the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Aims and Objectives
The Amateur Swimming Association is the governing body of swimming in England. It comprises eight Regions through which we affiliate 1,200 clubs, who in turn have 50,000 registered swimmers, and more than 175,000 members.
Swimming's mission Swimming is a sport for life l To ensure everyone has an opportunity to learn to swim l To ensure everyone can achieve his or her personal goals l To ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle l To ensure that we achieve gold medal success
Contents
3 Chief Executive's Report 4 Revitalising the asa brand 6 Section 1: Learn to Swim 9 Section 2: Lifelong Participation 11 Section 3: Athlete Development 14 Section 4: Excellence 15 Section 5: Volunteering 16 Section 6: Facilities 18 Section 7: International Influence 19 Section 8: Equity and Ethics 20 Section 9: Governance, Structures and Partnerships 21 Section 10: Monitoring and Evaluation 24 Amateur Swimming Association: Report and financial statements
Right Hands on approach: Sutton and Cheam’s Michael Smith makes his presence felt as Invicta’s Jack Waller faces up to life in the junior men’s final at the asa water polo championships
Cover image Aquatic stars Fran Leighton, Adrian Turner and Nick Robinson-Baker and award winners at the 2007 Swimtastic gala
2 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Chief Executive’s Report
We have continued to push forward In conclusion, I would like to acknowledge our club accreditation programme, the support and encouragement of Swim 21 and this will become even the asa Board and the work of the asa more important in the future. We Regions whilst tendering my thanks to need to develop links with other all partners, investors, volunteers and industry-based programmes and also staff who have done so much for the devise ways that will encourage others Association during the year. outside the club situation to raise their standards.
Meanwhile, our Beacon programme in England, complementing the intensive training centre programme being built by British Swimming, should ensure we develop a seamless pathway for our talented swimmers.
Continuing to learn from our Everyday David Sparkes Chief Executive Swimming programme, we now understand that the key to encourage more people to participate in aquatics involves changing the culture and increasing the skill level of people working in the pool, enhancing the customer experience and seeking new A young diver enters Time seems to pass quicker than ever in markets. We are actively engaged with the water during the today’s busy world and this year has been the Government on this work as they national elite junior no exception. Having said that, we have recognise that our sport has a major role diving competition of course found time to really progress to play in getting an extra two million at Sheffield the work of the asa. The 12 months people more active by 2012. have been full of achievement and this has also allowed us to sow the seeds for All this progress can only be achieved by future growth. The past year has also the dedication and skill of our workforce. involved us in a rebranding exercise and There is no doubt that we benefit from this is explained on the following pages. a wide variety of people who bring a passion and vitality to everything they This report will show how we do and, as we roll out our new training have worked with Government on programmes for coaches, teachers, improving the opportunity for all our technical officials and volunteers, young children to learn to swim whilst particularly young volunteers, I believe at school. It is fortunate for us that the future for our sport is assured. swimming is firmly in the curriculum and that there is cross party support Being the first National Governing Body for our sport at Key Stages 1 and 2. to be awarded the intermediate level of the equality standard for sport is a major The report will also illustrate our achievement and demonstrates the momentum in putting swimming strength of our commitment to make competition at the heart of all schools swimming more diverse and relevant - with new festivals. We have worked to all. closely with the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) and now One factor, however, that we must not the challenge for both the asa and forget is that swimming pools are needed ESSA is to deliver on this work and take for our sport to actually take place and advantage of the appointment of the we have continued to lobby for more and Schools Competition Managers. better facilities, with appropriate affordable access. Our success in this area, With regard to talent development, albeit slow, leaves me encouraged that we have seen the consolidation of the we will continue to add to our stock of Advanced Apprenticeship in Sporting 50m pools and that we will reap some Excellence (AASE) programme and, with rewards from the Building Schools for athletes from that programme making the Future programme. But progress is the Olympic team for Beijing, any doubts far from easy and we need to work as about the scheme’s impact must surely one team in this never-ending aspect have been banished. of our work.
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 3 Revitalising addressing the gap between the reality a ‘badge of honour’, which sits quietly to of what the asa now delivers and some the top left hand corner of publications the asa brand people’s perceptions, many were also and literature within a seal-type device unclear and unaware of the full scope – reflecting both the official role of the of the asa’s work. emblem and the heritage of the asa. As the Amateur Swimming Association gets a new name and a new logo, For these reasons a complete In future, when appearing within sponsorship and events director revitalisation project has been started narrative, the asa will be used in lower Katie Brazier explains the background in which the asa brand has been defined case - the asa - to give a unique edge to the rebranding. and designed to make it more relevant to the name and reflect the logo design. and future- orientated. This process has The new design reinforces some of the The remit of the Amateur Swimming led to a re-energising of the asa brand via key values that the asa stands for, such as: Association has grown dramatically a compelling new definition of who we over recent years. In addition to being are and what we do, along with a new l Uniqueness: the asa is unique in a membership organisation for clubs brand identity based on the asa name, that it has a broader agenda than and competitors, it is involved in role and values. Revitalising the brand most national governing bodies. It delivering initiatives on behalf of will allow the asa’s stakeholders to is involved in every component of government departments in the wider rediscover the value the organisation swimming, from learning to grass context of sport and health. It certainly gives not only to them but to all the roots to winning medals and has a remit that extends further than other interested parties that we everything in between. many other national governing bodies. work with. l For everyone: Swimming is for all, Consequently, what the asa does and New identity participation is key. the asa must stands for has changed quite significantly. reflect this and can touch everyone Now recognised as one of the most The emphasis on using the name ‘the involved. It is as egalitarian as professionally-run sports national asa’ has meant that consideration swimming itself. the asa can support governing bodies, with a reputation had to be given to the organisation’s all swimming activities for all people. for being innovative in its approach while corporate identity. For many years, It is an enabler and it works to make consistently delivering results across all the symbol of the asa has been the swimming accessible and to ensure levels of the sport, it seemed only right heraldic emblem, which has been used that everyone can achieve their to begin to question the validity or on all printed materials, including personal goals. relevance of the word ‘amateur’ in its awards, certificates, leaflets and reports. In the early stages of the project, research l Forward-thinking: Progressive and full name - and whether that name proactive, the asa sets the vision for should be changed. identified that the heraldic emblem, while hugely important to the asa and swimming. the asa Board agreed that the use of having great heritage and meaning, l Trusted: the asa has experts the word ‘amateur’ no longer delivers can also be seen as old-fashioned and throughout the organisation, delivers any real benefit in terms of what the traditional and does not effectively education and expertise to the highest organisation does and that the term is deliver what the asa is now or wants standards and is trusted by the perceived differently today than it was to say in the future. Government and other partners when the name was adopted. The word to deliver initiatives. ‘amateur’ can, in fact, create negative the asa is progressive and keen to l Partnership: the asa believes or outdated perceptions. modernise and it will be beneficial for the organisation to have a more in building and forging strong partnerships at all levels to deliver New name contemporary, forward-thinking identity to force a reappraisal of what it is and the goals we set and has a strong The organisation is often referred to as what it does. collaborative ethic to build success ‘The ASA’ by default. It has therefore for the future. the asa fosters a been decided to make this unofficial That’s why there is a new, exciting spirit of close collaboration and name official by declaring the Amateur design for the logo of the asa that will co-operation with all partners Swimming Association as the asa. This be introduced gradually from June this and sees a partnership approach will allow it to maintain the equity and year. The new logo has been designed to as a formula for success. heritage already built up over its long work alongside the heraldic emblem, as it l Heritage: A wealth of history and and successful history while also making is important that the emblem is still seen heritage underpins the asa’s position the name more relevant to the and used in an appropriate way. today as the authority for swimming organisation and its stakeholders. in England and its broader influence. New logo More than just a name The heraldic emblem will become a To underline the vision of today’s asa, Following research with stakeholders, supporting logo working alongside the the design of the new logo incorporates it also became apparent that while a new ASA logo to reinforce the history of vibrant colours suggesting inspiration and change in name would go part-way to the asa. The heraldic emblem appears in a passion for swimming. It also features
4 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 modern, contemporary graphics to reinforce forward-thinking initiatives.
The logo now incorporates a contemporary typeface along with a distinctive wave, designed to be a dynamic and recognisable image. The wave symbolises the asa’s connection with water and swimming.
The wave is also divided into five sections, with each section representing an area of focus and the asa’s role in supporting each discipline in its remit - namely swimming (pool, open water and disability), healthy living, water polo, diving and synchronised swimming. Each individual discipline is represented by a specific colour, which will be used for events and communications solely involving that discipline.
