City of Milton Keynes Swim Club has successfully achieved the standards of SwimMark for Skill Development & Competitive Development. We are now one of more than 300 accredited clubs nationally.

What is SwimMark?

SwimMark Club Accreditation is a 'Quality mark', specifically designed for all ASA clubs, which recognises nationally and regionally the clubs that are committed to providing safe, effective and quality services for the benefit of their members.

SwimMark Club Accreditation 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.

Clubs work steadily towards the attainment of a series of outcomes all of which are seen as essential if the right level of support is to be provided at each stage of an athlete's development.

What do Clubs have to do?

Clubs aiming to achieve SwimMark standards must first complete an audit of all their programmes and structures against a series of questions that are linked to nationally determined outcomes of good practice.

Then, based on their findings clubs must then produce an Improvement Plan that details the steps they need to take to address the gaps in their provision.

Finally, when they feel these have been addressed, they then apply to become an ASA SwimMark Accredited Club by contacting their Regional Swimming Co-ordinator.

How Are Clubs Assessed?

Clubs are then assessed against three distinct criteria:

  • Compliance (emphasis on good club management)

  • Workforce Development (focus on training and development of people within the club)

  • Athlete Development (concentration on the needs of the swimmer)

Initially, clubs went through a process of self-assessment against a range of elements against each of the above criteria and were required to score themselves against these criteria. Evidence was also collected to demonstrate achievement all of the measures and submitted to the ASA for approval by a SwimMark panel.

However, the criteria for SwimMark has been overhauled nationally and the process for obtaining accreditation has completely changed making it far less paper based more practical, and more rigorous; involving an 'Inspection' of the club's programmes, procedures, coaches, health & safety etc., in which swimmers, coaches, helpers and parents are asked to participate and each year clubs are required to maintain and update their action plan and submit it 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 SwimMark panel.

What level has City of Milton Keynes Swim Club Achieved?

There are four levels for accreditation, Teaching, Skill Development, Competitive Development and Performance and this enables Clubs to be assessed according to the main focus of their activities. Although the levels are of course different, the standards required in terms of planning and operational excellence are equal.

CMKSC has ASA SwimMark status at Skill Development and Competitive Development levels.

Where do we go from here?

City of Milton Keynes Swim Club is very proud of its SwimMark achievements but it doesn't just end there. SwimMark is now fully embedded within the Club and is simply part of what we do; the everyday job of providing a rewarding and challenging environment for our 150+ swimmers; supported by our valued volunteers.

Our aim is to continuously improve and develop our swimming programmes and SwimMark provides the framework for that development.

As part of its commitment to work towards SwimMark annual approval, the City of Milton Keynes Swim Club subscribes to the following policies and practices:

 

Job Descriptions

A copy of all the Job Descriptions can be found here.

 

Public Liability Insurance

A copy of the clubýs Public Liability Insurance Certificate can be found here

 

Further information

A copy of the parent and swimmers guide to SwimMark can be downloaded, alternatively you can visit the SwimMark area of the swimming.org website.

 

 

 

What is Sport Englands Clubmark?

Clubmark is a cross-sport quality accreditation for clubs with junior sections, and signifies the Clubýs commitment to being a safe, effective and child-friendly sports club.

SwimMark is recognised by Sport England as a Clubmark accredited scheme and therefore all clubs gaining SwimMark accreditation now automatically receive Clubmark status.

City of Milton Keynes Swim Club achieved Clubmark accreditation in September 2010. Clubmark is a cross-sport accreditation scheme for clubs with junior sections. It was introduced in 2002 by Sport England and is a club development scheme providing a solid foundation for all clubs wishing to establish a youth structure.

Clubmark sets core and common criteria for sports clubs to meet in child protection, coaching, competition, sports equity, ethics and club management. Accreditation lasts for three years after which the club will be re-assessed on all areas of the award. A club that qualifies for Clubmark is certified as a well run club which is active and accessible.

