Member Resources

Here are some handy resources to help you find your way in the world of swimming as a new member.

Safe Sport Framework

  • Our shared commitment to child and member protection

    • The safety of children and young people in our sport is paramount. We want swimming to be fun, enjoyable and safe for all. All of us in the Australian swimming community have a role to play in ensuring that we keep our proud sport as safe and enjoyable as possible. 

    The Safe Sport Framework (SSF) confirms the shared responsibility we all have for keeping each other safe in swimming - children and adults alike. The Safe Sport Framework replaces our previous child and member welfare policies and procedures from 29 July 2016, as well as our Codes of Conduct. It:

    • Specifically commits to keeping our Children and Young People safe in swimming;
    • Clarifies and raises the standards of behaviour for dealing with Children and Young People through a new “Code of Conduct for dealing with Children and Young People;
    • Strengthens and clarifies processes and procedures when safe sport concerns or incidents arise;
    • Requires more rigorous recruitment and screening procedures, as well as reporting by all organisations in swimming; and
    • Provides guidance, advice, tips and tools to assist us to keep each other and our sport safe.

    For more information about the Safe Sport Framework click here.

Insurance Coverage

  • What you're covered for

    • The Marsh Sport insurance team are proud to be working with Swimming NSW Clubs and members since 2007.

    Their expertise in the sporting industry will provide swimming members with vastly enhanced levels of service and cover through the Swimming Australia National Insurance Program.

    For all insurance enquiries, including What's Covered and any other specific insurance questions, including how to make a claim, please contact Marsh Sport directly on 1300 130 373 or alternatively visit the Marsh Sport Website.

Codes of Conduct and Etiquette

  • Electronic Communication Etiquette

    • We live in an electronic communication world, where information is collected and posted/distributed almost immediately. Social media provides an accessible platform for sporting clubs, athletes and coaches to access to promote our sport and recognise achievements. Here are some guidelines to ensure electronic communication and social media use can provide a positive experience and add value for club members.

    Website

    • Your club’s website is there to keep you up to date on current information on club/member accomplishments, competitions, social events, committees, policies, constitution, rules and by-laws.

    • No offensive content or photos should be published.

    • Photos of children should only be published with the express permission of his or her parent/guardian. Take care not to provide identifying information.

    SMS and email use

    SMS and email can be effective ways to provide information about competition, training, club-sanctioned social events and other club business. The following guidelines should be applied:

    • SMS messages should be short and about club/team matters

    • email communication should be used when more information is required

    • communication involving children should be directed through their parents

    • inappropriate images or content should not be accepted or forwarded

    • Postings (written, photos or videos) should be family-friendly and feature positive club news and events. Always be aware that content posted may potentially be shared with strangers.

    • No personal information about members should be disclosed.

    • No statements should be made that are misleading, hurtful, false or likely to injure a person’s reputation.

    • No statements should be made that might bring your club into disrepute.

    • Abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements are not tolerated.

    • Before posting photos or videos of another child or team mate, please be sure that you gain permission from the other child’s/team mates’ parent/guardian prior to uploading or posting.

    • Always be aware that social media is a legal method of communication which is bound by laws and rules like any other written communication

    Always remember, electronic communication:

    • should be restricted to club matters

    • must not offend, intimidate, humiliate or bully another person

    • must not be misleading, false or injure the reputation of another person

    • should respect and maintain the privacy of members

    • must not bring the club into disrepute.

  • Social Media Etiquette

    • Social media use

    • Postings (written, photos or videos) should be family-friendly and feature positive club news and events. Always be aware that content posted may potentially be shared with strangers.

    • No personal information about members should be disclosed.

    • No statements should be made that are misleading, hurtful, false or likely to injure a person’s reputation.

    • No statements should be made that might bring your club into disrepute.

    • Abusive, discriminatory, intimidating or offensive statements are not tolerated.

    • Before posting photos or videos of another child or team mate, please be sure that you gain permission from the other child’s/team mates’ parent/guardian prior to uploading or posting.

    • Always be aware that social media is a legal method of communication which is bound by laws and rules like any other written communication.

  • Cyber Bullying

    • Cyber bullying is a form of bullying, which takes place online through email, chat rooms, web pages and other online forums. Cyber bullying can occur 24/7 and children can be targeted while at home which makes it invasive and hard to escape. Cyber bullying can involve distressing and harmful material for children as users aren’t always aware of the consequences, which makes them behave in more extreme ways. Under certain circumstances, cyber bullying is a criminal offence that can be reported to the police.

    There are several things that you can do as a parent if your child is subject to cyber bullying.

    • Discuss the incident and assure your child you are able to help them.

    • Encourage your child to disengage from the online forum where the bullying is occurring.

    • Report the incident to your child’s swimming club committee immediately.

    • Educate your child about cyber safety.

    • Work with your child to implement strategies to reduce the risk of online harassment or bullying.

    • Remember that all members of Swimming Australia are bound by the Child Welfare Policy and that the law is on your side.

    ThinkUKnow is an internet safety program endorsed by the Australian Federal Police.  You may wish to visit ThinkUKnow.org.au for more information.

  • Photo Etiquette

    • We understand that you want to capture memories of your child participating in the sport they love and we welcome you to do so. Please keep in mind there is some basic etiquette you should adhere to.

    • Location – often access to pool deck during meets is off limits to parents. Make sure you are in a location you are permitted to be in (e.g. the stands) before taking photos.