In addition to a new identity, the asa has a new strapline to reinforce what the organisation does. The strapline - ‘the essential element’ - cleverly combines what the asa is, playing on the word ‘element’ to stress the involvement of water and using the word ‘essential’ to underline the asa’s fundamental role in everything to do with swimming. The strapline also reinforces the asa’s national governing body status. Implementation An official announcement of the changes was made on the website on June 1. The new branding and identity will slowly be phased in to ensure a cost-effective introduction. It will be seen throughout asa literature, the awards scheme, website, promotional items, advertising, promotions and so on. The first event to use the new branding will be National Age Group Championships in Sheffield in July. Exciting time This is an exciting time for the sport as a whole so the timing of the new brand implementation couldn’t be better. It will provide the asa with a unique opportunity to highlight its leading role in swimming and will better reflect the modern and progressive organisation that it is.
Chief executive David Sparkes said: ‘As the essential element of the swimming industry, we must continue to drive the swimming agenda by working with all our stakeholders to deliver the best possible provision that will in turn increase participation at all levels of the sport. The new asa brand will support this work by helping to increase understanding of the asa and the value it delivers while projecting the image of the modern and innovative organisation that we are.’
5 Section 1: Key National Outcomes Improvement Programme. This has resulted in a commitment of £8.25 million Learn to Swim School to Club Links investment in school swimming up until The PESSYP National Survey measured 2011. The main aim of this programme individual links between school and clubs. will be to improve the quality of school The PE And Sport Strategy for The number of individual schools linked swimming and ensure as many pupils Young People (Pessyp) to clubs for 2007 was 9,053, which as possible can swim safely by the end represents 41.6 per cent of total schools, of primary Key Stage 2. the asa has continued to contribute to an increase of 16 per cent since 2003/04. the key outcomes of the newly renamed We will continue to build on the the asa will be working closely with strategy (formerly the PE, School Sport development for 2008/09. and Club Links strategy). The PESSYP the DCSF in ensuring that this investment improves the delivery of school swimming strategy has key strands, each designed Top Up Swimming to maximise opportunities for young The Top Up Swimming programme has in England. people to access high quality physical been delivered to over 73,185 pupils with education (PE) and school sport. 61 per cent of the participants being able Professional Development for Teachers to swim a minimum of 25m by the end The delivery of high quality school The aim is to create a world-class system of delivery. Detailed planning now shows swimming lessons is an essential for PE and sport for all children and that by July 2008 over 107,000 pupils element of school swimming provision, young people, which will stimulate, will have been able to access additional to ensure pupils are given the best sustain and increase their participation opportunities to swim and receive quality possible introduction to aquatics. in sport. teaching. Through PESSYP funding, over 125 free National Curriculum Training Courses The national strategy is being Key to the success in the delivery have been provided to 2,200 school delivered through inter-linked work of Top Up Swimming has been the teachers and swimming teachers involved strands. The first two, Sports Colleges partnership working with School Sports in the delivery of curriculum swimming. and School Sport Partnerships, have Partnerships and in particular the With continued support and investment created a national PE and School Sports Department for Children, Schools and from the DCSF through the School infra-structure by establishing a network Families (DCSF). We are currently in Swimming Improvement Programme, of 450 school sport partnerships, which discussions with the DCSF with regard we are looking to deliver over 450 are at the hub of the Government’s to developing the School Swimming courses. strategy to enhance young people’s opportunities to participate in a wide range of sports as well as raising the standards of teaching and learning of PE and school sport.
The key PESSYP work strands for the asa are: l School Club Links l School Swimming l Step into Sport l School Competition Framework l Professional Development for Teachers
6 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 It has been difficult to obtain reliable and swimming attainment levels. This report bodies can best recruit, train, support up-to-date information relating to the will be available in October 2008 and will and retain teachers and coaches. The number of primary age pupils not being give us a strong indication of the current document will challenge the asa to look able to swim. Ofsted carried out the last school swimming attainment levels. at how it can develop coaches over and large survey in 2000. They inspected 301 above qualifications, CPD seminars and schools and ascertained an average Key Workforce Development licensing. The challenge is to have the Stage 2 attainment level of 80 per cent. best coach development programme Since 2000 Ofsted have done a small British Swimming has been chosen by in the world by 2016. The high level sample inspection in 2007 looking at the Sports Coach UK to be the ‘accelerated strategic plan is at the developmental quality of school swimming. Her Majesty’s trailblazer’ for the UK Coaching stage, and will eventually consist of one Inspectors visited 30 primary schools in Framework (UKCF). British Swimming national delivery plan and eight regional 17 school sport partnerships. The schools and the home country partners have delivery plans. were selected from within partnerships been working closely with Sports Coach which had received additional funding UK on the planning of the new coach Swimming has been chosen as the under the Physical Education, School development framework. The UKCF pilot programme for Women in High Sport and Club Links (PESSCL) strategy has five strategic areas that set out the Performance Coaching and 25 female to boost the quality and effectiveness blueprint on how national governing coaches are on the programme. of provision for swimming in primary schools.
It was intended that this funding should have a positive impact on increasing the proportion of pupils who are able to meet the end of Key Stage 2 expectation by swimming 25 metres unaided. Inspectors found provision for swimming was good in the majority of schools and partnerships visited. In the best examples of provision, excellent liaison between the school, partnership and local authority ensured that the provision matched pupils’ needs and interests; teachers were sensitive to potential religious and/or cultural issues.
In the 2008 National School Sports survey, a sample of school partnerships have been requested to report on Key Stage 2
To ensure everyone has an opportunity to learn to swim, taught by fully qualified teachers in a quality, structured Vision environment ensuring that all children can swim 25m unaided by Key Stage 2.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
200 Local Authorities offering Top Up 440 450 200 Local Authorities offering Top Up opportunities. opportunities.
Number of teachers accessing the NCTP. 2,000 7,577 1,300 teachers accessing National Curriculum Teaching Plan (NCTP). 1,000 Swim Programmes using NPTS. 900 1,324 1,000 swim programmes using National 150 accredited Learn to Swim programmes 100 121 Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS). (Aquamark). 150 accredited Learn to Swim programmes. 48,692 qualified teachers and coaches. 40,000 40,540 Additional 48,692 qualified swimming 8,652 CPD attendances by swimming teachers 8,000 19,753 teachers and coaches. and coaches. Those unable to swim reduced to 5%. 96 trained ASA/UKCC Tutors. 64 80
96 trained National Presenters. 100 113
200 trained vocational trainers. 200 189
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 7 Qualifications coaching staff and a CD of templates for The new National Plan for Teaching Six new qualifications for the UK use within the scheme, which have both Swimming provided an opportunity Coaching Certificate have been endorsed proved to be very popular. to promote the plan to the key players taking the total up to 12. within the industry and the team have In addition to the resources available helped to deliver the NPTS across all sites The target for the number of teachers within the Programmers Pack, there is within DC Leisure, SLM Community and coaches trained and who attend a new guide aimed at helping parents Leisure, Parkwood Leisure, Leisure Continuous Professional Development to understand the ethos of the plan Connections, Greenwich Leisure (GLL), (CPD) has been exceeded again this and to encourage them to play a more Stevenage Leisure, David Lloyd, Soll year despite the major changes to active role in their child’s swimming Leisure, Wycombe Leisure and many the education programme. The Institute development. A number of our key local authorities. of Swimming (IoS) instigated a round partners are looking at the possibility of regional training for existing tutors, of utilising this guide within their Exhibitions attended include The explaining how the new qualifications introduction packs for new starters, Education Show, ISRM conference, work and informing tutors of the latest emphasising the quality message Everyday Swim, the asa Teachers developments. The IoS has recruited 100 from the start. Conference (England and Wales), BSCTA new tutors from all disciplines and will Conference and Leisure Industry Week. roll out training during 2008/2009. The revised NPTS is ‘all-inclusive’ and All these events gave the team the a series of awards (Alpha Awards) are opportunity to raise the profile of Quality assured CPD accessible for those young people who the asa and NPTS amongst not only our Twenty new titles have been added, require smaller stepping-stones to enable current but also prospective customers. taking the total up to 45. Presenters them to learn to swim. continue to be trained by the IoS to deliver this increasing number of Busy year for Business Team seminars. This will allow us to grow The Business Team had a busy year, with the delivery programme in order to all eight Regional Business Managers meet the ever-increasing demand The Top Up Swimming concentrating on developing the Learn for CPD. to Swim opportunities with our customers programme has been delivered and forging partnerships which encourage to over 73,185 pupils with Institute of Swimming the purchase of the asa Awards. The team Regional officers have been working has negotiated an all time record number 61 per cent of the participants with key partners to develop a needs-led of partnerships, bringing the total of being able to swim a minimum annual training plan. Three full time business partners to 178 and individual tutors - Northern, Southern and Aquatic sites to 918. of 25m by the end of delivery. Fitness - have been appointed. One hundred and seventy coaches have been enrolled onto the new UKCC level 3 Coaching qualification. Two hundred and fifty pools are now working within the IoS approved centre network. the asa Awarding Body The re-structure and review, in line with the latest Qualification and Curriculum Authority Guidelines, has been completed. This has led to a rewrite of all existing policies and procedures with clear operational targets established to meet customers needs.
