Welcome

 

Welcome to Redditch Swimming Club (RSC).  We are sure that as a new member you have many questions you would like to ask and we have created this welcome pack to help answer them. We are a friendly club so please don’t hesitate to ask if there is something we haven’t covered, however small it may seem.  Top

Who are we?

 

RSC is affiliated to the ASA West Midland Region and Worcester County Swimming Associations and is the only competitive swimming club in the Redditch and Studley area.  The Club is accredited with the ASA Swim 21 (Silver Standard) Award and the Sport England Clubmark.

 

It presently has 250+ members with swimmers ranging from beginners to National standard swimmers.  Swimmers from RSC compete at County, Midland and National levels.  Jamie Salter, Olympic finalist and Commonwealth medallist started his training at RSC and is still a member. 

 

The Club has a full constitution in place and is run by a committee of volunteers who meet once a month to address the many interests of the club.  Please feel free to approach any committee member (see list on notice board) to ask questions or discuss issues of concern.  

 

 RSC Officials 2009-2010 

We are a non-profit making organisation and any funds raised are ploughed back into the club for the benefit of the swimmers.

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Who is our Coach?

 

Chris Britt is our Head Coach. He is assisted by a number of other teachers and coaches to provide support to all age groups and squads.

 

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What squads do we have?

                                                                                      Approx. Age

Squads:                                                                         (guide only)

 

• Senior Competition Squad                                           12+
• Junior Competition Squad                                            9 - 12    
• Development Squads                                                    7 - 10
• Widths                                                                            4½+
• Adult
• Juniors

 

 

 

Widths

We take youngsters from the age of 4½ and run beginners’ training sessions for younger swimmers to learn the basic techniques needed to swim the four strokes correctly.   This important first stage of swimming is all about having a good time while learning to swim properly and confidently. The Club has adopted the National Teaching Plan for Swimming (NPTS) and swimmers will be progressed through the widths and lengths sessions following the NPTS Skill Level Awards, as well as having the opportunity to gain distance badges.

 

With commitment and enthusiasm, swimmers should progress and be ready to enter our competitive development squad.

DEVELOPMENT SQUADS

When young swimmers first progress into the Club's competitive training squads, either from our learn-to-swim programme or following a successful trial, they will normally join one of our Development squads.  These squads are comprised mainly of swimmers aged 7 to 10 who have shown an interest in competitive swimming and are considered by our coaches to have the potential to progress in the sport.  Although the Development squads train as a single group, there are three distinct levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

New swimmers, with no previous experience of club training, will usually begin in the Development Bronze squad, and be asked to train at one or two sessions each week (up to 1.5 hours).

When they have been training with us for a while, and the coaches consider that they have developed their strokes, skills and fitness levels sufficiently to allow them to increase the amount of training they do, they will be invited to move to the Development Silver squad, training three times per week (up to 3 hours).

Swimmers who then progress into the Development Gold squad will be asked to train for four or five sessions each week (up to 4.75 hours).  There are separate fee rates for the Development Bronze, Silver and Gold Squads, to reflect the differences in available training time.

All progression into and between competitive squads at Redditch SC will be ultimately at the discretion of the Club’s coaches, and based on their judgement of a swimmer’s abilities, potential and training/development needs.  However, the following criteria will be used as general guidelines for progression:

Standard criteria for Development Squad swimmers
A.  Development Bronze
1. Competent in at least three strokes and efficient in frontcrawl and at least one other stroke.
2. Able to swim at least 800 m continuously.
3. ASA National Plan for Teaching Swimming (NPTS) Level 10 or above or ASA Water Skills 5 or above or ASA Swimming Challenge Gold (and preferably a combination of two or more of these certificates).
4. Aged at least 7 years old.

B.  Development Silver
1. Efficient in at least three strokes, including frontcrawl.
2. Able to swim at least 1,500 m continuously.
3. Achieved Bronze standard or better ASA School Speed Award in at least two strokes.
4. Able to perform a competent and safe racing dive from the side of the pool.
5. ASA NPTS Level 12 or above or ASA Water Skills 6 or above.
6. Aged at least 8 years old.

