Bo'ness Amateur Swimming Club

We, the Club, believe that Good Practice at­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ ­­­­­­Bo’ness Amateur Swimming Club is as follows;  

1. The safeguarding of children is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse. Everyone in swimming – administrator, Club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone – can help.  Children and young people have a lot to gain from swimming.  Their natural sense of fun and spontaneity can blossom in positive sporting environments.  Swimming provides an excellent opportunity for children to learn new skills, become more confident and maximise their own unique potential.  The Club will place the needs of the child first and winning and competition second. 

2. The underlying principles with respect to Wellbeing & Child Protection are that:

• The child’s well-being is the first consideration
• All children, regardless of age, any disability they have, gender, racial origin, religious belief and sexual identity have a right to be protected from abuse
• Children and young people must be treated with integrity and respect
• Children and young peoples’ programmes and competitions will be relevant to their ages and stages of development

3. We are committed to following the current Scottish Swimming’s Wellbeing & Protection: Child & Young People policy & guidelines.  All our volunteers / staff are members of Scottish Swimming    

4. The Club:

• Aims to create an enjoyable environment, where young people have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat.
• Acknowledges that young people have the right to be treated with respect and for their concerns to be listened to and acted upon.
• Will aim to ensure that junior members have specific programmes designated for them, with adequate supervision.
• Is committed to ensuring that all helpers, whatever their role, completes SASA membership registration and sign a Code of Conduct
• Is committed to ensure that all regulated positions are PVG Scheme Members and complete a Self-Declaration Form
• Provides clear, comprehensive, easily understood procedures for dealing with:
  • allegations of abuse
  • requests for help and support on a confidential basis
• Is committed to an equitable recruitment selection policy for coaches.
• Will always emphasise fair play

Our Wellbeing & Protection Officer is:

Name: Stuart Thompson, Caroline McKie

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In the event that the behaviour of a swimmer seriously contravenes the Club code of conduct, the following action will be taken:

• Any misbehaviour by a swimmer during a training session will be dealt with by the coach in an appropriate manner
• All recorded incidents of misbehaviour by swimmer(s), and consequent actions by the Lead Coach, will be reported to the Head Coach. The Head Coach will liaise with the Executive Committee to discuss the matter. In such circumstances, the Head Coach and at least one member of the Executive Committee will meet with the parents of the swimmer to discuss the issue and agree a way forward.
• Any incidents of persistent misbehaviour, or which result in a swimmer being asked to leave the training session, will be recorded in duplicate on a Disciplinary letter, one copy of which will be retained by the Club, and the other posted to the parents of the swimmer, who will be asked to sign and return the enclosed form
• If neither the verbal or written warnings adequately address the Club’s concerns, the person may be suspended from the Club for up to seven days, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, communicated in writing to the parents of the swimmer.
• Should the matter persist, the decision to exclude a swimmer from the Club will be at the discretion of the Management Committee, communicated in writing.

In the event that the behaviour of a member of the coaching team, Management Committee or a parent volunteer seriously contravenes the Club codes of conduct, the following action will be taken:

• The President or a member of the Executive Committee will in the first instance give the person concerned a formal verbal warning
• Should further action be necessary, this will take the form of a formal written warning issued by the Executive Committee which will set out the Club’s concerns and specify what response the Club requires. The person concerned will be required to submit a written response within fourteen days of the correspondence having been received
• If neither the verbal or written warnings adequately address the Club’s concerns, the person may be suspended from the Club. The decision to suspend a member from the Club will be at the discretion of the Executive Committee, communicated in writing.
• Should the matter persist, the decision to exclude a member from the Club will be at the discretion of the Management Committee, communicated in writing.
• Anything not covered above will be dealt with in accordance with the Club Constitution and Bye-Laws.

Each stage of the disciplinary procedure will be recorded by the Executive/ Management Committee so that an accurate record of events and decisions is maintained.

The person against whom the disciplinary action has been taken will have a right of appeal. The appeal must be made in writing and must arrive with the Club Secretary within 14 days of having received either a written warning or correspondence communicating a decision of exclusion. The Management Committee will consider the appeal and will, at its discretion, agree to a formal disciplinary hearing. A written response will be provided within 14 days of the appeal having been received.

Should the appeal be rejected, the matter will be considered closed and there will be no further right to appeal.