National Plan for Teaching Swimming The National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) was revised and updated and led to a huge increase in the number of sites showing an interest in developing their learn to swim programmes. One thousand, three hundred and 24 packs have been sold throughout the country, with a large percentage of centres reaping the value of investing in their staff development and taking advantage of the CPD opportunities linked with the new NPTS.
The new Programmers Pack, which provides details for both the organisation of the swim programme and information for the swimming teaching/coaching staff, has been very well received. The pack also contains a DVD of expected standards for use as an aid for teaching/
8 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Section 2: Lifelong Participation
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to enjoy swimming as part of a healthy lifestyle and to ensure everyone can Vision achieve his or her personal goals. the asa will continue to work to ensure that everyone learning to swim continues to benefit from participation in the sport to the level to which they aspire throughout their lifetime.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
32 Local Exercise Action Plans (LEAP) or 18 25 32 LEAP or equivalent programmes equivalent programmes incorporating swimming. incorporating swimming.
9 Everyday Swim pilots. 10 8 Establish 9 Everyday Swim pilots.
4,000 registered Swimfit members. 3,000 702 4,000 registered Swimfit members.
11,000 registered Masters swimmers. 9,700 7,930 11,000 registered Masters competitors accessing a national competition for their discipline.
121,200 swimming members. 120,900 162,620 Increase participation in swimming by 1% year on year.
Everyday Swim how to overcome some of the common scheme which remains popular with barriers to encourage more people into good adherence rates. Much of the The Everyday Swim project has gone our sport. information from the Hull and East from strength to strength in the past Riding project is detailed qualitative year and is having a real impact - Having this evidence will allow us, data which gives us a good insight into bringing new swimmers to our pools and the leisure industry as a whole, the complexities of why people choose and changing lives. People who to invest in our sport in ways that we to take up swimming, what motivates could not swim a year ago are now know will attract new swimmers while them and what discourages them. teachers, lifeguards and ambassadors continuing to cater for those who are for swimming and many more are already regulars. learning to swim after years of being Kellogg’s Swim Active frightened of the water, or simply taking Created in 2006, the Kellogg’s Swim their children swimming more often Swim for Health Active programme is designed to deliver because changes in pool programmes The findings from this project have been wide-reaching projects that remove the and activities have made the sport a invaluable in informing work in other barriers to participation in the sport. more attractive option. areas particularly the health referral
The independent Interim Report on Duncan Goodhew helps a budding backstroker Everyday Swim, which covers activities up to December 2007, has sparked a lot of interest as it shows some common challenges for the industry nationally. Everyday Swim is working to address these issues and to make sure that all the learning from the project is captured and shared effectively to let others benefit.
The profile of Everyday Swim is increasing and the project has built up credibility among key decision makers across the pool industry and Government.
Evidence Through the robust monitoring and evaluation of Everyday Swim and also the Swim for Health projects in Hull and East Riding and South Tyneside, the asa is gathering unparalleled knowledge of the swimming ‘market’. We have robust information on those who swim already, those who want to swim more, and
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 9 So far it has encouraged at least 75,000 their work by sharing our learning and Post 16 Years Participation ‘reluctant swimmers’ to get involved. expertise, and benefit from their support Following consultation with More than 40 projects have been throughout our projects to get more 15/17-year-old ASA members on delivered or are currently running people active through swimming. their remaining in the sport or across the asa regions, Scotland and otherwise, this research is now being Wales and 40,000 young people have Masters Swimming used to assist clubs to retain swimmers benefited. As well as delivering further The 2007 GB and ASA Masters through a participation pathway, specific projects that will enable Championships were hugely successful which includes volunteer opportunities, thousands more youngsters to take to in terms of records and participants. education courses, technical official the water, Swim Active funding is also Six world, 31 European and 109 British qualifications and appropriate competitive set to provide training bursaries for records were achieved with over 1500 opportunities across all the aquatic teachers and coaches in order to help participants at these two events. At the disciplines. increase capacity. Match funding has LEN European Masters, a further three been achieved through the National world, four European and 14 British Sport England has used a national Sports Foundation whilst the Kellogg’s records were established showing a survey called Active People to establish investment and project creation has great strength in Masters competitive a baseline for current activity levels. The also acted as a catalyst for accessing participation. biggest survey of its kind to date, 1,000 local funding and engaging and adults (16+) in each district level council developing partnerships with a wide Fitness Qualifications area were interviewed by telephone variety of organisations from housing about their activity levels. Regular adult Three new Aquatic Fitness qualifications associations to primary care trusts, participation in swimming is 13.8 per have been endorsed by the Register of county sports partnerships and local cent. The survey will be repeated annually Exercise Professionals. authorities to leisure trusts. with quarterly data published as it becomes available. The second survey At the 2008 Sports Industry Awards, Swimfit that will show increases or decreases the Swim Active programme was short Swimfit has shown disappointing figures in participation will be available from listed in the Community Programme of so we are committed to a complete December 2008. the Year Award. Whilst not the overall redevelopment of the product. We will winner, the judging panel did note that be redesigning it so that it will be a Further Education Sport engaging so many participants was ‘a comprehensive developmental tool for all the asa is committed to working sizeable feat in the judges’ consideration swimmers from school age upwards. To with the new Further Education Sports given the psychological and physical ensure that we produce a quality product Co-ordinator programme which is barriers towards the sport’. that meets the needs of our members and designed to increase opportunities for potential new customers, research is young people, aged between 16 and National Partnership Working being undertaken and the results will 19 in education, to participate, perform shape the new Swimfit. the asa’s work with its main national and lead and volunteer in sport. The partners has developed even further. primary objectives are to drive the Building on a well established National T-30 improvement and enhancement of the relationship with Government For the first time, non-ASA members existing college-based sport enrichment departments (Department of Health, were allowed to enter this postal swim. programmes for such students, with a Department for Children, Schools and This brought an increase in participants particular focus on raising participation, Families and the Department for Culture, and the emphasis is now on attracting broadening opportunities to lead and Media and Sport in particular) and Sport new competitors from outside the asa volunteer and improve and enhance England, we have been able to support membership. competition opportunities.
Local girl Jill Jones set two European records at the GB Masters in Manchester
Duncan Goodhew assists with an Everyday Swim launch
10 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Section 3: Athlete Development
To ensure everyone can achieve his or her personal goals and to ensure that we achieve gold medal success. Vision The development of swimmers to their full individual potential is an important factor and we will achieve this by ensuring that all swimmers have a quality coaching and training environment at each stage of their development.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
800 Swim 21 clubs. 600 345 800 accredited Swim 21 clubs.
72 networks of Swim 21 accredited clubs. 50 29 72 networks of accredited clubs.
Walsall Synchro Club celebrate their 35th birthday. Photo courtesy of Express & Star Swim 21 The re-launched Swim 21 programme has been through a period of consolidation. It became apparent that the 2009 target of 800 accredited clubs would not be reached. Therefore a process of consultation was implemented with staff and clubs at the Club and County Conference and a plan of action was put in place to review the targets and the accreditation process. New regional targets were agreed and a working group set up to make recommendations on a revised accreditation process. This group will report back to the asa Board in 2008. The revised target of 553 accreditations by March 2009 will mean that almost a third of all ASA member clubs will have a Swim 21 accreditation.
To support this process, research has been commissioned through Loughborough University, who will consult clubs on their ability to access accreditation and the benefits of accreditation once achieved. This research will report back later in 2008 but initial findings indicated that the process is too onerous on the clubs and the benefits of accreditation have not been appropriately marketed to the clubs, externally or internally.
