Marlins Swimming Club Ballyshannon

Swimmers Induction Handbook 2018/ 2019

Disclaimer

This handbook has been prepared by the Marlins Swimming Club Committee as a guide for swimmers and their parents. For technical swimming details and exact regulations swimmers need to contact

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the relevant Swim Ulster/Swim Ireland departments for official documents.

Welcome to the Marlins Swimming Club 2018/2019 Season

On behalf of the Marlins Swimming Committee, Coaching Staff, and Team, I wish to welcome you to the Club for the 2018/2019 season.

Firstly, I would like to congratulate you on securing a place in this great club and also for possibly progressing to a new level of training. The Marlins Swimming Club will allow you to develop your swimming skills and you will have the opportunity to compete at a suitable level. We encourage you and your parents to discuss with the committee and coaching staff any issue that may develop.

Secondly, our club is currently undergoing an unprecedented success with our High Performance Swimmers at both National and International level, and this success comes from the hard work of the swimmers and the exceptional hard work and guidance of our voluntary coaches.

Finally, I and the committee want to wish you a very happy, healthy and successful swimming experience.

If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact me or any of the committee as we will be delighted to help you in any way we can.

Kind regards

Kenneth MonaghanChairperson, Marlins Swimming Club

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Swimmer’s Code of Conduct

Young swimmers should always:

Treat Sports Leaders, who may be teachers, coaches, club officials or parents with respect

Play fairly at all times, do their best Respect team members, even when things go wrong Respect opponents, be gracious in defeat Abide by the rules set down by Swim Ireland and their club Talk to the Coach, Team Captains, Club Children‘s Officer or Committee Member if

they have any problems

Young swimmers should never:

Cheat Use violence Use physical contact that is not allowed within the rules Shout or argue with officials, team mates or opponents Harm team members, opponents or their property Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another person Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage Use bad language Take banned substances Keep secrets about any person who may have caused them harm Tell lies about adults / young people Spread rumours. Behave in a manner that might bring Swim Ireland or their club into disrepute

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Parent’s Code of Conduct

You should help and support the implementation of best practise policies in your child’s/children’s Club by following the code below.

Contribute your time and effort in the daily running of Marlins Swimming Club; no club can operate successfully and safely without the help of volunteers.

Understand and ensure your child/children abide by The Code for Young People and the Swimmers’ Code of Conduct.

Know that for insurance purposes fees must be paid/standing order completed and all registration documents returned before admission to training sessions.

Be available for specified duties if and when required; some duties (such as parent in attendance) are mandatory and form part of the procedures for safeguarding your children; some will be at the request of Marlins Swimming Club.

The club is obliged to provide parent/guardian supervision during all training sessions. This will include 15 minutes supervision outside group changing rooms before/after each session. A rota will be in operation and all families must participate. Parents/guardians can choose to remain with their children in the public changing area but must not enter group changing rooms except in an emergency which must be notified to the club secretary/ Ballyshannon Leisure Centre.

Have an awareness of and respect for Team Managers, Coaches and other adults and their roles within Marlins Swimming Club.

Respect and abide by the decisions made by the Committee, Coaches and other Team Managers, these should be made in the best interests of the children in Marlins Swimming Club.

There will be a liaison person appointed for senior and junior squads. If a parent needs to discuss an issue this should be discussed with the appropriate liaison person. Liaison person will discuss with the coaches and will give an appropriate reply. If the parent is not satisfied, the complaint should be put in writing to the committee.

Be a role model for your children and young people by maintaining the highest standards of personal conduct and respectful behaviour in any activity related to Marlins Swimming Club or Swim Ireland.

Accept that a club is not a baby-sitting service. Understand that coaches are responsible for the swimmers during the training

session only.

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It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that children arrive safely on the pool deck for training, and are collected promptly after training. Parents/guardians should ensure they do not leave their child/children waiting unsupervised at any time.

