of Cavan Regional Health Sports and Leisure
Complex Limited. All must sign the Officials Code of Ethics and
agree to the requirements of the Code of Ethics and Good Practice for
Children’s Sport in Ireland. The duties and responsibilities of
their employment, by the management of Cavan Regional Health Sport
and Leisure Complex Limited and their level of training and
qualification will be as determined by the Management of Cavan
Regional Health Sport and Leisure Complex Limited.
16. Dissolution
“The club”
shall not be dissolved except by the consent of 2/3rd
of members present at an Extraordinary or Annual General Meeting.
SECTION 2
CODE OF BEHAVIOUR
The purpose of the Code of Behaviour
is to establish an atmosphere of peace and order to the benefit of
all, within “the Club”.
This Code of Behaviour will be, in
conjunction with “the Club” Constitution and Rules of the Club,
be made available to, and acknowledged by, all club members.
This Code of Behaviour will apply to
all club activities.
Inappropriate behaviour will be
classified as isolated, continuous or serious and is judged having
regard to age, temperament, range of ability and/or other relevant
factors.
General Guidelines for Behaviour
1. Courtesy and respect for others is
the basis for club behaviour.
2. Swimmers will respect the right of
others to train in a secure safe
atmosphere.
3. Swimmers will co-operate with
instructions given by coaches.
4. Swimmers will come fully equipped
and on time for each training
session as specified by “the
Club”.
5. There must be no noisy,
over-aggressive or dangerous behaviour
in dressing rooms, on pool deck or
any where else in or around Cavan
Leisure Complex, on buses or at any
club activities at home or away.
6. Respect must be shown for property
of the individual and “the
Club” at all times.
Examples of Isolated Breaches of
Behaviour
1. Talking in a manner disruptive to
the session.
2. Use of abusive language or temper
tantrums.
3. Insolence to coaching/supervisory
persons.
4. Minor pilfering.
5. Running on pool side.
6. Shouting/talking thereby disrupting
others.
7. Smoking.
8. Bullying or harassment of other
swimmers.
9. Arriving late or ill-equipped for
training sessions.
10. Not wearing Club gear (hat,
T-shirt,swim suits/track suits)
at Galas.
Examples of Continuous
Misbehaviour
1. Any of the above on a continuous
basis.
Examples of Serious Misbehaviour
1. Serious assault on the person or
serious damage to the property of one
swimmer or club property by another.
2. Malicious damage to property.
3. Possession or use of drugs
prohibited by law.
4. Assault on, threat to, or damage to
property of, or abuse of a coach by
a swimmer.
5. Use of abusive language to coaching
staff or Sports Complex Staff.
PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED IN THE
EVENT OF MISBEHAVIOUR
In all matters of discipline and
behaviour, the Management Committee will be guided by the code of
Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s sport in Ireland.
It will be the responsibility of the
Management Committee to see that the sanctions and procedures are
applied consistently but fairly. Above all justice must be tempered
by compassion and understanding of human frailty.
In imposing a sanction it is the
misbehaviour which is unacceptable and not the individual.
The sanctions will, as far as
possible, reflect the degree of misbehaviour. A whole training
group is not punished because of one child’s or small group’s
misbehaviour, except in exceptional circumstances.
When misbehaviour does occur, a list
of possible procedures or strategies that may be used is given below.
Any one or more of these strategies may be used at any given time
in relation to any given incident.
If a serious breach of discipline
takes place at training sessions and/or an incident breaking Tour
Guidelines occurs whilst on a tour/trip and/or an incident of
discipline occurs out of the pool and within the swimming pool
area/changing rooms/Leisure Complex observed by a member of the
Management Committee/Coach/Parent the matter will be referred to the
Management Committee. The Management Committee will review the
circumstances of the breach and interview those concerned. The
member will be informed of the time and place of the meeting at which
disciplinary action against him/her will be discussed. The member
may state his/her case to the Management Committee verbally or in
writing and must be accompanied by a parent/guardian if aged under
16. Following deliberation, the Management Committee will issue
it’s findings and proposed disciplinary action. Members affected
by this ruling will have the right to appeal, and may have their case
reviewed by an independent arbitrator if they remain dissatisfied
with the manner in which it has been dealt. Any such Appeal must be
received in writing by the Management Committee within 7 days of
issue of it’s findings. Upon receipt of such Appeal, an
independent Arbitrator will be appointed by agreement between the
parties or in default of agreement by the President for the time
being of Swim Ireland. A further Appeal can be made against the
decision of the independent Arbitrator to Swim Ireland within 14 days
of issue of the decision of the Independent Arbitrator.
