A range of different development opportunities are available for young leaders between 14 to 17 years of age to get involved in. The opportunities try to provide different ways in which the young leaders can develop themselves, support their clubs and the wider aquatic community. These are an ideal way to develop a pathway into aquatics or a career in sports in general and complement other initiatives such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. They add value to a CV’s as well as college and university applications.
The opportunities available include:
Aquatic Poolside Helper Training
A Poolside Helper supports the delivery of club sessions under the supervision of a qualified teacher or coach. The role provides an opportunity to take on a new challenge, gain practical teaching/coaching experience and support the development of all swimmers involved in the club.
This is a fun and supportive role and provides an opportunity to positively impact on the success of the club. Poolside Helpers can assist with the set-up of the pool for club training sessions and ensure all equipment is correctly stored away at the end of the session. They must be aware of the safety of the session at all times, ensuring the poolside is tidy and any health and safety risks are reported to the coach or appropriate personnel.
Event Volunteering
This training and development module will cover the following areas:
- Understand the benefits of volunteering
- An understanding of volunteering roles at events
- Understand the skills required for specific roles
- Have a basic understanding of the technical officials pathways and possible routes into officiating
Officials Training
Swimming Timekeepers
Timekeeper gives an introduction into the world of the swimming official for those aged 14 years and over. It covers the practical aspects of what is required of a timekeeper by means of a short theory session, which can be delivered face to face or undertaken online, followed by a demonstration of practical competence.
If you’re 14 years of age complete Technical Officials Timekeeping Theory
Swimming Judge Level 1
The online format is designed to allow volunteers to start the training at their own pace and to fit with all the other lifestyle commitments which volunteers have. It’s available when young volunteers turn 15 years old.
Once the theory training is complete and registered, candidates will be provided with local contacts to guide them through their practical assessments. Training resources have been updated, and clear guidance is included on suggested timescales for completing each competence, with a time limit of 11 months being introduced.
Upon completion of all Judge 1 training individuals will automatically be issued with their first licence, which will be valid for 4 years, which then enable them to apply to volunteer at all events up to and including National level.
If you are 15 years of age or over complete Technical officials Judge 1 Theory
Entry routes into officials training for other aquatic disciplines are available by contacting swimnortheast@swimming.org The Swim England North East Region look to provide these opportunities on a regular basis and promote the details of these courses when they are scheduled. For further information contact swimnortheast@swimming.org.
Additional eLearning opportunities which can be accessed include:
Foundations of Inclusivity
The aim of this eLearning CPD is to provide individuals with the foundations of inclusivity. It will give learners an introduction to equality, diversity and inclusion, covering the path to inclusion, the use of appropriate language and the importance of adaption. The course can be accessed at: https://www.swimming.org/ios/course-information/foundations-of-inclusivity/
Basic Safeguarding Awareness
Safeguarding children is everyone’s responsibility. Swim England have created this free online resource to give everyone involved in clubs or swimming lessons a basic overview of child safeguarding. The course can be accessed at: https://www.swimming.org/ios/course-information/safeguarding-basic-awareness/