It is clear from consultation with partners that Swim 21 is seen as the premier accreditation scheme amongst national governing bodies. It also incorporates the Clubmark award and the asa is determined to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of clubs and swimmers in providing guidance and direction in the standards required to maintain quality swimming experiences.
Swimming Development The England Talent Development Programme (ETDP) has provided talent development opportunities to 415 athletes (207 female, 208 male), 139
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 11 coaches (46 female, 93 male), 25 team managers (19 female, six male), 24 experts (11 female, 13 male) and 11 physiotherapists (five female, six male).
The ETDP programme has been delivering a series of clinics and camps, across the eight ASA regions and caters for swimmers from the age of 12 years through to 20 plus within the Level 1-3 structure. At Levels 1 and 2 the clinics and camps have been held at regional level and cater for 12-13 year-olds (Level 1) and 14-15 year-olds (Level 2), whilst Level 3 caters for any athlete on an improvement pathway consistent with progression to the World Class programmes.
The programme provides athletes with a series of inter-linked educational activities to develop skills on lifestyle management and strategies for nutrition and mental skills. Additionally, all athletes on the programme are screened by a physiotherapist, anthropologically measured and tracked with advice on stability and core strengthening work, tailored to each Advanced Apprenticeship in Two UKCC Level 2 pilot courses were run swimmer. This programme is one of Sporting Excellence (AASE) successfully in the North East and South the largest of its kind ever attempted East region whilst the UKCC Level 1 and and the findings, allied to stages of The AASE Programme is a sport and unit 2’s continue across the country. development, will be utilised as generic education programme designed to UKCC Level 3 is awaiting endorsement. feedback to our clubs and coaches for meet the needs of elite/potentially elite intervention at an earlier stage within athletes, developed by Skills Active and The popularity of AquaFUN has grown their activities. Swimmers have also funded by the Learning and Skills Council. with synchro clubs embracing the undertaken swimming and land-work The programme provides athletes with programme and in the last year, seven sessions tailored by the coaching staff education about their sport and the AquaFUN CPD Courses took place. in conjunction with their Regional requirements of being a sports performer. Talent Development Coach and Regional The apprenticeship consists of three main Nineteen synchronised swimmers Coaches forums, which have been elements: NVQ Level 3 Achieving Excellence have been selected into the National established across all ASA regions in Sports Performance, Technical Development Squad for 2008 whilst three and which is central to selection and Certificate 780 Guided Learning Hours multi-regional squads encompassing identification of performance issues. (A-Levels, Btec, Coaching), Key Skills seven regions have been formed. Level 2 Communication and Application The educational programme is not limited of Number. Seventeen synchronised swimmers have to swimmers, but also encompasses a passed the halfway stage of AASE with parents’ programme at Level 1, plus Swimming has 128 athletes on the another seven on year one of the development activities for coaches, programme. The first batch of athletes programme. physiotherapists and team managers. are due to complete the scheme in October 2008. Athletes have attended Water Polo During January 2008, we piloted a new various camps and workshops as part Open Water regional talent programme of the NVQ Level 3 Achieving Excellence Water polo has 30 athletes on the AASE scheme. in the North East region, which included in Sports Performance. The AASE athlete education units, specifically programme successfully passed its first targeted on the needs of this aspect Ofsted Inspection in March 2008. The of our sport. This programme will now report highlighted the key strengths Coaches Jim Caulfield and be expanded to every ASA region for of the programme and areas of September 2008. improvements. An action plan has been Sue Langston have built a developed to allow the improvement superb programme that allows Beacon Programme and plan to be implemented during Club Networks 2008/2009. players to combine their We have moved to the implementation academic studies with their stage in developing the new Beacon Synchro sporting aspirations. programmes in a number of regions. An Five clubs have been accredited for Swim intrinsic part of these new programmes is 21, which include three competitive, one to provide a regional resource for athlete, skill development and one teaching club. The Grantham Academy continues to coach and support staff development. Another 18 clubs continue to progress grow and now boasts more national In creating these structures we have towards Swim 21 accreditation. squad members than ever before, 19! been forging new partnerships within the communities in which they will operate.
12 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Coaches Jim Caulfield and Sue Langston is the European Junior Championships The British Disability Swimming have built a superb programme that in June 2008. Currently there are National Talent Programme, previously allows players to combine their academic 14 athletes on the Development named the English Talent Programme, studies with their sporting aspirations. programme, 11 of these are under has undergone a number of changes. 16 years of age. The programme now hosts swimmers All these national squad athletes have from all three home nations to ensure been receiving TASS (Talented Athlete Three diving clubs have been Swim 21 consistency of delivery in developing Support Scheme) funding. Living away accredited and more clubs are working talent across all home nations. There from home, they find the funding towards accreditation. are currently 11 athletes on the essential to assist with travel to training, programme of which ten are English. competitions and home. Funding has More than 500 swimming and diving The British Disability Swimming National also been helpful with coaching, strength teachers have successfully completed Talent Programme aims to underpin and and conditioning programmes, and provide a seamless transition onto the physiotherapy treatment at Loughborough courses for the asa’s Flip n Fun initiative. World Class Pathway. Two National University. Athletes have attended Launched in July, Flip n Fun is a diving Talent athletes were selected for the workshops for nutrition, motivation FUNdamentals programme designed to World Class Development Programme and goal-setting, and the 100%ME drug introduce children aged five to 11 to awareness scheme. the basics of the sport. in 2008. Water polo clubs working towards Disability Regional structures are being implemented achieving Swim21 with their regions across all of the asa regions to ensure that have benefited from free water polo The successful training programme there are opportunities from participation kit through the Aquastart initiative. for classifiers has led to classification through to elite competition for all sessions at the majority of regional disabled people. ‘Jigsaw’ days have taken Diving disability swimming competitions. In place in a number of regions to consult addition, a newcomer meet was hosted Diving has 26 athletes on the AASE with those with an interest in disability programme. with the sole purpose of offering swimming. Also through the Service Level another opportunity for more athletes Agreement with Disability Sport Events, The Junior Development Programme to be classified. Seventy swimmers forums are taking place in most of the asa continues to assist the development have been classified this year. regions bringing together key volunteers of identified athletes to achieve The implementation of regional from both organisations with the goal podium-success in the next two structures is taking place across all of of creating a single structure for the complete Olympic Cycles. the asa regions with the inclusion of disabled swimmer. a regional talent programme that will The first camp was held in Leeds, and prepare athletes and coaches for the There are 23 athletes on the AASE the first Junior Development competition National Talent Programme. programme.
Left Bournemouth Dolphins’ nine-year-olds Harriet Higgins and Daniel Speers with the Below Nova Centurion girls celebrate 21 medals they won between them at their their overall victory at the Derventio club’s open meet in the Littledown pool eXcel open meet
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 13 Section 4: Excellence
Swimming remains focussed on the achievement of success at Commonwealth Games as part of our Olympic and Vision Paralympic aspirations.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
English athletes in world top 25 rankings 30 26 90% of the GB team comprising of (Swimming). English athletes.
English athletes in world top 25 rankings 6 15 719 English athletes (across all disciplines) (Diving). in world top 25 rankings.
English athletes in world top 25 rankings 180 65 (Disability).
English athletes in world top 25 rankings 7 5 (Open water).
English athletes in world top 25 rankings 11 2 (Synchronised Swimming).
English athletes in world top 10 rankings 462 632 (Masters).