For isolated breaches of
discipline:-
1. The swimmer will be made aware of
the fact that his/her behaviour is
unacceptable.
2. The swimmer will receive a verbal
reprimand from the coach.
3. The coach will discuss misbehaviour
with swimmer.
4. The swimmer will be moved to a
different lane.
5. The swimmer will be temporarily
removed from the pool.
6. A note will be sent to
parents/guardians.
For Serious breaches of
discipline:-
1. If a swimmer’s behaviour is a
source of danger to himself/herself,
he/she will be removed from the
pool.
2. Suspension for a period of time
determined by the Management
Committee plus coaches or expulsion.
3. Recompense will be expected to be
made by swimmer/parent/
guardian for damage, loss of or
theft of another swimmer’s property.
4. The coach may exclude a swimmer for
part of a session or a
number of sessions not exceeding two
if the swimmers code of
conduct is abused/broken.
SECTION 3
General Background
Breifne Swim Club is a non profit
making organisation administered by a Management Committee elected at
an Annual General Meeting and financed by members’ subscriptions
plus various fund raising activities. “The Club” was formed in
1997 to promote the sport of swimming in the area and is based at
Cavan Leisure Complex. Breifne SC is fully affiliated to Swim
Ireland. “The Club” prepares swimmers for all levels of
competition from Internal Galas up to open Competition at
International level. “The Club’s coaching programme is
implemented by qualified coaches under the direction of the Coaching
Manager who in turn is the Manager of Cavan Leisure Complex.
Swimmers move from one group to the next as they progress. The
Club’s primary aim is to produce skilled and accomplished
competitive swimmers. Swimmers qualify for a more advanced lane by
reaching appropriate standards involving times and stroke technique.
As swimmers move up through the lanes an increasing amount of
endurance and speed training is incorporated into the schedules.
Swimmers are encouraged to enter competitions appropriate to their
age and ability. “The Club” is primarily a competitive
swimming club but it does also cater for the less serious swimmer,
offering training facilities at certain sessions open to such
swimmers.
WHETHER YOU THINK YOU CAN OR YOU
CAN’T
YOU’RE PROBABLY RIGHT!
If you think you are beaten, you are.
If you think that you dare not, you don’t
If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t,
It is almost certain you won’t.
If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost;
For out in the world you’ll find
Success begins with the fellows will,
It’s all in the state of mind.
If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve to think high to rise;
You’ve got to be sure of yourself,
Before you can ever win a prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go
To the stronger or faster man;
But sooner or later the man who wins,
Is the one who thinks he can.
RULES OF THE CLUB
The Management Committee shall be
empowered to publish, enforce and amend such rules supplementary to
the constitution as it feels may be beneficial to the affairs of “the
Club” provided that they are not contrary to the rules and
constitution of the URSI.
1. Keeping
up with what is going on
We have a prominently displayed Notice
Board for posting information in the foyer of Cavan Sports and
Leisure Complex. A wide variety of Notices are displayed and kept
up to date providing information in particular on Gala Entry. Members
are expected to consult the Notice Board to keep themselves up to
date. The names and contact numbers of the Child Liaison Officers
are displayed on the Notice Board.
2. Competition/Galas/Fees
During the year
“the Club” hosts a number of Internal Swimming Galas designed to
bring on our younger and developing swimmers in helping to increase
their proficiency in all four strokes and their times. Members who
are eligible to participate in these Galas are encouraged to do so.
“The Club” will also participate in Leagues and Galas, Open,
Novice and otherwise. Club Members if selected to swim in a
particular event are expected to do so. Selection of swimmers for
League Training/Galas and/or Relay Teams shall be in the sole
discretion of the Coaching Manager and her team. Parents are
requested to appreciate that swimmers will be chosen for Galas
appropriate to their age and ability. Gala entry fees and Transport
costs (where relevant) shall be paid on demand and are
non-refundable. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to lodge with the
Treasurer from time to time a sum (e.g. €40.00) to the credit of
each member to be used towards payment of Gala Entry fees etc.
