Affiliated to the ASA East Midland Region and Northants ASA
Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club is a not for profit organisation whose mission it is to provide a competitive swimming club where members can develop their swimming skills and enjoy taking part in competitions in a safe and friendly environment.
Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club believes that the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility particularly when it comes to protecting children from abuse.
Everyone in swimming – Club Coaching staff, elected Officer of the Club, Club committee member, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone - can play their part.
Abuse can occur anywhere there are children - at home, at school, in the park, at the club. Sadly, there are some people who will seek to be where children are simply in order to abuse them. We believe that everyone within the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club has a very important part to play in looking after the children with whom we are working. This is both a moral and arguably a legal obligation. The Children's Act 1989 indicates that everyone who has the care of children should "do what is reasonable in all circumstances for the purpose of safeguarding or promoting the child's welfare".
This child protection policy stems from the following principles: -
Under the Children Act 1989:
A child is defined as a person under the age of 18
Daventry Dolphins safeguards its members by:
The Club takes the issue of Safeguarding & Child Protection very seriously and follows the Amateur Swimming Associations guidelines. These guidelines can be viewed on: www.britishswimming.org
Instructors and other ancillary staff are required to undergo Safeguarding & Child Protection Training as part of the Swim21 accreditation process. This training has to be repeated every 3 years. The training includes recognising abuse, how to respond to a disclosure and how to initially deal with a problem and then who to contact if the matter cannot be dealt with
The Welfare Officer for the Daventry Dolphins is Mrs Jo Caddoo. She acts independently from the Club. Her contact telephone number is: 01327 313847. You can e-mail jcaddoo@rollasons.com OR www.welfare@ddsc.co.uk
One of her many roles is to ensure that all Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club helpers** are CRB checked and in receipt of clearances. The Club Membership Secretary, Mrs Dawn Mann ensures that all helpers are enrolled as Club Members and have ASA Membership
View policy document on recording and posting of CRB Disclosure Applicant information
** This includes swimmers who are under 18yrs that assist as lane helpers.
CONFIDENTIALITY LISTENING TO CHILDREN
As an adult with trust and influence with children, Daventry Dolphins Swimming club coaching and ancillary staff & volunteers are in a powerful position to recognise or receive information about abuse. However, remember it is not your responsibility to decide if a child is being abused, your role is to act on those concerns.
Children will express themselves verbally or non-verbally and it is important to respond sensitively and carefully to what they are saying or how they are behaving.
If a child or young person talks to you about a concern: -
ACTIONS TO AVOID
The person receiving the disclosure should not: -
RESPONDING TO NON-VERBAL CONCERNS
Changes in a child's behaviour can be the result of a wide range of factors and this makes it difficult to identify if the changes are linked to abuse. Even signs such as bruising or other injuries cannot be taken as "proof" of abuse. However, if you have concerns you have a responsibility to act on those concerns.
Contact the Welfare Officer and fill in an Incident Form as soon as possible but no later than 24 hours after to record carefully what you have observed.
GOOD PRACTICE GUIDELINES
All Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club volunteers are encouraged to demonstrate exemplary behaviour in order to protect themselves from false allegations. The Club has a Code of Ethics to follow. The following are common sense examples of how to create a positive culture and climate.
Good practice means: -
PRACTICES TO BE AVOIDED
The following should be avoided except in emergencies. If cases arise where these situations are unavoidable it should be with the full knowledge and consent of the club official i.e. Chairman, Chief Coach etc. or the child's parents.
PRACTICES NEVER TO BE SANCTIONED
The following practices should never be sanctioned. You should never: -
NB It may sometimes be necessary for Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club staff to do things of a personal nature for children, particularly if they are young or disabled. These tasks should only be carried out with the full understanding and consent of the parents and the swimmers involved. There is a need to be responsive to a person's reactions. If a person is fully dependent on you, talk with him / her about what you are doing and give choices where possible. This is particularly so if you are involved in any dressing or undressing of outer clothing, or where there is physical contact, lifting or assisting a child to carry out particular activities. Avoid taking on the responsibility for tasks for which you are not appropriately trained.
INCIDENTS THAT MUST BE REPORTED / RECORDED
If any of the following occur you should report this immediately to the Welfare Officer, any Club Officer (Chairman / Secretary / Treasurer) and record the incident, as soon as possible in your diary and in the Incident Record Book within 24 hours You should also ensure the parents of the child are informed: -
When people talk about Child Welfare, it is assumed that it is always a case of some sort of abuse, whether it is sexual, emotional, physical or neglect. Current ‘Every Child Matters’ guidelines is about “improving the life chances of ALL children and young people, reducing inequalities and helping them to achieve” and it is relevant to everyone working directly with them, or providing services which impact on them. The five outcomes of Every Child Matters are:
Staying Safe:
The Club tries to ensure that its members are safe from bullying and discrimination and that they participate in a safe environment.
Being healthy:
The Club promotes healthy lifestyles, both physically and mentally and positively discourages its members from taking illegal substances.
Enjoying and Achieving:
Members should enjoy attending the Club and taking part in its activities, as well as achieving social and personal development.
Make a positive contribution:
Members should develop positive relationships with others and choose not to bully or discriminate against others. They have the opportunity to help fundraise.
Achieve economic well being:
Members will be given the opportunity to acquire skills that may be need for employment or assisting them in society. Well being includes feeling good about themselves.
The Club can provide evidence of good practice
In relation to Safeguarding and Child Protection, there is a Dolphins web-link link called the Strategy for Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport.
The Wave Power poster is displayed on the Club notice board.
Other useful Freephone confidential telephone numbers are:
NSPCCHelpline:08088005000
Childline: 0800 1111
Additional websites with downloads for information are:
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1.1 The name of the Club shall be Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club
2.1 The objects of the Club shall be the development and practice of swimming for its members In the furtherance of these objects:
2.1.1 The Club is committed to treat everyone equally within the context of its activity. This shall be, for example, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, religion, disability or political persuasion, on any grounds.