Ensure the environment is safe and enjoyable for your child/children. Allow your child to focus their efforts and success in terms of their goals rather than

winning being the main objective. Promote participation for children that is fun, safe and in the spirit of fair play and

reinforce the positive aspects of sport. Accept fundraising is for the benefit of all swimmers; all families are expected to

participate in fundraising events. Lack of funds will lead to an increase in fees. Ensure Coaches are informed regarding any absenteeism, medical conditions or other

relevant matters concerning your child. Out of courtesy, if possible, inform the coach if their child will not be attending

sessions. Know that Swimmers are expected to attend both home and away galas when selected – those who don’t risk non selection in future.

Be aware that a parent/guardian must give permission in writing if they wish their child to leave the training session early.

You should have the opportunity to put forward suggestions and comments. Provide Marlins Swimming Club and your child with emergency contact information

and to be reasonably available in case of emergency. Understand the complaints process and follow the proper procedure if you feel

unjustly treated, with the knowledge that any complaint will be dealt with effectively and confidentially. (Grievances and complaints relating to child protection must be processed through the Designated Person. Any other grievance or complaint must be processed, in writing, through the Secretary of Marlins Swimming Club).

Adhere to rules/guidelines in relation to the possession and use of mobile phones, picture mobiles, cameras and video cameras.

Agree to the Swimmers’ Code of Conduct and consent to facilitate it. Parents/Guardians must comply with the rules set down by Marlins Swimming Club,

Swim Ireland and Ballyshannon Leisure Centre.

As these rules are made for the operation of the club, anyone who does not abide by them may be expelled from the club.

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Swim Club Committee 2017/2018

Chairperson Ken Monaghan

SecretaryAssistant Secretary

Helen GillenKieran Summerville

TreasurerAssistant Treasurer

Una BrittonViola Mc Sharry

Child Welfare Officers (Male)Child Welfare Officer (Female)

James Bradshaw Pauline Hamrogue

Committee Members Ann Morrow, Maurice Keogh, Therese Hume, Therese Barrett, Melissa Flanagan, Sharon Flanagan.

Coaches 2018-2019

Sinead Donagher, Grace Meade, Conal Mc Gourty, Kieran Summerville, Ruby Hurst, Sharon Mc Gowan and Fran Duffy.

Coaches are also assisted by various Senior and High Performance Swimmers throughout the season.

Coaches Code of Conduct

Coaches/Teachers should ensure that:

They are familiar with the Code of Ethics, with Swim Ireland Child Welfare guidelines, with Swim Ireland and their club rules and are aware of and follow the required procedures.

They are qualified for their position and are up-to-date with the knowledge and skill required.

They create a safe environment for their swimmers.

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They remember that young swimmers participate for fun and enjoyment and that skill development and personal satisfaction have priority over highly structured competition.

They plan and prepare appropriately. They are positive during sessions. Praise and encourage effort as well as results and

never ridicule or shout unnecessarily at swimmers. They are careful to avoid favouritism. Each child will require attention appropriate to

their needs. They take care not to expose a child to persistent criticism, sarcasm, or hostility. They never make winning the only objective and will set age-appropriate and realistic

goals for the swimmers. They insist that swimmers in their care respect the rules of the sport and will insist on

fair play and ensure swimmers are aware that cheating or bullying behaviour will not be tolerated. They should encourage the development of respect for opponents, officials, coaches and other swimmers and avoid criticism of fellow coaches or other leaders.

They are aware of boundaries between a working relationship and friendship with their swimmers.

They should avoid working alone with swimmers and ensure there is adequate supervision for all activities.

There is another parent/lifeguard/leader on duty at all times while teaching/coaching children.

They involve parents where possible and inform parents and/or Children’s Officer /club committee when problems arise.

They co-operate with the recommendations from medical and ancillary practitioners in the management of swimmers’ medical or related problems. Coaches may request a certificate of medical fitness if thought necessary.

They avoid giving advice of a personal or medical nature if not qualified to do so or undertake any form of therapy (hypnosis etc.) in the training of children.

They do not carry out any medical testing such as lactic acid testing unless medically qualified to do so and only then with the parents’ consent.

They recognise developmental needs and realise that certain procedures may affect a child physically or psychologically and should thus be avoided.

They are aware that children may be sensitive to their height, weight etc. and avoid anything that may heighten that sensitivity.