3. Fund
Raising
In an attempt to
minimise subscriptions the Finance Sub-Committee of the Management
Committee organise events each year to raise funds. Members are
encouraged to support fund raising events. New ideas are always
welcome. Do pass them on to any member of the Management
Committee. Please also offer your time and talent to “the Club”.
4. Club
Captains
Two of the Club’s senior swimmers
aged 16 years or older shall be elected annually by the members as
Club Captains. The function of Club Captains is to represent the
swimmers’ points of view and interests and they may accordingly
report to the Management Committee at least once annually.
5. Coaches
Forum
The current Coaching Manager is Ann
Coyle, assisted by others. The Coaches Forum is the process by
which the Coaches review and discuss all aspects of swimming from
pool time to squads, training teaching methods, recommendations to
the Management Committee, regarding equipment and type of assistance
needed from parents. The Coaching Manager also makes proposals
about which open Galas “the Club” should target – a very
important element in developing our swimmers.
6. Volunteering
Policy
Like all Swim Clubs, we survive on
the enthusiasm of our Volunteers. Swimming is a dedicated sport
requiring much commitment from swimmer, parent and coach. To run
a Gala takes about 25 volunteers, so there are many jobs you could
learn to do in respect of which training will be provided e.g. time
keeping, finish judging/stroke judge, starter, marshals, recording,
catering etc. Being involved helps parents enjoy the sport. This
involvement encourages the coaches. We try not to over commit
anyone. No other sport requires so many helpers to run a
competition, so please get involved. It is worth it for your
child’s sake. Being part of the team creates interest and shows
your child that you too are interested in his/her sport. Join in
and become an official. It is not too difficult but it is
rewarding to know that you have helped create the conditions where
swimmers can demonstrate their water skills with pride.
7. Transfers
Where a member wishes to leave one
club and join another:-
(a) The member (or
their parent or guardian – if the member is under 18 years of age)
writes to their existing club requesting a Letter
of Release.
(b) If the member
owes no fees, holds no club property and has no complaint against
them then the club must issue a Letter
of Release
within 14 days.
(c) The member
presents the Letter
of Release
to the new club.
(d) The new club
forwards a Letter
of Acceptance
(quoting the members Swim
Ireland membership
number) along with the Letter
of Release
and a Transfer
Fee
of €6.35 to Swim
Ireland.
(e) Transfers are
automatically in force within 7 clear days of their receipt by the
Swim
Ireland
Office.
(f) Where the
members original club did not affiliate in the previous 24 months and
the member is not in debt to that club, a Letter
of Release
is not required and there will be no transfer fee. In this case,
the member is free to take part in relay events immediately.
(g) For the purpose of team events, a
swimmer may not compete for the Club to which they have transferred
within three calendar months of the completion of the transfer in
accordance with the procedure set out above.
8. Club
Sessions
The days and times of Club Sessions
are fixed by the Management Committee in consultation with the
Coaching Manager and subject to availability of pool time, which is
limited due to public demand for access to the pool and the 4
lane/non-diving limitations of the pool otherwise. The Coaching
Manager’s decision as to what children swim in what lanes shall be
final. At present we have 5 groups of swimmers viz:-
1. Group 1.
2. Competition Swimmers
3. National Schools Group
4. Secondary Schools Group
5. Novice Group
with Group 1 being the swimmers with
the greatest proficiency in
all four strokes and with the fastest
qualifying times in 100m Individual
Medley. Swimmers are expected to
train at all the training sessions
stipulated for their group for the
full training season and attendance
records will be kept. The
re-organisation of the Club’s
Groups/Squads is an on-going evolving
process. Selection of
swimmers for the different
Groups/Squads is carried out with the aim
of enabling each swimmer fulfil
his/her maximum potential.
9. There are four lanes in the pool.
Swimmers start in Lane 4 (closest to the Restaurant) and move up to
Lane 3, Lane 2 and ultimately hopefully to Lane 1.