2.1.2 The Club shall implement the A.S.A. Equal Opportunities policy
2.2 The Club shall be affiliated to ASA East Midlands Region, and shall adopt and conform to the rules of this Association, and to such other bodies as the Club may determine from time to time.
2.3 The business and affairs of the Club shall at all times be conducted in accordance with the Laws and Technical Rules of the Amateur Swimming Association (“ASA Laws”) and in particular:
2.3.1 All competing members shall be eligible competitors as defined in ASA Laws
2.3.2 The Club shall in accordance with ASA Laws adopt the ASA Child Protection Procedures; and shall recognise that the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility and that all children and young people have a right to have fun, be safe and be protected from harm.
2.3.3 Members of the Club shall in accordance with ASA Laws comply with the ASA Child Protection Procedures.
2.4 By virtue of the affiliation of the Club to ASA East Midland Region, the Club and all members of the Club acknowledge that they are subject to the laws, rules and constitutions of:
2.4.1 ASA East Midland Region
2.4.2 The Amateur Swimming Association; (to include the ASA/IOS Code of Ethics); and
2.4.3 The Amateur Swimming Federation of Great Britain (to include in particular the ASFGB Doping Control Rules and Protocols and ASFGB Disciplinary Code); and
2.4.4 FINA, the world governing body for the sport of swimming in all its disciplines (together “the Governing Body Rules”)
2.5 In the event that there shall be any conflict between any rule or by-law of the Club and any of the Governing Body Rules then the relevant Governing Body Rule shall prevail
3.1 The total membership of the Club shall not normally be limited. If however the Committee considers that there is a good reason to impose any limit from time to time then the Committee shall put forward appropriate proposals for consideration at a General Meeting of the Club. The members shall have the right to impose (and remove) from time to time any limits on total membership (or any category of membership) of the Club.
All persons who assist in any way with the club’s activities shall become members of the club and hence of the A.S.A. and the relevant A.S.A. membership fee shall be paid. Assisting with the club’s activities shall include, but not be restricted to, administrators, associate members, voluntary instructors, teachers and coaches, Committee members, helpers, Honorary members, life members, officers, patrons, Presidents, technical and non-technical officials, temporary members, Vice Presidents and verifiers or tutors of the A.S.A’s educational certificates.
Paid instructors, teachers and coaches who are not members of the club must be members of a body which accepts that its members are bound by the A.S.A.’s Code of Ethics, the Laws relating to Child Protection and those parts of the Judicial Laws, Judicial Rules and procedures necessary for their implementation and whilst engaged in activities under the jurisdiction of the A.S.A. shall be subject to all the constraints and privileges of the Judicial Laws and Rules.
3.2 Any person who wishes to become a member of the Club must submit a signed application to the Secretary (and in the case of a junior swimmer the application must be signed by the swimmer’s parent or guardian). Election to membership shall be in the discretion of the Committee but other person(s) authorised by the Committee may make recommendation as to the applicants’ acceptability. The Committee shall not be required to give reasons for the refusal of any application for membership.
The Club shall not refuse an application for membership on discriminatory grounds, whether in relation to ethnic origin, age, sex, religion, disability, political persuasion or sexual orientation.
4.1 The annual member’s subscription and coaching and squad fees (as applicable) shall be determined from time to time by the Committee and the Committee shall in so doing make special provision for different classes of membership as the Annual General Meeting shall determine.
4.2 The annual subscription shall be due on joining the Club and thereafter on the 1st day of January each year.
4.3 Any member whose subscription is unpaid by the date falling 30 days after the due date for payment may be suspended by the Committee from some or all Club activities from a date to be determined by the Committee and until such payment is made
4.4 The Committee shall, from time to time, have the power to determine the annual membership subscription and other fees. This shall include the power to make such increase in the subscription as shall, where the Club pays the individual ASA Membership Fees to the ASA on behalf of members, be consequential upon an increase in individual ASA membership fees. Any increase in subscriptions shall be advised to the members in writing with the reasons for any increase to be reported to the members at the next Annual General Meeting.
5.1 A member wishing to resign membership of the Club must give to the Secretary written notice of his resignation. A member’s resignation shall only take effect when this (Rule 5.1) has been complied with.
5.2 Notwithstanding the provisions of Rule 5.1 above a member whose subscription is more than [two] months in arrear shall be deemed to have resigned. Where the membership of a member shall be terminated in this way he shall be informed in writing that he is no longer a member by notice handed to him or sent by post to his last known address.
6.1 The Committee shall have power to expel a member when, its opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Club for him to remain a member. The Club in exercising this power shall comply with the provisions of Rules 6.2 and 6.3 below
6.2 The Club shall adopt and comply with the ASA Guidelines for handling Internal Club Disputes (“the Guidelines”) as the same may be revised from time to time. The Guidelines are set out as an Appendix to the ASA Judicial Laws and appear in the ASA Handbook. (A copy of the current Guidelines may be obtained from the ASA Legal Affairs Department.)
6.3 A member may not be expelled or (subject to Rule 6.4 below) be made the subject of any other penalty unless the panel hearing the complaint shall (unanimously) OR (by a two-thirds majority) vote in favour of the expulsion of (or other penalty imposed upon) the member.
6.4 The Officers of the Club (or any person to whom the Committee shall delegate this power) may temporarily suspend or exclude a member from particular training sessions and/or wider club activities, when in their opinion; such action is in the interests of the Club. Where such action is taken the complaint will thereafter be dealt with in accordance with the Guidelines.
7.1 The Committee shall consist of the Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer (together “the Executive Officers of the Club”) and 14 elected members all of whom must be members of the Club. The club shall have a Welfare Officer. All Committee members must be not less than 18 years of age though the Committee may allow younger member(s) to attend their meetings without power to vote.