C.  Development Gold
1. Efficient in at least three strokes, including frontcrawl.
2. Able to swim at least 1,500 m continuously.
3. Achieved Silver standard or better ASA School Speed Award in at least one stroke.
4. Able to achieve ASA Competitive Swimming Performance Award Bronze times for at least one of the following:
50 metres 662/3 yds 4 x 20 m 4 x 25 m
Frontcrawl    47.00    58.70
Backstroke    54.40 1:06.00
Breaststroke 1:00.40 1:14.90
Butterfly    52.40 1:03.70
Individual medley 1:32.50 1:58.60

5. Able to perform a competent and safe racing dive from the side of the pool.
6. ASA NPTS Level 12 or above or ASA Water Skills 6 or above.
7. Aged at least 8½ years old.

JUNIOR COMPETITION SQUAD

The next stage of progression through the Club's competitive squads is a move into the Junior Competition Squad.  Again this depends on swimmers achieving suitable levels of ability, strength and stamina - to cope with a significant increase in training intensity - but our coaches will usually suggest this move when a swimmer is 9 to 11-years-old.  Some swimmers, however, enter into competitive swimming later than others or are relatively late developers, and for these progression to the Junior Competition Squad might be slightly delayed.

Standard criteria for Junior Competition Squad swimmers
1. Efficient in all four strokes.
2. Able to swim at least 3,000 m continuously.
3. Achieved Silver standard or better ASA School Speed Award in at least two strokes.
4. Able to achieve Bronze standard or better ASA Competitive Swimming Performance Award in either
a. 200 yard/metre distance in at least two strokes, including frontcrawl (FC times required: 3:29.50 for 200 yd or 3:49.90 for 200 m).
b. 800 yard/metre distance for frontcrawl (16:16.60 and 16:45.30 respectively).
or
                Has ASA Honours Challenge (including 1,000 m mixed stroke swim in under 20 mins).

5. Aged at least 9 years old.

Other factors that will be considered include current squad numbers, the requirements of our teams for competitions and, most importantly, the health and welfare of the swimmer concerned.  No attempts will be made to push any swimmer, particularly younger children and disabled swimmers, beyond their capabilities.

SENIOR COMPETITION SQUAD

Finally, swimmers at Redditch SC will progress into our Senior Competition Squad.  This squad has swimmers from the age of 12 (or occasionally 11) right through to adult.  Although most training sessions are longer and harder than the younger swimmers experience in the Development and Junior Competition squads, we do try to cater for quite a wide range of ability levels.
All swimmers in the Senior Squad, and throughout our competitive squads, must bear in mind that Redditch SC is ultimately a competitive club, training swimmers to be successful in a range of competitions.  There is, therefore, a general expectation that our squad swimmers will want to compete, will show a desire to train regularly and consistently towards this aim and will make themselves available whenever possible for team selection.  The Club may accommodate a number of ‘non-competitive’ or ‘fitness’ swimmers within our Senior Squad, but this will be dependent upon the availability of spaces in training sessions i.e. competitive swimmers will always be given priority when pool space is limited.
Although we aim to provide competitive opportunities for a range of ability levels, we would also ask all swimmers and parents to understand that, on some occasions, the training of certain swimmers may be prioritised e.g. County, District or National Championship qualifiers.

Standard criteria for Senior Competition Squad swimmers
1. Efficient in all four strokes.
2. Able to swim at least 5,000 m continuously.
3. Able to achieve Silver standard or better ASA Competitive Swimming Performance Award in:
a. 200 yard/metre distance in at least two strokes, including frontcrawl (times required: frontcrawl 3:02.90 for 200 yd, 3:20.80 for 200 m; backstroke 3:20.40 and 3:38.9; breaststroke 3:44.00 and 4:05.00) and
b. 800 yard/metre distance for frontcrawl (13:23.80 and 14:38.20 respectively).
4. Aged at least 11 years old.

