Swim England Coach, Team Manager and Chaperone Policy

(from 1st September 2023)

Swim England has published a new policy regarding the supervision ratio applicable to competitions for clubs, counties and regions within aquatics – for further information CLICK HERE

The new policy details can be found below:

• Swim England Team Manager, Coach and Chaperone Policy 2023 – CLICK HERE
• Swim England Team Manager, Coach and Chaperone Policy 2023 FAQ’s – CLICK HERE

Team Structure

• Team Manager – ensure team cohesion at aquatic events and competitions. This may include the organisation of the logistics where the competition is at a different venue.
• Chaperone – this role is primarily at ‘away competitions’. They take on the role of a responsible parent for designated swimmers under 18 years of age.
• Team Volunteer – this individual is the point of contact for athletes and parents/guardians during competitions and camps. They do not necessarily need to be poolside but are ‘on call’ to support Team Managers and coaches during designated times.

Social Media and Electronic Communication

With the ever evolving methods of communication and social networking, please make sure that you are following Swim England guidance. The use of phone communication can be very useful when away on camps when used appropriately.

• Specific information is provided on Page 92 of Wavepower 2020-2023: Child safeguarding policy and procedures for clubs.
• Swim England Social Media Guide for Clubs – this resource has been designed to provide an introduction to using social media, as well as recommendations of best practice to all Swim England club members and parents on the use of social media networking sites.

Risk Assessments

A risk assessment should be produced for each activity where hazards are present that could cause harm to members of the club.

Example of Pool Risk Assessment – CLICK HERE

Example of Open Water Training Risk Assessment – CLICK HERE

Example of Land Training Risk Assessment – CLICK HERE

Example of Travel Risk Assessment – CLICK HERE

Poolside Accreditation

Coaches, Team Managers and Chaperones requiring access to poolside must purchase a poolside accreditation pass in advance of the event. All coaches, team managers and chaperones must be able to provide the following evidence:

• Current Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Minimum Qualification/Requirements (specific to role)
• Safeguarding Certificate

Further information can be found on the Swim England website.

Travel Permit

Any members or affiliated clubs wishing to compete, officiate, coach or train in countries outside of Great Britain must apply for permission to do so by completing an International Permit and Clearance Form. Please remember to apply for an International Permit at least 28 days before leaving the country.

• Permits can be found on the British Swimming website
• Swim England also have further information including Frequently Asked Questions.

Anti Doping

UKAD is the National Anti-Doping Organisation of the UK and is responsible for anti-doping in the UK. Its website includes education resources and provides information on anti-doping rules and procedures. UKAD has ‘Report Doping in Sport’ channels which allow the sport community to confidentially pass on information about potential doping.

UKAD

Report Doping in Sport

British Swimming