7.2 The Committee members shall be proposed, seconded and elected by ballot at the Annual General Meeting each year and shall remain in office until their successors are elected at the next Annual General Meeting. Any vacancy occurring by resignation or otherwise may be filled by the Committee. Retiring members of the Committee shall be eligible for re-election. (See also 8.1)
7.3 Committee meetings shall be held not less than quarterly, (save where the Committee itself shall by a simple majority resolve not to meet), and the quorum of that meeting shall be 5 Committee members (to include not less than one Executive Officer). The Chairman and the Secretary shall have discretion to call further meetings of the Committee if they consider it to be in the interests of the Club. The Secretary shall give all the members of the Committee not less than (two) days oral ((or) written) notice of a meeting. Decisions of the Committee shall be made by a simple majority (and in the event of equality of votes the Chairman (or the acting Chairman of that meeting) shall have a casting or additional vote.) The Secretary, or in his absence a member of the Committee, shall take minutes.
7.4 In the event that a quorum is not present within thirty minutes of the published start time, a meeting shall stand adjourned to the time and date falling seven days after the date of the meeting, or such other date and time as may be determined by the Chairman. If a quorum is not present at the adjourned meeting then those Committee members attending may act for the purpose of calling a Special General Meeting of the members, to which the provisions as to minimum notice contained in Rule 11.1 shall not apply
7.5 In addition to the members so elected the Committee may co-opt up further members of the Club who shall serve until the next Annual General Meeting. Co-opted members shall be entitled to vote at the meetings of the Committee and shall not be counted in establishing whether a quorum is present.
7.6 The Committee may from time to time appoint from among their number such sub-committees as they may consider necessary (and to remove (in whole or in part) or vary the terms of reference of such sub-committees) and may delegate to them such of the powers and duties of the Committee as the Committee may determine. All sub-committees shall periodically report their proceedings to the Committee and shall conduct their business in accordance with the directions of the Committee.
7.7 The Committee shall be responsible for the management of the Club and shall have the sole right of appointing and determining the terms and conditions of service of employees of the Club. The Committee shall have power to enter into contracts for the purposes of the Club on behalf of all the members of the Club. The Committee shall be responsible for ensuring that the Accounts of the Club for each financial year be examined by an independent examiner to be appointed by the members in General Meeting. The Committee shall also have power to make regulations and to settle disputed points not otherwise provided for in this Constitution.
7.8 The members of the Committee shall be indemnified by the members of the Club against all liabilities properly incurred by them in the management of the affairs of the Club.
7.9 The Committee shall ensure that the financial records and minutes of meetings are retained for a period of at least 6 years.
7.10 The Committee shall maintain an Accident Book in which all accidents to club members at swimming related activities shall be recorded. Details of such accidents shall be reported to the A.S.A. Office. The Club shall make an annual return to the ASA in the prescribed form
8.1 The Executive Officers and Committee of the Club shall be proposed, seconded and elected (by ballot) at the Annual General Meeting and shall hold office until the next Annual General Meeting when they shall retire. Any vacancy occurring by resignation or otherwise may be filled by the Committee. Retiring officers shall be eligible for re-election.
8.2 The Annual General Meeting of the Club may elect a President. A President will be elected by the Club and the post will be for life and must be included in the Club’s Annual Return of Members to the ASA.
8.3 The Committee may elect any person as an honorary member of the Club for such period as it thinks fit and they shall be entitled to all the privileges of membership except that they shall not be entitled to vote at meetings and serve as officers or on the Committee unless any such person shall have retained in addition his ordinary membership of the Club. Such honorary members must be included in the Club’s annual return as to membership.
9.1 The Annual General Meeting of the Club shall be held each year on a date November. The date for the Annual General Meeting shall be fixed by the Committee
9.2 The purpose of the Annual General Meeting is to transact the following business:
9.2.1 to receive the Chairman’s report of the activities of the Club during the previous year;
9.2.2 to receive and consider the accounts of the Club for the previous year and the report on the accounts of the independent examiner and the Treasurer's report as to the financial position of the Club;
9.2.3 to remove and elect the independent examiner (who must not be a member of the Committee or a member of the family of a member of the Committee) or confirm that he remain in office;
9.2.4 to elect the Executive Officers and other members of the Committee;
9.2.5 to decide on any resolution which may be duly submitted in accordance with Rule 9.3.
9.3 Nominations for election of members to any office or for membership of the Committee shall be made in writing by the proposer and seconder to the Secretary not later than 1st November. The nominee shall be required to indicate in writing on the nomination form his willingness to stand for election. Notice of any resolution proposed to be moved at the Annual General Meeting shall be given in writing to the Secretary not later than 1st November.
10.1 A Special General Meeting may be called at any time by the Committee. A Special General Meeting shall be called by the Secretary within (28) days of receipt by him of a requisition in writing signed by not less than 7 members entitled to attend and vote at a General Meeting or (if greater) such numbers as represents (one-tenth) in number of such members] stating the purposes for which the meeting is required and the resolutions proposed.
11.1 The Secretary shall personally be responsible for the handing out or sending to each member at his last known address a written agenda giving notice of the date, time and place of the General Meeting together with the resolutions to be proposed thereat at least (14) days before the meeting and in the case of the Annual General Meeting a list of the nominees for the Committee posts and a copy of the examined accounts. The Secretary may, alternatively, with the agreement of member(s) concerned distribute these materials by e-mail or similar form of communication. The Notice of Meeting shall in addition wherever possible be displayed on the Club Notice Board where one exists.
11.2 The quorum for the Annual and Special General Meetings shall be 7 members entitled to attend and vote at the Meeting or (if greater) such number as represents (one-tenth) in number of such members.