Reference should also be made to the Club’s Constitution and Bye-Laws which provide further guidance.

If you are dissatisfied with any matter affecting the club, i.e. the coaching programme provided by the Club, your role within the club (if any), the swimming programme, general supervision within the club, or any other matter directly affecting the Club's activities, then you should in the first instance:

• Raise the matter informally with the Head Coach. In his/ her absence the President assumes direct responsibility.
• If it relates to any other matter affecting the club's activities raise it informally with any member of the Executive Committee (Officers of the Club)

If you are dissatisfied with the response given or decision made you should raise the matter with the Executive Committee (Officers of the Club) by writing to the Club Secretary giving details of your concerns and why you are unhappy with the response or decision given.

The Executive Committee (Officers of the Club) will normally consider your letter at the first available meeting and will investigate and discuss the matter as required and will undertake to consider and determine all matters as quickly, fairly and as reasonably as possible.

The Executive Committee (Officers of the Club) will normally advise you of their decision in writing within 14 days of the meeting and will endeavour also to advise you in writing of any further developments in relation to the grievance raised.

If you are dissatisfied with the Executive Committee’s decision, you will have the right to appeal within 14 days of notification and should do this in writing to the Club President.

The Club President will consider the whole matter anew including your letter of appeal and may carry out further investigation or discussion at his/her discretion and will determine the matter by one of the following

• By upholding the original decision.
• By upholding your letter of appeal
• By substituting his own decision in the matter.

The President will advise you of his/her decision in writing within 14 days of receiving your letter of appeal.

Bo’ness Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) is committed to creating a positive environment for all participants.

It is expected, therefore, that swimmers should:

• Behave with respect to others including coaches, officials, poolside staff and other swimmers
• Refrain from inappropriate conduct towards others including physical, verbal, written or emotional, in person or through use of social media platforms
• Arrive poolside five to ten minutes prior to the start of the session with the appropriate kit ready to train
• Encourage and support team-mates in all club related situations
• Treat all BASC and Council property with the utmost respect and avoid horseplay around the changing rooms/ village
• Display a positive attitude and show commitment and responsibility for your development, attempting all tasks set by the coach to the best of your ability
• Always behave in an appropriate manner whilst in the changing room, poolside/land training and whilst representing the Club at competitions
• Speak to the coach before and after each race, at competition, in order to obtain advice and feedback on their swim
• Wear their Club kit, including Club Cap when representing the Club in competition
• Use lockers in changing room where provided
• Read and agree to abide by the Club Mobile Phone Policy

In addition, it is expected that swimmers will follow pool discipline:

• Follow coach’s direction at all times
• Swim clockwise/ anti-clockwise in line with lane etiquette unless informed otherwise by the coach
• Allow a safe distance between other swimmers and take the appropriate rest intervals
• Allow other swimmers to complete full lengths and execute correct finishes
• Ensure that lane order is observed and that the fastest swimmer is setting off first, unless told otherwise by squad coach
• When overtaking other swimmers ensure that the move is started and completed in between the flags
• Only enter the pool when instructed to by the lifeguard
• Only dive when supervised and instructed to do so by the coach

Print Name: ________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ________________________

Bo’ness Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) is committed to creating a positive environment for all participants.

It is expected, therefore, that parents should:

• Ensure that their child arrives to be ready five to ten minutes before the start of the session
• Ensure that the coach and lifeguard is present before dropping their swimmer at the pool, and remain at the pool until the session has started. This will involve entering the building and not just dropping off in the car park
• Inform the coach personally, or via another adult, if their child is required to leave a training session early
• Arrive to collect swimmers ten minutes before the session is due to finish
  The Club’s responsibility for swimmers ends when the session ends.
• Advise the relevant squad coach in advance of non-attendance at training sessions or competitions
• Always discuss or email the Senior Development Coach/ Head Coach, in the first instance, any concerns about their child’s performance, behaviour, or other issue
• Discuss serious behaviour issues in other swimmers with the Senior Development Coach/ Head Coach in the first instance. If a parent observes worrying or undesirable behaviour on the part of a swimmer (other than their own child), this should not be raised directly with the swimmer unless it is a minor act, e.g. running in the changing rooms, throwing water, rowdy behaviour
• Never interrupt a coach or attempt to communicate to a swimmer during a training session. When needing to speak to a coach do so at an agreed convenient time where possible either before or after a training session
• Resist the temptation to provide coaching advice to your child
• Never ridicule or shout at a swimmer for making mistakes or losing a race
• Promote respect of swimming opponents as well as for officials, fellow coaches and poolside personnel
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport i.e. fair play
• Always respect and never shout at or abuse officials or coaches, or undermine the authority of the volunteer poolside
• Be willing to undertake to help the Club, if requested to do so, and if necessary to ensure that the chaperone requirements at training sessions and galas are met
• Respect decisions made by coaches in relation to your child. If on occasion you don’t understand a decision made about your child, email the Senior Development Coach/ Head Coach to arrange a suitable time to discuss
• Read and agree to abide by the Club Mobile Phone policy