English athletes in British Teams. 90% 90%
Swimming the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games and the athletes is a credit to the integration are competing in a number of domestic of the training plan with full EIS support Although Britain did not send a full team and international open meets. at Bisham Abbey. to the 2008 European championships in Eindhoven, English swimmers contributed Water polo The British duet, Jenna Randall and to Britain’s victory in the women’s 4x100m Olivia Allison, have qualified for the 2008 medley relay with Lizzie Simmonds, Kate Manchester’s World Class programme has continued to develop. An unprecedented Olympic Games improving their duet Haywood, Fran Halsall and Welsh girl ranking in Europe from 12th place at the Jemma Lowe making a new British and 48 athletes are now training at the performance centre. They have aspirations European Cup in June 2007 to ninth at European record of 3:59.33 - the first the European Championships in March European team to break four minutes. of playing in London 2012 and are working hard to achieve their goals. 2008. Jenna’s solo was also ranked ninth Relay silver went to English girls Jo in Europe with a podium finish at the Jackson, Mel Marshall, Ellen Gandy, German Open in January. together with Scot Caitlin McClatchey, In November 07, Jérôme Read became in the 4x200m freestyle. the new men’s head coach while Szilveszter Fekete continues to lead The British team athletes are focusing the women’s programme. Coaches and on fitness and skills in the first year of At Manchester’s 2008 World Short Course centralisation and will compete in 2009. Championships, English swimmers won athletes continue to work alongside the support staff of the English Institute two individual gold, six individual silver Diving and five individual bronze medals with of Sport. involvement in two relay silver medals British Diving has re-established itself as Both national teams are showing genuine and two relay bronze medals. a world force with some excellent results. progress. The men, performing in front Open water of a raucous home crowd showed great The 2008 World FINA Diving Cup proved promise and determination finishing a to be British Diving’s finest hour with 14 Cassie Patten and Alan Bircher won creditable sixth at the European Nations places, including all four synchro teams, London’s leg of the European Cup 5k Trophy in July. This was all the more qualifying for the Beijing Olympic Games series. At the 2008 world championships laudable as it was the team’s first major - a record for Great Britain, and including in Seville, Cassie underlined her potential European competition since 2002. a bronze medal for Blake Aldridge and with 10k silver and Olympic qualification. Similarly, the women showed the young superstar, Thomas Daley. This now She will be joined by Stockport Metro improvement they have made finishing ensures us four Olympic finals and four team-mate Keri-Anne Payne who finished as runners up in their European B outside chances of medals. eighth in Seville but Bircher will not make Championships. the Olympic team after finishing 21st. Individual results were also excellent with Synchro all four platform places being secured. Disability swimming Twelve athletes are now centralised at The springboard events showed where The year in question did not have a major the High Performance Centre (HPC) at we are still deficient but GB qualified international competition for England’s Aldershot following a full time training one place in the men’s 3m and one elite. Swimmers are busy preparing for programme. The rapid improvement of place in the women’s 3m.
14 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Section 5: the policy will apply to all volunteers free of charge by volunteers. The slow working directly with central and down in trained candidates can perhaps Volunteering regional departments such as the Events be attributed to the change in how the Department, Technical and Officials course was managed. In particular the Committees and Regional Committees. availability of course resources on the Recognition It is also the aspiration of this policy to website ensures course costs are kept to encourage good practice for the support a minimum, however the consequence The 2007 Aquaforce Volunteer Awards and supervision of volunteers who work of this is that some courses have been were presented at the 2008 Club and within the wider swimming community run which have not been registered County Conference. The winners were: and the affiliated clubs. with the asa. This problem has now Outstanding Contribution at Club Level, been identified and will be rectified Joan Weatherington (City of Sheffield the asa encourages its staff to undertake to ensure all past and future courses SC); Outstanding Contribution at County/ are registered appropriately. Regional Level, John Ramsay (Hart SC); volunteering roles and a list is kept on the intranet of those who have done so Long Service, Anne Collins (West Wight Officials SC); Young Volunteers, Nick Mills and their reports of their activities. (Borough of Barnsley SC). Considerable work has been undertaken Young Aquatic Organiser Award to complete and roll out revised official qualification structures in most disciplines A further 28 volunteers received regional The Young Aquatic Organiser Award was with an aim of attracting a greater Aquaforce awards and 20 volunteers launched in Autumn 2007 and is aimed number of officials and ensuring young were invited as VIPs to international at 14-19-year-olds who are developing volunteers have the opportunity to competitions across the disciplines to their leadership skills and wish to become recognise their contribution to their sport. gain skills in this area. Simple entry involved in either the administration, level qualifications have been developed teaching, coaching or officiating of Good Club Guides by Swimming (Club Timekeeper), Diving aquatic activities. (Rookie Judge), Synchronised Swimming A new set of user friendly and practical (Basic Judge), Water Polo (Grading system resources have been produced to assist Seven regions have organised presenter of Referees) to encourage athletes to clubs in providing opportunities for all training, with 52 presenters trained move into officiating. to achieve their potential. The purpose within the first three months. of the Good Club Guides is to support With thanks volunteers and clubs to achieve good Team Manager training practice relating to high quality club The sport could not exist without the One thousand five hundred and forty management. input from a multitude of volunteers at two team managers have been through all levels doing a vast amount of work, the asa level 1 and 2 training programme. and the asa wishes to thank all those Volunteer Policy Although a significant growth since last who act in such a capacity, whether on In response to feedback from the year the total is not as high as expected. poolside or in an administrative position, Volunteer Forum, the asa has written a for their unstinting assistance. To this Volunteer Policy to help set standards Informal feedback about the course end, certain volunteers have been given about how we work with volunteers. In remains extremely positive and it is the opportunity to attend international order to provide clarity and consistency, clearly a valued CPD that can be accessed events as guests.
To ensure everyone can achieve his or her personal goals. Swimming understands what motivates volunteers and will Vision continue to develop the partnerships that enable the goals of the sport to be achieved.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
2,000 newly qualified officials. 1,500 3,792 8,000 additional trained volunteers, including 2,000 new officials.
2,947 newly qualified team managers. 2,205 1,542 3,053 volunteers accessing CPD and training opportunities.
3,053 volunteers undergoing CPD and training 4,468 3,994 opportunities.
Classification team per region (1 technical and Five teams 5 1 classification team and 1 IPC accredited 1 medical classifier). with three swimming official per region. additional teams commenced training
IPC accredited swimming official in each region. 28 29
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 15 Section 6: Building Schools For the Future Action from the new Leeds pool at the John Facilities Charles Centre for Sport A booklet, ‘Building Schools for the Future - Added Value from Swimming’ was published in January. The intention was to draw attention to the value of school swimming pools as an important community asset, their possible loss as a result of the BSF programme and to encourage schools and local authorities to make every effort to ensure that pools in secondary schools were either retained or replaced. The booklet had a wide distribution including all secondary schools in England, appropriate local authority officers, county sports partnerships and all English members of Parliament as well as being published on the asa/British Swimming web site.
The booklet appears to have sparked interest in the subject of pools in schools but there are mixed messages coming from the Department for Children, Schools and Families as to where pools sit in the scheme for BSF funding.