11.3 The Chairman, or in his absence a member selected by the Committee, shall take the chair. Each member present shall have one vote and resolutions shall be passed by a simple majority. For the procedures for submitting resolutions to be considered at a General Meeting members are referred to Rule 9.3. In the event of an equality of votes the Chairman shall have a casting or additional vote. Only paid up members who have reached their 16th birthday shall be entitled to be heard and to vote on all matters. (Members who have not reached their 16th birthday shall be entitled to be heard and vote only on those matters determined by the Chairman as matters concerning juniors, such as the election of club captains.)
11.4 The Secretary, or in his absence a member of the Committee, shall take minutes at the Annual and Special General Meetings.
11.5 The Chairman shall at all General Meetings have unlimited authority upon every question of order and shall be, for the purpose of such meeting, the sole interpreter of the Rules of the Club.
12.1 The rules may be altered by resolution at an Annual or Special General Meeting provided that the resolution is carried by a majority of at least (two-thirds) of members present and entitled to vote at the General Meeting. No amendment(s) to the rules shall become effective until such amendment(s) shall have been submitted to and validated by such person as is authorised to do so by the County Association/ASA East Midland Region.
12.2 (Any member) (Such number of members as represent one-tenth in number of the members entitled to attend and vote at a General Meeting) shall be entitled to put any proposal for consideration at any General Meeting provided the proposal in writing shall have been handed to or posted to the Secretary of the Club so as to be received by him not later than 1st Novemeber in the case of the Annual General Meeting or, in the case of a Special General Meeting, 14 days before the date of the meeting and thereafter the Secretary shall supply a copy of the proposal or resolution to the members in the manner provided in Rule 11.1
13.1 The Committee shall have power to make, repeal and amend such by-laws as they may from time to time consider necessary for the well being of the Club which by-laws, repeals and amendments shall have effect until set aside by the Committee or at a General Meeting.
14.1 All moneys payable to the Club shall be received by the Treasurer and deposited in a bank account in the name of the Club. No sum shall be drawn from that account except by cheque signed by (two of the three signatories who shall be the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.) Any moneys not required for immediate use may be invested as the Committee in its discretion think fit.
14.2 The income and property of the Club shall be applied only in furtherance of the objects of the Club and no part thereof shall be paid by way of bonus, dividend or profit to any members of the Club, (save as set out in Rule 17.3.)
14.3 The Committee shall have power to authorise the payment of remuneration and expenses to any officer, member or employee of the Club and to any other person or persons for services rendered to the Club.
14.4 The financial transactions of the Club shall be recorded by the Treasurer in such manner as the Committee thinks fit.
14.5 The financial year of the Club shall be the period commencing on 1st October and ending on the 30th September with the opening date a day later. Any change to the financial year shall require the approval of the members in a General Meeting.
14.6 The Committee shall retain for a minimum period of six years all financial records relating to the Club and copies of Minutes of all meetings.
15.1 The Committee may borrow money on behalf of the Club for the purposes of the Club from time to time at their own discretion [up to such limits on borrowing as may be laid down from time to time by the General Meeting] for the general upkeep of the Club or with the (prior) approval of a General Meeting for any other expenditure, additions or improvements.
15.2 When so borrowing the Committee shall have power to raise in any way any sum or sums of money and to raise and secure the repayment of any sums or sums of money in such manner or on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit, and in particular by mortgage of or charge upon or by the issues of debentures charged upon all or any part of the property of the Club.
15.3 The Committee shall have no power to pledge the personal liability of any member of the Club for the repayment of any sums so borrowed.
16.1 The property of the Club, other than cash at the bank, shall be vested in not more than four Custodians. They shall deal with the property as directed by resolution of the Committee and entry in the minute book shall be conclusive evidence of such a resolution.
16.2 The Custodians shall be elected at a General Meeting of the Club and shall hold office until death or resignation unless removed by a resolution passed at a General Meeting.
16.3 The Custodians shall be entitled to an indemnity out of the property of the Club for all expenses and other liabilities properly incurred by them in the discharge of their duties.
17.1 A resolution to dissolve the Club shall only be proposed at a General Meeting and shall be carried by a majority of at least [three- quarters] of the members present and entitled to vote. A specific date for the dissolution shall be included in the resolution.
17.2 The dissolution shall take effect from the date specified in the resolution and the members of the Committee shall be responsible for the winding-up of the assets and liabilities of the Club.
17.3 Any property remaining after the discharge of the debts and liabilities of the Club shall be given to a charity or charities (or other non-profit making organisation having objects similar to those of the Club for the furtherance of such objects) nominated by the last Committee. OR (see Guidance notes 6 and 12 ref Taxation and VAT)
18.1 The Members acknowledge that these Rules constitute a legally binding contract to regulate the relationship of the members with each other and the Club.
The following statement needs to appear on Club membership forms and is to be signed by the member and must also be countersigned by the parent, or a person having parental responsibility for the member, if under 18 years of age:
I acknowledge receipt of the rules of ...........................Club and confirm my understanding and acceptance that such rules (as amended from time to time) shall govern my membership of the Club. I further acknowledge and accept the responsibilities of membership upon members as set out in these rules.
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As a Teacher / Coach or member of the support staff for the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club, I agree to abide by the principles outlined by the above Code of Ethics & Conduct
Name (please print) ……………………………………………………………………………
Signed …………………………………………………………… Date ………………………
DAVENTRY DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB COMMITTEE Revised September 2008View PDF version of this document
The objective of this document is to establish a set of guidelines and procedures, which outline the responsibilities and behaviour of both staff and swimmers who are members of the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club. Whilst it is specifically aimed at ‘away’ trips where travel and / or accommodation are required, it is expected that the principles of the Code of Conduct should be followed at ALL events including training sessions. See also appendices A and B.
The Code of Conduct
Personal conduct and behaviour must at all times be of a high standard and reflect favourably on the sport and the Club. Language in public or relevant group situations must always be appropriate and socially acceptable. This includes the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club anti-bullying policy. Attendance at all activities is expected unless agreed by the Team manager. Throughout the duration of any trip, swimmers should inform staff of their whereabouts at all times. Punctuality on all occasions is essential and any curfews must be observed.
