What is Swim 21?

"Swim 21" is a mechanism introduced by the Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) to encourage clubs associated with aquatic disciplines, such as competitive swimming clubs, to follow directives and guidelines as laid out by the ASA on how a club should be operated in a professional, ethical and unbiased manner.

Stocksbridge Pentaqua has been "Swim 21" accredited since 2002/3 from when the scheme began.

In essence a club wishing to gain accreditation has to meet and provide certain evidence about how the club is operated.

Information that has to be provided is as follows:

A list of qualified swimming coaches and swimming teachers;

Evidence that the club operates in a safe environment and caters for the well being of its members;

Evidence of what to do in the event of an accident or emergency, following Health & safety policies;

Evidence that the club has liability insurance;

Details of job descriptions within the club organisation, and who is in each post;

Evidence that the club is IT literate;

Evidence that individuals within the club have the opportunity of further professional development;

Evidence that the club has a written constitution acceptable to that of the ASA;

Evidence that the club operates in an unbiased fashion and is open to anyone;

Evidence that the club has ethical, equality and disability policies in operation;

Evidence that the club has a Child Protection Officer in post and has policies in place to answer any child protection issues;

Evidence that the club's finances are audited annually by an independent auditor;

Evidence that there is a clear and defined pathway whereby a swimmer can develop;

Evidence that the club has distinct links with schools, Swim 21 clubs, Local Authority, Regional Development Officers, ASA, Gifted & Talent Scheme, World Class Programme, and the Media;

Provide annual 'Action Plans' on how the club will progress and develop its members;

Evidence that the club is affiliated to the relevant ASA organisations and Governing Bodies in order for the club members to be covered by insurance and eligible to compete in the various swimming competitions around the country.

Stocksbridge Pentaqua is a competitive swimming club ran by volunteers for the benefit of the club members. Swim 21 accreditation is done annually to ensure that the club is meeting all the necessary requirements laid down by the ASA and thus providing a safe environment where all of the club members can develop.