To Parents and Swimmers

As many have you may have seen, I have placed a sheet asking for those that want to do their competitive start award to place their name on the board.

I am just going to fill you in on what the award involves and why Ashbourne are going to try and conduct the majority of the award.

Why we need the Award

During the last 4 towns gala I realised that Ashbourne swimmers were having to start in the water where other teams were able to dive in the swallow end, leaving use at a big disadvantage. With a little asking around it was very clear that the majority of the club had never done the competitive start award. The competitive start award allows swimmers to dive off blocks and into shallow water. It’s an ASA award that is endorsed by all the major aquatic governing bodies. It’s criteria is very simple and is very similar to any other swimming badge your child has done. It is also a swim 21 requirement that the club should offer the swimmers the opportunities to gain the award. It’s good practice we educate and teach our swimmers, the health and safety issues regarding diving and also help them learn the required skills to enjoy competitive swimming. 

What you have to do

The criteria are shown on the sheet attached.

How we will work toward the Award

All teachers are aware of the award and it will be implemented into training programmes to provide young swimmers the opportunities to practice and develop their skills. Juniors will begin to work at the award from lane 1-3. The idea is that before they are in senior groups, they should have the award. The senior will have no issues with passing the award, so it will simply be about setting some time aside to cover the content and get them signed off.  Teachers will conduct the competitive start award during training and may even set a specific day aside so keep your eye on the notice board.

Issues

As many of you are aware there is no diving in the shallow end which makes it difficult. I have separated the award into stages. Once the swimmer can do all skills to stage 3 at a shallow depth in deep water I will than organise a session to go to a pool where we can do shallow dives. Here they will be assessed on the final stage. Very few swimming pools have blocks in the shallow end, therefore we will struggle to complete stage 5. However if we get swimmers up to stage 4 this means  they are safe and qualified to dive in the shallow end of the poolside at competitions. Which is the main goal. I would look at taking groups to a pool to do stage 4 once there were enough swimmers ready.

Stage 4

I am aware that some swimmers may not want to dive in the shallow end or travelling to another pool may be difficult. This is not a problem, the award is not compulsory it is optional; however I would encourage any swimmers that compete, to do the award.

Once we have swimmers up to stage 3, I will arrange a date to get the rest of the award done.

Swimmers must remember in training and in competition they dive at their own risk, this is simply a certificate to promote good diving practices and to comply with ASA safety procedures.

No swimmers should be worried over the award it’s a development award, there is no set time limits or pressure to get the award, however it’s easy to do, good fun and might even help win us a few more races.

Thanks

Diane Lee