JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN VOLUME 29 #3 COACHES AND TEACHERS ASSOCIATION MARCH 2013

EARLY SUCCESS FOR ENERGYAUSTRALIA SWIM TEAM

Inside this Issue: Building and growing a successful swimmer Individual medley turns ascta convention 2013 JOURNAL OF THE AUSTRALIAN SWIMMING COACHES & TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Volume 29. No 3 - March 2013 FEATURES 18 Early Success for EnergyAustralia Swim Team

30 asctaCONVENTION 2013

40 Swimming: Individual or Team Sport?

46 Are you safe to work with?

51 asctaNSW Awards CONTENTS

HIGH PERFORMANCE

10 Talented Swimmers - Part 1 14 Building and Growing a Successful Swimmer: Potential to Performance 18 36 Individual Medley Turns

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

20 Outback with a stack (of opportunity) 32 Constructivist Learning in Swimming Coaching 48 My Journey through the Learn to Swim Industry

DEVELOPING THE SWIM INDUSTRY

22 Creating Culture through Events 36 27 Coaching and Teaching Employment Considerations underwaterswimmingcameras 34 Leadership Beyond the Pool 38 Pebble in a Pond • Full high quality recording with delayed playback 42 Swimming Development in the Northern Territory • Up to 55m cable available • 420TV line & HD 600TV cameras available • Portable/travel friendly and easy to operate REGULARS 8 Editorial • PAL/NTSC Video models available (Plug and play into LCD, Plasma TV, DVD or HDD) 52 asctaOFFICE • Highly durable, light weight aluminium, totally water 52 asctaCARES and rust proof 53 Q and A • Australian made 54 asctaMEMBERSHIP 42 54 asctaACCREDITATION 55 asctaMULTIMEDIA from 55 asctaSHOP Swimming in Australia Publisher: AU +GST 56 Swim Australia Update $690 ASCTA PO Box 158, Beerwah 61 The Swimmer QLD, 4519 Ph: 07 5494 9649 62 Calendar F: 07 5494 9022 E: [email protected] web www.swimmingcam.com W: www.ascta.com All copy is subject to acceptance by the publisher. All advertisers must ensure that their advertisements comply strictly with the requirements of all federal Designed by: James Unwin legislation. The publisher reserves the right to reject copy without giving any reason or explanation. platinum email [email protected] [email protected] The Swimming in Australia Publisher, ASCTA, strongly advises all concerned that any attempts to reprint articles or excerpts from contents is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher and the Author. Any infringements of copyright will be dealt with accordingly. mobile (Aus) 0434 195 971 Print Post #: 100000930 Views expressed in articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Editor or the Board of ASCTA. Photography Acknowledgements: Swimming Australia, Delly Carr and Sportshoot Photography, Lachlan Searle, Kathleen Rayment, Swim Australia, +61 434 195 971 David Speechley, James Unwin. Cover Photo courtesy of Lachlan Searle and Kathleen Rayment

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SwimProAd_$690Offer_12-11.indd 1 13/12/11 9:46 AM 8 REGULARS CEO'S FROM THE EDIT developmental services. Associations, todeliverevenmore asctaBRANCHES andStateSwimming with otherstakeholderssuch asthe result inASCTAandSAL,working Partnership Agreement.Thiswill (SAL) havejustsignedanewfouryear ASCTA andSwimmingAustraliaLtd series. the trackinproductionofanewDVD for PremiumMembersandiswelldown has justreleasedthelatestexclusiveDVD schools itservicesandtheasctaOFFICE is developingnewservicesfortheswim sport, ASCTA’sSwimAustraliadivision To facilitateanevenbetterindustryand sport ofswimmingaresorewarding. wonder theswimmingindustryand are meetingdemandingchallenges.No and, towardsthe‘pointyend’elite efficient strokerswithaloveforthesport of learningtoswim,manyarebecoming number aremasteringthefundamentals are nowsaferaroundwater,asimilar hundreds ofthousandschildren personnel). Thankstoyouthissummer, or swimmingcoach(andtheirsupport swimming andwatersafetyteacherand/ … rejoiceinyourachievementsasa However, taketimeto‘smelltheroses’ preparations forthenewOlympiad. performance coachesintotheir juniors tobedevelopedandthehigh and watersafetylessonstobetaught, Little timetostandstill;swimming orial DESK See youthere. Coast inearlyMay. asctaCONVENTION 2013ontheGold educated, entertainedandinspired: schoolers tocometogetherbe coaches, supportpersonnelandswim swimming andwatersafetyteachers, And whereisthebestplaceonearthfor Edge program. Australian SportsCommission’sWinning Hopefully ‘new’moneywillflowfromthe leading inwhattheyareexpertat. positive andproductive;withtheexperts in place.Thewayforwardshouldbe and various‘Lead’Coaches–shouldbe as theCEO,HighPerformanceManager publication, vitalnewSALstaff–such By thetimeyougettoreadthis always, issort. Strategic Plan.Membersinput,as Agreement, ASCTAwillupdateits Flowing onfromthePartnership pursued. the CPRmateintoschoolscanbe and OH&S).Projectssuchasintroducing (SwimSAFER) andSwimPRO(eg,HR,IR areas ofmedia,drowningprevention resources (particularlyhuman)inthe centres aroundsignificantlyincreasing stage ofdevelopment.Presently,this from recentyearstoembarkonitsnext now accumulatedsufficientsurplusfunds Australia Conference,thatdivisionhas As forecastinthereportto2011Swim SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA SWIMMING

ASCTA, ChiefExecutiveOfficer Ross Gage

the asctaOFFICEandonwww.ascta.com.Nominations mustbereceivedatthe Nominations forDirectors.Nominationdocumentscanbeobtained from Australian SwimmingCoachesandTeachersAssociationLtd. asctaOFFICE bythecloseofbusinesson28th March2013andbeonthe Grand Ballroom,SofitelGoldCoast,BroadbeachQLD * ElectionofDirectorsConsiderationFinancialAccountsReports * AppointmentofAuditorOtherbusiness asforwardedbytheBoard. Only membersregisteredina‘voting’membership categorymayvote. Business tobeconductedinclude(ASCTAConstitution,Rule20.3): Notice ofAnnualGeneralMeeting All MembersoftheAssociationareinvited toattendtheAGM. Wednesday, 8thMay2013,1:00pm asctaOFFICE: POBox158,Beerwah Qld4519 FAX: 0754949022 E-mail:[email protected] appropriate Nomination Pro-Forma.

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SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 9 'TALENTED SWIMMERS' PART 1 by paulus wildeboer What to do, to make your swimmers swim And every swimmer would like to have a Let’s see what is so special about the faster: huge amount of talent to be able to reach swimmers who are able to do the most • Talent. as far as possible in our sport where we difficult things in the water “the easy • Technique. have seen some of the most talented way”. sportsman in the world like; • Long Term Development Plan for (AUS), Alexander Popov (RUS), Mark Spitz Training and Competition. Buoyancy: (USA), Roland Mathess (DDR), Kristina • Difference between Boys and Girls in Egerzegy (HUN), (DDR), Women float better than men and some training and competition load. Shane Gould (AUS), (USA), women float better than others and of • General and Specific training. Mary T Meagher (USA), course the same with men. Swimmers who float most have a big advantage, they • IM training as a priority. (USA), (AUS). All of them hold the world records during many, use all the energy applied in kicking and • Season planning for different many years. (take a look at the Australian pulling to move their body in the forward age groups up to individual planning Male Freestyle records from the 200, 400, direction. They don’t need to kick and pull related to stroke, distance and 800 and 1500 meter, the oldest one is to keep their body “on top” of the water. training background. from 2001……., that is 12 years ago!) They are already on top of the water, • The circle of planning, testing, without doing anything special. To check