Code of Conduct

As part of the Clubmark process City of Milton Keynes Swim Club reviewed its Code of Conduct. All members of City of Milton Keynes Swim Club should read these terms which encourage openness and equality. There is a Code of Conduct for adults and another for young people under 18 years old.

Code of Conduct for adults

All Members and Guests* of City of Milton Keynes Swim Club will:

  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of every person within the context of swimming.

  • Treat everyone equally and not discriminate on the grounds of age, gender, disability, race, ethnic  origin, nationality, colour, parental or marital status, religious belief, class or social background, sexual preference or political belief.

  • Not condone, or allow to go unchallenged, any form of discrimination if witnessed.

  • Display high standards of behaviour.

  • Promote the positive aspects of swimming.

  • Respect the decisions of officials.

  • Actively discourage unfair play, rule violations and arguing with officials.

  • Recognise good performance not just results.

  • Place the well-being and safety of Young People above the development of performance.

  • Ensure that activities are appropriate for the age, maturity, experience and ability of the individual.

  • Respect Young People's opinions when making decisions about their participation.

  • Not smoke, drink or use banned substances whilst actively working with Young People in the Club.

  • Not provide Young People with alcohol when they are under the care of the Club.

  • Follow ASA guidelines and any other relevant guidelines issued.

  • Report any concerns in relation to a Young Person, following reporting procedures laid down by the ASA.

In addition to the above, all Club Officers and Appointed Volunteers will:

  • Hold relevant qualifications and be covered by appropriate insurance.

  • Always work in an open environment (i.e. avoid private or unobserved situations and encourage an open environment).

  • Inform swimmers and parents of the requirements of swimming.

  • Know and understand the ASA's Child Protection Policy.

 

(*Members and Guests include all members and officers of the Club and all guests of those members and officers, as well as all individuals who watch / attend / participate / officiate in competitions hosted by the club in whatever capacity)

Code of Conduct for young people

  • City of Milton Keynes Swim Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well being of all its members.

  • City of Milton Keynes Swim Club believes that it is important that members, coaches, club officials and parents/carers or guardians associated with the club should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others.

  • Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of the club with their coaches.

 

As a member of City of Milton Keynes Swim Club you are expected to abide by the following junior code of conduct:

  • All members must swim within the rules and respect officials and their decisions.

  • All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.

  • Members should arrive on time for training and competitions or inform their coach or team manager if they are going to be late.

  • Members should arrive at training and competitions with a positive and willing attitude.

  • Members must wear suitable kit for training and competitions.

  • Members must pay any fees for training or events promptly.

  • Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.

  • Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.

Incidents & Accidents Guidelines

City of Milton Keynes Swim Club has an official procedure for dealing with incidents and accidents. It is important to have access to this information if an incident occurs, particularly when time is precious.

Contact Numbers & Addresses:

  • NHS Direct    0845 46 47

  • Nearest hospital is Milton Keynes General Hospital

  • Non-urgent calls to the Police can be made to Thames Valley Police on 0845 8 505 505

 

Emergency Procedure

  • Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation. Is there danger of further injuries?

  • Listen to what the injured person is saying.

  • Alert the qualified First Aider or responsible appointed person who should take appropriate action for minor injuries.

  • In the event of an injury requiring specialist treatment, call the emergency services ý 999

  • The telephone number for NHS Direct is 0845 46 47

  • Deal with the rest of the group and ensure that they are adequately supervised and safe.

  • Do not move someone with major injuries. Wait for the emergency medics.

  • Contact the injured person's parent / carer / guardian.

  • City of Milton Keynes Swim Club Accident-Incident Guidelines

  • Complete an Incident / Accident Report Form - Accident-Incident Report Form

  • Stay calm but act swiftly and observe the situation. Is there danger of further injuries?

 

Further Information

Further information about Clubmark can be found on the Official Clubmark website  www.clubmark.org.uk