London 2012 The London Aquatic Centre, despite all the negative media comment is still on course and, in legacy mode, will provide London with swimming facilities second to none in Europe and will become The need for investment Whilst public pools stagnate and decline, a centre of good practice in terms of there has been a significant increase in swimming and its disciplines and in No apologies are made for continuing the number of private/commercial health bringing awareness of what swimming the theme of last year’s annual report clubs and hotels with swimming pools can do in relation to health, active and the need for more capital investment with some 620 of the 837 pools built lifestyles and in solving some of our in the development of public and school between 2000 and 2006 being in the social problems. swimming pools which can be used by private sector. This fact, concerning the the whole of the community and are total number of new pools, is often used available and affordable for use by by the government and others as a contra 50m pools the asa and its clubs. argument to the asa’s contention that In April of 2007 there were 16 indoor there is a lack of appropriate pools at an 50m pools (including two in the A study produced for Sport England in affordable charge to meet the demands Manchester Aquatic Centre). These 2003 on the condition and refurbishment of the community as a whole. However, include the Wigan International Pool of public sector sports facilities found many of these new commercial pools are which is due to close and be replaced by that the cost of replacing the existing not fit for purpose and fail to provide a 25m by six lane pool on the present site. stock would be £4.5bn with £550m conditions in which to learn to swim, gain Of the other pools, work has continued needed in the next five years simply confidence in water and develop skills on the refurbishment of the Crystal to ensure that existing facilities remain and techniques for all the various water Palace National Sports Centre with a open. The study also revealed that wet based activities which require swimming view to keeping the swimming facilities centres were reported to be in a poorer as the major prerequisite for taking part. open till after the Olympics when a condition than combined wet and dry replacement is promised. The schedule which in turn were in worse condition Facilities at an affordable cost includes improved access for disabled than dry centres. There is an ongoing campaign by the asa people, refurbishment of changing areas, to highlight the need for more facilities work on the heating, ventilation and It is true to say that, almost five years at an affordable cost and the asa/British water treatment plant and an assessment on, investment in refurbishment or Swimming written evidence to the Select of the condition of the diving boards. The replacement of public and school pools Committee on the London 2012 Games future of the Wycombe 50m pool seems has not proceeded at a sufficient pace warned that many swimming clubs, the to be no longer in doubt whilst discussions to improve the situation and indeed majority of whose members are under 16 with Coventry City Council have indicated inflation will have increased these costs years of age ‘lead a precarious existence, plans for a new 50m pool in 2013 as a considerably. Also one source of capital having difficulty in obtaining access to part of the redevelopment of the city through Public Finance Initiative (PFI) appropriate pool time at an affordable centre. funding via the Department of Culture hiring charge’. This was taken up by the Media and Sport is now, following the Select Committee with a recommendation The year saw the opening of two new government’s latest spending review, that ‘Contracts to operate sporting 50m pools in Leeds and Liverpool. The no longer available. facilities in the Olympic Park after the new Leeds pool, which opened in Games should specify that affordable October 2007, is in the south of the access should be provided for local city at the John Charles Centre for Sport residents and for exclusive use by clubs.’ and replaces the Leeds International
16 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Pool, providing a 50m by 10 lane pool diving facilities up to full international The programme funding, which can not and a diving pool with a boards to standards and importantly also includes be used for revenue purposes, has been international standards and which, provision for dry-land diving training spent on projects such as refurbishments because of its moveable floor can also which now forms such an important to changing rooms, disability compliance be used as a learner pool. The Liverpool aspect of diving training. and diving facility development and in Aquatic Centre opened in March and two instances, Brixham and Highworth, provides a 50m by 8 lane pool and also The new Sunderland 50m pool includes has saved pools under the threat of has a learner pool with a moveable floor diving facilities up to 5m with the boards closure. providing a number of other activities. provided being to international standards and a similar situation applies with the Additionally CCDP funding has also These new pools are forerunners of a new Corby Pool. The Plymouth project, enabled the distribution to clubs further seven 50m pools due to open which has funding, will include diving throughout England of ‘Aqua Packs’ before the end of 2010. Sunderland facilities with a range of boards up to full with equipment needed to encourage opened on April 17. Corby, Portsmouth international standard and also includes participation in diving, synchronised and Hillingdon, which also includes a 50m dry-land diving training facilities. outdoor pool, are under construction swimming, water polo and, in one case, open water swimming. whilst Basildon, Bristol and Plymouth Other Pools have secured funding. Despite the funding problems, there is No decision has yet been announced as to 25m by 8 lane pools still a willingness by some local authorities, whether the scheme will continue in 2008 universities and schools to consider new and as to how it will be administered. Presently there are 49 25m by 8 lane facilities or the refurbishment of existing pools of which two opened in the year ones. However, in some instances, to be under review in Solihull and Stafford Other Matters able to afford the costs involved there and there are a further four in Braintree, During the course of the year, well has to be a rationalisation of existing (opened April 17) Blackburn, Durham over 2,000 requests for assistance from facilities, often involving closures and and Watford under construction. swimming clubs, consultants, architects, where replacements are being considered local authorities and other organisations they may not always match up to the International Diving Facilities were received and a response given. expectations of clubs. At the start of the year there were The majority related to matters of design four diving facilities which comply fully and planning although the number of Community Club Development questions concerning health and safety or almost fully with FINA International Programme (CCDP) Standard requirements: the Leeds issues and in particular the practical International Pool, Manchester Aquatic Since this programme, which is funded interpretation of the various guidance Centre, Ponds Forge Sheffield and The by the Department of Culture, Media and documents is increasing. Quays in Southampton. The replacement Sport and Sport England, was launched for the Leeds International Pool, in the in 2004, the Association has received John Charles Centre for Sport, includes approximately £2.5 million funding.
The provision of suitable and appropriate facilities for the needs of the sport is fundamental to achieve all of Swimming’s Mission. There is a need to ensure that both the individual and collective needs of the community are addressed, as well as the specific and diverse needs of aquatic disciplines, including the need to ensure Vision adequate training facilities and the facility requirements for major events.
The National Facilities Strategy will continue to provide much needed guidance material for the provision of adequate facilities for all aquatic disciplines.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
Number of 50m pools. 19 17 26 x 50m pools.
Number of 25m 8 lane pools. 50 49 53 x 25m 8 lane and 3 x 25m 10 lane pools.
Number of 25m 10 lane pools. 3 2 8 x international standard diving facilities.
Number of international standard diving venues. 6 6 8 x Regional Diving Centres with synchronised springboards and platforms Number of national standard diving venues. 6 4 to 5m – all at 3m width.
8 x Regional Dry Land Centres specific for diving.
Influence the increase in the number of venues suitable for competition/ training to 98.
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 17 Section 7: International influence
To ensure that we achieve gold medal success. the asa acknowledges the significant role it plays in providing skilled Vision and knowledgeable administrators who, where appropriate, can influence the sport at an international level by providing a pathway for officials and administrators to gain experience in the governance of the sport.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
Number of officials/administrators on 16 20 Increase in members on a training training programme. programme leading to international experience to 20.
Number of technical officials trained to 4 45 20 officials and administrators per year officiate at CWG. on a recognised training programme and attending major conferences.
6 more technical officials equipped to officiate at Commonwealth Games.
the asa has continued to encourage LEN Technical Synchronised Swimming In addition England has six members on the development of administrators and Committee the UK Sport International Leadership officials to represent the sport on the Jenny Gray Programme, Women in Sport programme international stage. Members of the asa and IOC Development programmes. currently hold the following offices LEN Technical Open Water Swimming David Sparkes is also a mentor for the within FINA, LEN and the IPC: Committee UK Sport International Leadership Sam Greetham - Secretary Programme and 39 English officials FINA Disciplinary Panel are on FINA lists. David Sparkes LEN Masters Committee Simon Rothwell - Chairman FINA Technical Open Water Swimming the asa has continued to Committee LEN Medical Committee encourage the development Alan Clarkson Ian Gordon of administrators and officials LEN Bureau IPC Swimming Technical Committee to represent the sport. Alan Clarkson Tim Reddish - Chairman Bob Outtram - Head of Technical Control LEN Technical Swimming Committee Alan Clarkson
LEN Technical Diving Committee Kim White Alan Clarkson became the first person to Jenny Gray receives The Alfred Turner Award receive a Long Service Award from the from the asa’s President Alan Donlan British Olympic Association
18 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Section 8: and business plans through to specific programmes including Every Day Swim Equity and Ethics and Swim Active, the asa has shown targeted pilot programmes that seek to widen the diversity in swimming. Equity In particular, we strive to address the under-representation of Black and Equality and diversity are at the heart Minority Ethnic (BME) communities of the asa’s organisational values and the and disabled swimming at the grass Association is pleased to have achieved roots and to promote greater inclusion the Intermediate level of the Equality throughout aquatics. Standards for Sport. Swimming is the first sport in the UK to reach the Intermediate level, having achieved the asa has initiated a programme of the Preliminary level in 2006. equality proofing documents to ensure that they meet legislative requirements The Standard is a collaboration of and to ensure that they maximise their the four home country Sports Councils equality and diversity relevance. and UK Sport, and is supported by the Additionally the asa has embarked programme of CRB checks in line with CCPR, the Women’s Sport and Fitness on a programme of equality impact Child Safeguarding requirements which Foundation, the English Federation assessments that will review and evaluate of Disability Sport and Sporting Equals. the impact of our work in addressing includes guidance on when a CRB check It guides sport and community equality and diversity and in tackling is to be completed. organisations towards achieving equality, negative and disproportionate impacts of and assists them in developing structures our core policies, practices and strategies. We are working towards a dedicated and processes, as well as assessing web page with access portals for the performance and ensuring Ethics various key stakeholder groups (coaches, continuous improvement. teachers, parents and swimmers). We are the asa is delighted to have been particularly excited as to the opportunity Evidence was submitted to independent successful, following a very challenging this will afford the asa to engage with Equality Standard verifiers who decided process, in achieving the Child Protection its junior members in respect of the most that the asa had demonstrated a in Sport Unit (CPSU) Intermediate important area of Child Safeguarding. long-standing commitment to equality Standard subject only to two conditions. Consolidating upon the asa’s success in and diversity with a wide range of At the time of writing we are in the achieving the Equality Intermediate innovative projects and activities initiated process of resolving both points in standards, the organisation is able to the asa has put effort into developing consultation with CPSU. move forward to the CPSU Advanced a strong base for communicating and Standards with a particularly unique publicising its commitment to equality Our work in pursuit of the Intermediate opportunity to rationalise and deliver and diversity, engaging with staff and Standard has resulted in the following to the membership the asa’s work on volunteers, coaches and officials and key policy initiatives: a bespoke child the Equality Standards within Child organisations outside the Association safeguarding procedure named the Child Safeguarding. and those affiliated to us. Welfare Complaints Procedure together with the asa Signposting document (the Also scheduled for this year is the launch Along with British Swimming, the Signposting document provides a ‘route of the updated version of the asa’s child Association embarked on a programme map’ of avenues of assistance available safeguarding policy - Wave Power 2008. of changing the diversity profile of the to the membership), a method of This document is due to be considerably organisation from a staff, board member safe-recruiting to roles requiring CRB larger than the first version, but whilst and volunteer perspective. In addition it checks set out in a policy to be proposed the policy remains much the same the has started a programme to expand to the asa Board (the asa Induction Policy) additions will provide extensive guidance the diversity of officials and coaching and a reconfirmation of the asa’s to clubs on how to effectively implement staff. Utilising regional action planning continued commitment to a rolling the policy.
