Victorian Masters Sport Resource Kit - Australian Sports Commission

CASE STUDY 5:
Doncaster Dolphins Masters Swimming Club Inc.
Why was the club developed?
◗ In 1984 a group of swimmers in the
Masters age bracket decided to form a
club to cater specifically for their needs.
◗ They did not want to compete in the open
age category with established swimming
clubs and had experienced Masters
swimming through Aussie Masters
Swimming Events.
How does the club operate?
◗ The emphasis is on improving the cardio
vascular fitness of members and
swimming stroke improvement.
◗ In competition participants swim against
the clock. They may not even be in the
pool at the same time as others in their
age group. Participants are split into age
categories from 20 onwards in 5 year
brackets.
◗ The normal club structure is used with
President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. to
administer the club which now has around
100 members and is considered one of
the top 3 clubs in Victoria.
◗ The club is affiliated with Aussie Masters
Swimming.
What are the keys to its success?
◗ The Masters club provides a social, non
threatening and supportive environment.
Potential barriers such as people having
poor body image or people wishing to
take up swimming in later age are
overcome by not having to compete with
people far younger or with elite
swimmers.
◗ The club publicises its activities at the
local swimming pool, by generating free
publicity in local papers, by promoting
club success at swim meets and
maintaining a strong social calendar.
◗ Establishing a select group of committed
members on the committee
◗ Appointing a qualified coach who
understands the motivations and interests
of the Masters swimmer.
◗ Establishing participation as the goal
rather than competition
◗ Developing a business plan to guide the
operation of the club.
Source: Bob Jones, Foundation President,
Doncaster Dolphins Masters Swimming Club
Inc. Sports Liaison Officer, Manningham City
Council.
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5. Role of Organisations