Poolside Report

I am delighted to report on another successful year for the club. You will see from the membership report that our classes are full and from the badge and gala reports that swimming achievement has continued to go from strength to strength.

 

The poolside team of teachers and coaches is strong, enthusiastic and committed. It is right to acknowledge the efforts of this team of volunteers because without them there would be no BASC.

 

There have been a couple of changes to the team this year. I would like to record thanks to Kerry Locket and Paul Waite who between them spent many hours on poolside teaching and encouraging our swimmers. They both made valuable contributions to the club and we are grateful to have benefitted from their services.

 

We have been fortunate to attract 3 new teachers to our team, Caroline Holt who has joined us from Borehamwood Swimming Club and Janet Wood who has made the step from within. We are also delighted to welcome back an old captain Robin Willis who has started teaching again this January.

 

Bushey is pleased to be able to offer development opportunities to Teachers and Coaches and will support volunteers through nationally recognised courses.  As we do not pay for any regular coaching or teaching time it is our policy to pay for these courses in return for a commitment to the club. Several of our teachers are intending to advance their qualifications and skills this year by committing to ASA courses.

 

If you have had time to read the 3 year plan document you will see that we intend to increase the numbers of teachers and coaches at the club. Traditionally this has been achieved by members and parents stepping forward and ‘going for it’. This was my own experience and I am pleased that I did so. We are now actively looking to identify potential teachers for the future so if anyone is interested or would like to know more please approach me or one of the poolside team.

 

I was delighted last year that we gained promotion to league 1 in the Herts swimming League. It was well deserved and a fantastic team effort by all those involved. Equally impressive was the fact that we were able to, for the first time put 3 separate gala squads at different venues on the same day. This truly was ‘Super Saturday’ and it has already achieved legendary status in the history of this small club. Congratulations to all involved.

 

At BASC we tend to achieve things by evolution rather than massive change. Some subtle changes are currently underway as we develop our 3 year plan. The first has involved a look at Saturday mornings. We have only limited pool time and resources and it is essential to get the best from these if we are to continue our successes. The Saturday session is now known as, ‘Gala Performance Session’.  Selection for the session is limited to those the Coaches feel will benefit most from it. In particular regular A team swimmers and younger swimmers showing the right attitude and potential are included. Attendance and progression will be carefully monitored as we are sure places will be keenly sought after.

 

The poolside team is grateful for the behind the scenes support of club officials and committee members. Their efficiency and efforts allow us to concentrate on the wet stuff!

 

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our swimmers. You have had a great year and we are very pleased with the progress that you have made. Keep it up and remember, ‘practice makes permanent’!

 

Richard Henson

Poolside Manager