Print Name: ________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ________________________

Bo’ness Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) is committed to complying with best practice in terms of service delivery.

It is expected, therefore, that volunteers should:

• Promote a positive image of the club
• Consider the safety and wellbeing of swimmers at all times
• Follow all guidelines laid down by Scottish Swimming
• Refrain from open criticism of the club, other clubs, coaches, poolside helpers or other committee members as this will lead to instability and damage relationships with others
• Always respect the way other committee members carry out their duties – it may not always be your way
• Maintain strict impartiality
• Remember that decisions must be taken for the benefit of the whole club
• Always recognise and observe your responsibilities in respect of the confidentiality of issues discussed
• Remember that any decisions taken by the Committee are collective and as such should be respected, accepted and promoted by all committee members
• Ensure that the equipment and facilities meet safety standards and are suitable for training
• Promote the positive aspects of the sport
• Actively promote and encourage parents to assist in any club roles however large or small, particularly encouraging new parents for club sustainability
• Remember we are all volunteers, circumstances change, never feel pressure to remain in a role
• Read and agree to abide by the Club Mobile Phone policy

Print Name: ________________________________________

Signature: _______________________________

Date: ________________________

Bo’ness Amateur Swimming Club (BASC) is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following definition of sports equity:

“Equal opportunity in sport is about fairness, equality of access, recognizing inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about ensuring the culture and structure of sport is equally accessible to everyone in society.”

• BASC respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social / economic status.
• BASC is totally committed to the principals and practice of equal opportunities as stated above across its training, coaching and competitive programme by all its members.
• BASC is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of discrimination, intimidation, harassment and abuse.
• All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
• BASC will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously according to club disciplinary procedures and national governing body (Scottish Swimming) guidelines.

The use of visual evidence of performance, e.g. stroke technique, in training and competition, is an important tool for coaching swimming.

BASC will sometimes use videos and/or cameras during training sessions and competitions for coaches and swimmers to analyse stroke technique and performance. Video evidence of this nature is for internal club use only and shall not be shown to any external agency without the express consent of both the athlete and their guardian(s).

We will take photographs for appropriate media coverage including newspapers or websites from time to time. Any club personnel using video or camera equipment will be aware of and agree to abide by this policy and have permission from the Management Committee for use at named occasions.

External agencies are required to apply for permission and will be made aware of and agree to abide by this policy before permission for use is granted.

PERMISSION
Permission for use must be obtained before attending training / competitions (see Scottish Swimming REQUEST FOR PERMISSION TO USE CAMERA AND VIDEO EQUIPMENT application form). In order to be granted permission, you must agree to abide by the following policy.

THE POLICY
All material must be used for the purpose stated on the application and must not be altered in any way without the prior approval in writing of the person(s) photographed or their guardian(s).

VIDEOS
Video evidence used for stroke technique and performance analysis in club training sessions or at competitions must be used solely for this purpose and viewed with consent of the athlete in question. Video evidence gathered by the club will not be given to any outside agency without the express consent of the athlete and their guardian(s).

PHOTOGRAPHS
We would request that the swimmer’s modesty is protected at all times. To this end, swimmers should only be photographed in swimwear during action or staged shots. At all other times, t-shirts should be worn by all swimmers being photographed.

APPLICATION FORMS for permission to photograph or video are available from our Child Protection Officer who can be contacted via the website.

NB:
It is the camera users own responsibility to be aware of facility Normal Operating Procedures.
Permission from the Club does not necessarily infer permission from facility owners/operators.