Accommodation on away trips (ie weekend open meets), when staying at hotels or similar must be as directed by the Club officials and at no times must anyone extra be accommodated in swimmers’ rooms.
Personal appearance: shall be appropriate to the circumstances and as indicated by the Team manager. Team kit and equipment shall be worn as directed by the Team manager when competing and training, when assembling or travelling, at official team functions or on other occasions as notified.
Consumption of Alcohol is totally forbidden for athletes under age as defined by UK Law. It must not be consumed by adult swimmers or staff members whilst en route, prior to or following a competition event, training camp or team activities, without specific consent of the Team Manager. During competition alcohol is strictly forbidden to ALL staff and swimmers.
Smoking: is prohibited by swimmers and staff whilst en route, prior to, during and following a competition event, training session or team activities.
Illegal and Performance Enhancing Drugs and Substances are strictly forbidden. Swimmers are expected to be aware of the current list of banned substances and particular care must be exercised if anyone is on medication prior to or during a meet. (eg: some cold & influenza remedies can contain banned substances)
Illegal Drugs and Substances: The use of these, even though they may not appear on the official banned list in respect of performance enhancing drugs, is nonetheless prohibited.
Medication; It is important that information on all medication being currently taken should be reported to the Team manager who will report it to the relevant personnel. Allergies to any medication must be reported to the Team manager and must be included on the consent form. All medicines to be clearly labelled with the Swimmers name. NEVER SHARE MEDICATION
Sanctions: Breaches of the Code of Conduct shall be dealt with in the first instance by the Team Manager or Coach. He / She shall report any incident(s) to the Honorary Club Secretary and Committee who shall take such further action as is deemed necessary.
For example (4 strike rule)
Expulsion and other Disciplinary action:
The Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club Committee shall have power to expel a member when, in its opinion, it would not be in the interests of the Club for him / her to remain a member.
I have read and understand the Code of Conduct and Appendix A or B and agree to abide by its Principles
Signed…………………………………………………………………………………
Signature of Member / Parent / Legal Guardian required (if Member is under 18 yrs)
...........................................................................................................................
Date:
Please cut off and return the slip below to the Honorary Club Secretary:
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
DAVENTRY DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB / CODE OF CONDUCT AND APPENDIX A or B
I have read and understand the Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its Principles.
Sign and print Name…………………………………………………………………………………
Signature of Member / Parent / Legal Guardian required (if Member is under 18 yrs)
………………………………………………………………………………………
Date:
DAVENTRY DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB COMMITTEE Revised September 2008View PDF version of this document
4 Strike Rule: As set out in Main code of conduct
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DAS Legal Website:www.DAS.co.uk
For any further details regarding this service please contact:
ASA Membership Services
ISTC House, 41 Granby Street, Loughborough LE11 3DU
Telephone: 01509 210012 Facsimile: 01509 231811
E-mail: customerservices@swimming.org
Ref.: dlfw/12.4.2002
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One in seven children and one in 25 adults in Great Britain have asthma and the number is growing. Thus every swim squad or club will have a number of asthmatics and it is important for coaches and club officials to have at least a basic knowledge of the condition.
Asthma is a disorder of the small airways of the lungs, which become sensitive to certain triggers, leading to them narrowing down when they become inflamed. This results in the child or adult becoming wheezy, short of breath or having a cough. The underlying causes are partly genetic and partly environmental.
The triggers vary from patient to patient but often include colds and viral infections, pollens and moulds, pets, dust, tobacco smoke, emotion and stress, cold air and some medications, such as aspirin. Unfortunately for swimmers chlorine may also be a trigger in some asthmatics. Some people's airways narrow down during exercise. This is known as E.I.A. or exercise-induced asthma, which typically comes on after at least 5-10 minutes of a training session.
However, swimming is a sport at which asthmatics can and often do excel, as the warm moist air of the indoor pool doesn't trigger an attack. A number of the current British team have asthma and at least six Olympic Gold medallists in the aquatic events have been sufferers of the condition.
By asking a person to breathe as hard as they can into a meter, it is possible to measure how quickly they can expel air from their lungs.
This is known as a 'peak flow test' and by relating this information to the individual's age and height, we can determine whether or not the person is asthmatic.
Diagnosis is confirmed if, after exercise or treatment by inhaler, there is a 15% variation from the person's optimum or 'predicted' peak flow.
People can also detect such variations themselves by carrying out regular peak flow tests and maintaining a diary chart.
Once asthma has been diagnosed, it is mandatory that the swimmer or his or her parents or coach declares this to the A.S.A. together with details of the medication that they are taking. This is essential to avoid falling foul of Doping Control.
The notification must be done annually. Any subsequent changes in medication should also be notified.
Remember: it is your responsibility to keep the A.S.A. informed.
Modern management of asthma is a shared care process with the patient taking some responsibility for their condition in conjunction with the general practitioner. Nurse-led asthma clinics at most G.P. surgeries help to maintain good control, check inhaler technique and monitor progress.
The peak flow meter which every asthmatic should have is the cornerstone of management. This measures the performance of the lungs and if charted gives a clear idea of how well controlled the asthma is. The peak flow reading varies with the age, sex and height of the patient and can be calculated from charts. Each asthma sufferer should know what their optimum reading is and have a self-management plan.
There are two types of medication to treat asthma - relievers and preventers. Both are inhalers and they are colour coded to help identification. There has been a move to CFC inhalers over the last two years.
Other long acting inhalers and oral tablets form a second line treatment if the above do not adequately control the condition.
The current treatment of asthma follows guidelines laid down by the British Thoracic Association. They take the form of a step care plan now known as the British Guidelines for the Management of Asthma. This involves stepping up the level of treatment until satisfactory control is achieved. It is important not to overtreat and stepping down is just as important if the asthma is well controlled.
Step 1.
