Reason to celebrate: A group of young Barracudas make their presence heard at a competition in 2008. (Picture by Steve Sarre, 0577807)
THE Beau Sejour Swim School and the competitive squads of the Beau Sejour Barracudas have become the first organisation in the Channel Islands to gain the highly regarded Swim 21 accreditation.
Swim 21 is the ‘quality mark’ of the Amateur Swimming Association – the sport’s national governing body.
It recognises nationally and regionally the clubs that are committed to providing safe, effective and quality services for the benefit of their members.
It is a way of ensuring that every athlete – whatever their age or experience – belongs to a club that provides the best possible support and environment.
Specifically it is about putting the swimmers first and ensuring that young athletes follow the pathway the ASA recognises, for training and competition via the principles of the Long Term Athlete Development programme.
At the beginning of 2008, the Swim School received a visit from the ASA regional development officer, who was impressed with the partnership between the Swim School and the Barracudas.
That was followed by an audit of the swimming programme and the club structure, evidence of which was collected and submitted to a regional panel before reaching the national panel in November.
This resulted in the club gaining two levels of accreditation, Teaching and Skill Development.
Within the two levels, the organisation was assessed in three areas:
1. Compliance – with emphasis on good management
2. Workforce Development – where the focus is on further training by teachers, coaches and the volunteer work force.
3. Athlete Development – where the concentration is on the needs of the swimmers at all levels.
The teaching targets were met with all of the Swim School teachers and coaches having ASA qualifications to the required level as well as holding the relevant RLSS awards.
The staff also undertake Continued Professional Development training on a regular basis, as well as key members attending Equity and Disability awareness training.
The skill development section was met predominantly by the Barracudas.
The club is fortunate to have a large volunteer workforce of time keepers, judges, starters, recorders and extremely lucky to have two fully qualified referees. The ASA Child protection policy is in place and all personnel have received CRB checks.
The continued financial support of NRG International was also noted as being of huge importance in the success of the athletes, allowing them to compete and gain experience outside Guernsey.
During 2008, 250 swimmers travelled to away competition from the very young developing swimmers to the seniors at the highest level.
Clubs who achieve Swim 21 also automatically meet the standard of Sport England’s ‘Clubmark’, which signifies the organisation’s commitment to being a safe, effective and child friendly sports club.
In addition to the national recognition that the award holds, the club now has access to further resources and has already gained regional funding for further coach development.
‘The Swim School and the Barracudas are extremely proud to have achieved this level and are totally committed to giving their swimmers the best possible environment where both young and old can enjoy, participate and compete in a healthy sport, in surroundings where they can develop friendship, sportsmanship and dedication,’ said a statement.Swim School and Barracudas: National body recognises the brilliant work of local organisation
Article posted on 3rd January, 2009 - 9.30am
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