evaluating, re-planning, etc. if a swimmer has the natural floatability, There is no doubt that talent is very one can apply a simple test; just lay down • Aerobic and Anaerobic Capacity and important to be able to reach for success. on the water surface as if you were lying Power. Michael Phelps, probably the world’s in your bed. If the legs keep the horizontal • Speed. most successful sportsmen, 18 Olympic position without moving them, the Gold medals, is the best example for this • Race Pace. swimmer “has it”. If the swimmer needs statement. • Dry land. to kick to keep the horizontal position, he • Strength and Strength Endurance. or she needs to kick a lot during normal At the same time we could define swimming just to keep the right position. • Flexibility. swimming as one of the most difficult You can try this both looking upwards • Recovery. sports. Mankind is not meant to be in the as well as looking downwards. All the • Taper. water, Fishes, dolphins, whales and so muscles in the body should be completely • Race strategy. on; they are meant to be in the water. We relaxed. Try to keep the horizontal have a body structure that has developed position during 10 seconds. Of course • Altitude training. during evolution towards living on land “fat” people float a lot, but as you will find • And others………. instead of in the water. We have ordinary out later in this article, they have other lungs and we drown if we are to long big disadvantages. under water. If we put a swimmer next to a dolphin, even the very best swimmer All these are items I would like to write looks like a “beginner”. about and which coaches should have Streamline. a general discussion about, if we are All the fast boats in the world are long But human beings are, among other serious about reaching MIP (Maximum and “slim” (Olympic rowing boats, Speed things, very stubborn. They like to show Individual Potential) for our swimmers. boats) and normally they lay on top of to others and themselves that they can the water level. All the slow boats in do almost everything. They try to fly, to the world have “volume” and lay deep run fast, to run a long way. They try to be in the water (oil tanker). If you ask the This article is a general “talk” about very strong, very flexible, very intelligent swimmers just to push (jump) off the talented swimmers. Everything stands or or very handsome. It doesn’t matter, wall and to keep the streamline position falls with the talent from the swimmers. you name it and you can find a human (head in between the arms, looking I will try to be more specific in my being trying to be the best in something / downwards), you will see that some next articles but first I need to learn anything. A very entertaining book about of them “glide” a lot and others not so more about the particular situation of human excess, records and sizes is “The much. It has to do with the body shape; swimming in Australia and that might Guinness book of World Records”. It is slim hips and a flat chest help a lot to take several months……. edited every year again, because people glide the extra centimetres. keep on breaking records.

But that is not the only thing. The But let us get back to swimming. Every coach would like to have the most composition / texture of the skin is also talented swimmer(s), every parent would Everybody knows that you need special very important. For some swimmers, like to have a child with talent for study, talent to swim fast but why is it that some their skin will become immediately dry for sport, for music or for art, no doubt swimmers are able to move through if they take their arm out of the water, about that. the water at a faster speed than others others will still be wet after a while. For without apparently higher effort (number these reasons talented swimmers have of kicks and strokes every minute = called “the extra glide”. the Frequency -FR- of movement)?

10 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Flexibility; That means that they will have lower HR A good start, good turns, strong and Over 90% of all the outstanding and Lactate because their muscles work long pulling (DPS), strong and deep swimmers have great flexibility. To less and there for more economic. kicking (DPK) = strength everywhere. In be able to make long and “economic” swimming we use to talk about Relative Strength, which means that strength strokes + deep and effective kicks (we A simple way of checking the flexibility for should be related to body weight. call this Distance per Stroke = DPS and the swimmer could be: Distance per Kick = DPK) the swimmer Especially in young swimmers/kids, the • Stretch the arms over the head with the needs to have a large/big range of body weight should be clearly under hands together (one on top of the other) movement and to be able to make long the body length (Length in cm – 100) – and push the arms backwards. If there is and complete movements, the swimmer (body weight) should be > than 10. For space in between the head and the for- needs to be flexible. example: Length 1.55 cm. – weight 44 kg. arms than there is good shoulder flexibility. = 11. It is called the “broca index”. When • Stand with the legs completely straight, the body stops growing in length it starts If the swimmer is flexible and makes long flex in your hips and touch the floor with growing in wide. From that moment the strokes, it will be much easier for him/ the hands completely flat and if that is easy broca index gets “worse”, but it should her to keep the body/muscles relaxed than try to come as close as possible to maintain itself as “high” as possible. and that means that the buoyancy will be the floor with the elbows. (hip and isquios We should not mix up the broca index better. It is also much easier to adapt the flexibility) with the more known BMI (body mass correct gliding position after the start and • Sitting down on the floor with the legs index). They do not indicate the same. the turn for a flexible swimmer. Finally (again) completely straight. Push the toes We are looking for the most perfect it is important to mention that flexible as close as possible to the floor, touch the relation between body length and weight, swimmers are less likely to get injured floor without bending your knees. (ankle especially in younger people. Then we than “stiff” swimmers. The most flexible flexibility) need to develop the strength as good as day of our entire life is the day we were possible but at the same time we need to born. After that day we only get stiffer keep the body slim. and swimmers should therefore not only There are of course many other flexibility have great flexibility but also work on exercises, but these three are a good “keeping” it every day. indicator for specific swimming flexibility. Swimmers have to move their own body as fast as possible trough the water and to be able to do so; they need to have the So flexible swimmers with good Strength and Bodyweight = Relative strength to move their body (shape and technique can swim at a certain pace Strength; weight) trough the water. To move more with less strokes x minute and because Swimming is a so called “Strength weight you need more muscles and that they glide better out of the starts and the Endurance” sport. Swimmers need a lot of means again more kilo’s to move. This turns, they spend less energy than the endurance to swim a good 200, 400, 800, means that we need to find the perfect swimmers who need to develop the same 1500 or 10.000 metres or even longer, the balance between length, weight and pace with a higher FR and more strokes 10 km, since Peking an Olympic swimming strength. The body composition is very after start and turns. event. But he/she also needs strength. important.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) 11 Figure 1.