Vision Swimming believes in the principle of sports equity and fair play to deliver the Mission.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
Achievement of Equality Standard Achieved - Foundation and Preliminary level. in 2006
Achievement of Equality Standard 100% Achieved Achievement of Advanced level of the - Intermediate level. in 2008 Equality Standards.
Achievement of Intermediate level Achieved Achievement of Advanced level of the - SE Child Protection Charter. in 2008 Sport England Child Protection Charter.
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 19 Section 9: Governance, Structures and Partnerships
Swimming, as a major sport, recognises the importance of ensuring that the business activities follow best practice Vision in corporate governance. There is also recognition that to achieve the Mission there is a need to forge partnerships with a variety of agencies. the asa provides strategic leadership for Swimming in England connecting together the overall planning processes at National, Regional and County levels.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
Annual review of policies and business practices. 1 1 45 funding agreements with County Sports Partnerships. 30 members/employees trained on corporate 24 235 governance. Annual compliance with Sport England Assurance Statements. Local Authorities implementing aquatic strategies. 36% 45% 30 members and employees trained on Funding agreements with CSPs or other 41 22 corporate governance. sub-regional partnerships. Increase in membership to 121,200. Number of links with School Sports Partnerships. n\a 450 10 sponsored programmes.
Create ongoing links with School Sports Partnerships.
the asa was found fit for purpose with We continue to have excellent framework of National Occupational no adverse comments or action items working relationships with our key Standards for Sport through our work required following the 2007 submission partners and the grants obtained for with Skills Active. of the annual Assurance Statements a myriad of projects from different to Sport England. Internal audits were agencies highlights our success in this Corporate Governance training is conducted with seven of the eight area. We have ongoing dialogues with taken seriously and the asa Board has regions and action plans agreed. ASA the Department of Culture, Media and undertaken a full Board review including Awards and ASA Merchandising Ltd were Sport (DCMS), Sports Councils, peer-to-peer review of all Board also subjected to an internal audit and Department of Health, Department members. improvements implemented. A system of Children, Schools and Families and of internal audit has been agreed for the Home Office. In addition, we are all departments and ASA companies. actively involved in shaping the President Alan Donlan is welcomed into his year of office by the other members of the asa Board
20 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Section 10: Monitoring and Evaluation
The database continues to develop as a primary tool for driving the business as well as an effective monitoring and evaluation tool. We are currently working with Alliance and Leicester who are British Swimming’s BOA/FTSE initiative partner to expand ways of the asa’s ‘Half Time’ report - precursor to the using the database as a full customer independent interim report - was launched at a relationship management tool. reception for MPs at the House of Commons in November which was attended by the Minister for Sport and Shadow Culture Secretary
Vision Swimming recognises that there is a need to establish clear lines of responsibility, accountability and reporting.
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR TARGET actual by 2009 (ORIGINAL TARGET 2007/08 AGREED IN 2005) revised
System fully implemented and accessed by the 0 1 Centralised tracking system implemented. regions and sport. Standardised monitoring and evaluation system in place.
System implemented and accessed by the regions and sport.
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 21 2006 European junior backstroke champion, Lizzie Simmonds helps young swimmers as the asa’s Get Safe 4 Summer campaign arrived in Nottingham. Photo by Dave Lawson
22 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 23 Report and financial statements
Contents
25 Financial review 26 Independent auditors' report 27 Income and expenditure account 27 Balance sheet 28 Notes to the financial statements
24 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Report & financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008
Financial review for the year April 1 2007 - March 31 2008
Overview Balance sheet The year ending on 31 March 2008 The loan to ASA Enterprises Ltd is shows a surplus of £7,000 against a more than adequately covered by the budgeted surplus of £4,000. The underlying value of the property Association has reserves at the year- owned at Redditch. end in excess of £1.2 million supported by cash in excess of £3.6 million. Stock represents badges, certificates and related products held at Redditch Income and are valued at the lower of cost or recoverable value. Income from the Awards Centre is down on the previous year due to the effects British Swimming Ltd has paid two of the new teaching and coaching thirds of the loan made at the time qualifications and the launch of the of incorporation. National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS). The increase in creditors, due within one year is due to the increase in deferred The membership fees for 2008 are ahead grant income of £434,000 and an increase of budget by £141,000 mainly due to of membership income of £471,000 which the collection of historical data (and will be released in to the 2008 accounts. fees) from clubs which had previously under-declared. The Association’s cash and working capital position remains strong. The roll out of the United Kingdom Coaching Framework (UKCF) is still affecting income for Education although improvements have been noted towards Mel Goldberg the end of the year. Chairman
Management charges have increased to Approved by the Board on 27 June 2008. reflect the additional support provided by the asa Office to British Swimming Ltd, High Performance Swimming Ltd and other subsidiary companies.
Expenditure Staff numbers have increased due to additional staff for grant funded projects. These are covered by the grants. Delivery Body costs have decreased as this activity is now under the auspices of the Institute of Swimming Ltd.
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 25 Report & financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008
Independent auditors’ We report to you our opinion as to sufficient evidence to give reasonable whether the financial statements give assurance that the financial statements report to the members a true and fair view and are properly are free from material misstatement, of Amateur Swimming prepared in accordance with relevant whether caused by fraud or other law. We also report to you whether in irregularity or error. In forming our Association our opinion the information given opinion we also evaluated the overall in the financial review is consistent adequacy of the presentation of with the financial statements. information in the financial statements. We have audited the financial statements of Amateur Swimming In addition we report to you if, in our Opinion Association for the year ended 31 March opinion, the Association has not kept 2008, which comprise the Income and proper accounting records, if we In our opinion: Expenditure Account, the Balance Sheet, have not received all the information the Statement of Total Recognised Gains and explanations we require for our l the financial statements give a and Losses and the related notes. They audit. are set out on pages 27 to 33. These true and fair view, in accordance with United Kingdom Generally financial statements have been prepared We read other information contained in under the historical cost convention Accepted Accounting Practice, of the annual report and consider whether the state of the Association’s affairs and the accounting policies set out it is consistent with the audited financial therein. as at 31 March 2008 and of its surplus statements. This other information for the year then ended; comprises only the financial review. We This report is made solely to the consider the implications for our report l the financial statements have been Association’s members, as a body. Our if we become aware of any apparent audit work has been undertaken so that properly prepared in accordance with misstatements or material inconsistencies relevant law; and we might state to the Association’s with the financial statements. Our members those matters we are required responsibilities do not extend to l the information given in the financial to state to them in an auditors’ report any other information. and for no other purpose. To the fullest review is consistent with the financial statements. extent permitted by law, we do not Basis of audit opinion accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Association and We conducted our audit in accordance the Association’s members as a body, with International Standards on Auditing haysmacintyre for our audit work, for this report, or (UK and Ireland) issued by the Auditing for the opinions we have formed. Practices Board. An audit includes Chartered Accountants examination, on a test basis, of evidence Registered Auditors Respective responsibilities relevant to the amounts and disclosures Fairfax House of board and auditors in the financial statements. It also 15 Fulwood Place includes an assessment of the significant London The Board are responsible for the estimates and judgments made by the WC1V 6AY preparation of the financial statements Association in the preparation of the in accordance with applicable law and financial statements, and of whether 27 June 2008 United Kingdom Accounting Standards the accounting policies are appropriate (United Kingdom Generally Accepted to the Association’s circumstances, Accounting Practice). consistently applied and adequately disclosed. Our responsibility is to audit the financial statements in accordance We planned and performed our audit with relevant legal and regulatory so as to obtain all the information and requirements and International explanations which we considered Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland). necessary in order to provide us with
26 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 Income and expenditure account for the year ended March 31 2008
2008 2007 Notes £000 £000
TURNOVER 1, 2 10,065 9,080 Operating expenses 3 (10,103) (9,104)
OPERATING DEFICIT (38) (24) Investment income 57 29
SURPLUS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES BEFORE TAXATION 19 5 Tax on surplus on ordinary activities (12) (5)
SURPLUS ON ORDINARY ACTIVITIES AFTER TAXATION 9 7 -
All amounts relate to continuing operations. There were no recognised gains and losses for 2008 or 2007 other than those included in the income and expenditure account. The notes on pages 28 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
Balance sheet as at March 31 2008
2008 2007 Notes £000 £000 £000 £000
FIXED ASSETS Tangible fixed assets 4 270 297 Unquoted investments 5 80 80
350 377 CURRENT ASSETS Stocks 6 189 145 Debtors 7 2,437 2,457 Cash at bank and in hand 3,618 2,318
6,244 4,920 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 8 (5,340) (4,050)
NET CURRENT ASSETS 904 870
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 1,254 1,247
CAPITAL AND RESERVES Income and expenditure account 9 1,254 1,247
FUNDS 1,254 1,247
The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board and were signed on its behalf on 27 June 2008 Mel Goldberg Chairman The notes on pages 28 to 33 form part of these financial statements.
