The Club's Aim 

The club's primary aim is to providing a safe, child-friendly and competent environment for the teaching and coaching of swimming.

Why do we need volunteers? 
The club relies on volunteers to facilitate the successful running of the club. The committee works to ensure that we always have a sufficient number of appropriately qualified volunteers working within the club to deliver our aims.

What do volunteers do? 
A list of roles required for the smooth and efficient running of the club is posted on the club noticeboard. Whilst the committee endeavour to keep all of these positions filled, on occasion we can be spread more thinly than we would like and we are always keen to receive additional assistance from volunteers to help spread the load.

If you would like to know more about any of the jobs then you can contact any member of the committee who will ensure that your receive a copy of the appropriate job description and arrange for a member of the committee to discuss the post with you in detail.

There are always lots of other jobs to do and activities with which we would value help. From assisting with poolside teaching, through officiating at galas to organising fund raising events and editing the club's newsletter. Please let us know if you are willing and able to help.

When and where does the club run? 
The club currently holds one training session per week throughout the year at Freman College in Buntingford. Any member may attend club training night on a Tuesday or Thursday evening at a time that is dependent upon their ability and age. Training sessions are divided into separate groups depending on ability.

A number of competitive opportunities exist for all club members throughout the year including peanuts league galas, open meets, annual club championships, time trials etc. The majority of these events are held on Saturday evenings.

The committee meet formally every two months usually at a committee members' house typically starting at 730pm.

Who can volunteer? 
We welcome help from anyone who is keen, willing and able to give of their time. Most of our current volunteers are parents, ex-swimmers or swimmers. Teaching and coaching posts require appropriate qualifications, the costs for which the club will try to meet dependent upon the club's financial situation.

How do we recruit? 
Word of mouth at club training night always help but we also use the club noticeboard, the Herts sports partnership website and the club newsletter.

Child safety 
The safety of our members is our top priority. All volunteers working directly with swimmers undergo an induction process, are vetted by the Amateur Swimming Association and the Criminal Records Bureau. In addition we ask that such volunteers attend an approved child protection course.

Training 
Some roles require formal training:-

The club will endeavour to financially assist any volunteer willing to take their ASA teaching or coaching qualifications and will help them find suitable courses.
The club will endeavour to financially assist any volunteer willing to take their ASA timekeepers, judges and starters exam and will help them find suitable courses.
Other activities may involve informal training:-
We can let you work alongside an experienced teacher or coach to gain experience before you go onto the next level of qualification.
(Any financial assistance from the club is dependent upon the clubs financial position)

What does it cost? 
Volunteering doesn't have to cost you anything but your time! The club will pay for any legitimate out of pocket expense on presentation of a receipt to the treasurer. If you would like to teach, the club will assist with the cost of courses dependent upon the club's financial position. Similarly, for official's exams the club will try to meet all costs again dependent upon the club's financial position.

What sort of support can I expect? 
Our volunteers always work under the supervision of a teacher/coach. Teachers, once qualified, are allowed to work independently but you will not be expected to do so until we think that you are confident. 
Officials can gain practical experience by working alongside a qualified official, until ready to take the practical exam.

Other source of information? 
Aside from taking a look at the club noticeboard.

The club welcome pack
Club code of ethics and conduct
Club code of behaviour
Club equity policy
Club disability policy
Copies of all of the above are available from the club secretary.


Next steps....... 
If you are interested in helping the club, please contact any member of the committee and let us know what interests you, how much time you can give and what you would like to get involved with.

Statement of Practice 
Recruitment of volunteers is the responsibility of the officers of the club who match skills with job requirements. Although it is typically aimed at older swimmers, ex-swimmers, parents and grandparents, Buntingford Swimming Club recognise the need to protect children and proceed with caution regarding potential recruitment of volunteers from outside of the club. All volunteers who work directly with children (coaches, teachers, poolside helpers etc) are subject to vetting by the ASA and the CRB.