The ASA Handbook - Swimming.Org

Annual General Meeting
6.1.4. Supplemental Statement to Starred Item A2 - The East Region confirmed their acceptance
of the response and advised that the question had been raised from a membership
perspective. This was noted.
7. ANNUAL REPORT 2011-2012
7.1. General - London Region Starred Item B1. At the 2011 ACM, the Chief Executive Officer promised
a renewed focus on clubs. It is difficult to find this in the report.
The perception of many clubs in London is that the ASA sits in its ivory tower making edicts whilst
not recognising the issues that clubs face on the ground. The lack of concrete proposals to help
clubs at a grass-root level as a result of the Chief Executive Officer’s commitment last year
reinforces this view.
What, specifically, has occurred as a result of last year’s commitment?
Response:
During the year the Regional Chairs, Chief Executive Officer, ASA Chairman, Strategic Lead Grow
and Chief Operating Officer met to discuss the level and type of support required by clubs and it
was agreed to set up a working group to consider this and to undertake consultation. It was felt
there were three areas which required consideration and focus: Support of the existing clubs on
a day-to-day basis; the creation and support of a different style of club which meets recreational
and participation needs of the wider sport and which links into a pathway of clubs; the evolution
and support of existing clubs to help them move forward on a business footing to ensure
sustainability.
Research has been undertaken about the role and sustainability of clubs in the 21st Century –
these documents have been circulated to regions and are available on the website.
A working group was set up consisting of three Regional Chairs and the Chief Operating Officer.
This group looked at a number of areas of support to existing clubs including looking at the
possibility of locally based staff to support clubs, an on-line self help tool kit, immediate advice
to new club post holders on appointment, central purchasing etc. The self-help tool kit is
currently being produced and an example of this will be demonstrated at the club conference.
Funding for locally based staff has been included in the Whole Sport Plan submission and we
await the outcome of this. The system of sending information to new post holders is in place and
will be rolled out as the membership team are advised of changes in post holders.
The Aquatic Officers have continued to support clubs on swim21 submissions and club
infrastructure. The conference will focus on clubs and feature presentations and workshops on
the proposed club pathway/structure and the plans to support clubs and volunteers. An
expanded Volunteer strategy is under development to further support volunteers of all ages.
Paul – Strategic Lead Grow / Jane Nickerson Chief Operating Officer.
7.1.1. Supplemental question to Starred item B1 - The London Region thanked the officers for
the detailed response and requested clarification on whether there would be prioritised
initiatives put in place before Christmas and in addition who is accountable, who will
deliver and how will it be measured.
The Chief Operating Officer responded by advising that the initiatives put in place at the
Swimming Conference included the self help tool kit which is now live and the availability
of Webex sessions to clubs. Delegates were encouraged to make use of the tool kit and to
feedback information to the office.
Additional resources to deliver these initiatives will be included in the new financial year
subject to funding.
Members were advised that there will be more self help tool kits and forums in the Regions
and at County level. It is hoped a network of volunteers will assist with the delivery.
Members were advised that Sarah Simmons is the Lead Officer for Clubs Rachel
Washington is Lead Officer for the delivery of membership services, and Paul Davies is
responsible for ensuring measurement against the Whole Sport Plan.
The Chief Operating Officer also stated that feedback was most valuable and encouraged
members to assist by giving this at the earliest opportunity.
The London Region confirmed their acceptance of the response.
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