Governance
Welfare
The club has an official Welfare Officer, Ian Penney. All Teachers, Coaches and helpers have been CRB checked.
If you help on poolside, you will be asked to complete a Child Protection Disclosure form. This is now a requirement under the Child Protection Act.
The ASA operates a free and confidential helpline called
SWIMLINE 0808 100 4001
This service is provided for anyone involved in swimming, including children and young people who believe that the welfare of a child is at risk. This could be neglect or abuse, bullying or fear of someone, or anything that is worrying you and you don’t know who to discuss this with.
Swimline is only available during working hours but if you leave a message they will call you back on the next working day.
The NSPCC Child protection line is available 24 hours. Call them on
0808 800 5000 Calls are free and confidential.
Click here to for more information about ASA Child Protection in Swimming.
Click here to download the ASA information and guidance for swimmers.
Click here to download the ASA information and guidance for parents.
Click here to download the ASA information and guidance for coaches, teachers and poolside helpers.
Constitution
The club constitution follows the Amateur Swimming Association model and can be downloaded here.
Equity Policy
The club has an Equity Policy and code of conduct for swimmers and helpers, this is posted on the club notice board. Any person not adhering to this may be asked to leave.
Code of Conduct for Swimmers
By becoming a member of Hastings Seagull SC, one automatically accepts and undertakes to abide by the following;
1. Poolside (Squads/Teaching Groups) Training Protocol.
a) All swimmers will be expected to arrive on poolside at least 15 minutes before the start of their training session for the purpose of poolside flexibility.
b) All swimmers shall commence training at the correct time subject to the teachers/coaches discretion.
c) All older squad swimmers will be expected to help pack away equipment used by swimmers.
d) Swimmers will be expected to complete all training sets set for them by their coaches. If a swimmer feels unwell or has a suspected injury they must inform the teacher/coach immediately so their individual needs can be addressed.
e) If swimmers are not able to complete a full session for personal reasons (eg homework), they must inform the teacher/coach before they start the session. If the coach is not informed they may not be allowed to leave.
f) Training commitment will be monitored and continued commitment will be one of the criteria needed for squad selection and to secure the swimmers position in that squad.
g) All swimmers will be respectful to all teachers/coaches at all times.
h) All swimmers will be respectful to other swimmers, club members, pool staff and officials at all times.
2. Galas, Open Meets and Club Championships.
a) At no time will swimmers leave poolside without the coaches/helpers permission.
b) Swimmers are not to leave poolside to sit with their parents.
c) After finishing a race, swimmers will report to the coach to discuss the swim and split times.
d) No one will be allowed to leave poolside to get dressed until instructed to do so by the coach/helper.
3. Poolside Dress at Galas.
a) When representing Hastings Seagull SC all swimmers must wear the club costume, hats and tee-bag shirts and if possible a club tracksuit.
4. Behaviour and Personal Conduct.
a) Behaviour and personal conduct must at all times be of a high standard and designed to reflect favourably on the sport. Remember you are ambassadors of Hastings Seagull SC. Any behaviour that brings swimming into disrepute is totally unacceptable and would be dealt with by the General Purpose Committee. A representative/parent may attend the meeting with the swimmer.
b) Language in the public or relevant group situation must always be appropriate and socially acceptable.
c) Alcohol is forbidden for swimmers under the age as defined by the law.
d) Smoking is prohibited by swimmers and staff whilst on route, prior to, during or following a competition event, training session or team activities.
e) Performance enhancing drugs: the committee retains a list of banned drugs as designated by the ASA. the use of these drugs is prohibited.
f) Illegal grugs and substances: the use of these even though they may not appear on the official banned list in respect of enhancing performance is none the less prohibited.
g) It is important that any swimmer on treatment from their doctor, which could contain a drug which is a banned substance, should have a letter from their doctor stating their treatment. Asthmatic, diabetic and anyone needing medication on a regular basis must check with the head coach to see wheter they should register the information with the ASA.
5. Commitment to Hastings Seagull SC.
a) A willingness to attend Galas, Open Meets and any other function on behalf of Hastings Seagull SC committee / coach.
b) Commitment to Galas particularly Leagues is essential for the continued success of the club.
c) A willingness to adopt developments and sustain a positive attitude towards personal and team objectives in training, competitions and social situations. Remember we are a team.
d) A willingness to co-operate with other team/squad members and staff in training and competition to achieve team objectives.
6. Sanctions.
The Head Coach shall deal with breaches of the code of conduct and commitment in the first instance. Depending on the seriousness of the breach, he/she may report the incedent to the committee who may take further action as it deems necessary. However, breaches under 4e (Performance Enhancing Drugs) and 4f (Illegal Drugs and Substances) will be notified by the Head Coach directly to the management committee which is responsible for initiating disciplinary proceedings under the relevant ASA/ FINA law.