Use an inhaled short acting bronchodilator (such as salbutamol) for symptom relief up to once or twice daily. If you need more than this, move to step2.
Step 2.
Use an inhaled short acting bronchodilator for symptom relief plus a regular low dose inhaled steroid twice daily (e.g. beclomethasone, or in some cases the regular preventer cromoglycate).
Step 3.
Use an inhaled short acting bronchodilator for symptom relief plus either a regular high dose inhaled steroid via a large volume spacer, or low dose steroids and a long acting bronchodilator.
For patients who present more of a management problem, two higher steps are available. It is also worthwhile for all asthma sufferers to have a flu vaccine.
The rescue inhalers such as salbutamol (ventolin) and terbutaline (bricanyl) are permitted substances under ASA and FINA law as are the common steroid based inhalers such as beclomethasone (becotide), budenoside (pulmicort) and fluticasone (flixotide).
The preventative inhaler cromoglycate (intal) can be used legally as can the recently introduced oral leukotrine antagonists such as montelukast (singulair) and salmeterol (serevent) inhalers.
However for the competitive swimmer salbutamol tablets are NOT permitted and the older inhalers (although very rarely used) such as isoprenaline, ephedrine, orciprenaline are banned.
Sometimes a short course of oral corticosteroid drugs is necessary to bring the asthma under control. If this is the case the swimmer must not compete until at least two weeks after the course has finished.
The reason why declaration of asthma is essential is that the beta agonists and steroid drugs may enhance performance (by stimulatory and anabolic effects on the body) if used by an athlete without asthma.
The Medical Commission of the International Olympic Committee has recently toughened its stance against the misuse of asthma medication. In future Olympic athletes seeking authorization to use asthma medication during the Olympic Games will be required to produce clinical and laboratory proof of their ailment.
When tested at doping control you must declare the asthma medication you are taking.
Never let another swimmer use your inhaler for fun. Believe it or not, this does happen sometimes and the consequences can be extremely serious.
List of Asthma Drugs that are permitted in Sport
There is a maximum permitted level of salbutamol so the recommended dosage of the salbutamol inhaler - 2 puffs four times daily must not be exceeded.
A number of delivery systems are available to meet individual requirements. The commonest are simple meter dose aerosol inhalers but there are also breath-activated inhalers and ones which employ dry powders. The aerosols are currently being switched to C.F.C. with new propellants to avoid damaging the ozone layer and for younger patients or people who have trouble getting on with inhalers or higher dose steroid the dose can be given via a spacer device (large chamber - volumatic).
Measuring the peak flow is one of the best ways of determining good control. Detection of a lower than optimum level or a declining level should prompt an active review of treatment. The swimmer may complain of night-time coughing or wheezing or may have to get out of a training session due to wheeziness, coughing or shortness of breath.
The relief inhaler (e.g. salbutamol or ventolin) should be taken if necessary between 15 and 30 minutes before training or competing to allow maximum time to work properly. One to two puffs is particularly useful in those patients who suffer from exercise induced asthma.
The swimmer should NOT keep getting in and out of the water during a training session for a quick puff of their inhaler and coaches should actively discourage this habit. This usually means that the asthma is not well controlled and the treatment needs to be reviewed.
The swimmer's 'rescue' inhaler should however be readily at hand if needed and swimmers should never share inhalers.
The swimmer concerned should be removed immediately from the water.
The swimmer should be reassured and calmed, advised not to hyperventilate and given one to two puffs of their usual rescue inhaler.
If there is no response after 10 minutes this can be repeated
If after this has been done the swimmer is still distressed, unduly short of breath, has a rapid pulse or respiratory rate or is blue (cyanosed), medical help should be sort urgently and if necessary an ambulance called. If available, oxygen can be given whilst awaiting help.
National Asthma Campaign
Providence House
Providence Place
London N1 0NT
Publishes numerous booklets about asthma care e.g. peak flow measurement, asthma at school, taking control of asthma etc.
Asthma help-line 0345-010203 Monday to Friday 1-9.00pm for the price of a local call.
Peak flow charts and self-management plans are available through G.P. surgeries and peak flow meters on FP10 (prescriptions)
Doping Control at the UK Sport.
If you are worried whether what you are taking is a banned substance, telephone the drug information line 0207-380-841-9530 or e-mail ead@uksport.gov.uk. The website www.uksport.gov.uk is another useful information source and the address is Ethics and Anti-doping, 40 Bernard Street, London WC1N 1ST
References
1. Thorax 1993: 48 supplement S1 -S24 British Thoracic Society Guidelines.
Amateur Swimming Association
June 2001
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During your child’s time at Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club, we may wish to take photographs of activities that involve your child. The photographs may be used for displays, publications or by the press.
Photography or filming will only take place with the permission of the parent / carers and will always be under appropriate supervision. When the filming / photography is carried out by the media, children will only be named if there is a particular reason to do so and home addresses will never be given out. Images that might cause embarrassment or distress will not be used nor will images be associated with material on issues that are sensitive.
Before taking photographs of your child, we need your permission. Please answer the questions below, sign, date the form, and return it to the Club at the address below. Your consent may be withdrawn at any time by writing to The Honorary Club Secretary.
Name of child (BLOCK CAPITALS)
Name of person responsible for the child
I understand that:
Having read and understood the above statement, do you give consent for photographs and other images to be taken and used? (please tick the appropriate box) YES I give my consent for pictures to be taken and used.
NO I do not give permission for pictures to be taken and used.
Signature of person responsible for child
Relationship to child
Date (DD/ MM/ YYYY)
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE HONORARY CLUB SECRETARY, DAVENTRY DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB, c/o 1 Spinney Rise Daventry, Northants. NN11 4DL
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The Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club hire the Pool at Daventry Leisure Centre as follows:
Monday 6pm to 9:30pm
Thursday 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Friday 7pm to 9pm
Sunday 6pm to 8pm
The Club also hires the Daventry Leisure Centre Pool for competitive Team Galas / Junior Development Galas / Club Championships events and for specialist skills sessions.