We could resume it like this. Talented Taller swimmers can reach the same “To be able to compete on the swimmers have light bones, a little bit of speed as “little” swimmers with a much international level, it is getting more and fat (enough to float), and strong and slim lower Frequency (FR) and that means more important to be able to have a great muscles. that they will be swimming with a lower ability to kick far and fast under water”. heart rate and lower lactate because their muscles do not need to do so many Strength, Speed and Power. In the 100 metre backstroke 25 metre contractions and thus do not use so pool, the swimmers are submerged, In the former paragraph I wrote about much energy. They also are able to dive kicking butterfly on their back, close to the strength related to the body weight. further and to turn earlier and push off 60 metre, that means almost 60% of the Now let’s take a look at the events in further. The same story as with flexible total race. swimming competitions. From a total of swimmers. Now imagine a tall and 17 Olympic events, there are 7 so called flexible swimmer……. “sprint” events. All of them (50 free, 100 It is probably unnecessary to say that big from each stroke, 4 x 100 Free, 4 x 100 feet and big hands help the swimmers to Wingspan. Medley) have in common that you need propel themselves trough the water. Strength and Speed = Power to swim For the same reasons, it is very important them really fast. in swimming, that swimmers have long arms. The wingspan from some of the Small hips and wide shoulders are also most outstanding swimmers is up to very important. Small hips, to prevent That means of course that Strength and 20 cm more than their body length. passive drag/resistance and wide Speed are two very important aspects in Normally swimmers are qualified for shoulders to help the swimmer to make swimming. By doing a vertical jump (two their wingspan as follows; strong and effective long strokes. Some legs) and by throwing a medicine ball with interesting biomechanical studies have Excellent wingspan = > 10 cm. longer two arms straight above the head (like shown that the ratio between upper and than body length. in football) while standing still, it is very under arm and under and upper leg “easy” to see if a swimmer has the ability Good wingspan = in between 5 and 10 cm. are also relevant for faster swimming. to become an excellent “sprinter” or if longer than body length. Knowing all this, makes it quite clear that he or she should dedicate more energy Poor wingspan = in between 0 and 4 cm. “sizes” are very important if we talk about towards the longer distances (200 from longer than body length. talented swimmers. every stroke + 200 IM, 400 Free, 400 IM, Bad wingspan = shorter than body length. 800 or 1500 and the 10.000). Biological and chronological age. Other body sizes. Especially in age group swimming it Length. Sometimes we see other “typical” body is fundamental to know the difference Tall and strong swimmers have a great sizes for swimmers. Michael Phelps is a between both ages. Some of the advantage. During the Olympic Games good example. He is tall, skinny, has long swimmers are more mature and others from Peking, the average length of the arms, a very long body and short legs. still look much younger than their birth most successful swimmers was observed Japanese swimmers alike. This gives certificate indicates. The nervous system, as in Figure 1. him the extra ordinary ability to do the the first one to develop, the general butterfly kick, especially under water. physical qualities and the hormonal This does not mean that a swimmer And I am not exaggerating if I make the system, the latest in development, all cannot reach the Olympic final if he/she next statement; have their particular way in developing. is not tall enough, the dates are average Too often we think that the faster age numbers, but it does mean that it is group swimmers are the most talented extremely difficult. ones. Nevertheless history tells us that around 50% of the National Senior Team Swimmers (worldwide) have developed later. 12 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA They were normal average age-group But what do losers do? “Losers focus and lots of positive energy in your program. swimmers and they just developed in a see what they fear might happen”. Club coaches should be responsible for different way. Not only talent scouters Most swimmers are in the middle, they finding the talents in their community. should pay a lot of attention to this are not clearly winners or losers and Every Club should have a so called Head particularly matter. a well developed age related training Coach and he or she is the one who has program together with a positive social to develop the talent scouting program in the Club. Age Related Long Term Development environment will clearly increase the should do exactly the same. But we will number of possible “winners”. write more about that in the future. For Parents should understand why some swimmers and parents it is extremely To be successful in any sport and of swimmers swim faster than others (doing important to understand that most of course in swimming, you need a positive the same workouts) and most important, the results in age group swimming are mind set, no doubt about that. But a they should be patient, sometimes very produced by different development, not so talented swimmer needs more. He/she patient. much because of training and talent. We also needs a great learning capacity; have all seen the tremendous difference there are infinity of skills to learn. And Swimmers should understand what talent in length, strength and maturity in last but not least, concentration capacity. means and why not everybody can reach age group competitions. Personally Workouts and competitions are long, the Olympic Final and that not everybody I think that the results in age group some of the workout sets and some of can be a sprinter or a distance swimmer, and junior swimming are completely the events to swim, need a very high no matter how much you are willing to overemphasized. For example; European concentration to reach the desired level. work for it. Junior Championships were born a long Sportsmen without these qualities should time ago (1967), when adult swimmers dedicate themselves to team sports ended their career at the age of 20 so they can hide behind the strength For those who don’t have the “extra” (women) and 22 (men). of somebody else. In swimming there talent, please remember every day that; is no possibility to hide (only a little bit IT IS NOT THE SIZE OF THE DOG THAT Nowadays we see lots of 30 years old in the relays), it is individual and the COUNTS, WHAT REALLY COUNTS IS THE swimmers competing at the international mental qualities are an absolute need for SIZE OF THE BITE! level. There is no need any more to success. give our age groupers and juniors the I hope that trough this article the international experience “so early”. Remember how we started this article; meaning of “Talented Swimmers” has I think that we should try to motivate Everything stands or falls with the talent become a little bit clearer and I also hope and develop our young seniors the best from the swimmers. Every coach would that all together we will have a great possible way. But that is another item. like to have the most talented swimmer; time when the talented swimmers from We should all be much more patient and every parent would like to have a child Australia, with a “big size bite” swim the wait until the swimmers are adults before with talent for study, for sport, for music Olympic finals. qualifying them “only” because of their or for art, no doubt about that. And every results. swimmer would like to have a huge Paulus Wildeboer, amount of talent to be able to reach as far Mentor Coach, Swimming Queensland. Mental Capacity and Motivation (the will as possible in our sport… to win / Willpower). We all know the saying; a healthy mind in I think that it is very important that we all a healthy body”. Scientific studies certify start looking for this talented swimmer that optimistic/ positive thinking people who could make the difference. Among recover much faster in case of injury or every 1000 young children there is a illness than pessimistic/negative thinking super talent, we should just find them. people. A very interesting book about Together with the specialists from AIS this subject is written by Dr. Servan- and QAS we will present you in the future Schreiber. The book is called “Anticancer, several tables which will enable you a way of life”. He explains how he to see what is good and what is even survived a brain cancer by changing his better. Nevertheless I hope that all of way of life and by using the tremendous you who read this article start looking power of the mind. In our sport the mind in the “learn to swim” programs for the power plays a very important role. talented swimmers. Your Club program will be so much more success full if you “Winners focus and see what they want have a group of talented swimmers! to happen”, they feel the strength in their mind and use this to make their body’s do They learn much faster, develop better, incredible things. bring better results and most important, will keep on improving which will bring

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 13 Building and Growing a Successful Swimmer: Potential to Performance. By Wayne GOLDSMITH

Talent in sport and of course in Young swimmers with real talent – But what is sporting talent? swimming is a hot topic and coaches, particularly those with outstanding Talent is difficult to define but in sporting parents, the media, sports scientists, physical gifts are easily identified once terms, talent could be described as sports managers and sports they start regular swimming training and possessing the physical, mental, administrators are all on the lookout for competition. technical and tactical potential to achieve kids with talent. However as performance is so much success. more than physical talent alone, it is the When people talk about talent, most of The obvious indicators of talent are role of the coach to plan the systematic the time, they mean potential. development of every aspect of the ostensibly what can be seen and Young swimmers with the potential to swimmer’s performance potential over measured, i.e. physical talent, but perform well are everywhere. What’s not the swimmer’s career. physical talent is only one indicator so common are coaches with the ability of a swimmer’s potential to perform to inspire talented young swimmers successfully at the highest levels of An Introduction to Sporting Talent: to realise the uppermost limits of that the sport. It takes a rare combination We see sporting talent on show in performance potential. of physical, mental, technical, tactical, sporting competitions every day. cultural, genetic and environmental factors to make a champion swimmer The sprinter crossing the line with her No one wins by giving anything less and even then uncontrollable factors arms in the air having broken the world than their best. Winning happens when like “luck”, selection issues and record. swimmers and coaches consistently officiating decisions can all play a role prepare and compete at their full potential. And this is the real gift that all in determining success or failure. There The footballer kicking a goal from the great coaches possess – to be able are no certainties or guarantees when it a seemingly impossible angle. The to turn involvement into commitment comes to swimming success and talent, cricketer effortlessly hitting a ball out of – to be able to turn desire into action however, an important goal for the coach the stadium. The swimmer winning the and to be able to turn potential into is to strive to increase the likelihood of gold medal at the Olympics leaving the performance success through quality coaching. opposition in his wake.

Potential is one thing…but turning Real talent, i.e. demonstrated talent that We see talent every day. We marvel at it. potential into performance is something has the potential to win an Olympic Gold We admire it. Some people even worship very different. Medal or break a world record is harder it. to hide than it is to find. 14 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Photographs courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot)

Turning Potential into Performance…. what does it take? Everyone has a level of potential to perform tasks, activities and sport. However, possessing potential is only one piece of the swimming performance puzzle.