    • Official photographer – at Swimming NSW’s and Swimming Australia’s meets there will normally be an official photographer. Do your best to ensure your photo efforts do not interfere with those of the meet’s official photographer.

    • Privacy – it’s sometimes very hard to capture only your own swimmer in photos, especially during action shots. Whenever possible please do everything you can to only photograph your child unless you have specific permission to photograph other children from their parent/guardian.

    • Appropriateness – cameras do not belong in bathrooms, change rooms, showers, or anywhere else swimmers may be changing.

    • Image use – if you have captured other swimmers in a photo, be aware that you should not publicly distribute or post the image unless you have the express permission of the parent/guardian of these swimmers.

    • Social media/internet – following on from the above, always obtain permission to post pictures of other swimmers on your club’s social media page(s) or website. Check your club’s social media guidelines as well before posting any photos to ensure you are adhering to them. Be aware that photos and videos may be shared with strangers.

  • Spectator/Parent Behaviour Etiquette

    • Our sport is committed to providing a safe environment for participation. Aggressive, threatening or other inappropriate behaviour by members, their families, their friends, and other sporting personnel will not be tolerated.

    Inappropriate behaviours are outlined in Swimming Australia's Safe Sport Framework and can include:

    • using bad language

    • harassing or ridiculing swimmers, coaches, officials or other spectators

    • making racist, religious, sexist or other inappropriate comments to swimmers, coaches, officials or other spectators

    • any threatening behaviour or physical altercation between spectators and swimmers, coaches, officials or other spectators.

    • putting undue pressure on children, berating them or putting down their performance

    What we ask you to do

    • Help create a positive atmosphere for swimmers, officials and other spectators by showing respect for swimmers, officials and other spectators.

    • Abide by Swimming Australia's Code of Conduct and refrain from using bad language, harassing or ridiculing others or behaving in a threatening or violent manner.

    • If you are aware of inappropriate spectator behaviour and you feel confident to do so, speak with the person and ask them to stop. If there is a technical official or committee member present, ask for their assistance.

    • Report any inappropriate spectator behaviour to a club committee member or someone in a position of authority.

    • Call the police or a club committee member if you are concerned for your safety or the safety of others.

Helpful Contacts

Your First Swim Meet

  • Some helpful tips to get you through your first meet successfully

    • BEFORE THE MEET

    Before you attend a meet, check with your coach to see what time you should arrive for warm up. Your club committee may also set a meeting time and place for swimmers and spectators.

    Pack the following in your bag

    • List of events you are entered in
    • Cash for entry into the meet and to buy a program (not all venues accept card payment)
    • Highlight pen and biro (for marking your events in the program)
    • Healthy snacks, and meals if you will be at the meet for an extended period of time
    • Water
    • Swimming gear (training suit x 2, racing suit, goggles x 2, club cap x 2, club shirt)
    • Towels x 2
    • Dry clothes
    • Dry bag or plastic bag to put your dry or wet clothes (keep them separate)
    • Extra clothes to keep you warm (even in the summer!) – Ugg boots, socks, jumpers, club jacket, warm pants

    If you haven’t done so already, label your gear with your name.

    If the meet is outside then you may wish to pack:

    • Sunscreen and sunglasses
    • Warm clothes
    • Chairs
    • Blankets or sleeping bags (in cold weather)
    • First Aid Kit
    • Tent or beach umbrella

     

    WHEN YOU ARRIVE

    • Pay any applicable entry fees and ensure you get a program
    • Look up the events you will be swimming in and highlight them
    • Find your fellow club member area at the venue
    • Find your coach – let him/her know you have arrived
    • Find out where you need to go for marshalling and how far in advance you need to present yourself (usually two events before yours).
    • Remind yourself when you need to be in marshalling. It is your responsibility to get there on time – do not be late
    • Follow your coach’s instructions to warm up
    • Keep warm when you get out of the pool
    • Ask your coach what you need to do to warm down after you have swum in your event(s)
    • Go to the marshalling area
    • Make yourself known to the Check Starter and follow their instructions. The Check Starter will lead you out on to pool deck before you compete in your event.

     

    AFTER COMPETING

    • If you have won a medal at a Swimming NSW or Swimming Australia meet, you will be told so by the technical officials on pool deck. Find out when you need to be in the medal presentation area to receive your medal.
    • Follow your coach’s instructions to swim down
    • Get dressed – stay warm
    • Eat, drink water
    • Talk to your coach
    • Report to medal area if required – do not be late

    You are welcome to go home after you have competed in all of your events. Make sure you check in with your coach before leaving the pool.

Swimming Interstate or Overseas

  • Clearances

    • Interstate swimming

    Interstate competition clearances are no longer required for all online-entry-based meets, if travelling to Queensland, South Australia or Victoria to compete. When entering online through the OME system, only financial members are able to enter. This means they are covered by insurance and will be able to compete without a clearance.

    International swimming

    If you wish to train or compete overseas, you must submit an international clearance form to Swimming NSW to be authorised at state level. Swimming NSW will check your membership is in good standing and will forward your clearance on to Swimming Australia for final approval.

    Once Swimming Australia approves your clearance, they will forward your clearance on to the appropriate overseas swimming federation. 

     

    If you require a clearance form visit our Resources page.

     

    Swimming NSW contact information for clearances

    Contact: Melissa Gorgijovski

    Email: admin@nsw.swimming.org.au

    Number: (02) 9763 5833

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