AMATEUR ASSOCIATION Annual Report and Accounts 2003

“together we make a great team”

Contents

2 President’s report 4 Corporate Review 6 Child Protection and Racial Equity 7 Commercial and Communications 8 Membership Services 9 Facilities 10 Institute of Swimming Teachers and Coaches 11 Education 13 Awards 14 Swimming Development and Partnerships 15 Swimming World Class Start and Potential 16 Technical Swimming Committee 17 Technical Swimming Officials 18 Events 20 Disability Swimming 22 24 25 Masters 26 Synchronised Swimming 27 Open Water 28 Alfred Turner & Harold Fern Awards 29 ASA Junior Achiever - Grace Callaghan 30 Amateur Swimming Association: Report and Financial Statements 36 Acknowledgments

Aims and Objectives

The Amateur Swimming Association is the governing body of swimming in . It comprises five Districts through which we affiliate 1,570 clubs, who in turn have 45,000 registered swimmers, and more than 190,000 members.

Swimming’s Mission Swimming is a sport for life

 To ensure everyone has an opportunity to learn to swim

 To ensure everyone can achieve his or her personal goals

 To ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle

 To ensure that we achieve gold medal success

1 President’s Report

A year of challenge and achievement

Jeff Cook President

I am now more than two thirds of the in some cases doing both on the same team were a credit, not just for their way through my year as President and day. Apart from those obvious duties, performances but also their commitment it’s certainly been interesting. I have I have attended the British Long and demeanour. On your behalf my been away from home for 140 days, Distance Swimming Association blue congratulations to the team staff and travelled 15,000 miles in the car, seen riband event at Lake Windermere, the all the athletes for being such a credit our elite athletes compete in all disci- Wheelchair Games and the Disabled to their country. plines, attended several county events Swimming Championships. In every and even some club championships. case, the sheer commitment, but more No less remarkable were the When to the point, the fun that everyone achievements of English swimmers at I accepted this high office I realised experiences, at every level, has been the European Junior Swimming and that the year would be busy and that a pleasure and a privilege to see and Diving Championships in it would give me a unique opportunity something I shall never forget. and Glasgow. Again, I saw great to see the sport in all aspects, but until individual performances but also two now I never really appreciated the Obviously the highlight of the year was professional teams with committed dedication and time that so many the World Championships and although athletes and dedicated staff. Their people give to our sport. attending primarily as a member of the achievements were as creditable as FINA Technical Diving Committee I was their senior counterparts. There have been many memorable able to stay after the diving and watch occasions and all for different rea- some of the swimming. To be just one The swimmers who take part in open sons – from witnessing our World of an audience of 15,000 at the water, the synchronised swimmers, Championship winners in Barcelona swimming and witness the Union Flag water polo players and indeed the to presenting the annual prizes at being raised was truly an emotional Masters swimmers are just as dedicated the Sevenoaks Swimming Club and experience and one that will live with and work just as hard as their watching the Masters synchronised me for many years to come. It would counterparts in speed swimming and swimmers. By the time my year is over be easy to concentrate on the successes, diving. Our challenge for the future I shall have visited every District and as worthy as they were, however all must be to invest in those other aspects attended every National Championship, our English swimmers within the British of the sport to ensure that they can

2 President’s Report

Leon Taylor in action in Barcelona

World champions Katy Sexton and with their gold medals also compete with the best in the world. I mentioned that I had been able to attend several county and club events and there is no doubt that it is here where the future of our sport lies. To be present at three club events – in one case a novice gala – showed the wealth of talent coming through and, more to the point, the sheer enjoyment that so many children obtain from our sport. It also illustrated the immense amount of time that is given by par- ents, volunteer teachers and coaches and club officials which makes our sport such a privilege to be a part of.

Certainly the sport faces many chal- lenges over the next few years and in a sense that is what makes it so enjoy- able. I know that with the huge num- ber of volunteers taking part we shall continue to grow both in strength and quality.

Good luck to you all and many thanks from myself and Jean for such a memorable year.

3 Corporate

Unique year of change and success

This has been a unique year. We had New Key Team Members Schools Swimming good success at the world champion- The ASA Committee continues to The Association is constantly aware of ships in Barcelona. We can celebrate recognise that a key aspect in develop- the need to work closely with schools two English swimmers as world champi- ing the Association is the employment and this year has again been one of ons and, with just a few months to the of skilled personnel to work with them consolidating and developing an in Athens, look forward in this endeavour. This year we saw the excellent relationship with the with anticipation to what will surely be appointment of a new Finance Director, Department for Education and Skills an exciting competition with, we hope, Kiran Chauhan; and the first-ever as they develop a Charter for Schools’ English success. appointment of a Commercial Director, Swimming. During the year funding From Districts to Regions Katie Brazier. Both have brought a has been provided to assist in continuing new sense of direction and we look professional development for school After more than 100 years, ASA Council forward next year to the appointment teachers and swimming teachers in the decided to review the regional structure of the new post of Director of English delivery of National Curriculum of our sport in order to move from Programmes, a completely new swimming. It is hoped that next year five Districts to eight Regions. Now the position which will be created following more funding will be available from hard work begins in turning the vision the retirement of Di Bishop who, as our the PE School Club Links project, which into reality. There is still a great deal of Director of Development, has done so will enable this programme to expand. work to do but the progress thus far much to help move English swimming We have also received funding to is a credit to the work of the original forward and to progress our enable us to run two pilot courses in working party and the various project development programme with the Durham and Bristol on delivering groups. clubs, counties and Districts. We wish top-up swimming to those children Di well in her retirement but we also who have not achieved the National Modernisation hope that she will find time to help us Curriculum standard at Key Stage 2. To ensure that the professional support with one or two projects in the future. This was without doubt a success and structure continues to keep pace with shows that we can increase the number this regional development, our Funding supports new initiatives of children who achieve Key Stage 2 modernisation programme has Inevitably, if the sport is to develop, standard by a staggering 11 per cent if continued and much of the equipment funding is an issue. We continue to every local education authority offered for the new database is in place and develop our strong relationship with a similar top-up programme. We hope working. We are also updating our Sport England who themselves have that this ingredient will become an website and moving to a more stable had a year of turmoil and change. We important part of the new Schools’ website hosting solution. This will have seen new money enter the sport Swimming Charter. ensure that we can further improve our to support a new volunteer support communications with the membership strategy, together with a new and provide a better service on a more programme of school/club links cost effective basis as the sport develops. challenging us to work more closely with the school community. We are hopeful of more funding next year.

James Gibson on his way to victory in the 50m

4 Corporate

Facilities Looking to the future The Association has also committed Fundamental to the success of our sport The sport cannot sit still. We now have during the year to working with the are good facilities and the Lottery has a vision, which was completed for the Government on its health agenda as provided a stimulus for a tremendous ASA Council in 2003, and it is important swimming can play an important part amount of new facilities to be built. that we deliver that vision. As we move in this work and whilst we have been Over 100 new pools have been planned, towards a one stop planning process, disappointed by the early up-take of are under construction or have been a more corporate style is coming to our Swimfit programme, there is still opened; nevertheless the drive for more our planning with clearer performance considerable interest in this from both 50m pools goes on unabated. During indicators against which our partners the public and the private commercial the year we have worked closely with and the membership can judge us. sector. Talks continue on how to develop Sunderland, Leeds and Liverpool to this programme through sponsorship develop projects, which we now see In closing this report on another year and working in partnership with both moving forward towards building of progress for swimming there is sectors. One encouraging aspect of phase. We have stressed throughout however a tinge of sadness as we all our work is the inclusion of swimming the importance of affordable and gather to mourn the loss of two great in one of the Local Exercise Action appropriate access to these facilities. stalwarts of our sport: Professor James Plan, otherwise known as LEAP, proj- However, as Crystal Palace, one of our Malcolm ‘Taffy’ Cameron who ects, funded through the Department existing 50m pools, draws towards the contributed so much to English, British for Health where free school swim- end of its life, we are still dogged by and international swimming through ming with meaningful outcomes will political wrangling as to how a new 50m his work in combating drug abuse in be offered to the young children in facility will be planned and developed our sport, and Norman Sarsfield who Plymouth. We hope this will provide on the site. There is however hope on devoted a lifetime to the sport of a beacon project for other local the horizon with a commitment to bid swimming and its related disciplines authorities. for the London Olympics in 2012 and world-wide. As we all know, Norman a commitment with funding to move Equity was intensely proud of his English towards the development of a London heritage but, at the same time, was, competition swimming and diving Equity remains high on our agenda in many ways, the architect of much facility. We are hopeful that such a and during the year we were delighted that is good in our sport. Two ‘larger facility will be committed within the to have achieved the Preliminary level than life’ personalities who will both Lea Valley area during the coming of Sporting Equals/ Sport England Race be sadly missed. months. This facility will need to be Equality / Equality Standard. We are complemented by other facilities for now moving towards the Intermediate the Games and we hope, if the bid is level which involves more challenging successful, that the legacy for London standards. and the south will be a network of new pools and that such a legacy will also contribute to the National Facility Plan. Health