During practice sessions (and competition warm ups), Lanes 1, 3 and 5 will swim in a clockwise direction, lanes 2, 4 and 6 will swim in an anti-clockwise direction. No diving unless under the instruction of the teacher / coach or Team manager.
During these session times, all participants will adhere to the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club Code of Conducts (there is one for swimmers and one for parents / carers) AND the Daventry Leisure Centre (Soll) Pool Operating Procedures. Failure to comply with the operational procedures and Code of Conducts may result in verbal and / or written warnings and may lead to disciplinary action being taken by the Club and / or Centre management.
Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club has Public liability insurance, and a copy of the Certificate is posted on the Club notice board which is located near to the spectator entrance. Qualified swimming instructors are members of the Institute of Swimming (IOS) and have their own Civil Liability Cover. Teachers / Coaches have a strict Code of Ethics to comply with.
Risk assessments are required to be carried out annually but in practice, the Club has a policy of risk assessing on a continuous basis and liaising with SOLL management.
Details of the Club Officers / committee members and contact details are posted on the Club notice board.
Teachers / coaches have to keep a register and contact details of the participants.
In the event of an accident / incident, a record will be kept by the Club.
The Club has a designated Welfare Officer and it strongly supports the Amateur Swimming Associations Child Protection Policy. It is a requirement that ALL persons 18 & over coming into direct or non direct contact with the children are checked for suitability through the Criminal Records Bureau with renewals applied for every 3 years.
Communication will be mainly made by electronic mail or telephone. However, to keep administration costs to a minimum, information will only be posted out if members do not have the latter.
The Club has its own website: www.daventrydolphins.co.uk with links to external sites, which is regularly updated with lots of useful information
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Please escort your child / children into the Leisure Centre for their practice sessions. Very occasionally, sessions have had to be unavoidably cancelled at the last minute due to technical problems using the Pool. This will alleviate Club staff having to make emergency telephone calls to cancel a session and call you back to collect.
It is the responsibility of Parents / Guardians / Carers to make sure that their child / children are collected on time following their practice sessions or upon return from a competition where the swimmer(s) have travelled independently under the authority of Club Staff without their parents / guardians / carers. We ask that you come into the Leisure Centre to collect them personally, not to have them waiting outside.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU CONTACT DDSC IN THE EVENT OF LATE COLLECTION, REGARDLESS OF HOWEVER LATE YOU MAY BE. THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE CHILDREN.
CLUB NIGHTS
Contact the Reception Desk at Daventry Leisure Centre, 01327 871144 who will pass on your message to Club Staff.
COMPETITION NIGHTS
In addition, when your child is selected to swim at an away gala and we have taken the swimmers by bus, please make sure that you are waiting when it returns. It is unfair to expect the Team Manager to be left waiting with your child / children for you to collect them. Team Managers and Club Support Staff are not ‘babysitters’.
The Team selection list will have the Contact telephone number on it.
DAVENTRY DOLPHINS SWIMMING CLUB COMMITTEE October 2008View PDF version of this document
Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club is committed to providing a safe, caring and friendly environment for all our members so that they can swim in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at our Club. If bullying does occur, all swimmers and / or parents should be able to tell and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively. WE ARE A TELLING CLUB. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening, they are expected to notify the Club Welfare Officer or any Committee member.
Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying can result in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be;
It’s simple. Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Swimmers who are bullying need to be educated to a different way of behaving. Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club has a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.
A child (or adult) may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Everyone needs to be aware of these possible signs and we need to explore further if:
In some extreme cases the victim themselves:
Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club will aim:
What should you do if you are a victim or you know of someone who is being bullied?
Report bullying incidents to The Honorary Club Secretary, Club Welfare officer or any member of the Committee. These details are located on the Club notice board and at the bottom of this document, alternatively you can telephone:
**All reported incidents will be treated seriously and will be responded to as soon as is practicable.**
**If an allegation is made against a member of the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club staff, it will be necessary to report any incident to the Designated Welfare Officer or designated committee member**
Action to be taken against a perpetrator of bullying
If a person is found to be guilty of an incident of bullying the following action will be taken:
If incidents continue:
If incidents still continue:
All cases will be treated confidentially. However, confidentiality does not preclude the disclosure of information, to persons who have ‘the right to know’ when relevant to the following;
The purpose of this document is to promote a consistent approach, and to create a climate in which all types of bullying are regarded as unacceptable. ALL members, including staff, swimmers and parents are reminded that this policy must strictly be adhered to. You are warned, bullying under no circumstances will be tolerated within the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club.
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This club is committed to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equity:
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Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club recognises the need to promote disability equality.
‘COACH THE ABILITY NOT THE DISABILITY’
AIMS
We are aware of the ASA classification guide for disabled swimmers.
As a result of the DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) all providers (including sport) have to take ‘reasonable steps to remove, alter or provide reasonable means of avoiding physical features that make it impossible or unreasonably difficult for disabled people to use a service, or will need to offer the service by alternative means’
The DDA makes it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people. The Act uses a wide definition of a disabled person as having; ‘a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day to day duties.’
Discrimination against disabled staff, swimmers or volunteers can be of two ways:
A reasonable adjustment would be any action that helps to alleviate a substantial disadvantage.
At Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club this may include:
By adopting the policy Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club recognises its responsibility to ensure that disabled staff, coaches, swimmers, and volunteers are treated equally and fairly.
*Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club staff attended the course ‘How to Coach disabled people in Sport’ in January 2009. On this course, they learnt practical tips such as:
Criteria for becoming a Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club member.
Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club invites swimmers of all abilities to take part in a trial session to see if the swimmer meets the criteria as set out in the trials template. If a swimmer, irrespective of disability does not meet the required standard the swimmer is informed and offered advice as to what the next course of action the swimmer should take.
