Clubmark has reviewed the way Sports Equity is implemented and documented within the accreditation process in consultation with licensed National Governing Bodies and County Sports Partnerships. The aim of the review is to ensure clubs are accessible and inclusive and to further assist with the recruitment and retention of members from all sections of the community.

In relation to swim21 the changes are summarised as follows:

·         Both accredited clubs and those working towards swim21 will need to produce an Equity Action Plan as part of their swim21 submission. This may form part of the existing Club Improvement Plan or may be submitted as a separate plan. (Compliance Module,        Element 13).

·         Teachers and Coaches will need to attend the Equity in your Coaching Workshop, (sportscoachUK) as they do now. (Workforce Development Module, Element 2).

·         A member of the Club Management Committee will need to attend “A Club for All” workshop (runningsports), however if this has not been achieved at the time of submission for accreditation it can be included as an action point in the Equity Action Plan, to be achieved within 12 months. (Workforce Development Module, Element 2).

·         Accredited Clubs submitting for their Annual revalidation will also need to implement these changes within their Improvement Plans.

For further information to assist you with the completion of these elements, including a Template for the Equity Action Plan, please CLICK HERE

 

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The swim21 National Panel has made positive alterations to the criteria for clubs accrediting at Competitive Development Level in Swimming.

Following feedback from clubs, Nick Sellwood, the ASA’s Head of Talent Development, was asked to re-visit the current criteria and decide whether there was a need for change.

As a result, the criteria has been amended to allow more flexibility, by reducing the average number of athletes required to achieve top 20 positions in individual (Olympic) events at ASA National Youth & Age Group Championships from six, to three (over a three-year period).

David Flack, the swim21 National Panel Chair commented: “I am delighted to confirm that as a direct response to feedback received from clubs the National Panel members agreed this should be reviewed to ensure it was not becoming a barrier to the achievement of swim21 accreditation at this level. The revised criteria will allow more clubs working at Competitive Development Level to achieve and maintain this award through progression and development, whilst still maintaining the high quality programme swim21 represents”.

Full details of evidence requirements for all levels of swim21 can be found HERE

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