Norman Sarsfield and (far right) Malcolm ‘Taffy’ Cameron

5 Child Protection / Racial Equity

Focus on protection and equality

Child Protection clubs having close access to our young currently are from other nations. members. Special projects by the Development Child welfare in swimming Team have brought about encouraging Racial Equity results in partnership with Local During 2003 there were significant Authorities. These include Bradford developments in the evolution of the The focus for this year has been on where children of Pakistani and Association’s Child Protection and Child Racial Equity, following the commit- Bangladeshi origin have been given Welfare policies. Due to staff departures ment extra lessons over 24 weeks; a teaching the opportunity was taken to transfer at ASA Council in February 2002 to the project in Oldham; a ‘Beyond Sport’ responsibility for case management to implementation of our Action Plan. initiative in Lancashire; Leicester, where Mrs Barbara Barrett, the Association’s in partnership with their swimming Independent Child Protection Officer. Our areas for concentration have development officer and through This step has significantly improved been Commitment, Policy and funding from the ISTC, an response times and enhanced the Planning; Participation and Public ASA Teachers Course has attracted quality of service available to ASA Image and Administration. women from ethnic backgrounds. member clubs. Another is planned and fully subscribed and discussions have taken place to In dealing with individual cases, Commitment, policy and establish a community club. Initiatives wherever possible attempts are made planning in Bristol and Tower Hamlets are still to mediate and resolve problems within in the pipeline, but currently on hold. the swimming club environment. To Members of the ASA Committee have agreed to slight amendments to the that end the Swimline volunteer group Administration have increasingly been involved in Equity Policy and these have been Questions on equity have been built problem solving to assist member clubs. communicated to all ASA clubs. These amendments and the Policy as a into the data collection process for new and renewing members and efforts The ASA Child Protection procedures whole have also been placed on the continue to gather information from has been substantially reviewed and website, with hard copies supplied on current members. Where appropriate, a new policy document will be issued request from the Membership Services equity targets are to be included in in early 2004. The emphasis of the department. Association’s work in this area has very staff job descriptions. Training has much broadened from concentration Specific targets in relation to equity focused on raising awareness and on issues of Child Protection to wider have been included within the ASA’s realistic action planning. In total nine concerns of child welfare. The ICPO Corporate Plan and through the courses have taken place covering 104 as Case Manager has been monitor- work of the Regionalisation Strategic people, representative of paid staff, ing the types of referral we received, Development Planning group, a coaches and volunteers. from which we have noted a discernible planning pro-forma has been provided to help Districts with movement from allegations of child Bradford youngsters enjoy abuse into concerns which can be more their own development planning. their extra swimming properly characterised as child wel- lessons, funded from the ASA equity fund fare (eg child on child bullying in the Racial equity is also now included as swimming club environment). an agenda item in District meetings and, as a result, the Northern, North Working in conjunction with Kidscape, Eastern and Western Counties have a leading children’s charity, the ASA all funded equity courses for their club has produced a new anti-bullying members. policy. Participation and public image The response times from the Criminal Equity is to be included in the forth- Records Bureau continue to improve. coming Strategic Communications Plan Procedures having been developed and consideration is being given to the within the office, we can now confidently ASA’s relationship with media targeted embark on a rolling programme of at specific racial groups, collection and CRB checking for all members of ASA publication of imagery and the use of articles and role models – even if these 6 Commercial and Communications

Integrated approach

With the appointment of a Commercial to the fact that the business develop- Director, Katie Brazier, in December ment team is providing a single point 2002, the Communications, Swimming of contact that can access the support magazine and Awards Scheme staff available from different departments have been brought together for a more across the Association. It is hoped that integrated approach to the market- with continued success, this team will ing, communication and promotion of grow and deliver more value to the the sport and the revenue generating Association. activities of the Association. Website Communications The website continues to provide a The Communications team has valuable news and information resource undergone a number of personnel and usage has increased by more than changes during 2003 with Dee 10 per cent year on year. In fact, the McIntosh’s departure providing an website has proved so successful that opportunity for Senior Press Officer, the breadth and depth of content has Dave Richards. He will now take the outgrown the current site structure. Led lead in media relations support to our by Communications Officer, Amanda world class swimmers and in delivering Smith, work has been undertaken to key issues to the attention of the build a new site with an improved government and the public such as structure, easier navigation and lack of facilities and the need for capability for further expansion. school swimming provision. The team The new site launch is scheduled was also sad to say goodbye to Hannah for January 2004. Webber but welcomed Amanda Smith, as Communications Officer, to work Swimming magazine alongside Dave but also take the lead Our magazine maintains its high quality on the website. Internal communication coverage of the sport. September’s issue has been improved by the Colleague contained extra pages to reflect the Consultative Forum whereby success of our swimmers at the World representatives of each department Championships in Barcelona, as did meet on a bi-monthly basis to share, the December issue for a review of the discuss and provide input on key year as a whole together with a very initiatives and projects. Further colourful montage across the enhancements will come through the Helen Evans and centre pages. development of an intranet currently Mandy Mason in pilot phase. Sponsorship The September issue of Swimming magazine Business Development Although attracting sponsorship continues to be tough for all sports Two Regional Business Development Managers, Helen Evans and Mandy and swimming is no exception, we Mason, have been appointed. Their are delighted that Kellogg’s Frosties key task is to work with facility owners have agreed to a further three years as and operators, Local Authorities and sponsors of the highly successful ASA Local Education Authorities, to help Awards Scheme. 2003 also saw the first them make the most of their facilities year of the Kerry Foods Cheestrings and swimming programmes from a sponsorship of our Age Group swimming participation and revenue perspec- championships. Supporting the sport at tive, through the use of ASA products, County, District and National level, the services and programmes. This customer first year has been very successful. Their focused, solution based approach has mascot, Mr Strings, certainly proved a been very well received particularly due hit at the championships at Ponds Forge!

7 Membership Services

IT modernisation: the key to flexibility

Customer and Advisory Service The Membership Services department continues to provide an extensive response service to club members on a wide range of issues including health and safety, contractual and employment issues, swimming pool technical issues and general membership issues.

Affiliation Registration As a result of the ASA’s acceptance of the Working Party’s recommendation with regards to the reduction of membership categories from five to three, the Department is undergoing a restructuring of the fees collection process coupled with the IT modernisation project.

IT modernisation The IT modernisation process will be ongoing throughout 2003 and 2004. The new systems are intended to provide maximum flexibility and utility to enhance communication across the ASA and its clubs.

Insurance Whilst the ASA Director of Finance negotiates the annual insurance, the claims against the insurance are administered by the Membership Services Department. Coupled with this process the Department provides an advisory service to affiliated clubs on insurance issues. The insurance provided to the ASA affiliated clubs is fundamental to the operational success of the sport and provides umbrella protection to clubs and club members that could not be replicated by individual clubs entering the insurance market independently.

Health and Safety This year the ASA has looked again at the health and safety issues of both its employees and volunteers. Extensive written risk assessments have been completed for the principle ASA offices and steps have been taken to improve safety where necessary. This fundamental exercise has been supplemented with evacuation drills and manual handling courses for specific employees.

In addition to addressing employee issues, template risk assessment documents have been posted on the website and distributed to clubs to assist with the safe organisation of competition events. The reporting of accidents and incidents under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 has been reviewed and new accident reporting documents are being constructed.

An ASA insurance publication for affiliated clubs

The Membership Services Department’s Lynne Rawlins, making friends at an exhibition

8 Facilities

The need for investment

Pools closed or under threat lane facility including diving, bid for PFI The reorganisation of Sport England funding rejected. The Association’s evidence to the House has not helped with progress on of Commons Select Committee into the Bristol – ‘hung’ council following local schemes looking for Lottery funding. sport of swimming drew attention to elections, discussions on 50m pool and The year saw a moratorium on the the poor state of the country’s swimming its siting ongoing. consideration of bids and although this pools with many needing, as a minimum, Cambridge - plans prepared by the has been lifted and work on a number major repairs and refurbishment and a University for a 50m pool on the west of new schemes is ongoing, the high proportion requiring replacement. side of the city, funding being sought. consideration of schemes has now It was estimated that £2bn needed to Crawley – PPP scheme for rationalisation become a responsibility of the Regions. be spent in the next few years just to of the education and recreation services As each has only a limited allocation maintain the status quo. includes the provision of a 50m pool, of resources, this may jeopardise those Lottery bid referred to region. schemes such as 50m pools, which The truth of this statement is becoming Luton – proposal to replace Wardown often require a substantial contribution increasingly evident with news stories Pool with a 50m x 8 lane pool including from the Lottery. of possible closures and actual closures. diving, PFI bid rejected. In one small area of the north west, The situation with new 50m pools is: Plymouth – proposal to replace Central in just over a year, major town centre Completion 2006 Park Pool with 50m x 10 lane pool, facilities in two large local authorities, Leeds – replacement of the Leeds Lottery bid made. one a ‘70s building with a leisure pool International Pool by a 50m x 10 lane Basildon – proposal to replace and 25m pool, the other a Victorian pool plus 10m diving at South Leeds Gloucester Park Pool with 50m x 8 lane building with four pools, have closed. Stadium. pool. Feasibility study to be commis- So has a school pool in another authority sioned. while a 50m pool of ‘60s vintage, in a Liverpool – replacement of Picton Reading – proposal for joint project neighbouring area, is under threat. Road Baths by a 50m x 8 lane pool plus learner pool. between Council and University for 50m pool plus diving being considered. The situation in other parts of the Other schemes country is the same and the possible Other pools closure in March of the Crystal Palace Sunderland – new 50m x 8 lane pool pool, once the nation’s flagship, will plus 5m diving, work on second stage During the year a number of new leave London and the south east with of Lottery bid ongoing, completion 2007. pools opened and construction of oth- ers began. Despite the reduction in one six lane 50m pool. Newcastle – new 50m x 8 lane pool grant available through the Sports plus learner pool, first stage Lottery bid London 2012 referred to region. Lottery, there is still a willingness by some local authorities, universities and The bright spot on the horizon is the Portsmouth – new 50m x 8 lane pool schools to consider new facilities or the Government’s decision to bid for the plus learner pool, Public Private refurbishment of existing ones. However, 2012 Olympics and its declared intent Partnership (PPP) proposal being in some instances, to be able to afford to begin work on a new 50m pool worked up, first stage Lottery bid the costs involved there has to be a complex in the Lower Lea Valley before referred to region. rationalisation of existing facilities and the bid is considered by the International Hillingdon – design still under consider- if a replacement is being provided it Olympic Committee. The Association is ation and discussions ongoing with may not match up to the expectations of working closely with London 2012 on English Heritage with regard to the list- clubs. the swimming facilities required for the ed building status of the outdoor pool. Games and on the design and facilities – steering group set up Requests for assistance required. There is every hope that this to progress proposal for 50m pool at During the year, almost 1,000 requests pool will be a state of the art building Aston University. ranking with the best in the world. for assistance from clubs, consultants, Coventry – study produced by consul- architects, local authorities and other tants detailing options for refurbish- organisations were received and a Nevertheless, unless there is a stay ment of the existing 50m pool or its response given. The majority related of execution on the closure of Crystal replacement but Public Finance Initiative to matters of design and planning Palace, whilst the new pool is being (PFI) funding bid rejected. designed and built, London, one of the although the number of questions Waltham Forest – proposal to replace major cities of the world, will have only concerning health and safety issues, and the Waltham Forest pool by a 50m x 8 one 50m pool. in particular the practical interpretation 50m Pools of the various guidance documents is increasing. 9 Institute of Swimming Teachers and Coaches