10. Training
Sessions - Home and Away
(a) The importance of warm-up cannot
be over emphasised. A proper warm up is essential if injury is to
be avoided.
(b) Swimmers must arrive poolside on
time (5 minutes before the start of the session). No warm-up – no
training! Persistent lateness will be noted and reported to the
Management Committee.
(c) No swimmer shall enter or leave
the water before being told to do so by his/her coach. Entry to
the water should be in a safe and sensible manner e.g. no
somersaults, no dives, no throwing floats or other object etc.
(d) If swimmers are removed from the
pool during a session, they must shower, dress promptly and sit
quietly in the Spectators Area until the end of the session.
(e) Coach’s instructions should be
listened to carefully and carried out without question. Coach’s
time is too valuable to be taken up with
disciplinary matters.
(f) Pool Staff who are there to assist
should be treated with respect. Their requests in relation to
safety and training should be acted upon without question.
(g) Swimmers should swim in the
sessions provided for their group.
(h) Swimmers should remain in the
water for the complete session.
(i) Swimmers arriving late or leaving
early will not receive maximum benefit.
(j) Any swimmer who leaves the pool
building without permission may be disciplined.
(k) Swimmers should behave in
acceptable manner in changing rooms, shower area, pool side and in
the Leisure Complex generally. Any swimmers found running about,
tampering with lockers, bullying younger Club Members, hiding clothes
etc. will be disciplined. In the event of a Club Member caught
stealing, he/she will automatically will be reported to the
Secretary.
(l) Swimmers should always have money
to telephone home should a coach be delayed or cannot turn up for the
session.
(m) If the Leisure Complex is open, a
child whose parents/guardian is late in collecting them, should wait
in the public area in front of reception and should inform Leisure
Centre Duty Staff of their presence.
(n) No swimmer should enter the water
without the presence of a coach.
(o) Arrive at the required number of
training sessions each week in plenty of time to get changed and do a
warm up stretching exercises.
(p) Arrive fully equipped e.g.
goggles, floats, etc.
(q) Do not
arrive late, arrive unprepared, cause disruption on the bank, cause
disruption in the water, cause disruption in the changing rooms/pool
side/shower area.
(r ) Prior written consent for
attendance at all training/diving sessions in pools other than Cavan
Leisure Complex must be furnished on each separate occasion by the
parent/guardian of members under 16.
11. Parental
Support
(a) It is the responsibility of
parents to see the swimmers attend training sessions regularly and
arrive on deck on time.
(b) Parents should notify coach if
they require their son/daughter out early on certain occasions.
(c) Parents must ensure that the coach
and Secretary have at least one emergency contact number to suit time
of day or day of week.
(d) Swimmers should be collected
promptly after session finishes and not be left un-supervised in
Sports Complex.
(e) No session may be undertaken
unless there is a coach and at least one other responsible adult
present. It is the responsibility of the adults dropping children
to training sessions to ensure that the pool is open and properly
staffed before leaving swimmers.
(f) The parents should have confidence
in the coach and coaching policies. If this does not exist then
consultation should take place between parent and coach or parent,
coach and swimmer. Parental backing for the coach is very
important and their co-operation is always appreciated.
(g) Parents will
also be expected not to interfere in the coaching or to try and have
additional attention/time spent on their child. If parents feel
their child is being treated or disciplined unfairly, they should
discuss this with the coach at a time after the training session -
but
not on the bank or during a training session.
If they are still not satisfied then the matter should be referred
to the Management Committee. If parents otherwise have a complaint
about the manner in which “the Club” is being managed such
complaint can only be considered when submitted in writing to the
Management Committee. Any such complaint must contain the name and
address of the Complainant.
(h) Where parents “drop off” their
children at the Leisure Complex for a training session, they must
understand that “the Club” will only be responsible for their
children until the session is over. In the changing rooms,
children become the responsibility of parents/guardians. Parents
must ensure prompt collection of the child at the end of the session
and leave clear instructions to how they can be contacted in an
emergency.
(i) Whilst the above applies in
circumstances where “the Club” coach is in charge, parents should
not take it for granted that the coach is present. Parents must
wait at the pool until they are satisfied that the coach or team
manager (if there is an away Gala) is present and that there is no
problem with the pool resulting in the session being cancelled.
