TORQUAY LEANDER SWIMMERS PERFORMANCE
POLICY 2008
Squad Progression
The Torquay Leander Swimming Club contains
many squads which cater for swimmers of all ages and abilities. For
swimmers who aren't yet in the County or Performance Squads, it is useful to
know what criteria are used to judge swimmers before they can progress through
to the next squad. Movement is at the coaches' discretion; the following
criteria will be taken into consideration when assessing a swimmer for
potential progression to a higher squad.
v
Commitment to competition (Opens, Club Championships
and Ribbon gala’s, and
v
Dedication, Commitment and attitude to
training
v
Attendance - this has an effect on stamina
and performance
v
Stamina – commitment to the distance races in
all strokes
v
Stroke proficiency and technique
Each squad has its own skill requirements; and therefore
every movement between squads is considered carefully by all coaches
involved. A trial period will be arranged should it be deemed necessary.
The coaching
team will also move swimmers down a squad as necessary; and protocol will be
followed when this takes place.
This policy
will clearly outline the procedures required if a swimmer fails to meet the
criteria in their current squad. To ensure equity within all squads, a
Performance Panel will be set up.
The panel
will be made up of some of the Coaching Team and a Committee member without
child interest who will Chair the meeting. The panel will then ensure all
movements are based on the squad criteria.
In addition
to this annual review, Development Plans will be implemented to help the
swimmer re-evaluate and focus on their objectives. It is used to improve the swimmers
overall performance.
The coaches
and Panel will meet quarterly at the end of a swimming cycle to assess the
performance of ALL swimmers and have discretion in consultation with the
parents concerned, move swimmers between squads during the season, before the
annual review, which will take place before the new subscriptions are
announced. All reviews and decisions will be made by the Panel.
There are 3
main sections which the criteria fall in to;
·
Performance during training and competition
·
Attendance
·
Behaviour
Performance
If a swimmers
training deteriorates or their performance at galas does not show significant
improvement, the squad coach will produce a personal development plan to help
the swimmer focus and improve their training. The following steps will be
taken;
Ø The
coach will speak to the swimmer and their parent/s and inform them of the
current situation and what is required. A next meeting date will be agreed
(within 2 weeks) with all parties
Ø Constant
monitoring
Ø If
the swimmer starts to achieve, no action is required. If the swimmer continues
to fall below what is expected, then a Development Plan will be implemented.
The swimmer, parent/s and coach will then record goals, objectives and test
sets. A development plan will last 3 months (in extenuating circumstances).
Ø Constant
monitoring will be carried out. A meeting will take place between swimmer,
parent/s and coach every month to discuss performance. Notes must be taken and
sent out, and the Development Plan must be updated. At the end of the Plan, all
parties will get together with the Head Coach. If targets are not achieved, the
swimmer will be moved into a squad where they can continue to perform at their
level and continue to compete
Attendance Every squad
has a number of sessions they must attend. However, swimmers with personal
circumstances that prevent them from attending sessions (school, logistical
& health issues), may be taken into consideration by both Head Coach and
squad coach, as long as all of the other criteria is met If a swimmer regularly
falls below the minimum the following steps will need to be taken;
o
Establish why the swimmer has been
unable to meet the minimum number of sessions
o
The squad coach will speak to the
swimmer and their parent/s and inform them of the current situation and what is
required. A next meeting date will be agreed (within 2 weeks) with all parties
o
1 month will be given to the swimmer
to improve their attendance record. . If targets are not achieved, the swimmer
will be moved into a squad where they can continue to perform at their level
and continue to compete
Behaviour Swimmers and
parents are to abide by the Code of Conduct and the Clubs Constitution
(accessed via the website). Good, fair and respectful behaviour is expected at
all pools during and after training sessions and galas. This also applies to
outside of training when emails, texts and MSN can be accessed. Inappropriate
communication (whether it be verbal or non verbal) and non-adherence to this
Code of Conduct and Constitution violates the terms of your membership. Any
incident must be brought to the attention of the Head Coach. The incident will
then be reported to the Child Support Officer and the Committee. A meeting will
take place to resolve any issues. If the incident happens again, the committee
will be in its right to revoke the swimmers/parents membership. Refer to Clubs
Constitution.
Swimmers on
Trial Swimmers on a
trial (whether internal or external) must show that they have met or agree to
achieve the criteria for the squad they are moving in to. Swimmers on trial, by
invitation, must satisfy the coach of their ability to adapt to the training
and demonstrate dedication, commitment, improvement on timed swims and
improvement in stroke technique. A trial will last for 1 month and within that
time the swimmer must have achieved the criteria. If the swimmer does not
achieve the criteria after 1 month, they will resume training in their original
/ appropriate group. Any swimmer requesting / requiring a trial will be discussed
with the panel. This will ensure equality and adherence to the criteria.
THIS POLICY RELATES TO ALL SWIMMERS AND
GIVES EVERYBODY (INCLUDING DISABLED SWIMMERS) THE