A blue ribbon service

The Institute of Swimming Teachers and Continuing Professional Communication Coaches has experienced a constructive Development With a large number of individual year with membership increasing slightly members (15,000) the Institute needs over 2002. The Institute’s regional volunteers continue to support the ASA’s to be selective with its communication choices due to prohibitive postage costs. The members’ insurance package, the Continuing Professional Development The Institute is looking to the IT cornerstone of our membership service, post qualification educational service modernisation project to enable has been maintained despite the by organising full day weekend seminars more electronic communication, not turbulence within the insurance industry. on a wide range of swimming teaching and coaching related topics. simply to reduce costs but to widen communication. The Institute contin- Members continue to be provided ues to support Swimming magazine by with a wide range of advice and Sponsorship activities funding a regular article on swimming support services particularly in respect The Institute maintained a sponsorship and coaching topics and uses its monthly of employment issues, contractual programme giving key support to insert to communicate with members advice and health and safety matters. various events including the popular and advertise seminars, workshops and This year the Institute has been Inter-County Swimming Competition courses for their benefit and for the instrumental in ensuring that a in Sheffield and an on-going project benefit of potential members. number of members have received to develop ethnic swimming teaching compensation for unfair dismissal and coaching within the sport. The and sex discrimination. The Institute’s Institute’s fund has also been used support with members’ grievance and to promote research into swimming disciplinary issues have resulted in a teaching and coaching issues. The number of members receiving results of these research projects formalised employment status, are posted on the Institute website. holiday pay and organisation pay increases. Website The Institute maintains a section of The Institute now supplies an extensive its parent organisation’s website Ron Halls, 88, pictured risk assessment service to its members www.britishswimming.org where at work in Leicester, has been teaching and to ensure that they teach and coach in extensive information is available coaching for more a safe work environment. for member reference. than 70 years

10 Education

Strategy for universal swimming

Schools Swimming The ASA has continued to work closely with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) to ensure that every primary school child has access to a high quality swimming programme. Following the establishment of a website targeted at pupils and teachers the ASA has worked with DfES and members of the swimming forum to develop a strategy for schools swimming. The aim of the strategy is to encourage local education authorities, local authority recreation departments, schools and other interested parties to work together to provide appropriate opportunities for pupils to participate in swimming and to provide effective teaching and learning. ASA clubs are identified as a means of enabling those with the talent and the inclination to develop their skills. The strategy is due to be launched in early 2004.

Initial Training and CPD Achieving ASA qualifications continues to be an aspiration for many and once again circa 12,000 candidates will have participated in courses leading to ASA certificates. In addition, the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme continues to gather pace and circa 6,000 attendances will have been generated through CPD events. This will be a combination of events organised by accredited providers plus the centrally organised programme.

Two new certificated programmes will be offered during the early part of 2004. The first is a level 3 teaching qualification entitled ‘Aquatics Co-ordinator’. The purpose of the qualification is to provide career development for teachers of aquatics with the focus being on managing and developing programmed aquatic activity as part of an overall balanced swimming pool programme. The qualification is divided into five units and assessment will be through an evidence based portfolio. Much of the learning will take place in the workplace.

The second new qualification will be titled ‘Swim Trainers’ and has been designed to support the Swimfit programme. The target group is dry land fitness instructors who will be provided with additional knowledge and skills to encourage those involved in keep fit to include swimming as part of a total fitness package. What is particularly interesting about this qualification is that it will be the first ASA qualification to be offered through ‘e-learning’ and the theory aspects will be delivered and assessed via the internet, but supported by practical aspects in the Director of Education pool. The success or otherwise of the ‘e-learning’ will influence other developments John Lawton speaking at the first North in this area. West swimming teachers and coaches Resources conference Three new important resources will be available early next year. Two new books have been written, one on adult and child activities and a second on swimming for people with disabilities. Both support the teacher/coach education programme and will be useful additions to the range of ASA publications. Also a swimming teaching video will hopefully be available by early 2004, written specifically to support the principles of the National Plan for Teaching Swimming and targeted at those seeking Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications.

11 Education

NVQ Pilots Following the re-positioning of NVQs as an ‘add on’ to the ASA Level 2 Teacher Certificate, a pilot scheme was carried out in partnership with the Brighton Swim Centre owned and managed by Paul Smith. Three candidates completed a range of additional tasks and assessment, all of which took place in the candidates’ workplace. The processes involved have now been evaluated and a ‘link pack’ developed. This will enable candidates who wish to achieve an NVQ Level 2 to build upon the ASA Level 2 qualification through workplace experience. The ASA is hoping that employers will use NVQ’s as a vehicle for the ongoing development of Level 2 Teachers.

ASA Volunteer Support Strategy The ASA has recently been successful in gaining a three year funding award from Sport England to invest in the work of volunteering within the sport. The ASA recognises that our sport would not exist without volunteers, and on that basis, is seeking to invest time, money and support in looking at the following areas:

 Recruiting more volunteers into the sport

 Retaining volunteers currently involved in the sport

 Recognising the work of volunteers more effectively

 Education and training to provide assistance and support for volunteers

 Communicating more effectively with volunteers

In order to co-ordinate this work, the ASA appointed a volunteer co-ordinator to work closely with the Districts/Regions, in order to gain a better understanding of the needs and issues that the volunteers face. Hopefully the outcome of this work will be a valued and effectively supported volunteer workforce which is enthusiastic, knowledgeable and skilled, working towards clearly stated goals for the benefit of the sport.

Two Brighton NVQ students with their certificates

Three happy youngsters from 1066 Swimmers in Sussex (l-r) Emma Cannon, Amberjae Lane and Megan Alsop

Nick Gillingham and Tony the Tiger present ASA awards at Rossendale

12 Awards

NPTS gets results

The National Plan for Teaching and water safety with children from Swimming (NPTS) continues to gener- ten schools in the area. It is hoped ate interest and sales. Swimming lesson that next summer the ASA will have a providers who have implemented the national safety week, with many local NPTS have declared a definite improve- authorities taking part. ment in the quality of their children’s swimming strokes and techniques, Sales of both the School Speed and which has encouraged their teaching National Curriculum awards have staff even further. Sales of the comple- slowed but recent government plans mentary National Swim Awards have and the new Schools Charter, along increased by 15 per cent this year with with developments that the ASA are the Duckling awards also selling well. finalising will help to address this in the coming year. Synchro, Water Polo The Skills Challenge awards introduced and the Competitive Awards have had in October 2002 had a slow start but a quiet year too, but Diving and are proving very popular with the Pre-Competition Development have 7 to 14 years age group. They are both increased their volume turnover based on routines of activities rather by around 10 per cent which is very than one specific skill, similar to circuit encouraging. training in a gym, but of course carried out in a pool, and include surface dives, ASA Teacher’s Toolkit log rolls, handstands, plunge dives and Finally, the Teacher’s Toolkit, a bomb entries. waterproof A5 ring-binder detailing the criteria of all the ASA Awards has Despite the increased popularity of the been very popular. The benefit is that National Swim Awards, the Water Skills the swimming teacher does not need and Swimming Challenge Awards have to purchase a whole new pack if new continued to be very popular, their awards are introduced or an existing reduction in sales being much slower award criteria is amended. than previously anticipated. Over the Rainbow Water safety awareness Nine-year-old Laurence Connor was Increased awareness of water safety the recipient of the 25 millionth has been reflected in growing sales Rainbow award. Laurence achieved his of the Preliminary Safety Skills award, Rainbow 50 metres award at Haverhill aimed at non-swimmers. The Water Leisure Centre with the West Suffolk Rescue Award also encourages young- Swim Scheme. sters to progress to basic lifesaving tech- niques after they have mastered the Sales of books and videos have increased skills required in the Personal Survival substantially during the year, customers Awards. Our ‘Get Safe for Summer’ taking advantage of the secure on-line campaign was launched in July with the shop. help of the Royal Life Saving Society, Paralympic gold medal- British Sub Aqua Club, Tameside list Sarah Bailey helps to Sports Trust, near Manchester, and the launch the ASA’s Get Safe Maritime and Coastguards Association for Summer campaign (Sea Smart). Sarah Baliey MBE and John Laurence Connor becomes Lawton, Director of Education supported the 25 millionth Rainbow the event along with athlete Rachel award winner Potter, South African cricketer Wade Wingfield, who all assisted with pool Director of Education John Lawton at the Get and land activities based on swimming Safe for Summer launch

