ASA Conference 23 rd October 2010

1. ASA Conference 23rd October 2010 Grow Participation Sustain Facilities Excel in Talent

2. The Vision • Networks of Swim 21 structures to provide quality programmes in every region. • Beacon programmesto support the sub-regional Swim 21 club networks. • A focus on WFD to address the skill shortage delivered by Beacon and other key programmes. • Build on success of AASE by expanding apprenticeships to Coaching/Teaching and delivering for other NGB’s • Business models that are flexible, sustainable, contemporary and mature by March 2013. Nick Sellwood ASA Head of Talent Development

3. SWOT Analysis of club programmes • Strengths! • Strong identity serving their communities. • Memberships commitment, expertise & knowledge of aquatics. • Not for profit organisations. • Ease of access. • All year round programmes of activities.

4. SWOT • Weaknesses.

5. SWOT • Threats: • Reduction in subsidies to clubs & number of LA schemes. • Increased facility charges. • Reduction in facility access. • Not enough quality teachers & coaches, etc. to sustain or grow club programmes. • Other agencies delivering competing programmes. • Inland revenue increasing “interest” in self employed coaches. • Increased competition from other sports. • Pool closures. • Comprehensive spending review.

6. SWOT • Opportunities: • Clubs acting to lead change and seek new partnerships to grow programmes. • Coach & Teacher apprenticeship programme via the ASA. • Advanced Coaching Offer. • Embedded tutor programme. • Developing new business practices. • Mergers & Acquisitions to create economies of scale, reduce unit costs and grow capacity. • Use Beacon resources.

7. Mutual benefit! • Club staff costs – offset contract costs by identifying work for other agencies. • Embedded tutor – delivering UKCC, CPD & other courses for operators, club or other sporting organisations. • Redeveloping poolspace to “grow” participation. • School – Club links…..top up development programme capacity.

8. Solutions….not problems! • Local Authorities/Operators are looking for solutions! • Win, win – clubs can help …….. • a] reduce costs….. • b] increase revenue …….. • c] meet community targets…..

9. Nick Sellwood ASA Head of Talent Development

10. Sustaining Facilities The programming of the pool is key to ensure we can deliver this outcome however other factors need considering • Building age and condition • Management of the facility • Operational costs • Energy costs • Participant pathways • Links to other activities • Timing of sessions • Staffing • Other considerations • Access and bus routes • Internal and external Marketing policy • Cleanliness

11. Sustainable FacilitiesPool Programming In order to create a sustainable facility we need ensure we have the right pool programme in place to meet the demands of the community. 3 main areas • Community use / structured sessions • Programmed Swimming and Discipline lessons • Club sessions 4th area of consideration - Galas and Events

12. Sustain Facilities The programming of the pool is key to ensure we can deliver this outcome however other factors need considering • Building age and condition • Management of the facility • Operational costs • Energy costs • Participant pathways • Links to other activities • Timing of sessions • Staffing • Other considerations • Access and bus routes • Internal and external Marketing policy • Cleanliness

13. Complexities Faced by a Facility Operator when re programming the pool

14. Who Operates the Pools ? • Local Authority – In house operation • Local Authority – Trust • Halo Leisure, Hertsmere Trust etc • Facility Management Company • LC, DC,SLM, GLL, Serco, Parkwood • Private Operators • David Lloyd, LA Fitness, Nuffield etc Different Styles, Different Cultures Different Financial Agreements Very Different Contracts

15. Understanding the Contract Arrangements • Every contract is based on agreed terms and conditions for Service Delivery and an agreed level of income and or profitability with the Local Authority. • Minimum Opening hours • % of casual use to programmed use • Protected hours • Qualifications of staff i.e. Level 2 teacher • Lifeguard ratios • Core prices • Types of non acceptable programmes

16. Types of Contract • A Management fee LA pays contractor for the service • An Operator fee Contractor pays LA for operating from their facilities • Trust model Attracts VAT benefits and / or national non domestic rate relief (NNDR) • Profit share % share over agreed threshold • Income share % share over agreed threshold

18. Complexities • Protected Hours swim clubs and others • % split between Casual and Programmed sessions • Lane Ropes • Water Depth (Adult &Child in the diving pit tends not to work well) • Existing Groups 50 + lane swimmers etc • Compatible pool sessions • Relationship Management (customers, press, media, LA) • Staff Qualifications ( contract states L2) • Lifeguard rotas/ costs

19. Develop a Beneficial Relationship • Who is the real decision maker • Research is absolutely key to the success of programming • Understanding of the contact complexities –this will need consideration • Have one or two easy wins up your sleeve to impress and gain their confidence in you as a programmer, always be positive in your approach. • Your proposition has to be a win win situation to stand any chance of being successful

20. Negotiate a club session • Look for a time slot that works for both parties • Understand the complexities of the contract • Check the current level of usage 6 months history is usually required for this. • Work out the current revenue expectation • Make them an offer which exceeds what they are getting now and don't forget that VAT goes to 20% in January so the prices will need to go up to reflect this loss • Look for partnership working – your coaching team to teach their stage 8 and above so that you can cherry pick the children • You get the children they don't need to spend money on training coaches to deliver. • Make sure you offer a payback into a swim fit session for all those who need additional training at different times to the club sessions • Look at how you can both gain the benefits of working / organising your members better

22. What can we do to help you Our aim is to keep quality swimming provision within communities . To have well maintained facilities To encourage a high standard in water quality and pool management • Talk to us if you are considering redeveloping your aquatic programme • We may be able to assist you to negotiate your water time • We can offer advise for your approach and who you should approach • Talk to us about potential funding options • Lets us know if you think your pool is in difficulty • New pool watch web site