(j) Parents must take care not to
project personal ambitions through a swimmer. This can lead to
unnecessary pressure on the child, which could in turn lead to a
steady decline in performance.
12. Competition/Galas
Prior to being
involved in open Galas, children should be competent in all four
strokes, turns, times and finishes and also competition rules.
Competition should be rewarding and an enjoyable experience.
Personal improvements such as a personal best is just as important as
winning a medal or coming first – the ability to be a good winner
and a good loser is important. Initially competition will be an
internal club or inter club Gala leading on to open competition.
Correct preparation is essential. Swimmers taking part in any Gala,
whether a team or individual event are representing Breifne SC.
Breifne SC full gear i.e. presently Tracksuits, T-Shirts, Swim Hats,
Swim Suits should be worn travelling to, from and during competition.
It is vital that swimmers are fully prepared for Galas - knowing
the travel arrangements, being aware of warm up times and at all
times wearing the Club Gear. Swimmers must register “competitive”
with Swim Ireland to be eligible to enter Open Competition. It
is the responsibility of the Parent/Guardian of the Member to ensure
that this is done at the appropriate time – usually annually with
renewal of membership and payment of the appropriate fee.
13. Club
Representation
When swimming on behalf of “the
Club” the swimmers must:
(a) try at all times to be available
when selected;
(b) give proper notice if
unavailable;
(c) report to coach/accompanying
adults in the correct place
at the correct time;
(d) swim as per selection;
(e) give maximum efforts at all
times;
(f) when required, to be correctly
kitted out with club gear;
(g) vocally support fellow swimmers
and show all swimmers
courtesy;
(h) obey without question and
instructions from Gala Officials
at all times;
(i) ensure when representing “the
Club” that your behaviour
is beyond reproach;
(j) on the day of the Gala do some
light stretching an hour
or so before the event;
(k) make good use of the warm up as
per Coach’s instructions;
(l) get used to the feel of the wall
in the water;
(m) all pools are not the same,
Backstroke swimmers should
check the distance from flags to
the wall;
(n) after the warm up, dry off and
wear tracksuit or T-Shirt
and keep warm;
(o) all swimmers should report to the
Gala Stewarts and ensure
to be on time at the Marshalling
Area before swimmer(s) event;
(p) no swimmer may leave the
designated swim area in which the
Gala is taking place without the
permission of the coach/team manager;
(q) swimmers should not challenge or
show any form of descent
of any decision by the Race Referee
or any other Official, as
such a challenge may result in
disciplinary measures being
applied;
(r) in the event of a fine being
levied due to the swimmer failing
to turn up, this must be paid by
the swimmer or his parents/
guardians;
(s) VERY
IMPORTANT
– at all competitions/galas/away trips/
tours each child under 12 must be
accompanied by a parent/
guardian/designated adult. Such
designated adult must on
each occasion be requested in advance
and have consented to act as such. The adult/child over 12 ratio
will be as specified from time to time by the Management Committee.
It is not
the Coach’s duty to look after children at Galas.
14. Club
Tours/Trips
Written permission must be obtained
for un-accompanied swimmers.
On all away trips, at least one male
and one female team manager/coach, depending on the ages and numbers
travelling, must accompany swimmers. The team managers are
responsible for ensuring the swimmers behave correctly at all times.
The Tour Leader must submit club trip
reports to the Club Secretary
within 14 days, including any
discipline misdemeanours.
Swimmers should behave in a fitting
manner, as laid down by guidelines in Code of Behaviour.
Any child protection concerns must be
reported to the Club Children’s Officer immediately.
All swimmers must behave responsibly
at all times.
The Tour Leader will be responsible
for all organisation, safety and swimmer discipline and will spell
out what is acceptable to him/her in advance of departure e.g.
reasonable times for going to bed.
All swimmers must follow the Tour
Leaders Guidelines.
No swimmer will be taken on any tour
unless his/her parent/guardian have completed and returned a
Permission Slip and any Medical Forms as required.
Any swimmer who is disciplined for
any unacceptable behaviour on a tour may be excluded from any further
tours.
For “away Galas”, parents must
remain with children until they have checked with the Team/Tour
Manager and established travel arrangements, time of return and
passed on contact telephone numbers and any information that Club
Personnel should know. On return parents must ensure that they
arrive on time.