13 Swimming Development and Partnerships

Emphasis on unique development model

During the year, great emphasis has LTAD principles have signalled the need funding currently being accessed to been placed on the alignment of all for changes to some of the criteria deliver the swimming framework is in the our development programmes with which are absolutely essential if Swim 21 region of £1.1 million. Access to further the Long Term Athlete Development is to be the advocate of best practice. generic support via Partnership Services (LTAD) model, launched in partnership These will be made in consultation with funding is enabling clubs aspiring to with Sport England at the National the World Class team and notice of the Swim 21 accreditation to gain funded Development Conference in April 2003. changes will be given 18 months ahead support for equity, child protection, of implementation. first aid and disability workshops. Long Term Athlete Development This unique model for swimming, PE, Sport and School Club Links There is a clear indication that the role endorsed by British Swimming and PESSCL represents a plethora of of CSPs will become wider than the Sport England, is providing a com- opportunities for swimming. The ASA delivery of Active Sports. They are seen mon thread of understanding and com- has been working with DCMS, DfES, very much at the heart of sport in the mitment throughout the sport. Over Sport England and other sports on Regions, working closely with Governing 3,000 copies of the Plan have been shaping some of the programmes. Bodies of Sport and Local Authorities. distributed, 2,800 free to key partners, Swimming’s progress is in two areas: This brings into sharp focus the need including all ASA affiliated clubs, local for ASA Counties and Districts/Regions authorities in England, national sports School Club Links, which reached the to develop further their relationships organisations and coaches. In addition, pilot phase in the Autumn of 2003, with with these Partnerships, particularly as a programme of 15 presentations has the appointment of an ASA National Regional Sports Board funding will be ensured that over 1,700 people have Coordinator. In year one, activity is allocated through them. heard the LTAD message. Work on to be centred on nine County Sports Water Polo and Diving LTAD is due to Partnerships, identified by Sport England The Community Coach Scheme be finished by the end of 2003. to pilot the project. The expectation is This scheme provides matched fund-

that these will increase to 30 in year ing for the appointment of up to 3,000 LTAD is bringing long needed focus and two and possibly to 45 in year three. coaches (across 30 sports) who will direction for all the external agencies An ASA framework document provides provide ‘high quality coaching, with on which we rely for support. It is also enabling the Development Team to guidelines for key partners involved an emphasis on young people’. drive change and utilise resources in with swimming at local, regional and Swimming’s focus is threefold: to a strategic way. The key areas of work national levels. Central to the process prepare and facilitate the movement that the Regional Development Officers are the clubs within Swim 21 and also of swimmers from the FUNdamental have concentrated on are as follows: the ASA ‘Aquamarked’ Learn to Swim level to Swim Skills; from Swim Skills schemes. to Training to Train, and to service the Swim 21 needs of swimmers within a cluster of The Talented and Gifted programme is clubs. It interfaces with the School Club The number of clubs gaining Swim 21 still in the planning phase for swimming Links project, with a requirement that Accreditation is growing, with the but our partnership with the Youth clubs must be involved in the Swim 21 current total standing at 42, at 52 Sport Trust indicates that there could process. levels. Whilst this puts us behind tar- be funding for targeted development get numbers coming through the camps. This is timely because these Volunteer Support Strategy system are accelerating and evidence could well fill the vacuum left by Sport suggests that 351 clubs are into the Following the work of the ASA’s England’s withdrawal of funding for action planning stage, which is 229 Volunteer Strategy Working group, Regional Talent Camps. more than this time last year. The inter- funding from Sport England has face between the National and District enabled the appointment of a National Assessment Panels has been effective Active Sports Coordinator. The strategy will impact and it has been recognised that the The number of County Sports at all levels of the sport and crucial to role of these Panels goes beyond that Partnerships (CSPs) involved in Active its success is the establishment of a net- of accreditation in that issues and Sports - Swimming is 32, five of which work of volunteer coordinators at club successes arising from their assessments have only received first year funding and ASA County level who will tap into assist the members due to a Sport England budget review the resources from County Sport and to drive change within their Districts. still to be completed. The amount of Education Partnerships.

14 Swimming World Class Start and Potential

World class programmes operational

The full World Class Potential and Loughborough during October 2002 coaching coordinators on these visits Start programmes became operational and then were selected to attend the has been excellent and will continue during the 2002/2003 swimming season Paris World Cup meet in January 2003. for the next swimming season. The with four squads between October support of the office staff from World 2002 and June 2003. Potential Age Male, 30 swimmers Class Programmes is also greatly aged 13 to 15 years and Potential Age appreciated, with more than 35 activities World Class Potential and Start Female, 30 swimmers aged 12 to 14 for Potential and Start being conducted Programme years. during the season. Their support is cru- cial to the successful implementation of The Potential programme was initially The swimmers on the Potential Age the programme. an English programme with support programme attended three weekend from Sport England but it has developed training camps during this season, and Offshore Training Centre into a British programme with swimmers a full week camp at Loughborough In October 2002 a visit was undertaken from and Wales participating University. to The Southport School (below), which in all areas of the camps. This has proved is a boys day and boarding school to be very successful and will continue During their involvement with the based on the Gold Coast in Queensland, in the 2003/2004 swimming season. programme the swimmers receive a . Following this visit and number of education sessions covering subsequent negotiations and support The Start programme remains English the following: from Sport England the offshore centre and is coordinated through the was established in January 2003 with World Class programmes, with Mick  Lifestyle and self management skills swimmers Liam Wardley (City of Hepwood (Southern England Coaching  Land work training (strength, power Cambridge), Daniel Ritchie (Thanet) and Coordinator) assuming responsibility and speed) Dean Milwain (City of Derby) becom- for the South Start Age Squad, Fred ing the first to enter into education  Swimming training and test sets Kirby (Northern England Coaching at the school under the direction of  Biomechanical analysis and videoing Coordinator) assuming responsibility for Dave Calleja, the British coach at the the Northern Start Age Squad. Martyn  Physiology centre. In September 2003, new recruits Woodroffe began work in November  Team building exercises Chris Alderton (Wear Valley), Michael Rock (City of Liverpool), Lewis Owens 2002 and is  Race plans and performance (City of Canterbury), Max Underhay responsible for the 200 IM programme. modeling (Portsmouth Northsea) and Simon le  Dealing with the media. This programme is about offering Couilliard (Jersey Tigers) joined the assistance to the swimmers and coaches programme. The Start programme can also be defined so that they develop the skills needed as two programmes with an age group to face the challenges of successfully I must thank NPD Bill Sweetenham squad and a 200 IM development squad. representing England and Great Britain for his support of the programme. This (GB) on the national team at major ensures there is a strong link between Start Age Northern Squad, 25 swim- the age group/youth swimmers and international competitions (Olympic mers aged 12 to 14 years and Start Age the performance programme, which Games, World Championships, European Southern Squad, 25 swimmers aged 12 achieves a cohesive focus for British Championships and Commonwealth to 14 years. Games). This programme has the goal of being the best in the world at pre- The Start Age programme participated paring athletes and coaches for their in four weekend camps. future in swimming. The Start 200 IM programme The Potential programme is split into participated in four clinics that covered three sections: skill development for the swimmers and parental education sessions. Potential Youth, 30 swimmers, males 16 to 18 years and females 15 to 17 Work is also undertaken with swimmers years. The swimmers on this pro- during club visits that are conducted gramme attended a training camp in throughout the year. The impact of the

15 Technical Swimming Committee

Maximising potential

The Technical Swimming Committee has continued to work in partnership with the National Performance Director and the National Youth Coach to develop strategies and programmes that complement and support their policies and programmes, in order to enable all our athletes to reach their full potential.

A swimming conference was held in June entitled ‘Long Term Development of Swimmers’ at which Richard Gordon presented the Long Term Athlete Development model for swimming. Following this ‘The Swimmer Pathway’ which details the model has been distributed to all clubs and it is expected that, through this model, together with the Swim 21 Club Development and Accreditation programme, coaches and clubs will be able to ensure appropriate and effective training programmes are offered to their members. A framework is now in place to deliver an effective programme, over the next few years, to develop talented athletes at all levels and ensure that they are fully prepared to achieve success.

A new Open Meet structure of ‘Licensed Open Meets’ was also launched at this conference. They will replace Designated Open Meets and have been introduced to ensure that every swimmer has the opportunity to swim in appropriate, quality competition to enable them to achieve their true potential. To support this programme, a new information leaflet ‘Competition for All’ sets out the underpinning philosophy which also complements and supports LTAD.

Whilst the committee has the responsibility for policy, communicating and implementing processes, much of the practical application is derived from a num- ber of project groups. One such group has continued to work towards ensuring there are common standards at District Championships. Another group is currently reviewing the National Long Course Championships and the role of District/ Regional Championships after Regionalisation. This work will build on that previously done in developing the Bagcats programme and ASA National Youth Championships.

Dennis Yeoman has led a group of volunteers in the staging of all our National Championships to ensure that the swimmers have been offered the best opportuni- ties in which to perform. It is hoped, however, that this work will impact wider than national events and will also develop event presentation and the use of ITC Lincoln Vulcans’ Elizabeth Simmonds (centre) with at all levels. The swimming calendar, co-ordinated by John Bird, incorporates the fellow 12yrs 400m free- dates of all major World and /Championships, the GB programme style medallists of Championships, Stage Meets and World Class training dates, ASA, District and Abby Johnson (right) and Natalie Durant (left) at County Championships, ESSA Championships and National Swimming League the Cheestrings National dates up to 2006. Age Groups

16 Technical Swimming Officials

Technical Swimming Officials Report There has been a reduction in the number of volunteers seeking the Timekeeper qualification and a small reduction in the number of Judge and Starter candidates.

However, the introduction of a Volunteer Support Strategy and the appointment of a Volunteer Co-ordinator tasked with identifying new funding opportunities, both regionally and nationally, may assist in sourcing the constant turnover of officials to maintain the necessary level.

Multi-choice examination papers are now being delivered for the Timekeeper, Judge and Starter examinations and all past papers are published on the officials section of the ASA website.

The Swimming Officials newsletter continues to be published twice a year.