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 27 Report & financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008
Notes to the financial 1.3 Tangible fixed assets 1.5 Foreign currencies statements for the year and depreciation Monetary assets and liabilities April 1 2007 - Tangible fixed assets are stated at cost denominated in foreign currencies are less depreciation. Depreciation is translated into sterling at rates of March 31 2008 provided at rates calculated to write exchange ruling at the balance sheet off the cost of fixed assets, less their date. estimated residual value, over their expected useful lives on the following Transactions in foreign currencies are 1. Accounting policies bases: translated into sterling at the rate ruling on the date of the transaction. Freehold property - 2% straight line 1.1 Basis of preparation Motor vehicles - 25% straight line Exchange gains and losses are recognised Office equipment - 33% straight line in the income and expenditure account. of financial statements Computer equipment - 33% straight line The financial statements have been 1.6 Tax prepared under the historical cost 1.4 Stocks Corporation Tax is based on 20% of convention and in accordance with investment income. applicable accounting standards. Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value after making due allowance for obsolete and slow- 1.2 Turnover moving stocks. Cost includes all direct Turnover comprises revenue recognised costs and an appropriate proportion of by the Association in respect of goods fixed and variable overheads. and services supplied, exclusive of Value Added Tax and trade discounts.
2. Operating income
2008 2007 £000 £000
Awards Scheme (net) (1,655) (1,791) Membership fees (1,547) (1,351) Education (596) (567) Delivery Body (78) (104) Grand funded projects (see note 11) (2,224) (1,404) Grants - Whole Sport Plan (1,810) (1,960) Competition income (260) (208) Sponsorship and marketing fees (822) (968) Management charges (748) (569) Crystal Palace (net) - (12) Swimfit (17) (17) English programmes (283) (105) Sundry income (25) (24)
(10,065) (9,080)
28 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 3. Operating expenditure
2008 2007 £000 £000
Staff and related costs (see note 12) 4,211 3,304 Competition costs 445 356 Contribution to British Swimming Limited 140 216 Contribution to High Performance Swimming England - 610 Office costs 387 327 Education 235 262 Delivery Body 24 220 Insurance 385 354 Irrecoverable VAT 171 145 Development 596 483 ASA Regional Grants 294 239 Committee Meetings 80 52 Publications 107 67 Depreciation 97 91 Office Equipment and IT costs 232 243 Swimfit 11 16 Sponsorship and marketing 481 429 Grants to other bodies 48 64 Legal and professional fees 201 226 HR Training and recruitment 189 133 Grant Funded Projects (see note 11) 1,580 1,039 Sundry expenses 189 228
10,103 9,104
4. Tangible fixed assets
Furniture, Land and Motor fittings and buildings vehicles equipment Total £000 £000 £000 £000
COST At April 1 2007 183 25 646 854 Additions - - 73 73 Disposals - (25) - (25)
At March 31 2008 183 - 719 902
DEPRECIATION At April 1 2007 24 17 516 557 Charge for the year 4 5 88 97 On disposals - (22) - (22)
At March 31 2008 28 - 604 632
NET BOOK VALUE At March 31 2008 155 - 115 270
At March 31 2007 159 8 130 297
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 29 Report & financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008
5. Unquoted investments
Percentage 2008 2007 % £000 £000
Swimming Times Limited 100 20 20 ASA Swimming Enterprises Limited 100 50 50 Institute of Swimming Limited 100 10 10
Total - 80 80
6. Stocks
2008 2007 £000 £000
Finished goods and goods for re-sale 189 145
The difference between purchase price of stocks and their replacement cost is not material.
7. Debtors
2008 2007 £000 £000
DUE AFTER MORE THAN ONE YEAR Amounts owed by group undertakings (see note 10) 145 206
DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade debtors 1,559 1,907 Amounts owed by group undertakings 270 258 Other debtors 208 63 Prepayments and accrued income 255 23
2,437 2,457
30 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 8. Creditors
2008 2007 £000 £000
AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR Trade creditors 795 438 Deferred grant income (see note 13) 2,448 2,014 Amounts owed to group undertakings 13 108 Corporation tax 12 6 Social security and other taxes 208 183 Membership income 1,459 997 Accruals and deferred income 405 304
5,340 4,050
9. Reserves
Income and expenditure account £000
At April 1 2007 1,247 Surplus for the year 7
At March 31 2008 1,254
10. Debtors due after more than one year
Included within this is an interest free loan of £145,000 with no fixed repayment term. The Amateur Swimming Association holds a fixed and floating charge over the assets of ASA Swimming Enterprises Limited. Within 2007 a loan to British Swimming Limited of £61,000 was included, this has subsequently been paid.
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 31 Report & financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2008
11. Grant funded projects The expenditure against ring-fenced funded projects and the associated grants received in the year were as follows:
2008 2008 2007 2007 Charged Grant Charged Grant Costs Costs Costs Costs £000 £000 £000 £000
Volunteer Support 41 (41) 48 (20) School Club Links 330 (330) 372 (372) Everyday Swim 894 (894) 379 (370) Free Swim 5 (5) 4 (4) Section 64 89 (89) 76 (76) Top Up Swim 285 (285) 285 (285) Northern Rock 33 (33) 24 (24) School Swim Project 188 (188) 25 (25) London Active Partnership 144 (144) 99 (99) UK School Games 41 (41) 39 (39) Community Club Development 36 (36) 90 (90) UKCC 26 (26) - - Club and Coach Development 63 (63) - - Integra 49 (49) 66 - Less: expenditure included in staff and related costs (644) - (468) -
1,580 (2,224) 1,039 (1,404)
12. Salaries
Annualised Annualised 2008 2007 £000 £000
SALARIES BY BANDS
Up to £5000 5 4 £5001 - £10,000 12 16 £10,001 - £15,000 21 23 £15,001 - £20,000 26 19 £20,001 - £25,000 20 - £25,001 - £30,000 34 26 £30,001 - £35,000 16 18 £35,001 - £40,000 5 13 £40,001 - £45,000 7 10 £45,001 - £50,000 1 1 £50,001 - £55,000 1 1 £55,001 - £60,000 - - £60,001 - £65,000 - 1 £65,001 - £70,000 2 1 £110,001 - £115,000 1 -
151 133
32 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 13. Deferred income
2008 2007 £000 £000
Income received and deferred at the year end was as follows:
Swim Active - Kellogg’s - (40) Swim Active - National Sports Foundation (79) - Coach Education (169) (725) Section 64 (33) (25) Volunteer Support (7) - Top Up Swimming (31) - Northern Rock (8) (8) School Swim Project (28) (81) London Active Partnerships (80) (65) Everyday Swim (1,374) (791) Cheestrings - (45) UK School Games (32) (21) Free Swim (6) (10) UKCC (19) - School Club Links (173) (153) Integra - (50) Club and Coach Development (386) - E Learning (23) -
(2,448) (2,014)
the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008 33 Thank you
the asa Board members wish to thank all the 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 our sport.
And thank you to all contributors to this report.
Sponsors and supporters The Association is grateful for the generous sponsorship and support, made in a variety of ways, from many companies and organisations.
INSTITUTE OF SWIMMING
Lancashire jubilation!
34 the asa annual report and accounts 2007 - 2008
www.labanbrowndesign.co.uk
Amateur Swimming Association Harold Fern House Derby Square Loughborough LE11 5AL Tel: 01509 618700 Fax: 01509 618701 www.britishswimming.org