In the event of Cavan Leisure Complex
being closed and the parent is late (more than 10 minutes) in
collecting the child, another parent who has several children already
in their car may invite the child to wait in their company. At all
times the child shall stay in a well lit zone. The child’s
parents should be contacted if possible.
Parents disregarding the safety of
their child will be given notice that repetition of this will result
in membership of “the Club” being cancelled.
15. Matters
arising from the Murphy Report
15.1. Children and their parents need
to be made aware that while swimming is a most natural and healthy
sport it has inherent risks. Children should be reminded on entry to
the Club of the application of the Stay Safe Programme of the
existence of rules and regulations to prevent problems and of a
complaints procedure. The risk involved in swimming should be
incorporated in the school Stay Safe Programme.
15.2. Children and their parents
should be reminded of standards and appropriate behaviour both in the
pool, at the poolside, in the dressing rooms and at events organised
outside the club premises. Standards of behaviour should be as
important as standards of swimming. “Personal bests” should
extend to personal conduct.
15.3. Parents have the primary
responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of their children.
They should not leave their children in the club after their
sessions are over.
15.4. Children should be introduced to
the Club Children’s Officer and functions of the Officer should be
explained.
15.5 Safety should be reinforced by
reference to I.S.P.C.C. posters. They should understand, in an age
appropriate way, not to keep inappropriate secrets and to yell and
tell.
15.6. Children and their parents
should be reminded that they have a responsibility to protect others
from the risk of abuse. If children have been abused or if they
know or suspect that others have been abused they should be
encouraged to tell.
15.7. The Childline telephone number
1800 666 666 should be prominently displayed near appropriate
telephones with the Club Children’s Officer’s number.
15.7 Children and their parents should
be encouraged to participate in training to criticise in a
constructive manner and to complain in an appropriate way.
16. Conclusions:
16.1 Swimming is a healthy and natural
sport. It teaches safety. It instils confidence. It enables
participants to set achievable goals for themselves.
The teaching/coaching staff of “the
Club” are employees of Cavan Regional Health Sport and Leisure
Complex Limited. Staff agree to the requirements of the Code of
Ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland. The
Management of Cavan Regional Health Sports and Leisure Complex
Limited will determine the level of training, duties and
responsibilities of the coaching team. The team will work towards
fulfilling the objectives and goals set out in “the Club”
constitution.
Duties and Resposibilites
All teaching/coaching staff must sign
the official Code of Ethics and agree to the requirements of the Code
of ethics and Good Practice for Children’s Sport in Ireland. All
teaching/coaching staff will comply with the duties and
responsibilities listed below.
● To ensure there is another
responsible adult present while sessions are in progress.
● To read the Child Protection
booklet set out by Swim Ireland Ltd.
● To assist in developing skills and
abilities of young swimmers in a progressive manner.
● To encourage
swimmers to improve their skills and give them an opportunity to
achieve personal goals and standards.
● To ensure that the sessions will
promote fulfilment and fun for swimmers.
● Swimming
sessions will be organised in a safe environment and prepare children
for competitive swimming.
● To identify and respect the
development of individuals.
● To review “the Club” structure
annually according to the improved development of swimmers. Time
trials will be organised to grade children into lanes.
Club Coaching Staff
The Pool Manager and Coaching Manager
are one and the same and is hereinafter referred to as the Coaching
Manager.
The Coaching Manager is responsible
for:
● Coach/Teacher selection
● Planning and
Implementation of Training
● Pool times made available for
Club use
● Training fees which are payable
to Cavan Leisure Complex
Under the present
arrangement of the Pool being responsible for the training of our
swimmers “the Club” has no role to play in the coaching process
other than to provide support and assist in specific matters as
requested by the Coaching Manager. Coaches have no role to play in
the day to day administration of “the Club” but will be consulted
regularly on matters pertaining to Swimming. They may at times be
invited to attend Committee meetings when specific matters are to be
discussed.
Communication between Coaching
Staff and Club
“The Club” is at all times in
communication with the Coaching Manager.
Matters of discussion between Coaches
and “the Club” should come via Coaching Manager to Club Secretary
and visa versa. Matters may have to be dealt with at a meeting of
the Committee.