17 Events - ASA National Championships

High standard at ASA Championships

These championships took place in July at the Manchester Aquatics Centre. Other competitions may have served to diminish the number of entries but the swimming proved to be of the usual high standard with some notable performances from some of the world’s highest ranked swimmers.

James Hickman, , Rachel Genner and Kate Haywood all lived up to their reputations to take a haul of gold medals.

After missing out on a place with the British World Championship squad and in his final meet as a Leeds swimmer, Hickman took gold in the 100m butterfly, 100m backstroke and 200m individual medley while Cook took gold in the 100m breaststroke for the third consecutive year. For Cook, however, it was little consolation for his omission from the World Championship squad.

The women’s breaststroke events proved just as impressive with Haywood of Lincoln Vulcans taking gold in the 50m event ahead of Genner of Coventry. This result was reversed in the 100m when Genner, who had recently recovered from abdominal surgery, showed no signs of fatigue to take the title. City of Newcastle’s Chris Cook on his way Other impressive performances saw Coventry’s take gold in the to victory in the 100m breaststroke 50m breaststroke, Lisa Chapman of Loughborough winning three sprint titles in the 50m and 100m freestyle as well as the 50m butterfly. The 100m butterfly provided one of James Next year’s event will be incorporated into British Swimming’s Olympic preparation Hickman’s three wins programme. It will serve as a compulsory meet for those on the squad bound for Athens and an earlier date should ensure more youth-category participants.

18 Events - National Age Groups and Youth Championships

Big chance for youngsters

More than 1,500 competitors were involved in the eight days of the Cheestrings National Age Group Championships and National Youth Championships at Ponds Forge in Sheffield. The absence of some top swimmers due to participation at the European Junior Championships in Glasgow and at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Paris gave an opportunity for others to show their worth.

The age groups were dominated by two of the youngest girls. Elizabeth Simmonds, 12, of Lincoln Vulcans won six individual golds throughout the week: the 400m free, the 200m and 400m IM, the 100m and 200m back and the 800m free. Her team also won the 4x100m medley final and she came second in another final. She also set four championship best times.

Ellen Gandy, from Beckenham, won five individual golds in her 11 years group but some of her times were outstanding and four were also championship bests.

Lincoln Vulcans headed the medal table with eight golds, four silvers and three bronze. The guest team from put in some powerful performances and was second with eight golds, two silver and five bronze. South Aberdeen were third with seven golds and two silver.

Pride of place at the Youths went to two team-mates who won three golds during the meet. Nova Centurion’s Amy Konowalik (16/17 years) and Ben Branch (15/16 years) both won two individual golds and were in their victorious relay teams.

Another notable performance came from Caitlin McClatchey of Northampton who won gold in the 16/17 years 200m and 400m free - in both cases leading all the way and recording championship best times. There was also a remarkable occur- rence when two qualifying swim-offs had to be repeated because the competitors again swam dead heats. Beckenham’s A strong Canadian contingent headed the medals table and by the end of both Ellen Gandy set four championships, nearly 70 best times had been established for next year’s swimmers championship best to aim at. times at the Cheestrings National Age Groups

Hatfield’s Ceri Unwin with fellow 800m free- style medallists Kathryn Toth (Windsor, left) and Ludlow’s Fern Davies (right)

19 Disability Swimming

On top of the world

It’s been another great year for disability course to educate and raise awareness home based training camps. Coaches swimming. In December 2002, the World of the subject. Work has been complet- were also invited to the Coach Education Championships were held in Mar del ed to identify District representatives to weekend. The Start programme ran into Plata, and whilst our team support the continued development some difficulties identifying swimmers competed as Great Britain, English of disability swimming across England. early in the year, which has now been swimmers came back with many world More Districts are approaching and resolved and the programme will be records and gold medals, and the team embracing disability swimming which re-launched in the near future. were crowned overall world champions. looks very positive for the future. Competitions Education World Class Potential and Start This year has seen more multi-disability ASA Disabilities teachers and tutors The Potential programme is now well swimming events in mainstream attended a conference early in the underway and is being implemented competitions than ever before: the year. It was a great success and will by director Kim Longland and sup- British Long Course, North Eastern be organised again in February 2004. port officers Rachel Davies (North) and Counties and the ASA Long Course A new version of the Level 2 Teacher Alison Frost (South). Initially an English championships all proved to be a Certificate text book will be available initiative, the World Class Potential great success. Further inclusive events shortly with more up to date informa- Programme now includes some Scottish for 2004 are being identified, and the tion. The ‘Smaller Disciplines Initiative’ and Welsh swimmers and has a British British Long Course (Olympic Trials) has will be back up and running in 2004. vision. The aim is to nurture talent and been specified as a This will enable Disability Teacher help swimmers and coaches develop qualifying event. courses their skills for the future. Early to run by funding the tutor when indications have been very positive There have been some outstanding the course is not filled by candidates. and the programme will develop even performances this year. In August, a further next year when Potential will small team of visually impaired swimmers Development be split into two sections, Potential Age competed at the IBSA in The Classification Handbook has been and Potential Youth. This will ensure . Elaine Barrett had some great produced and is available from the the most appropriate delivery of the swims. She set two world records for British Swimming website or from the programme for those at very different the S11 category in the 100m fly and National Development Officer. Over developmental stages. So far 20 English 200m breaststroke and brought home 20 people have been identified to take swimmers have been invited onto the four gold medals and one silver. part in the IPC online classification programme and have attended five Team-mate Dervis Konuralp (S13) was also on good form with four silvers and one bronze while Darren Leach (S12) was third on two occasions.

North West captains Sarah Bailey and Sasha Kindred with the top team trophy at the Disability Sport England National Short Course Championships

20 Disability Swimming

Bridgwater’s Anthony Stephens (S5/SM4) won two golds in the multi-disability events at the British championships

The 2003 British Championships featured a fully-integrated multi-disability programme for the first time

21 Diving

Truly world class coaching

World Class Programmes Canadian Senior National Team. will extend to Leeds & Southampton. The major event of the year for our Leeds have a new coaching appoint- Junior Olympic Programme juniors was the European Juniors in ment, Edwin Jongejans a former World – Potential Edinburgh. The English and British divers, 1m springboard Champion and The many on their first major international, National Coach to Holland started in At the end of 2002 Kim White took were largely new to competition at this November as City of Leeds Age Group over the management of the JOP, Kim level. The target for the event was to Coach. was behind the Lottery bids which achieve one silver medal. The team gained the funding for the World Class surpassed this with two silver med- Education & Development Programmes and his pedigree coaching als, coming from Nick Robinson-Baker The education of the coaches, divers background meant he was ideal for and Stacie Powell. Both divers train at and parents continues through the the job. Crystal Palace under the direction of monthly Start camps and Talent Time Alex Bagiu of Bagiu Diving Institute. quarterly newsletter, which will have His first task was to get regularised a wider circulation in 2004 with a link training camps set up which focused In 2004 the juniors will be focussing on up to the development section. Talent on a holistic approach to educating div- the World Juniors in , the events Time along with other publications ers, coaches and parents. Sports Science taking place very late in the season at and information can be found on staff including Nutritionists, the end of October. the website diving section: Biomechanists, Psychologists, www.britishswimming.org/sports/diving Physiologists and Physiotherapists and Junior Talent Programme - Start Strength and Conditioning specialists The World Class Start Programme Due out December 03 / January 04 is were brought together in four initial for Diving known as Junior Talent the eagerly awaited Diving Skills CD camps. A new season camp started off Programme has gone from strength to ROM. The British Performance divers the New Year with a week long camp strength. In Autumn 2003 the go through all of the basic diving skills in Sheffield under the guidance of Chen professional staff ranks have been from 1m, 3m springboards, 3m and 5m Wen, Head Coach to the World Class added to with the appointment of platforms to create a database of Diving Programmes. Chen focussed on Coaching Director for the JTP Cheng technically correct movements. Using dry land preparation of the divers, a combination of alternate camera giving them and their coaches food Yang from . Cheng, former angles, slow motion, frame-by-frame for thought for the coming season. National Coach to and a senior international diver representing advance, bullet point coaching points In October 2003 Michel Larouche, China for a number of years, has a and audio commentary to help coaches regarded by many as the World’s premier wealth of technical knowledge to share and divers alike. The CD ROM will go coach assisted Kim White with site visits with our coaches and divers. His remit hand in hand with New National Diving to the majority of JOP training cen- is to work with the coaches and improve Handbook. The coaching handbook links tres and a final training camp. Michel, the level of our coaching expertise with the CD ROM in an easy to carry coach to Alexandre Despatie and Emilie where it counts in the home clubs. ‘filo-fax’. The eighty-page colour Heymans, both World Champions in handbook contains a multitude of 2003 in Barcelona in the 10m Platform Meanwhile the Talent Identification information, which is invaluable to events, is renowned for his dry-land Testing has continued with two more have to hand. The design of the programmes and conditioning regime. programmes coming onto line, Sheffield handbook allows for regular updates, His divers account for 80% of the and Bradford. In the near future this which will be mailed direct to the handbook owners. The handbook is

22 Diving

number of active tutors the number a joint venture with the British of courses on offer especially in areas Diving Coaches Association, of the country without current diving Development and the World Class provision will increase. It is a realistic Programmes. target that active tutors will reach 20 by the end of 2004. To back up the work of the Start camps, local development days were New Diving Development organised in four regions. Targeting Programmes fundamental diving technique, the A clear objective for development in new national novice conditions, the coming year is establishing greater judging and recording, a total of six opportunities for divers with increased development days took place. In emphasis on school club links and addition for the first time in many community sports coaches. Diving will years the diving tutors came together be actively targeting areas without for a tutors forum. Presentations were diving clubs or teaching programmes from Pascale Gauthier from Canada, in 2004 to launch new initiatives. John Lawton Director of Education and Steve Foley NPD British Diving. The forum served to share ideas and look forward to the development of new coaching certification levels to link with Diving’s Long Term Athlete Development Plan (LTAD).