Attendance Criteria
All swimmers in Development Gold, Junior Competition and Senior Squads are expected to attend a minimum of 50% of training hours available to their squad (excluding morning sessions) each month – except during periods of illness, injury or holiday.  All swimmers who want to compete for the club on a regular basis should make every effort to participate in least 70% of all available training hours for their squad.
All swimmers should notify their coach of any injuries or expected absences from training, including attendance at open meets or swimming development camps.
Attendance will usually be one of the key criteria when groups are selected for additional training time or development camps.  Attendance may also be considered when coaches select teams for galas.

Maintaining Standards
In certain circumstances, a swimmer could be asked to leave their current squad because of inadequate standards e.g. swimmers who have very poor levels of attendance; swimmers who consistently fail to follow the instructions of their coach and/or put in the appropriate level of effort at all times in training; swimmers who refuse to comply with the club’s Code of Conduct; or swimmers who fail to maintain the appropriate standards for their squad (i.e. standard criteria as set out above).  After the issue of a formal warning, clearly indicating areas where improvements are expected, such swimmers may be moved to another squad or, if this is not appropriate, asked to transfer to a non-competitive group or to leave the club.

 

Juniors

 

This group is for young swimmers who recognise the benefits of regular swimming, for fitness and health, but who have decided not to continue in our competitive squads.

 

Adult

 

We also run adult training sessions for older swimmers ranging from casual ‘keep fit’ swimmers to serious competitive masters swimmers.

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Where do we compete?

 

The Club’s swimmers take part in a wide variety of competitions throughout the year, such as:

 

• Worcester County Age Group Championships and Sprint Competitions – Age 9+
• West Midland Region Age Group & Youth Championships and Short Course Sprints – Age 10+
• National Age Group & Youth Championships – Age 11+

 

• National Swimming League – Age 11-Open
• Diddy League – Age 9-12
• Winter League – Age 11-Open
• Mercian League – Age 10-Open
• Trophy/Friendly Galas – Age 9-Open
• Open Meets – Age 9-Open
• Our own Club Championships – 8u-Adult

 

Club Galas

 

These are the Speedo, Diddy, Winter League and Mercian League competition galas that the club takes part in.

 

The team list will be posted on the notice board a couple of weeks prior to the event.  This will include the selected teams of boys and girls in the appropriate age groups, the date of the gala, the venue, the warm-up time and adult helpers needed for the gala (time-keepers, stewards, etc.)

 

If your name is there and you are able to swim tick it off, or put a cross if you are unable to attend.  If you are able to attend but have a problem with transport please let someone know so that we can arrange a lift for you.  If you are not sure where the pool is for that gala, again please ask and someone will be happy to provide details, or a map.  Occasionally the club may hire a coach if the gala is a long way away. 

 

These Club Galas usually take place in the evening and may last 2-3 hours.  You will need a drink on poolside and maybe a snack for afterwards.

Trophy/Friendly Galas

 

These galas occur throughout the year and may be either an ‘A’ or ‘B’ gala, depending on the teams taking part.  There is normally a trophy for the winning team.  These friendly galas give the club the opportunity to practice for league galas and are an ideal way to introduce younger/new swimmers to the excitement of competition.

 

Open Meets

 

These are competitions you enter yourself.  The Open Meets Secretary will have details of some open meets and will put details on the notice board.  These have varying age groups and events so you need to consider what you want to enter.

You will have to complete an entry form and may have to ask a club official to sign it, before sending it off with the appropriate fee.  There will be a closing date for entries so you may not hear for some time whether or not your entries have been accepted. 

 

 

Some open meets will be ‘Licensed’ and will have a ‘Level’ stated of 1, 2, or 3.  Level 1 is aimed at National qualifiers, Level 2 at District qualifiers and Level 3 at County qualifiers. Licensed open meets will have lower and upper limit qualifying times for each event. These opens will provide swimmers with official qualifying times for  Midland and National Championships. Remember that you must be registered with the ASA to enter an open meet.