Think of it this way T.A.L.E.N.T: T-Training: Possessing talent without also possessing a commitment to In the majority of cases, swimmers who consistent hard training is like owing a demonstrate prodigious talent at a young Ferrari but never taking an advanced age do so because their rate of growth driver training course: you have the and development is superior to that of potential to be great but you will never their peers. Numerous studies have fully realise that potential; found that early swimming success is A – Attitude: Great swimmers have a often a very poor indicator of success “can-do” attitude. They believe that as a senior swimmer, or as one leading anything is possible and they strive to coach said recently, “Early ripe, early improve every aspect of their preparation rotten”. and performance every day; L – Learning: The desire and capacity to General Talent vs. Specific Talent. learn is a critical skill for all swimmers Another area of controversy on the to possess. Learn more and learn it topic of talent is that of general talent faster means you improve faster and win vs. specific talent. There is one line of sooner; thinking that talented athletes have the E – Environment: Swimmers with innate ability to perform successfully in talent need the right environment any sport in which they compete. There is that can provide the opportunity for another philosophy about sporting talent their talent to be fully realised. This which suggests that talent is specific to includes regular access to quality great one sport and that an athlete’s genetics coaching, excellent facilities, practical will determine if they are going to be applied sports science, sports education successful in cycling but not in hockey or programs and the right equipment; in football but not in swimming. N – Nurturing: Even the most talented Regardless of the argument, genetic swimmers are only athletes for an hour talent alone is not enough to achieve or two each day. But for 24 hours a peak swimming performance. A day, they are human beings. Talented swimmer who is identified through swimmers need the support of a network genetic profiling or talent identification of family, friends, sporting peers, their testing protocols to have the raw coach and mentors; potential to be a world class swimmer T – Toughness: Being talented does not but who lacks the uncompromising drive, make a swimmer immune to set-backs, desire and passion to be successful is injury, disappointment and bad luck. unlikely to ever make to the international Talented swimmers need to develop the swimming arena. same qualities of resilience, persistence, perseverance and mental toughness Nature (Natural Talent) vs. Nurture which are essential for all athletes to (Environment). succeed. There is also the philosophical debate of nature vs. nurture, i.e. are swimmers Talented or Just Big for their age? born great or can they learn to become Coaches and parents will often make the great through years of hard work, mistake of labelling a young swimmer, technical development and disciplined i.e. under 12 years of age, as “talented”. training.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 15 The best of the best have both: they are However, success in swimming comes as Ultimately, the name of the game is genetically predisposed for excellence in a result of the integration of a number of finding a way to win, where “winning” their chosen sport and they also have the factors including: is defined as that moment when a other important factors which support swimmer realises the full extent of their their natural physical talent: they have • Physical abilities; e.g. size, strength, performance potential. the people, the places and the passion to speed, endurance, power, flexibility. support their potential. • Mental skills; e.g. self-confidence, A swimmer with outstanding physical ability to focus and concentrate, talent, may “win” through their size, The Nature – Nurture Matrix: Are great ability to relax under pressure, strength, speed, power and endurance. swimmers born or made? T.U.F. Technique Under Fatigue, A swimmer who may be less talented mental toughness. physically but who possesses a strong Swimmers who lack talent, who have • Technical abilities; e.g. mastery of sense of self-belief, courage and mental limited performance potential and the basic skills and techniques of the toughness under fatigue and pressure who don’t have access to the right sport. conditions, may learn to “win” mentally. environment required to achieve sporting • Tactical abilities; e.g. success are highly unlikely to do so. decision making, “race-craft and the understanding of how to thrive in Like all successful people, swimmers Conversely, swimmers with talent and the competitive environment. succeed when they learn how to who also have the opportunity to prepare • Cultural factors; e.g. the culture maximise their strengths and manage and perform in the right environment, which surrounds the athlete at and overcome their weaknesses. can achieve remarkable things. training and competition and And when a swimmer has “it all”: when This is where the art of coaching is coaching. a swimmer has the total performance important. • Genetics; the athlete’s genetic potential package, great things are profile. possible… The science can easily identify “talent” • Environment; e.g. where the athlete through genetic profiling, talent lives, their socio-economic situation The Total Talent package: The Ian identification testing and other measures and family dynamic. Thorpe story. of physical ability. 5 times Olympic Gold medallist Ian The real challenge for the practicing Thorpe is an example of the total The art of the coach is to create the swimming coach is to manage and potential package. training and preparation environment balance the systematic long term Thorpe’s physical size and strength where every swimmer in his / her development of each of these factors so allowed him to achieve significant program, regardless of their measured the swimmer’s performance potential success as a relatively young swimmer. physical talent has the opportunity to can be fully realised as they grow and This led to the popularly held belief that realise their full performance potential. mature. it was his physical talent alone which saw More than just skin (and muscle deep). him rise to the top of world swimming in the late and early . Talent has traditionally been spoken about in terms of physical abilities like size, strength and speed.

16 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA However, consider the other factors that Coaches can fall into the trap of Summary: led to his Olympic, World Championship believing that there is one way – one Building and growing a successful and international swimming success: solution to the Performance puzzle, swimmer takes time and patience…and • Ian’s older sister Christina had e.g. gym training OR mental toughness it takes careful, thoughtful, considered been an international level swimmer OR hard physical training OR sporting planning with the long term in mind. so his parents understood what it supplements. took to support and nurture a world Being a successful swimmer is so much class athlete; There are multiple dimensions to more than just possessing the physical • Ian’s coach Doug Frost was a every swimming training session. Most abilities to swim fast. It is so much very senior coach with over 30 swimming workouts are written from more than speed, strength, power and years’ experience working with a physical perspective: a standard endurance. talented swimmers and with a combination of volume, intensity and reputation for hard work, high level rest interval, e.g. 20 x 100 freestyle technical knowledge and discipline; on 1:50 holding 1:25. By adopting a Coaches need to adopt a broader, more holistic approach to the swimmer’s long • Ian had a strong sense of self-belief broader, balanced, integrated approach term development and consider the and self-confidence; to even the simplest swimming workouts, coaches and swimmers can mental, emotional, cultural, educational, • Ian’s swimming technique was progressively develop all aspects of their family and environmental factors excellent and he was able to maintain performance potential, e.g. influencing the swimmer’s development excellence in technique at high as well. speed and in high pressure competition situations; 20 x 100 freestyle on 1:50 holding 1:25 Coaches should systematically develop (physical), concentrating on relaxation • Ian’s work ethic and desire to all aspects of a swimmer’s performance and control over the final 25 of each succeed were extraordinary. potential and include training activities 100 (mental), maintaining a consistent Thorpe’s story is not unique. Michael which progressively build towards stroke count and stroke rate throughout Phelps and other world class swimmers the swimmer’s ultimate performance the set (technical) and using a bilateral who have dominated the sport will often potential every day. breathing pattern (breathing every 3 or demonstrate this total performance 5 strokes) over the first 50 of each 100 potential package where natural talent (tactical). is supported and nurtured by great coaching, an excellent training and preparation environment and a balanced Talent alone is not enough to produce approach to unleashing their full swimming success. Swimmers with potential. even the greatest genetic gifts need to Wayne Goldsmith complement their talent with quality coaching, the loving support of family www.sportscoachingbrain.com The Talent Trap: and friends, hard work, dedication, www.swimcoachingbrain.com It is tempting to try and explain talent self-belief, discipline, commitment and as one thing or the other but in reality, numerous other factors to realise their success in swimming arises when many full potential. different factors come together at the right time to produce an optimum result.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 17 EARLY SUCCESS By Kathleen for EnergyAustralia Swim Team Rayment