LTAD is the future blueprint for the sport of diving. Swimming launched its LTAD earlier in 2003, and diving will follow on in early 2004. The LTAD pulls together many aspects of the sport: Club Development, Coach Education, Diver Development, Competition Planning and Structure. It is hoped that the LTAD along with the current World Class Programmes will be the backbone for future diving success.

Teacher Education has progressed to a new high with 19 courses in 2003, 14 Level 1 and five Level 2 courses. It is envisaged that with a rise in the

Adam Sotheran conducts a flexibility test

National development officer Julian Bellan leads a trampoline session

23 Water Polo

North dominates Inter Districts

National Championships Swimming Times Award National Water Polo Academy The North dominated this year’s Inter This was presented to Jim Caulfield, Involving 35 boys and 35 girls selected District competitions winning the Junior Grantham King’s, following the Senior from national trials, the daily pro- Men, Youth Men and Youth Women Men’s Plate final. Jim is the only person gramme at this year’s camp consisted of events. The North East took the Junior to have won this award for a second swim sessions, a dry-side programme, Women’s title with the West winning time, a fitting tribute following his water polo techniques and game the Academy event. retirement as senior women’s national sessions. Individuals experienced all coach after 11 years’ work which aspects of the training required to pre- The national club finals, hosted at culminated in the bronze medal at pare for entry into the national team the Manchester Aquatics Centre and the 2002 Commonwealth Water Polo programme. supported by Manchester City Council, Championships. were keenly contested with three hold- Alongside the National Academy, a ers retaining their titles and three Water Polo Development successful Summer School operated in matches going to extra time. In a repeat The District Water Polo Co-ordinators conjunction with the annual residential of last year’s Youth final, Lancaster City have been active in organising a Level 2 Water Polo course, led by senior finally beat City of Manchester after programme of development days led tutor Pippa Jones. extra time and penalties to retain the by District and National Team coaches. title. Cheltenham S&WPC also retained In this way, young players have been International Teams their Junior Men’s title against City of introduced to both water polo The National Men’s and Women’s Birmingham who were making their techniques and land work. teams experienced competition at debut in a national final. Grantham Senior, Junior and Youth level. The King’s took the Senior Mens Plate Nick Hume, the newly appointed Senior Men’s team did well to retain competition against Sutton & Cheam National Performance Director, is their North Sea Cup title, a first in the after extra time. The Senior Women’s working closely with the National history of the event. Under the guidance Final also went to extra time with City Development Officer, Piers Martin in of the National Performance Director of Liverpool coming back from 0–3 developing the Long Term Athlete future international programmes will at half time to beat current holders Development Framework for Water be more co-ordinated and training- City of Sheffield. The Senior Men’s Polo. Accompanying this work will based. The key focus for the Senior event saw Lancaster City retain their be the development of a Coach Men’s and Women’s teams is now the title against Hammersmith Penguin to Accreditation system and the piloting 2006 Commonwealth Championships complete a domestic treble of League, of POLO 21, the Club Accreditation in Melbourne. Cup and British Championships. Scheme.

British champions Lancaster City with their trophy

Lancaster’s Colin Burgess scores against Hammersmith Penguin

24 Masters

Masters’ record-breaking year

England’s older swimmers continue to standards. There is no obscuring your excel and at the Masters championships age in this discipline! at Ponds Forge in November 2002, some 1000 swimmers provided 5000 ‘splashes’, The Masters Committee has been 61 British records, 26 European records, contemplating, at the invitation of and seven World records. The double the ASA Committee, but with no firm 10-lane 25-metre pool configuration at and final outcome to its thoughts yet, Sheffield makes it the only venue in the how best the sport should be organised country where this meet can be staged in England. There has always been an in anything approaching its present undercurrent of feeling that Masters form. might benefit from a greater degree of independence from the ASA’s central 2002 Inter-Counties Competition organisation, but the technicalities of a Held in November at four venues different arrangement have always – Borehamwood (Southern Counties), seemed problematic, and the reactions Gloucester (Western Counties), being received by the Committee bear Harrogate (North-Eastern Counties and out this dichotomy: a desire for greater Northern Counties) and Wolverhampton autonomy but great practical difficulties. (Midland District), this competition is An invitation to Masters to comment becoming more popular as its intricacies was made in the Masters newsletter become known. All competing counties in the Summer of 2003, and although swim the same events at their regional there have been many responses to date, meet, and the results are computed there has been insufficient support for on a national basis. This year Yorkshire major changes to the present were victorious over runners-up arrangements. Lancashire with Warwickshire in third spot. Of the 33 English county ASA Masters Committee associations, 27 took part. The Committee continues under the chairmanship of Geoff Stokes. Half Hour Postal swim Its membership has altered with the Hampshire ASA President The ‘2001’ swim was contested through resignation of Roger Burrell consequent Brian Ridler congratulates Dorothy Weston on her performances during the November upon his move to : his place 90-94yrs world records 2001 – January 2002 period. The event as Western Counties representative steadily increases in popularity, with has been taken by Herbie Adams. Peter participation up this year by 20 per cent. Holmes temporarily relinquished his seat as the Midland District representative Whither Masters? and was replaced by Bob Lord. It is natural that every year Masters swimming should become more popular Masters swimming suffered a great as a fresh group of swimmers enters at blow in August with the death of the the younger end, while older Masters Committee’s former chairman Tony seem to swim on for ever. The year Holmyard. Tony was also a member 2002-03 has been no exception with of the GB and LEN Masters Committees, great enthusiasm being shown in the and was one of the founding fathers 19-24 and 25-29 groups. At the senior of organised Masters swimming in end of the age scale, we have in Great Britain. His survey of Masters Dorothy Weston a serious 90-94 opinion still guides the Committee, swimmer whose first year in her new and his quiet expertise and good age group has seen her setting new sense are sorely missed.

25 Synchronised Swimming

Exciting future for synchro

The sport’s main aims for 2003 were to encourage the involvement of more officials and to develop the expertise of current officials. This started by train- ing judge evaluators, the first course being held in Oxford with three candidates. Further courses have taken place in Bristol whilst judges have been evaluated at all national events as well as in the Districts. All Level 1 and 2 Judges have to be evaluated before judging at any national events. Several Technical Judges Courses have been held along with Grade A and B Examiners Courses. The next priority is to train more referees whilst the development of ex-swimmers as coaches has been encouraged through the fast tracking scheme.

Swimmer Development After the success of English synchronised swimming at the 2002 , it was very disappointing that all three members of the team decided to retire. The sport has had the chance to focus and plan for the swimmers’ needs since no funding was available to send the athletes to any competitions. However, a fundraising working party was set up which enabled our junior athletes to attend the Loano Cup in which was very useful for their development. The competi- tion structure was completely re-examined and, in order to improve technical skills and encourage more swimmers and clubs to participate, it was agreed to bring our competition in line with the international arena. Following the success of the Swim 21 scheme, a working group has been set up to drive Synchro 21 forward.

Teacher/Coach Development A working party has been instigated to examine the current structure of the teachers/coaches certification programme and it is hoped that developments will follow that will both encourage non-specialist teachers and raise the standard of the specialists working in the clubs.

New Director In May, Adele Carlsen was employed as Director of Synchronised Swimming, a very positive step for the sport and we look forward to an exciting and successful future.

Adele Carlsen

Rushmoor in action

Ex-England footballer Ian Wright, pictured with Rushmoor, top team at the British championships

26 Open Water

Clear focus for open water

Safety The National Age Groups and County Team Competitions remain our most All safety arrangements developed exciting and popular event. It is swum during the previous year have now over 1500, 1750 or 2000m depending been put in place. Having visited both on the age of the swimmers. With a Weymouth and Salford during the year, the Safety Consultant was very pleased record number of entries, an increase with the arrangements and reported of 15 per cent compared with last year, that we now have a good awareness the additional competitors brought of safety throughout our sport. new problems such as placing and timing. However, it was a real spectacle to see Clear Focus 90 swimmers with different coloured hats in the water together. There is a clearer focus in place within Stacey O’Hagan competing Open Water swimming with the five The 17-24 yrs 2000m races were won at the Northern Counties English Districts concentrating on championships by John Owen of Heart of Midlothian development, and British Swimming and Claire McGarvey of REN 96. The dealing with the elite end of the The start of the girls’ 15-16 yrs 1750m winners were Jamie 15-17yrs 1750m race at discipline. Forrest of City of Glasgow and Erica the ASA Open Water Age Group and Team Development Brown of Rykneld, and the 13-14 yrs Competitions 1500m winners were Callum Prentice During the year two development of Fauldhouse Penguins and Jo-Ann activities have taken place. In January McGarvey of REN 96. a three-day Development Training Camp was held at Crystal Palace led Grand Prix Series by Malcom Staight supported by other staff from the Districts. Swimmers were The Grand Prix comprised eight rounds, selected by their Districts for this each ASA District staging an event with intensive training programme. Also two events being held in the North East the elite English swimmers were and Scotland. Entries were increased brought together to participate. The with both the male and female win- second activity involved taking a party ners not decided until the last event of English swimmers selected from the in Salford where members of the ASA British Championships in London to the Committee turned out to watch. The French Nationals in August. Swimmers men’s event was very exciting between in the development competition includ- James Leitch and Aaron Yeoman but ed Emma Collings, Heather Frederiksen, James (City of Glasgow) pulled away Phillip Carter, Khalid Jhugroo and Aaron towards the end to take the victory Yeoman. Khalid came sixth in the 5k and the overall series. The winner of against the best from France which the women’s series was Claire McGarvey illustrates our current standard. of REN 96.