For example: ** If the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club felt that it could not support the disabled swimmer within its main stream squad system, that swimmer would be advised to make a link with another Club that did provide full support. In the case of the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club, the link club is Northampton Swimming Club who has a Specific Disability Squad.
*** The Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club home page on its website has an external link to Northampton Swimming Club on the right hand side. Click on the NSC link which brings up the NSC home page / click link ‘Squad structure’
It states DISABILITY SQUAD “Learn to swim and competitive swimming squad for people with disabilities”
Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club gratefully acknowledges the assistance provided by Wellingborough Amateur Swimming Club in the production of this document.
March 2009View PDF version of this document
Do we need volunteers? YES WE DO!
We rely heavily on volunteers to meet all of our aims. We TRY EXTREMELY HARD to ensure that we always have a sufficient number of qualified volunteers working within the Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club, to ensure the smooth running of the club.
What do we do at the moment?
There are many different roles within the Club, with which you can help. Below are listed a few. The post holders are elected / re-elected at the Club AGM held in November each year.
If you would like to know more about any of the roles listed above, then you can contact any member of the committee who will ensure you receive a copy of the job descriptions and can arrange for a member of the Committee or Workforce Co-ordinator to discuss the post with you in detail. Details of committee members are listed on the Club notice board.
Other opportunities are also available, such as assisting teachers and coaches, and jobs that need to be done at competitions such as record keeping, announcing, raffle, etc.
Volunteers can help at as few or as many sessions as they want. Competitive events (galas) are normally held on Saturday evenings and can be anywhere, here at Daventry but usually within the East Midlands region.
Who do we want to recruit?
We welcome anyone who is enthusiastic! Most of our current volunteers are parents, ex-swimmers or current senior swimmers, but we are working very hard to encourage more parental help. We may also assist any members who wish to take their ASA Assistant Teachers, Lane Helpers Courses and Officials course by paying a percentage of the cost of the course. We will also try to obtain external funding.
How do we go about recruiting?
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The Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club (DDSC) fully supports the AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION (ASA) Equal opportunities policy and will follow its guidelines.
‘Equal opportunity is about celebrating difference and diversity and as such providing a swimming structure that can respond to this in a proactive and positive manner’.
The ASA is totally committed to the principles and practice of equal opportunities across all of its aquatic disciplines, both as an employer, provider and as a facilitator of such practices by all its members. In our work with key partners, such as swimmers, clubs, teachers, coaches, officials and administrators, we will advocate our policies make every effort to ensure that all participation has equality at its core. Swimming is a ‘sport for all’. It can and should be enjoyed and made accessible to everyone and to achieve this:
In addressing equal opportunities, the DDSC will respond to issues by:
In doing so the DDSC supports four key principles as being fundamental to ensuring that everyone can participate in our sport and the achievement of equality of opportunity:
Entitlement: People have a right to participate in and access quality and appropriate experiences within swimming.
Accessibility: It is the responsibility of the DDSC - our teachers, coaches, officials and administrators to adapt provision to fit the needs of the many.
Inclusion: Wherever and whenever possible, all to access the same provision.
Integrity: Whatever we do as a Club to change or adapt provision, it must be of equal worth, challenging, relevant and in no way patronising.
The DDSC will strive to become an organisation that values diversity and in order to achieve this we recognise that there must be clear lines of responsibility between all segments of the organisation.
The DDSC is not an employer** in its own right. The Head Coach is provided through an agreement with Northampton Swimming Club. It relies on volunteers to help with the running of the Club both on and off poolside.
However, the Club aspires to provide a diverse workforce, a composition of which reflects that of the broader community in terms of gender, ethnicity and disability. In order to bring about this diversity we undertake to:
The DDSC is committed to encouraging membership from all sectors of the community. To achieve this we undertake to:
In our centre approval process the ASA will ensure that:
In our training and development of teachers and coaches, we will strive to ensure that they:
In our involvement of officials and administrators we will expect them to:
The DDSC recognises that to successfully implement our policies, will require the commitment of everyone involved in the Association. People’s attitudes, views and working practices may have to change to ensure that an inclusive agenda is accepted by all and throughout the sport. This will require the Club to respond to issues of equality by implementing a comprehensive action plan that will state in detail how the association and all that embrace its structures move towards a swimming structure that is more inclusive and will work towards achieving the appropriate levels of the Equality Standards.
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The Daventry Dolphins Swimming Club has a duty of care for its participants from the time the swimmers arrive for their session (not before their allocated time) until the end of their allocated session (Plus changing time). A Coach or committee member of the Club will not leave anyone under the age of 18yrs by themselves and will remain with them until collected by a responsible adult. However, you are reminded that the Club is NOT A BABY SITTING SERVICE.
PLEASE REFER TO THE POLICY ON THE WEBSITE ‘DROPPING OFF, COLLECTING CHILDREN AND KEEPING THEM SAFE
To enable the Club staff to provide this Duty of Care, we are asking you to provide details of the person who is collecting your child (especially if not yourself). We are aware that some swimmers have parental permission to go to and from practice sessions independently, (either by walking / biking or even by car). If this is the case, then we need to know and have your written permission. Please complete the attached form and return ASAP to your squad coach.
Please complete a separate swimmers details form for each swimmer in your family. This information will be kept by the squad coach.
Full name of Swimmer:
Squad:
Home Telephone number:
Mobile telephone number:
Person(s) collecting and relationship to swimmer:
Other nominated person(s) permitted to collect my child with contact telephone number:
1. ………………………………………………………………………………………
2. ………………………………………………………………………………………
3. ………………………………………………………………………………………
My child has / does not have permission to return home INDEPENDENTLY.
In the event that none of the above persons can collect my child, I will telephone details to the Head Coach or to the Leisure Centre Reception.
PRINT:
Name of Parent / Guardian:…………………………………………
Signed:…………………………………………………………………………
Date:………………………...............................................