They keep any information in relation to a swimmer of a personal or medical nature strictly confidential unless the welfare of the child requires the passing on of this information.

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They never use physical punishment or physical force, nor punish a mistake by verbal means, physical means, or exclusion.

They never engage in rough physical games, sexually provocative games nor allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any kind, and /or make sexually suggestive comments about, or to a child.

They never exert undue influence over a participant in order to obtain personal benefit or reward.

They acknowledge that the use of drugs, alcohol and tobacco is incompatible with a healthy approach to sporting activity and must be discouraged. They should avoid the use of alcohol before coaching, during events and on trips with young swimmers.

They agree to step aside if a report concerning child abuse has been made against them.

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Guidelines for young people

Children have a great deal to gain from sport in terms of their personal development and enjoyment. The promotion of good practice in sport will depend on the co-operation of all involved, including young members of clubs. Swim Ireland wishes to provide the best possible environment for all young people involved in the sport. Children have rights, which must be respected, and responsibilities that they must accept. They deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind. They should be encouraged to realise that they, also, have responsibilities to treat other swimmers and sports leaders with fairness and respect.

Young swimmers are entitled to:

• Be safe

• Feel safe

• Say No

• Be happy, have fun and enjoy their swimming activity

• Have fair play

• Be listened to and have an appropriate response

• Be afforded confidentiality.

• Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect

• Have a voice in the club

• Experience training and competition at an appropriate level

Marlins Swimming Club Code of Conduct - For

Young People

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• Be represented at decision making bodies within their club and Swim Ireland.

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Code of Conduct for young people

Young swimmers should always:

• Treat Sports Leaders, who may be teachers, coaches, club officials or parents with respect

• Play fairly at all times, do their best

• Respect team members, even when things go wrong

• Respect opponents, be gracious in defeat

• Abide by the rules set down by Swim Ireland and their club.

• Talk to the Coach, Team Captains, Club Children‘s Officer or Committee Member if they have any problems.

Young swimmers should never:

• Cheat

• Use violence

• Use physical contact that is not allowed within the rules

• Shout or argue with officials, team mates or opponents

• Harm team members, opponents or their property

• Bully or use bullying tactics to isolate another person

• Use unfair or bullying tactics to gain advantage

• Use bad language

• Take banned substances

• Keep secrets about any person who may have caused them harm

• Tell lies about adults / young people

• Spread rumours.

• Behave in a manner that might bring Swim Ireland or their club into disrepute

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Queries/Questions

All queries regarding the club must be addressed to the committee by email only, no issue and/or query can be discussed unless received by email. The committee will issue an email shortly outlining the objective of Marlins SC as we move forward. We ask for your patience as we undertake this new role.

Rota Duty

As part of your child's membership you are required to fulfil your rota duty. It is very unfortunate that many parents fail to do this leaving both the coaches and all the children in an unfair situation whereby the session will have to be cancelled. This will be embarrassing for your child, therefore, please take note of your date ensuring you are in attendance. Sessions will be cancelled as it is part of the insurance conditions and child welfare. The Rota will be issued prior to term start date.

Each parent is allocated a training session in which they are responsible for checking the roll call and staying in spectators for the full hour of the swimming session. Though other parents may be in attendance does not relieve you of your duty, if a situation arises the coaches with look for the parent on rota, nobody else.

If you have been allocated a time that is not suitable, it is your responsibility to ensure another parent will cover it. Please do not contact the committee; we cannot assist you with this. No reminders will be sent so take note immediately of your date & time.

It must be stressed that you not only let down your child, the coaches, other parents but the entire squad who will have to go home if you do not fulfil your duty on the rota.

Thank you in advance for your co-operation.

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Squads

Porpoise

Junior

Senior

High Performance

A reminder from the coaches –All children must arrive 10 mins before session begins

if a child is required to leave a session early, a note must be given to the coach prior to session

medical issues must be addressed to both committee & coaches, all information is confidential

Both the coaches and committee look forward to the upcoming term and ensuring all children enjoy their swimming experience with Marlins SC.