Bo’ness ASC encourages members of the club to become involved in coaching and for this purpose operate a sponsorship policy. This policy applies to members who wish to attend accredited coaching or Lifeguard education courses and who:

• Meet the required standard set by the professional bodies to obtain the desired accreditation
• Have been approved by the BASC Head Coach to pursue the course
• Have been approved by the BASC Committee as qualifying for sponsorship.

Approval Process

The Coach should seek approval from the Head Coach in advance of attending the course.
This approval should be noted in writing and forwarded to the BASC Secretary detailing the level of coaching/Lifeguarding expected by the coach upon qualification.
The BASC Committee will assess the recommendation and a decision will be noted in the minutes at a Committee Meeting. If granted a written sponsorship approval stating the terms of the sponsorship including the expected level of Coaching/Lifeguarding upon completion of course will be forwarded to the Coach and the Head Coach.

Coaching Course Sponsorship

Sponsorship Level
The Committee can grant sponsorship up to 100% of the course cost at their discretion.

UKCC Level 1 Courses
A bursary is currently available from Scottish Swimming to cover part of the cost of this course. The coach will apply for this bursary and will also provide BASC with a cheque to cover an agreed proportion (typically 50%) of the cost of the course which will act as an insurance policy for the club.
This cheque will only be banked if the coach fails to:

• attend the course or
• meet the criteria of the Scottish Swimming Bursary to the extent that this is not paid or
• meet the levels of coaching agreed with the Committee prior to application.

The cheque will be returned to the coach 12 months after completion of the course conditional on the above criteria having been met.

UKCC Level 2/3 Courses
Bursaries may be available from Scottish Swimming to cover part of the cost of these courses. The coach will apply for this bursary and will also provide BASC with a cheque to cover an agreed proportion of the cost of the course which will act as an insurance policy for the club.
The criteria to be met will be agreed between the Committee and the Coach prior to applying for the course and will be recorded in the form of a sponsorship agreement as detailed above. The cheque will only be banked if the coach fails to meet these criteria.
The cheque will be returned to the coach 12 months after completion of course conditional on the criteria having been met.

NPLQ Lifeguard Courses
The Club will pay for 25% of the cost of the Lifeguarding Course. The remaining 75% must be covered by the Lifeguard. The Lifeguard can either pay directly for the remaining 75% or can pay for part and commit to paying back the remainder in approved Lifeguarding hours. The candidate should provide a cheque to the club to cover the costs which will be covered by approved hours.
This cheque will only be cashed should the Lifeguard fail to work the required number of hours for the club.
The cheque will be returned to the Lifeguard once the required number of hours have been worked.

SASA Annual Fees and Monthly Swimming Fees
The Club will also cover the annual SASA Membership Fee and monthly swimming fees for all Coaches who are also swimmers and who:

• are qualified to a minimum of UKCC Level 1 and
• coach 2 or more sessions per week on a regular basis

The Head Coach will advise the Committee of any Coaches who meet these criteria and, once agreed by the Committee, the Membership Secretary/Treasurer will adjust the fees accordingly.

Should the Coach subsequently no longer meet the criteria above, their monthly fees will return to normal and they will be required to cover the cost of future SASA Annual Membership fees.

Bo’ness Amateur Swimming Club is a non-profit making organisation. All income shall remain in the Club to promote Club Development. Allowable expenses are determined by the Management Committee.

Volunteer Coaches who attend competitions can claim:

• Travel by bus, train, car (35p per mile), or alternative public transport (subject to agreement with the Management Committee)
• Reasonable cost to cover overnight accommodation where this is not included in the event
• A daily food expense where meals are not included in the event of up to £10 for day events
• A daily food expense where meals are not included in the event of up to £30 for overnight stays

Volunteer Coaches should neither profit nor be left out of pocket as a result of their participation in events on behalf of the Club, and therefore, the Management Committee reserves the right to authorise additional expenses.

Paid Coaches who attend competitions can claim expenses in accordance with their agreement. Anything not covered in their agreement will be dealt with as per the above claim options.

Team Managers, who attend competitions or camps outside of Scotland in an official Club capacity as team manager (see Team Manager Policy), can claim:

• Travel by bus, train, car (35p per mile), alternative public transport (subject to agreement with the Management Committee)
• Reasonable cost to cover over night accommodation where this is not included in the event

In order for reimbursement Coaches/Volunteer must fill out a claim form and provide evidence of expense (wherever possible).