The road to Rio is well and truly underway While the EnergyAustralia Swim Team following a number of crucial events over sealed the overall points tally with a the past month uniting the EnergyAustralia powerful team performance, two swimmers Sprenger was also excited about the team’s Swim Team igniting the desire of our future stood out. success. “This whole experience, this whole generations of swimmers. meet has been incredible, coming together as a team has been amazing,” Sprenger One of those swimmers was Olympic relay said. The year began with the first ever BHP gold medallist Cate Campbell who powered Billiton Aquatic Super Series in Perth, which past her Olympic gold medallist relay saw members of the EnergyAustralia Swim teammate Melanie Schlanger and Olympic “A big thank you to BHP Billiton and the Team come together to compete against bronze medallist Tang Yi, from China, to WA Government for putting it on, it’s been China and South Africa in elite pool and take first place in the 100m freestyle on a really great experience.” The following open water swimming events. night one. morning, Sunday January 20, more than 300 competitors from South Africa, the USA, New Zealand, Greece and all over Australia Just over a week later, more than 120 For the men it was Olympic silver medallist took to the iconic Swan River in Perth for the swimmers descended on the Gold Coast Christian Sprenger who set the bar high mass participation Open Water Challenge. to take part in the 2013 National Event taking the top three male point scores for Camp. And finally over February 8, 9 and 10, the meet. Both Sprenger and Campbell the selection process for the FINA World happily walked away $15,000 richer after Swimmers from all walks of life and of Championships in Barcelona began at the winning male and female swimmers of the varying standards shared the water in Australian Open Water Championships in meet respectively. events that ranged from 500m to the Lake Macquarie. Olympic marathon swimming distance of 10km. Leading the way in the elite open Twenty-year-old Campbell’s top score of 10km event and taking home first prize In a world first three-way-points meet, 921 from the 100m freestyle put her on of $15,000 each, were Australians Rhys the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series saw top for the women, just one point ahead of Mainstone and Melissa Gorman. the EnergyAustralia Swim Team compete Chinese powerhouse with 920 against international competition on home points in both the 200 and 400m individual soil for the first time since 2009. The three medley while Aussie teammate Emily With a vocal group of family and friends nations were competing for $500,000 Seebohm sat just behind in third with 919 on the shoreline, local West Australian, in prize money over two days of racing for the 100m backstroke. Mainstone proved too strong for the 2012 followed by an elite and mass participation FINA Open Water Swimming Grand Prix open water race with $100,000 in prize champion and English Channel crossing Sprenger’s top point score of 942 FINA money up for grabs across various age record holder Trent Grimsey who finished points came in the 100m breaststroke, group categories. second, and Greece’s Evangelos Tsirapidis James Magnussen was second with 911 for in third. his 100m freestyle, well clear of the third The competition saw the EnergyAustralia placed male South Africa’s Giulio Zorzi with swim team band together with swimmers 889 for the 50m breaststroke. The meet Mainstone said the prize money on offer and backing up after events and taking on was a huge success for the EnergyAustralia the chance to race in front of a home crowd unfamiliar races to ensure maximum points Swim Team and Campbell said she was in such spectacular conditions ensured he were secured for Australia. In the overall proud of everyone’s efforts. “This is the prepared well for the BHP Billiton Aquatic point score, Australia amassed 363 points to most fun I’ve had at a swim meet for a long, Super Series event. “It’s fantastic, for a beat China’s 272 and South Africa’s 156. long time. It’s about getting out supporting day like this, a nice Sunday, with great the team.” conditions to get to race in front of my home town in a fantastic city, it’s wonderful,” Mainstone said. “This (result and the $15,000 prize) is “Seeing how the swimmers react to the In the corresponding men’s event Rhys massive. I work full time and for this to various training programs and ensuring the Mainstone blitzed the field to take this happen, I’m able to cut back on my work coaches are provided with the knowledge title for the third year running ahead of and focus more on training and hopefully and skills to take back to their home clubs fellow West Australian Simon Huitenga that will get me better results in the future.” is one of the first steps towards Rio 2016,” and Olympic representative in the 1500m Nugent said. freestyle, Jarrod Poort. Gorman, a former world 5km open water champion and veteran of two Olympic Nugent added that the location of the camp In the men’s open 5km race Poort moved campaigns, said it was great to be involved was perfect and coming together was up the ranks to grab gold in a sprint finish in such a positive event for open water essential for the Australian team as they where less than five seconds separated the swimming. “It’s great to see events like this move forward towards the next Olympic top eight competitors. and encouraging people, whether they are campaign. elite or not, to get involved in open water The silver medal went to Mainstone who swimming. It’s such a great sport and it’s “Before Rio, the 2014 Pan Pacific picked up his second medal of the meet. growing around the world,” Gorman said. Championships and the 2018 In the women’s open 5km event, 17-year- will both be held on old Bonnie Macdonald qualified for selection Finishing second to Gorman was Malaysian the Gold Coast putting our camp in an ideal with a win over Danielle De Francesco and Olympian Heidi Gan, with South Australian location to prepare the future stars of the Leah Cutting . Leah Cutting in third. sport and ensure the EnergyAustralia Swim Team returns to the top of International Swimming.” The men’s Multi Class open 5km race saw While the EnergyAustralia Swim Team Paralympian Brenden Hall cruise through At the conclusion of the camp, the focus departed Perth for their respective home the course, too strong for the rest of the for EnergyAustralia Swim Team then turned to the first FINA World states, they would soon be reunited at the field, finishing first in an impressive time of Championships selection events at the National Event Camp on the Gold Coast, 1:01.19.90 ahead of Rowan Crothers. Australian Open Water Championships at six days laterwhere they would be joined Point Wolstoncroft Sport and Recreation by over 100 other swimmers, coaches and As Barcelona beckons the swimmers will Centre, Lake Macquarie. support staff. be able to build on the international racing Swimming in only her third ever open experience from the BHP Billiton Aquatic water race, 14-year-old Chelsea Gubecka From January 28 to February 2 the Super Series and the knowledge they overcame dual Olympian Melissa Gorman swimmers were split into training groups gained from the National Event Camp. to take the women’s open 10km title, with based on their events at eight different both swimmers eligible for selection for pools across the city to work closely with Barcelona. Swimming Australia will now look forward experienced coaches and staff to develop to April and May when our swimmers The youngster, who has now qualified their skills. Each group saw the next will compete at the Australian Age for her first senior Australian Team, was generation of swimmers training alongside Championships and the EnergyAustralia thrilled to be racing against such a high the stars of the sport. As the team starts the Swimming Championships racing quality field. journey towards Rio 2016, this development for selection onto the FINA World and skill sharing is vital for success. Championship Team in Barcelona and the “I was really excited to race against Melissa IPC World Swimming Championships in The swimmers were put through their [Gorman], it was such a tough race, but I Montreal. paces with heavy training schedules and managed to come out on top. My plan was always to try and stick with Mel and see tough weather conditions. Swimming To stay up to date with events and results how far I could go and then I felt really good Australia Head Coach Leigh Nugent said head to swimming.org.au. the camp will play an important role in the towards the end and thought well I’ll just identification and development of future put a sprint on!” Gubecka said. swimmers. Outback with a stack (of opportunity) by Brian & Bernadette Rodriquez

We had a small but hopefully an With a seasonal pool we have had to With squads and performance swimming unbeatable team: my wife Bernadette, ensure continual progression even with a particular passion of ours, we were 18 month old daughter Bella and me. We a 4 month break over winter. This is an very much looking forward to starting wanted to manage our own pool and help issue faced by all seasonal pools, and the squads program. We ran tryouts for inspire a generation of new swimmers. something we wanted to get around or new and existing squad swimmers. We So we packed up our bags and moved to at least minimise, particularly given had a modest 20 swimmers join squad. outback Australia with nothing but Bella’s we too have a small child whom we Unfortunately most could not swim a lap, cot and the shirts on our back. Flying in want to be safe in and around water. didn’t know what a pace clock was and all we could see was vast areas of red dirt We have studied time at task at various swam up the middle or wrong side of the and the famous Mount Isa stack. What year round programs and also looked lane. I even had to jump in and pull a child were we in for? at how we can increase the amount of out as they couldn’t swim in deep water. swimming done per child, per lesson, Not the start we were hoping for, but a per season. With this information we start none the less. Walking into the Splashez Aquatic Centre formatted lessons plans which we two and a half years ago we were met believe are providing the highest level with clean pool water, brown dead grass The clubs was in a very run down state. of swimming and water safety. We are and a concrete concourse. The kiosk No money and no drive moving forward. starting to see little to no regression housed two fridges and two old freezers Both Bern and I stepped in as President over the break and offer lessons as that looked like they had been there since and Vice President to ensure Mount Isa late and as early as possible within our the pool was built back in the 1940’s. swimming would again move forward season. These improvements, lesson and flourish, which we are pleased to plans and structures have been largely say is now occurring. Since arriving the Rolling up the doors on day one we had due to the assistance of Phil King and club is now one of only 3 clubs in NQ no till, no food, a couple of boxes of Bill Sweetenham. swimming with a Go Club ranking, we coke in the fridge and were met with 200 host two qualifying meets per year, offer people over the course of the day that We have also found significant swim clinics with international coaching wanted learn to swim lessons. Due to so improvement in our infants program staff as well as underwater filming and many families previously missing out they after spending some at the Laurie analysis for not only Mount Isa but the feared this may again be the case. Lawrence Swim School at last year’s surrounding towns. The Far West QLD