National Competitions Future Held on the same day in August, The future lies in working closely with the National Age Groups and Team the Districts to develop their untapped Competitions and the Masters 3k talent and encourage 800 and 1500m Competition had slightly reduced swimmers to make the transition to numbers due to the European Masters Open Water swimming. It is important on the same weekend. However, the to replenish the base when successful reduction to 3k in the Masters was swimmers move forward to the elite well received. end of our sport.

27 Alfred Turner & Harold Fern Awards

Accolades for tireless servants of swimming

Alfred Turner Award Synchronised Swimming Committee in years until retiring in January 2003. MARGARET COYNE 1976 and has been Chairman for many During this period he held several roles years. She has also been team manager which made use of his commercial and Long known as a midlander, Margaret for the District and has tutored courses financial expertise including Chairman was actually born in Leeds but moved and acted as referee or judge at all of the ASA remuneration committee to before she was a year old. District and National events in the for four years; Director of Swimming She began teaching swimming in the Midlands. In 1979 she was appointed Times Ltd; Director of Swimming early sixties in West Bromwich and as GB Team Manager to the Junior Enterprises Ltd and member of the ASA became interested in aquatic art. She Squad and in 1995 as Team Manager Awards Scheme marketing group. was instrumental in the formation of to the GB Senior Squad. Her work Walsall Synchronised Swimming Club as Honorary Secretary of the ASA Malcolm has worked tirelessly to orga- in 1972. As chief coach, she trained all Synchronised Swimming Committee nise major swimming events since 1989 teachers and athletes including her own began in 1991 and she is still a member when he was appointed secretary of daughter Elaine, and in the follow- of that committee although she intends the organising committee for national ing years, Margaret’s club won many to retire next year in order to let some and international events held within District championships and age group younger blood through. the North Eastern District. He can competitions. claim to have been at the helm of 81 Harold Fern Award major events including five European She coached several elite swimmers and MALCOLM G HILL Junior or Senior Championship; World some went on to represent England and Masters Championship; 10 Olympic Great Britain at both junior and senior Malcolm has given outstanding and or European trials, eight Inter-County levels. Walsall Synchronised Swimming dedicated service to swimming for over competitions and no less than 39 ASA Club was known for its Christmas a quarter of a century. He has been National or British Championships. The shows and clubs from throughout Britain involved mainly as an administrator ultimate accolade and recognition for would bring their members to watch and organiser at local, county, district Malcolm’s organisational skills came in the exciting performances entitled: and national levels and is currently the 2002 when he was appointed as Sports ‘Pantomimes in Water’. treasurer of Yorkshire ASA, a position Competition Manager for swimming he has held for 18 of the 24 years he for the XVII Commonwealth Games Margaret qualified as a synchro judge has been a member of the executive held in Manchester. in 1980 and a referee in 1982. In 1988 committee. He has similarly served she was appointed to the FINA Judges on the North Eastern Counties ASA There can be few worthier recipients list and was a judge at the Goodwill executive committee for the past 18 of the Harold Fern Award than Games in 1990. In the same year, she years and continues to play a leading Malcolm Hill. was Chief Referee at the LEN Junior part in its activities. Championships in Leicester. Margaret At national level, Malcolm was a mem- was appointed to the Midland District ber of the ASA committee for eight

Margaret Coyne and Malcolm G Hill

28 ASA Junior Achiever

Grace’s year of achievement

European junior record but also put me been an inspiration. When he won gold under quite a bit of pressure because at the Commonwealth Games, we were coaches were saying I could get the all talking about it at training. Now British senior record of 1:09.00. I was so everyone wants to be as good as Adam. nervous before the final that I was nearly He proved that it could be done from sick. Somehow I still managed to win it. our club. Nick Sellwood always reminds I had Kate Haywood on one side and a us that Adam wasn’t ranked number girl from the on the other. They one going into the Games yet he came were both ahead with 15 metres to go. out as a Commonwealth champion. I don’t know how I did it but I managed I think Nick is one of the best breast- to pip them by five 100ths of a second. stroke coaches in Britain. If there is a Kate won the silver medal. I really breaststroker there, he will always bring didn’t expect to win. It didn’t really them into the squad and help them out. sink in until a week later. By the time Actually, my home club is Leamington we got to the British Short Course Spa and I always said I would never Championships at Stockport in August, go to City of Coventry because they City of Coventry’s Grace I was really tired, but I still managed to were too good. Leamington is more Callaghan became a of a family club. But our former European junior champion do enough to make the team for the in her first international Europeans in Dublin in December, which coach there, Mark Skimming, went to championship was my first senior international Coventry University and introduced championship. It’s interesting that we me to the club. I joined two years ago now have several girls pushing for but still swim for Leamington in the City of Coventry’s 15-year-old places in the British team. Kate and I Speedo League. I think I have a good breaststroker Grace Callaghan describes both hold European junior titles (Kate chance of making it to the highest level a year which has seen her become a won the 50 breast in Glasgow with me now. I’ve got more confidence since European junior champion and British second) while Stacey Tadd won the 100 the European Juniors.” junior record holder and gain selec- and 200m breaststroke at the European tion for the European Short Course Youth Olympics. We are rivals when we Championships. Grace (centre) and Kate are in the water but friends out of it. I Haywood (left) receive get on very well with Stacey and quite their gold and silver med- “It’s been a pretty amazing year well with Kate. We joke about beating als after the 100m and I’ve achieved far more than I each other but they are only jokes. It breaststroke at the expected. This time last year I wasn’t European Junior has always been my target to beat Kate Championships even thinking about the European but Stacey has come up in the last year Junior Championships and never for a or so and is pushing me along. We are moment imagined I would become a all pushing each other. Hopefully one European junior champion. Actually, day the three of us will be like the I didn’t swim very well after the 2002 breaststroke men who keep pushing nationals. I had a growth spurt and my each other to world class times. One of coach Nick Sellwood felt I needed to those is Adam Whitehead and I find it’s change my stroke if I wanted to prog- really helpful being in the same squad ress to another level and it took time at Coventry as Adam, Mick Williamson to adjust. Fortunately it all started to and Rachel Genner. They are all top come together a week before the world breaststrokers and I get to train with championship trials last March. I did them regularly. That helps because they really well at the trials, dropping are all better than me so they push my PB from 1min 11sec to 1:10.19 in me on. If I’m doing something wrong the 100m breaststroke. That got me in training - on my turns, for example into the European Juniors in Glasgow, - Adam will say something and tell me which was my first big international. I need to improve this. There’s a good I did 1:09.26 in the heat, which was a team ethos at Coventry and Adam has

29 Amateur Swimming Association Report and Financial Statements

Financial Review For the year ended 30 September 2003

Overview The year ended 30 September 2003 was encouraging following last year’s disappointing result. Despite the global downturn in sponsorship revenue the Association’s income remained buoyant. This coupled with improved cost monitoring resulted in a small surplus of £2,383.

The Association’s reserves remain in excess of £1.5 million with cash in hand of £0.8 million.

Income Event income comparisons to the previous year are not meaningful as the previous year included income received from the Commonwealth Water Polo Tournament. However, actual out-turn was some £40,000 ahead of budget.

Education income increased 1.85% on the previous year despite lower Crystal Palace income (which was down by 13%), no doubt affected by the impending closure in March 2004.

Membership fees were up as was the contribution from the Awards Centre, which showed an increase of over 3%, whilst volumes remained comparable to the previous year.

Kelloggs’ sponsorship, which now only includes the Awards Scheme, had been agreed and matched budget.

Kerry Foods (Cheestrings) have replaced Kelloggs’ as sponsors of the National Age Groups and this will continue into 2004.

Expenditure Salaries and wages costs increased in line with inflation. The increase in competition costs compared to budget needs to be read in conjunction with a similar increase in income. This has arisen from the income and expenditure being reported separately for the National Water Polo Academy that had previously been shown net.

Education costs increased 10% in the year due to higher than budgeted costs associated with the Department of Education and Skills project. This, again, needs to be read in conjunction with the associated increase in income – a positive contribution of £313,851 was still attained.

Operating costs were £71,525 within budget resulting from tighter cost control and an increased (£55,656) recovery on irrecoverable VAT arising from a change in the method of recovery.

Salaries All persons employed as one head whether they are full or part time.

Balance Sheet Quoted investments, specifically the Harold Fern and Alfred H Turner Awards, no longer appear as their values have dropped below £1,000.

The loan to Swimming Enterprises is adequately covered by the underlying value of the property owned at Redditch.

Stock represents badges, certificates and related items held at Redditch.

30 Amateur Swimming Association Report and Financial Statements

Balance Sheet As at 30 September 2003 2003 2002 Note £000s £000s £000s £000s FIXED ASSETS Freehold properties 2 172 176 Fixtures & fittings 74 95 Motor vehicles 7 12 253 283 Investments at cost Quoted 3 - 2 Unquoted 4 85 85 87 CURRENT ASSETS 85 Bank & cash balances 822 567 Sundry debtors 489 845 Loan to ASA Swimming Enterprises Ltd 5 145 145 Amounts due from ASFGB Ltd - 37 Stocks 119 99 1,575 1,693 1,913 2,063 CURRENT LIABILITIES Sundry creditors (370) (583) Deferred income (147) (75) Charitable donation 12 (17) (16) (534) (674) yearAmounts due from ASFGB Ltd over 1 184 172 NET ASSETS 1,563 1,561

RESERVES Accumulated fund 11 1,480 1,478 Premises Reserve fund 14 83 83 1,563 1,561

Michael W Beard, FCA Chairman and Trustee, 29 November 2003

Income & Expenditure Account For the year ended 30 September 2003 Note 2003 2002 £000s £000s

Operating income 6 4,246 4,152 Investment income 8 125 4,254 4,277 Operating expenditure 7 (4,250) (4,479) Surplus / (deficit) for year 4 (202) Taxation 10 (2) (6) Retained surplus / (deficit) after taxation 2 (208)

31 Amateur Swimming Association Report and Financial Statements

Statement of Total Recognised Gains & Losses Note 2003 2002 £000s £000s

Total net surplus / (deficit) recognised 11 2 (208) since last annual report

Notes to the Financial Statements For the year ended 30 September 2003 1. Accounting Policies a) The accounting policies are prepared under the historical cost convention. b) Stock is valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value and represents finished goods. c) Unquoted investments are held on a long-term basis and no provision is made against annual fluctuations in value. d) Freehold properties and improvements are depreciated over an estimated life of 50 years. e) Fixtures & fittings are depreciated over 2-5 years on a straight-line basis, depending on the type of asset. f) Motor vehicles are depreciated over 4 years on a straight-line basis.

