We are currently working towards Swim 21 and below what it is all about.
What is Swim 21?
The Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) is the governing body for the sport of swimming in England. Swimming 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.