ASCTA conference. With good growth Swimming Championships is now an We took down names and numbers but since arriving we have increased our annual swim meet held in Mount Isa for had no staff, no equipment and a town program by around 100 children each the clubs who are closer to the QLD/NT longing for some opportunities. Over the year. This season has seen our LTS peak boarder than Townsville. This provides next two weeks we were in a position at over 500 lessons a week with staffing country QLD with long course competition to purchase some basic equipment and our only obstacle in us offering more. opportunities as well as a chance for offer Swim AustraliaTM Teacher course We have a small but dedicated team of 7 coaches to meet and network. to help us qualify some instructors. teachers (including ourselves), all whom This combined with 2 locals who had teach as their second job to help both us previously taught at the pool, we started Our squads program is fast becoming and the community. They never let us our Learn to Swim Program in late the jewel in the crown. Long gone are the down and are a pleasure to be involved October 2010. days of swimming on the wrong side and with. not knowing what IM stands for.

20 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA We have implemented what we believe The school swimming program has also This is something we have been working to be a terrific transition program aptly gone from strength to strength each towards since arriving, and it is incredibly titled “Pool to Podium.” Every 18 months season. This year sees us expanding pleasing to see this project completed. we pick the best 40 9/U swimmers from into other communities outside Mount Not only will this enhance the quality of our LTS and put them into the squad. Isa. We now run lessons for the towns of programs offered but also benefit all user They train 3x45min classes per week Camooweal, Dajarra and Urandangi who groups in the town. This announcement and are then transitioned into our other drive upwards of 2 hours one way to have coupled with the growth and development squads based on their skill level and swimming lessons at the pool. This takes of our programs will change the face of times (we use the JX and State Sprint our average daily attendance of school swimming in our community forever. times to grade them), thus instilling a swimmers to 300. This combined with culture of enjoyment through success, our other programs is creating a great Fast forward to present day and commitment as well as achieving set goal base for swimming and lifesaving skills in swimming in Mount Isa is thriving and times. Western Queensland. full of opportunity. The facility is a hub of people, excitement and more patrons Our squads now comprise of over We still have a few projects that we than ever before. The moment you walk 100 swimmers, the first state team in would like to get up and running before through the doors you are met with palm 13 years as well as the first national we look to move on. These included trees, sea shells as well as a little piece age team in 13 years. At this year’s heating the facility to offer year round of London 2012 memorabilia (one of only State Sprints we are the largest team swimming, an Indigenous Australia talent 5 outside the UK). With crystal clear competing from the NQ region. ID and Scholarship program, a learn to water and the greenest grass in the Isa swim program of over 1000 students, a you could be forgiven for thinking you competitive team of swimmers at both were on an island by the beach. It really In the near future we would like to work State and Age National Championships is a slice of paradise in the outback. with the asctaQLD branch and help and the formation of an asctaQLD Swimming and Mount Isa have a very establish an asctaQLD Country division Country branch. rich and successfully sporting history – similar to the set up in Victoria. With having produced Olympic, Paralympic and a large majority of swimmers again Commonwealth Games athletes and of starting to come from country QLD, we At the time of writing Xstrata in course internationally renowned coach feel it could serve as a great opportunity conjunction with the Mount Isa City Bill Sweetenham. Do we have what it for PD as well as greater networking Council are announcing that the Splashez takes to add our bit to the history of the opportunities given the distance to the Aquatic Centre is getting heated and will Mount Isa swimming story? Only time will coast for many clubs, swimmers, coaches be operating as a year round facility. tell… and families.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 21 Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot)

Creating Culture By Terry Lalor through Events ASCTA National Coaching Development Manager

Recently I attended the 2012 World Admittedly there are a number of valid Why do we need culture? Class to World Best - Australia’s High theories surrounding the events in In previous articles I have mentioned Performance Sports Conference, at 2012, many of which are currently being that our industry is being challenged, the AIS in Canberra. The 3 day event addressed amongst the elite levels of more than ever before, by sports that contained presenters from around the our sport. However to ensure the efforts require a somewhat shorter time frame world who provided insight into how made by our country at the top end are of commitment, in return for a more their sport or organisation had achieved not in vein, I would like to re-evaluate the instantly gratifying reward. I feel it is outstanding results from both a national current level of culture within our clubs also somewhat conceded, amongst the and international perspective. and in doing so will hope to highlight the wider swimming community, that our role that events can play in improving our sport can sometimes lack the appeal or culture. Three common themes arose from social interactive factor as is shared by those presentations which were 1) many team based sports. The importance of nurturing your Understanding culture grassroot athletes 2) The impact of a Formally, culture could be viewed as Team based sports already have a point psychologically stimulating environment a pattern of beliefs and expectations of difference over swimming, as entry and 3) How the culture within their sport common to members of a social unit, into their grassroot levels requires had generated a winning attitude. which set behavioural standards or the formation of a team, which in turn norms for new members(1). In a more provides the perfect environment for It became evident that these themes generalised approach, culture could be the club to repeatedly promote its core were very much symbiotic, for example, closely related to tradition and as history values to future generations. As a result nurturing the grassroot levels required would suggest, for tradition to develop we must explore innovative ways in a stimulating environment, which in turn within a club, a considerable number of which to facilitate our own club culture allowed culture to establish itself, which supporters/fans/members, relative to to both the current and the future was then used as a major selling point in the norm for that club’s industry, must generations. attracting grassroot athletes to the sport. not only share a genuine passion for the club’s core values, they must also support Creating culture through events the events that repeatedly promote those I then wondered if the well-publicised values, across multiple generations. Today, events are central to our decline in culture among our elite This could then lead us to believe that culture as perhaps never before(2). As athletes in London was simply a random tradition is a product of a club’s culture mentioned previously, repeatable events incident or instead was a product of a and that culture is a generalised term play a large role in promoting a club’s seemingly fading tradition of culture used to describe the collective actions of core values. within our own club structure. its members.