 

If your entry is accepted you will normally receive entry cards for the events you are swimming a week or so before the gala.  You must take these to the meet, as you will not be allowed to race without them.   On arrival at the event, you need to find the box in which to ‘post’ your entry card (normally in the reception area of the pool).  Some open meets may run without card entry, in which case you will receive a list of the events entered and cards will be handed out to swimmers at the event.

 

Popular open meets are sometimes organised as a ‘club entry’ and the completed forms and cheques are collected and submitted by the Open Meets Secretary.  Details will be posted on the noticeboard.

 

Open meets can go on for some time, very often most of the day, or weekend!  Make sure you take plenty of food, drinks, costumes, towels and maybe a book to read while you wait for your race.

 

There will need be an adult with a ‘coach’s pass’ from the club on the poolside to supervise swimmers and this needs to be checked when entering the competition.

 

Club Championships

 

All club members (whatever age) are entitled to enter, as long as you have been a member for 3 months. This is our own gala and swimmers are encouraged to enter as many events as they can.

 

You will be able to achieve entry times for other swimming competitions and hopefully gain qualifying times for the Worcester County Championships.  You need to check with the Coach, or one of the teaching staff, if you are not sure which events you should enter.

 

You need to complete an entry form, enclose a cheque with the appropriate fee, and you will then receive entry cards.  These cards must be brought to the event and ‘posted’ or handed-in promptly so we know you are here to swim.

 

There will be plenty of helpers on the poolside so don’t be afraid to ask if you need assistance.

 

The Club Championships will be run like a proper gala, with a referee, a judge and timekeepers.  There will be a starting pistol to start the race, which can be quite loud! Cups are awarded for 1^st places (except 50m events), medals for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places and also certificates for 4^th,  5^th and 6^th places for the 8 and unders.

 

Worcestershire County Age Group Championships and Sprint Competitions

 

The Age Group Championships are usually held in February/March, at Wolverhampton and Worcester and the Sprint Competitions are usually held in September at Wolverhampton.

 

To enter the County Championships and Sprint Competitions you must gain a qualifying time.  These times are available from a club official, the notice board or website.  These do not have to be obtained at a Licensed meet, but must be official recorded times held by the club and achieved within the specified time limit.

 

You need to complete an entry form and pass this, together with your cheque, to the club official who will send this off.  You will then receive entry cards, which need to be taken to the event and ‘posted’ in the entry boxes to enable you to take part.

 

The Club Championships are an opportunity to gain qualifying times and it is important you check which events you need to enter.

 

West Midland Region Youth and Age Group Championships and Short Course Sprints

 

If you attain a fast enough time at a Licensed meet you may qualify for the Midland District Championships or Short Course Sprints (qualifying times available from club official, noticeboard or website).  WELL DONE!  These are entered in the same way as the County Championships. The Youth and Age Group Championships usually take place in May/June at Coventry (50m pool) and the Short Course Sprints at Nuneaton usually in November.

 

National Age Group and Youth Championships

 

If you should be fast enough to attain a National qualifying time at a Licensed meet CONGRATULATIONS!  This is entered in the same way as the Midland District Championships.  These Championships usually take place in August at Sheffield (50m pool).

 

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Where and When do we train?

 

The attached table Training Times  shows pool session times, venues and fees for each squad/group. 

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How can parents/carers help?

 

The Club encourages parents/carers to stay and watch their children train, but appreciate that this is not always possible.  Please ensure that you spend a few minutes reading the notice board, particularly if there is a gala coming up as this is your chance to find out what is going on.

 

Please remember that the club is responsible for the swimmers while in the water or on the poolside, but is not responsible for them in the changing rooms or outside the actual pool area.  Please look after your swimmers.  We would advise parents/carers not to allow younger children to play in the area to the rear of the Hewell Road pool unless they are under close supervision. 