Parents who have a query regarding
coaching/training will bring it to the attention of “the Club”
Secretary who in turn will bring it to the attention of the Coaching
Manager.
Parents are asked not to approach
coaches on poolside during training sessions.
Calendar of events for “the Club”
will be drawn up by the Committee in consultation with the Coaching
Manager.
This Club supports the Swim Ireland
Child Protection Policy. Accordingly “the Club” has adopted
the following policy:
1. An Officials Code of Ethics
2. A swimmers’ Code of Behaviour.
Child
Protection Complaints Procedure
This shall be used to record written
complaints within the realm of Child Protection Policy. It will be
maintained in strict confidence.
Officials
Code of Ethics
The word “official” is taken to
mean all adults with either supervisory, coaching or management
responsibility for swimmers. The purpose of this policy is to
provide guidelines for the behaviour of adults who are responsible in
club capacity. A copy of this code should be signed by all adults
who act as an official.
1. All officials must respect the
rights, dignity and worth of every human being and their ultimate
right to self-determination. Specifically, officials must treat
everyone equally within the context of their activity, regardless of
sex, ethnic origin, religion or political persuasion.
2. The official will be primarily
concerned with the well-being, health and future of the individual
performer and only secondarily with the optimisation of performance.
3. A key element in the
teaching/coaching relationship is the development of independence.
Swimmers must be encouraged to accept age-appropriate responsibility
for their own behaviour and performance in training, in competition
and in their social life.
4. The relationship between coach and
swimmer relies heavily on mutual trust and respect. In detail,
this means that the swimmer should be made aware of the coach’s
qualifications and experience and must be given the opportunity to
consent to or decline proposals for training and performance. The
expectation of the outcome of coaching, should be explored with the
swimmer.
5. Officials are required to attend
Child Protection Seminars as decided by the Swim Ireland.
6. You have a responsibility to
declare to your performers any other current coaching commitments.
You should also find out if any prospective client is currently
receiving guidance from another coach. If so, that coach should be
contacted to discuss the situation. If you become aware of a
conflict between their obligation to their swimmers and their
obligation to Swim Ireland Ltd. or other organisation employing them,
you must make explicit the nature of the conflict and the loyalties
and responsibilities involved to all parties concerned.
7. You are privileged to work with
swimmers and are given a position of trust by parents and swimmers
and are expected to show the highest standards of behaviour whilst in
the company of your charges. You must never exert undue influence
over the swimmer for personal benefit or reward.
8. No swimmer should be given
preferential treatment at the expense of other swimmers. Whilst
certain swimmers may need specific coaching, this must be undertaken
in an open environment where favouritism is not a factor.
9. Where the Team is composed of both
genders, there must be a male and a female official.
10. You should never be alone with a
swimmer, either at or away from the Pool.
11. Besides necessary manipulation of
limbs in teaching stroke or gym technique, physical contact is not
appropriate. If such contact is necessary, the reason for it must
be explained to the pupil and their consent obtained before
proceeding. Testing or para-medical activities which involve contact
must be carried out by a suitably qualified medical person.
12. Meet performance can lead to
emotional behaviour, such behaviour is only acceptable in public
during the Meet and care should be taken to minimise contact.
13. Whilst swimmers are present,
consumption of alcohol should be avoided. As persons responsible
for the well-being of young people it is inappropriate to smoke in
their presence or behave in any fashion inconsistent with your
position of responsibility.
14. Physical relationships with
swimmers under 18 years of age are illegal and such relationships
with swimmers over 18 years, are inappropriate when the swimmer is in
your charge.
15. If an official encounters
suspected child abuse, they should, immediately contact their Health
Board. The matter should also be reported to the Club Children’s
Officer. Discretion and confidentiality is expected whilst these
persons follow procedure. Please refer to Child Protection
Complaints as to how to proceed.
16. It is important to remember that
when one is reporting suspected Child Abuse in good faith, it is not
the same as making an accusation of abuse i.e. reporting does not
mean accusing. However, a member of Swim Ireland knowingly making
or repeating, false allegations against a fellow member, may be
liable to disciplinary action.
This Code should be signed by all
adults ever likely to act as officials.