2222 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA If we consider the premise that Of course our primary focus is to attract Parents/Family swimming clubs already have a strong athletes to our clubs and then service Parents unquestionably play the biggest understanding of events and an their needs along the developmental role regarding an athlete’s involvement abundance of knowledgeable human pathway and in today’s competitive with any sport and yet for some reason resources within their organisational environment we need to understand, that numerous clubs across the country structure, then it would make sense to swimmer’s will always go to a swimming seem to create an environment that not encourage our clubs to focus on event club to enjoy the sport they love, however only fails to proactively engage these delivery. it is the spheres of influence around individuals, it discourages them from those swimmer’s that will have the having any interest in the sport or more greatest impact on both their level of Increases in leisure time and importantly in the club. involvement and ultimately their longevity discretionary spending have led in the sport. This means we must identify to a proliferation of public events, those spheres of influence and then We have all heard the expression, ‘our celebrations and entertainment(2). create additional events to service those club is a babysitting service’ but have Keeping in mind that many of our individuals. we actually looked into why this is the younger athletes are involved in a case and even more so, how this can be Creating Culture wide number of sports and given that changed? almost every sporting organisation runs Spheres of Influence To begin with, we must gain an events throughout the year, we must all By Terry Lalor There are many ways in which to identify understanding of the individuals through start thinking more strategically when an athlete’s spheres of influence, through Events ASCTA National Coaching a survey or questionnaire, which in turn designing our own events. however the easiest and most logical is Development Manager will give us a profile that can be used simply to ask them. Potentially they could to identify the needs or interests of the Strategic Planning of Events identify a vast array of people however it wider membership. goes without saying that Parents/Family, Swimming clubs can no longer focus Friends, Members of Other Sporting events around activities contained within Clubs and Teachers will usually feature Profiling the sport itself, instead they must identify, high on every list. As mentioned in the spheres of influence facilitate and promote future events section, the easiest way to profile to those of whom have a far greater someone is to talk to them. However in influence over our club’s primary focus, As our coaches will usually have access the situation of the Drop & Go Parent which of course are the athletes. to the first three groups on the above list described above, we may require an then I will focus on those for the rest of actual handout that is provided to them in this article. With that having been said, Sporting clubs around the world have a the drop off/pick up zone of the car park. strategies and techniques for working tendency to unintentionally limit their NB: Do not give the handout to the athlete with the Education Department will creative thinking to the conceptual after training, as wet kit bags and tired definitely be a topic for future discussion. confines of their own sport, especially athletes don’t mix well with paper. regarding event design. For example football teams promote football camps, Now that we have our list we can begin to This method is a great opportunity for tennis clubs provide coaching clinics identify what activities those individuals committee/board members to provide a and swimming clubs provide swimming wish to take part in. We must keep in more personal link to the club through competitions or training camps. mind however that the further we can face to face contact and also allows for keep it from a swimming related activity further interaction when they return with the better, as a number of them would This is not to say that a number of their responses. already be spending countless hours/ swimming clubs don’t promote creative days/weeks attending competitions. and enjoyable events to their members, Hence the last thing they would want to Given you are trying to engage the however my general observations have attend is another swim meet. individual you must ensure that the found that a considerable number of club handout is both visually appealing and activities are not only athlete centred easy to understand. Additionally it must but tend to revolve around a swimming It is also worth noting that from a ensure that the person completing the focussed activity. Such events as award membership and marketing perspective, paperwork genuinely feels their feedback nights and team dinners, most definitely you can take the above process to the will be seriously considered and that it play a large role within the club however next step to identify what their friends will add value to the club. their primary purpose is to acknowledge would like to take part in however that is swimming achievements of the higher a discussion for another time. performing and/or exceptionally keen Profiling can also become an integral athletes, meaning we are potentially part of the membership joining process missing a far greater number of and sent to all members via email. Keep participants from across the sport. in mind however that emails are less personal, can be easily ignored or can sometimes fail to make it through to the receiver.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 23 The following are some potential topics o Financial Planning & Investments One of the biggest influences friends for your handout. - Parent Education Sessions have over an athlete is their ability to unintentionally cause them to question o Ensure the material is relevant to why they are dedicating, or in the friend’s Demographic THEM or is something that THEY see case ‘sacrificing’ so much time to their value in attending, as opposed to the (General information such as Age Groups: sport. For example they may talk about stereotypical presentation that primarily Young Club – Established Club etc) the fun they had at a party over the relates to their child i.e. Swimming weekend or that they are going to the related Expertise/Fields of Knowledge movies on a weeknight. Both of these occurrences will not only have various (Identify potential presenters/committee/ - Parent Only Socials psychosocial implications they will board members & to understand what also begin to challenge the athlete’s they may or may not wish to hear about in (These do not need to be limited to the willingness to meet both the training and events as mentioned below) confines of the club room but should be in an environment where perhaps competition timelines. alcohol can be consumed responsibly and Obstacles transport easily accessible – Potentially Observations could lead us to believe that (Distance to pool/Time poor/Children in transport can be arranged by the club) school friends, especially those that are other sports/Work commitments/Stress not involved in another sport might raise levels/Single Parent etc) - Sponsorship Events the previous questions, as they lack an understanding of the sport’s physiological (These can be used to engage influential requirements and are unable to relate Responsibilities Relating To Their Child figures in the community such as local to the positive energy surrounding an members of parliament, potential (What duties or responsibilities do they athlete’s daily training environment, as sponsors, facility managers, champions have that may or may not affect their they have never been exposed to it first- for the club) child’s involvement with the sport e.g. hand. Transportation to and from the pool) - Parents of Olympic Athletes In conjunction with this, athletes will Educational & Training Pathways (Invite the parent of an Olympic athlete to undoubtedly mention that the sport (Their Thoughts on Combining Education talk about the role they played) involves training in the early hours of & Training) the day and late hour of the afternoon, a If certain events prove to be of great value concept which appears inconceivable to Other Topics of Interest and generate interest amongst the club a non-competitive adolescent, generally members, in this instance the parents, because it cuts into the valuable social (Provide an Opportunity to Request interaction time after school. Speakers or Presenters) then those events can be modified to take place during training hours, which in turn have the potential for the parent to Additionally the athlete may lack the Once this is complete, you can begin to be more than happy to accompany their ability to describe the stimulating design events that may service those child to the pool and in time may even see environment and positive social results. Once again remember that the them provide their services to the club. interaction that usually takes place both further you can keep it from a swimming in and around the pool. related activity the better. Numerous swimming clubs across Australia, in particular those in regional The solution therefore is to create The following are some examples of areas, have been extremely successful events that not only target the needs of events that might appeal to your target in proactively engaging the indigenous the athlete’s friends, they provide them market. population, expressing that one of the an opportunity to briefly observe the most important aspects to the success of athlete in their training environment and - Adult Specific Presentations their events is ensuring it incorporates then expose them to the activities that (Potentially identified through the Parent every member of the athlete’s family. facilitate the social interaction amongst Profile process) fellow club members. o Understanding Teenagers Friends o Understanding the Technology Athletes can establish friendly relations Following are some suggestions for Relative to Various Generations in a number of different areas. However events that may appeal to school based o Life Skills it is usually at school and at other sports friends: that the largest amount of interaction o Business Management seems to occur. Some may suggest that o Motivational Speakers social media also plays a considerable o Comedy Nights role however interaction via these o Event & Sponsorship Management mediums usually involves previously established relationships with friends from the above mentioned environments. 24 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA - Pool Events/Events that Encourage By creating this environment the athletes Potential Obstacles Friends to Observe the Club Environment will dismiss any advances made by other Many clubs have mentioned that they o Dive In Movies sports and will actively promote the simply can’t get approval to hold an benefits of belonging to their particular (Bring a Friend For Free or BFFF) event at their facility because particular swimming club. individuals wish to make life difficult or ‘have it in for the club.’ o Club BBQ with Inflatable Wave Runner A more proactive approach could also & Dry Land Entertainment be considered, which is to physically Whilst this can be a frustrating situation, promote the club’s events, many of it goes without saying that if nothing is o Swim Club Pool Party which are mentioned above, through done then nothing will improve. (Work with the pool management to face to face interactions with schools secure the entire pool, then invite bands and through in-kind relationships with In an attempt to rectify this, we need to or live acts to perform for club members surrounding sporting organisations. This ask the following questions: and their guests) is particularly important in regional towns where the competition for membership 1) What does the facility stand to benefit among other sports is fierce. from your event? (Financial Profit/ o Celebrity Races or Themed Races e.g. Exposure etc) Dress Up as Your Favourite Characters Regional swimming clubs often 2) What is the specific ‘sticking point’ demonstrate the impact that competing with the club? (Personality clash, past o Halloween Pool Party sports can have on each other, with many history etc) of them being forced to close their doors 3) What type of event would they - External Events much earlier than necessary. Admittedly, themselves want to attend? (Service their there are a number of reasons for this needs) o Movie Nights occurrence, with the weather being a (Organise a team bus or car pool) considerable factor however a large Whilst the first 2 questions attempt to number of athletes are drawn to other resolve the key obstacles preventing an sports for pre-season training and think o Social Evenings event’s approval, the third question is they are unable to do both. To counteract designed to identify how you can address (Something that provides the opportunity this, swimming clubs can promote the issues using a different approach. for the athletes to socialise in a non- their coaching knowledge and services With this information you can now create swimming related environment) to seasonal sports that have basic an event that will aim to service the needs cardiovascular requirements such as AFL of those individuals or at least get them o Dances and Hockey. out of the confines of their office and into a less formal environment where o Celebrity Meet & Greet To achieve this, clubs can demonstrate they could potentially be more willing to (Use your club resources to network and the benefits that swimming provides in discuss possible solutions to questions 1 organise celebrities from other sports/ developing an athlete’s fitness during the and 2. television/the entertainment industry etc) pre-season, and can explain that the elite clubs in their sport often use swimming The primary objective of this event as a fitness or recovery tool throughout however is to clearly demonstrate the o Non Swimming Related Camps their regular season. respect you have for their organisation, (Team building camps with rope courses the importance you place on creating a etc) This relationship now provides the strong, mutually beneficial relationship opportunity for the swimming club to between the two entities and the value Members of Other Sporting Clubs cross promote their services, network that the individual will bring to the with coaches from a variety of other Friends that participate in a team based development of that relationship. sports and most importantly demonstrate sport can potentially lure the athlete their club culture to a larger number of away by talking about the club’s culture You can also design events that will people. A bonus is that the club will retain and exciting environment found within engage the more influential figures the members that would normally have their sport. from within the community, such as stopped swimming to go to the other members from the local council, local sport and may even pick up additional business owners, directors, executives To combat this we must start by creating athletes that wish to continue their and corporate sponsors. Not only will an engaging, stimulating and challenging training when the seasonal sport has this increase the number of strategically environment that not only rivals the finished. atmosphere found within team based minded resources you have at your sports, it makes it almost impossible for fingertips, it will provide a fantastic any athlete to want to leave. Don’t forget opportunity to gain support for your club. this also applies to their parents and other spheres of influence.

SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 25 Once you’ve developed a strong repour If you don’t, then you leave open the By proactively engaging these with these individuals, you can then host possibility for them to either say no, or individuals, our sport can take the lead an event that brings all parties into the to create a diversion that will inevitably in membership engagement and in doing one room. take months to research and rectify. If the so can create a major point of difference stakeholder has nothing more to do than against competing sports. This will not only demonstrate the to sign on the dotted line, then you have involvement the club has within the local set yourself up for success. Through diligent profiling, your club will community, it will provide the opportunity design events that will be well supported to address the obstacles that have Terminology for Participatory Events by all members of your community and if prevented the club from hosting events the events are well supported, they can at the facility, however this time you will For participation events that are be used as a marketing tool to encourage have the backing of the entire community. swimming related, think about the terminology that will attract non- more members to attend more often. competitive athletes to the event, Tips for Selling the Events remembering that swimmers will always Over time these events will become a come to a swimming club to enjoy the common occurrence on the club’s social Engaging your Stakeholders sport they love, however it is those calendar and in turn will be repeated around them that you want to engage. A coach must gain the confidence of all each year, thus creating a strong club stakeholders. To do this you must deliver tradition and bringing the culture back to messages using the terminology specific For example if your club runs regular our sport. to that stakeholder, with examples that races and you are trying to appeal to the THEY can relate to. participatory demographic, then DO NOT References call it Time Trials, instead call it Club (1) Smith, A. & Stewart, B. (1999) Sports For example if you’re dealing with pool Night or Club Races. A large number Management, A Guide to Professional managers or council members, then you of members don’t care or want to know Practice. will want to talk about the financial return about times as they are usually only and benefits to them. training a few times per week. (2) Alan, J. et al (2005) Festival & Special If you are addressing your committee Therefore if you put on an event that Event Management 3rd ED then they will need to hear about provides a stimulating, socially interactive participation, the benefits to the kids and environment, where races take place to the club. If it is sponsors, then they will and times are merely an outcome, than want to hear about exposure. you are more likely to attract greater numbers to your event. Engaging your Members To facilitate your events you must Why does the coach need to know all think outside the box and proactively this? engage your membership. You will be Coaches are the corner stone to our surprised at the number of members club’s success. You are the ones who live that have experience in marketing, sales, and breathe the sport. You spend your life finance, management, or sponsorship researching what is best for the athlete’s as well as those that have contacts in development and therefore must be the entertainment, media, catering or even one that drives the concepts or initiatives event management. that facilitate it.

Diligence In summary The most important thing however, is Your club’s objective should be to become to ensure that you have been as diligent the social hub of your community. It as possible. You must leave no stone should create a stimulating, engaging, unturned and you must put forward a challenging and socially interactive proposal that has more than one option in environment that appeals to all spheres order for it to work. of influence surrounding your core business, which are your athletes.

26 SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA Coaching and Teaching Employment Considerations by David Speechley

Whilst the following cannot be considered From an insurance perspective they are b. Permanent part time employees are paid legal, accounting or tax advice, this usually covered by the club’s insurance if on the hours worked and may accrue sick document provides a brief outline of work they are a paid up member of a Swimming pay, holiday pay and other benefits on a pro situations. Australia affiliated club whilst undertaking rate basis. approved club activities. In addition to workers being provided a Fair c. Full time employees are paid a wage for Work Statement; a copy of the National 2. Employed. PAYG tax is deducted and a certain number of hours each week and Employment Standards and a Guide to the superannuation guarantee is paid by may be paid overtime and penalty rates for Workplace Health and Safety for the work the Employer. Employment may be on a nights and weekends as per the award or fair venue, workers should be extended common casual, part time (hourly rate) or full time work conditions. Holiday pay, sick pay and courtesy and advised when commencing as wage. Usually the Employer will provide all other core employment conditions are paid. to: necessary work equipment e.g. kick boards, venue and clients. Employed staff are usually 3. Contractor/ Sole Trader/ partnership. covered by their employers insurance cover Contractor/ Sole Trader/ partnership pay • What their rates of pay are and often may also pay for attendance at their own tax, insurance and superannuation. • What conditions they are being employed professional development events such Usually Contractor/ Sole Trader/ under (e.g. terms or award) as conferences and ASCTA membership. partnerships are paid more (30 -50 % above • When they will be paid All employed staff fall under Fair Work casual rates), but have more expenses. They Australia’s National Employment Standards • How they will be paid often collect the income and pay a rebate to regarding things like minimum rates of pay the club, pool management or local council. • How the National Employment Standards and hours worked, loadings, holidays, sick They may also be lessees of the pool. affect them in the workplace. pay, superannuation and a swag of other potential entitlements. 4. Companies, organisations and entities. Within the aquatics Industry, there are four As employers of others, they are responsible usual types of work situation. a. Casual employees are paid an hourly for tax, super, professional development, rate but will need to work (or be paid for) a They are: insurance and the income from the business. minimum number of hours. No holiday or They operate under corporate governance sick pay is due. rules. 1. Volunteers. They are not paid, though may receive an “Honorarium” which is tax Employment may be terminated at any time. free to cover out of pocket expenses and as Swimming and water safety Teachers fall Casuals are paid a 23% loading above the a sign of gratitude. Any honorarium fee paid under the Fitness Industry Award of 2010. full time hourly rate to compensate for no does not relate to hours worked. holiday or sick pay and loss of other full time benefits.

Photograph courtesy of Delly Carr (Sportshoot) SWIMMING IN AUSTRALIA 27