The committee will shortly have Marlins SC gear for sale. Please be reminded the Ballyshannon Marlins SC Facebook page is regularly updated.

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Correct Swimwear & Equipment

Swimmers must wear a silicone (not cloth) swim hat and good secure goggles; boys should not wear beach shorts. Fins (flippers) are required, these can be purchased locally in Ballyshannon Shoe Company and both sports shops locally plus Ballyshannon Leisure Centre supply swim hats and goggles. If you have any queries about swim accessories, please ask the coaches.

All children must bring a bottle of water (NOT sports drinks) to training and a healthy snack for after training. The coaches do speak to all swimmers re. Nutrition, hydration and healthy snacks. The coaches do not allow fizzy drinks, sports drinks or greasy/unhealthy snacks during training and/or swim galas.

If at any time, you have queries, please email the coaches or committee (marlinssc@gmail.com) directly for correct information.

Gala Information

During each term there will be swimming galas and an email from the coaches will invite you to enter your child by simply letting the coaches know by email. Entry fees are usually €5-€7 per swim race. The committee have decided that this year no child will be allowed enter a gala unless all previous gala fees are paid up to date. The benefit of attending galas is that every child will get an accurate time for their swim and then can gauge their progress.

Keep myself updatedKeep updated with Marlins Swim Club info via the following:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BallyshannonMarlinsSwimClub/Website – https://marlinswimclub.wordpress.com/Club noticeboard – In the BLC pool spectators

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Club Gear

The following club gear is available for purchase. Please contact Committee for details.

Tee ShirtPolo Shirt¼ Zip Hoodie

Club swim hats cost €8 and are available from the committee or coaches.

All club swimmers must attend galas with club swim hat plus club t-shirt. All other gear makes a great Christmas/birthday gift. There is also a Poster with the current Marlins Gear available from Jako Sports on the notice board.

Club Fees

Where does all the money go too? Pool hire is expensive and ranges from € 80 to € 110 per hour depending on the day and the time of day. Pool hire time must be booked in advance by Marlins Swim Club. There are 2 terms that last for 17 weeks each.Marlins Swim Club fee. This pays for pool hire. At the end of each term there is a small surplus. This money is used to keep our club coaches and committee qualifications/club requirements up to date so the club runs in accordance with Swim Ireland & Swim Ulster obligations. Swim Ireland affiliation fee. This is an annual charge that each child and committee member must pay to be affiliated to our national swim body. (SI fees are paid in Term 1). Swim Ulster affiliation fee. This is an annual charge that each child and committee member must pay to be affiliated to our provincial swim body. (SU fees are paid in Term 2)

If there is any money left over this is used keep fit for purpose or buy new equipment as requested by the coaches.

The committee/coaches may organise a club fundraiser during the year to raise funds for club activities or pool equipment. No coaches or committee members are paid for their hours of work in Marlins Swim Club.

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Increasingly, other clubs around Ireland have moved away from voluntary coaches to paid coaches models. The committee are grateful for the voluntary dedication that is given by all of our coaches and as a result it has kept our fees lower than others.

Marlins Swim Club does not have a sponsor at this time. The Club is willing to get a sponsor if the right offer is made for the club/sponsors mutual benefit for a specific timeframe.If you are aware of someone or some business that is willing to sponsor our Club or part of our Club just let us know.

Grants. The committee also apply for grants for courses/equipment etc. from Government & Sporting Bodies during the year. If you come across/know of an applicable grant for our Club just let us know.

Keep updated with Marlins Swim Club info via the following:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/BallyshannonMarlinsSwimClub/Website – https://marlinswimclub.wordpress.com/Club noticeboard – In the BLC pool spectator’s area.

eMail – Committee – marlinssc@gmail.comCoaches – marlinssccoaches@yahoo.com

Please be advised that all club coaches and committee members give their time on a voluntary basis and are working full time so are not always in a position to answer emails/messages immediately but will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.

As our Chairperson stated earlier - “success comes from the hard work of the swimmers and the exceptional hard work and guidance of our voluntary coaches”

Looking forward to the season ahead 2018/2019. GO MARLINS GO...