2. Fixed Assets Freehold Fixtures & Motor Total Properties Fittings Vehicles

£000s £000s £000s £000s Cost As at 1 October 2002 183 326 29 538 Additions - 45 6 51 Disposals - (1) - (1) As at 30 September 2003 183 370 35 588 Depreciation As at 1 October 2002 7 231 17 255 Depreciation 4 65 11 80 Disposals - - - - As at 30 September 2003 11 296 28 335

Net book value as at 30 September 2003 172 74 7 253 Net book value as at 1 October 2002 176 95 12 283

3. Quoted Investments The market value is £NIL (2002 - £2,200)

4. Unquoted Investments 2003 2002 Cost Cost Holding £000s £000s

Swimming Times Ltd 100% 25 25 ASA Swimming Enterprises Ltd 100% 50 50 ISTC Limited 100% 10 10 85 85

5. ASA Swimming Enterprises Limited This is an interest free loan with no fixed repayment term. The Amateur Swimming Association holds a fixed and floating charge over the assets of ASA Swimming Enterprises Ltd.

32 Amateur Swimming Association Report and Financial Statements

6. Operating Income 2003 2002 £000s £000s Awards scheme (net) 1,517 1,473 Membership fees 1,159 1,088 Education 619 561 Grants from Sports Council 348 344 Competition entry fees 152 225 Sponsorship & marketing fees 250 196 Management charges 169 158 Crystal Palace scheme (net) 17 62 Sundry receipts 15 45 4,246 4,152

7. Operating Expenditure 2003 2002 £000s £000s Staff & related costs (see note 8) 1,645 1,604 Competition costs 390 528 Contribution to ASFGB Ltd 341 298 Office costs 230 279 Education 322 269 Insurance 243 196 Non-recoverable VAT 122 177 Development 104 168 ASA District grants (see note 9) 108 119 Committee meetings 141 118 Publications 110 97 Depreciation 80 93 Office equipment, information technology & website 81 91 Swimfit launch costs 17 69 Sponsorship & marketing costs 70 63 Grants to other bodies 64 62 Legal & professional fees 66 61 Training & recruitment 56 59 Commonwealth Games 2 34 Sundry Expenses 58 94 4,250 4,479

8. Salaries 2003 2002

Salaries by bands: Up to £5,000 10 13 £5,000 - £10,000 17 13 £10,001 - £15,000 13 15 £15,001 - £20,000 12 11 £20,001 - £25,000 5 6 £25,001 - £30,000 7 9 £30,001 - £35,000 4 3 £35,001 - £40,000 2 - £40,001 - £45,000 4 4 £45,001 - £50,000 - 1 £70,001 - £75,000 - 1 £75,001 - £80,000 1 - 75 76

33 Amateur Swimming Association Report and Financial Statements

9. Distribution of Grants and other funding to Districts NCASA NECASA MDASA SCASA WCASA £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s

District grants 10 7 9 6 8 Competition planning & development 5 5 25 17 16 15 12 34 23 24 Total expenditure 108

10. Taxation 2003 2002 £000s £000s

Corporation tax on income 2 6

11. Accumulated Fund 2003 2002 £000s £000s

Balance as at 1 October 1,478 1,673 Surplus / (deficit) for the year 2 (208) Transfer from Premises Reserve Fund - 13

Balance as at 30 September 2003 1,480 1,478

12. Charitable Donation

In 1999-2000, the ASA received a donation of £22,442 from the Swimming and Personal Survival Charitable Trust with a proviso that the funds were specifically used to provide financial support to club volunteers who wished to take ASA teaching and coaching qualifications.

At 30 September 2003 £16,859 remained unspent (2002 £15,900).

13. Premises Reserve Fund 2003 2002 £000s £000s Balance as at 1 October 83 96 Transfer to Accumulated Fund - (13) Balance as at 30 September 2003 83 83 Statement of ASA Committee’s Responsibilities

The Association’s Constitution requires the ASA Committee to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and its surplus or deficit of income over expenditure for that period. In preparing the financial statements, the ASA Committee is required to:

 Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently

 Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent

The ASA Committee is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which will show with reasonable accuracy the Association’s financial position at any time and are sufficiently detailed to enable accounts to be prepared. It is responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities.

34 Amateur Swimming Association Report and Financial Statements

9. Distribution of Grants and other funding to Districts NCASA NECASA MDASA SCASA WCASA £000s £000s £000s £000s £000s

District grants 10 7 9 6 8 Competition planning & development 5 5 25 17 16 15 12 34 23 24 We have audited the financial statements which comprise the Balance Sheet, Income Total expenditure 108 and Expenditure Account, Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses and the related notes. These Financial Statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention and accounting policies set out therein. 10. Taxation 2003 2002 £000s £000s This report is made solely to the Association’s members, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the members those matters we are Corporation tax on income 2 6 required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Association and the Association’s members as a body, for our audit 11. Accumulated Fund 2003 2002 work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. £000s £000s Respective responsibilities of ASA Committee and Auditors Balance as at 1 October 1,478 1,673 The ASA Committee is responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. Surplus / (deficit) for the year 2 (208) Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance with relevant Transfer from Premises Reserve Fund - 13 legal and regulatory requirements and Auditing Standards. Balance as at 30 September 2003 1,480 1,478 We report to you our opinion as to whether the financial statements give a true and fair view. 12. Charitable Donation We read the other information contained in the Report and consider whether it In 1999-2000, the ASA received a donation of £22,442 from the Swimming and Personal Survival Charitable Trust with a is consistent with the audited financial statements. This other information com- proviso that the funds were specifically used to provide financial support to club volunteers who wished to take ASA prises only the Financial Review. We consider the implications for our report if we teaching and coaching qualifications. become aware of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the financial statements. Our responsibilities do not extend to any other information. At 30 September 2003 £16,859 remained unspent (2002 £15,900). Basis of Opinion 13. Premises Reserve Fund 2003 2002 We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards issues by the £000s £000s Auditing Practices Board. An audit includes an examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. It Balance as at 1 October 83 96 also includes an assessment of the significant estimates and judgements made by Transfer to Accumulated Fund - (13) the ASA Committee in the preparation of the financial statements and whether Balance as at 30 September 2003 83 83 the accounting policies are appropriate to the Association’s circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

Statement of ASA Committee’s Responsibilities We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from The Association’s Constitution requires the ASA Committee to prepare financial material misstatement, whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Association and its surplus or deficit of income over expenditure for In forming our opinion, we have also evaluated the overall adequacy of the that period. In preparing the financial statements, the ASA Committee is required to: presentation of information in the financial statements.

 Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Opinion In our opinion the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of  Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent affairs of the Association as at 30 September 2003 and of the surplus for the year The ASA Committee is responsible for keeping proper accounting records which then ended. will show with reasonable accuracy the Association’s financial position at any time and are sufficiently detailed to enable accounts to be prepared. It is responsible for haysmacintyre Fairfax House safeguarding the assets of the Association and hence for taking reasonable steps CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS 15 Fulwood Place for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities. REGISTERED AUDITORS London 29 November 2003 WC1V 6AY

34 Acknowledgments

Thank you

Members of the ASA Committee would like to place on record their heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, officers and members of the technical committees, the teachers, coaches and tutors, the organisers and officials at national events and many local authorities and leisure service departments who work in partnership with the ASA, providing facilities and administrative help in staging events.

Our particular thanks to the many volunteers who generously give their time and effort for the good of the sport.

And thank you to all contributors to this report

Jeff Cook ASA President ASA Chairman Mike Beard Chief Executive David Sparkes Director of Finance Kiran Chauhan Director of Membership Services & Resources Head of Legal Affairs Jane Nickerson Independent Child Protection Officer Andy Gray Director of Development Commercial Director Barbara Barrett Chief Executive ISTC Di Bishop Facilities Officer Katie Brazier Director of Education Dennis Freeman-Wright Business Development Manager (ASA Awards) Noel Winter National Youth Coach John Lawton Administrator Technical Swimming Committee Mandy Church Hon Sec Swimming Officials Committee John Atkinson Project Director, National Events Jane Davies Disability Swimming, World Class Co-ordinator Bob Outtram Diving National Development Officer Dennis Yeoman Water Polo Committee Administrator Sarah Starbuck Administrator Masters Committee Julian Bellan Hon Sec Synchronised Swimming Committee Julie Allsopp Chairman Open Water Committee Andy Wilson Editor, Swimming Magazine Pam Haworth Sub Editor, Swimming Magazine Mike Hemmings Senior Press Officer Peter Hassall Freelance Press Officer Roger Guttridge Photographer, SWpix.com Dave Richards Photographer, SWpix.com Martin Petty Photographer, SWpix.com Ben Duffy ASA Junior Achiever Matthew Lewis ASA Committee Member Simon Wilkinson Grace Callaghan

Sponsors and supporters The Association is grateful for the generous sponsorship and support, made in a variety of ways from many companies and organisations.

36

Amateur Swimming Association Harold Fern House Derby Square Loughborough LE11 5AL Telephone 01509 618700 www.britishswimming.org