 

Please encourage your child to listen carefully to the coach and assistant teachers.  They are trained and know what they are talking about!

 

RSC relies on volunteers and encourages parents/carers to become involved with a whole host of activities and also offers training courses to those interested in taking this a step further, such as:

 

• Timekeeper/Chief Timekeeper
• Poolside Helper
• Swimming Teacher/Assistant Teacher
• Judge
• Starter
• Referee
• Child Protection

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Child Protection

 

Our Welfare Officer maintains a register of poolside helpers and the Club ensures that all adults who come into direct contact with children are checked and approved by the ASA/CRB (Criminal Records Bureau), in accordance with the ASA’s Child Protection Policy

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Do we have a social life?

 

The Club has various social events throughout the year and runs fund-raising initiatives.  Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned squad swimmer you are all welcome, together with parents/carers and other family members, to participate and contribute to these activities. 

 

Check the notice board for details of forthcoming events.

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What kit do you need?

For general training sessions (development, junior competition, and competition squads):

 

• Fins
• Goggles
• Hat – you must wear a hat if you have long hair
• Drink
• Float/Pull Buoy (club can provide)

For competition galas:

 

• Plain black costume or trunks
• Redditch swimming cap
• Goggles – 2 pairs
• RSC ‘tea bag’ team shirt or polo shirt
• Shorts
• 2 towels
• Pool shoes
• Plastic carrier bag to keep clothes dry on poolside
• Drinks (water, diluted squash or suitable sports drink)
• Jelly or jelly type sweets (optional)

 

All clothing/equipment should be clearly named, particularly black costumes, tea bags/polo shirts and drinks bottles.  Chocolate and fizzy drinks will not be allowed on the poolside.

 

 

Club Shop

 

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How should you behave?

 

The Club has a Code of Conduct and swimmers in the Development, Junior Competition and Senior Competition Squads will be asked to read a full version of this, sign a summary copy and return it to show their acceptance of this Code.

  Code of Conduct     Top

 

How do I find out things?

 

• Notice boards – situated in the lobby at the Hewell Road pool
• Newsletter – quarterly
• Club website (www.redditchswim.org.uk)
• Ask a committee member
• Chat to other parents/carers

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Where can I buy equipment/club sportswear?

 

Our swim shop, open on a Wednesday evening, has a wide range of equipment and club sportswear available at competitive prices.  There is a current price list on our website (www.redditchswim.org.uk).

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Can I use my camera/video camera/mobile camera phone?

 

Photography of any kind is not permitted at the Hewell Road pool. If you wish to take photos or use a video camera at a gala run by RSC at an alternative venue (which may allow photography) you must sign the register held by our Welfare Officer.  Other Clubs hosting competition galas hold similar registers, and again you must sign and enter your details if you wish to use a camera or video camera.  At some events the use of cameras and video cameras is not permitted.

 

Mobile camera phones are banned from most venues and must not be taken into the changing room area. 

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Training Tips

 

• Each training session is a chance to improve.
• Attend as many sessions for your squad as you can.
• Stretching exercises will help loosen your muscles for training.  Practice some exercises before you get into the water. Ask the Coach if you are not sure which ones are suitable for you.
• Do not use easier short cuts in training as they become bad habits and it will not benefit you in the long-term.
• Drink plenty of fluids during training (not fizzy), to avoid dehydration.
• Practice your turns every time there is more than one length of the pool in a set.  Correct turns are quicker, and incorrect turns will get you disqualified in a race.
• Finish each length correctly and swim fast in to the wall.
• Do all that is asked of you – cheating is not for winners.
• Remember your Coach, teachers and poolside helpers, are there to help you become a better swimmer – do what is asked of you.
• Eat a small snack after each training session to help restore lost energy.
• Keep a logbook so you can see how much you have trained and how you are improving in training, as well as competitions.
• Treat other swimmers with respect.  Remember you have signed a Code of Conduct.
• ENJOY YOURSELF!

 

 

H&W Dev Camp 12 Feb 07 handout

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