Welcome to the Sheffield City
Council Diving Training Scheme
Squad Handbook
April 2013
Welcome to the Sheffield City Council Diving Training
Scheme Handbook
Introduction
The Sheffield City Council Diving Training Scheme is one of the top diving programmes in the
country and in partnership with British Diving, has produced 40 International divers at junior and
senior level over the past two decades, including nine Olympians. It offers elite level coaching for
competitive divers, providing a pathway from the Ponds Forge learn to dive lesson programme,
through to International level competition and competitive adult Masters training.
‘Our aim is to produce elite divers, and ensure that
all members are nurtured to their full potential’
This handbook will provide you with information on the scheme, outlining the different squads, the
training requirements expected at each level and an overview of Sheffield City Council procedures.
Scheme Structure
Sheffield is home to the world-famous Ponds Forge Sports Centre, which regularly hosts National
and International diving events. The philosophy of the scheme is to give each diver the tools to
become the best that they can be. This includes top level diving, dry board, gymnastics and
trampoline training, flexibility, strength and conditioning training and nutrition advice.
Each diver’s development is taken very seriously, and the scheme is structured to follow the
guidelines laid out in the British Diving Long Term Athlete Development Plan.
The schemes competitive outlet is The City of Sheffield Diving Club (“COSDC”). When divers
begin competing, they must become a registered member of an amateur club. The City of
Sheffield Diving Club was formed to give divers participating in the council training scheme an
avenue to compete. All members of the Sheffield City Council Diving Training Scheme are
required to join COSDC and therefore pay the appropriate annual membership fee direct to the
Club. The annual fee goes towards the divers registration and insurance to the ASA (the English
National Governing Body for Aquatics), administration costs and coach expenses at competitions.
The City of Sheffield Diving Club (COSDC)
The City of Sheffield Diving Club is one of the top clubs in the country, having produced multiple
National champions and Olympians for almost twenty years. The Club is regularly ranked in the
top three teams at major GB Junior and Senior Championships. In 2008 the Club was accredited
as a Swim 21 ‘Performance Club’, recognising its commitment to providing a high quality, safe
environment. The Diving Club is registered to the sports governing body, the Amateur Swimming
Association (ASA). The club is managed by a small committee of volunteers voted in at an Annual
General Meeting each year.
The Diving Training Scheme and the City of Sheffield Diving Club are separate organisations, but
they are closely linked and work in partnership to provide the very best in diving provision.
2012 Talent (TID) Squad
Training Days:
Thursday and Sunday
Divers are typically selected through a school talent identification programme and will posses the
necessary physical characteristics to reach an elite level in diving.
Criteria
 Divers would normally be aged between 7 and 10 years old
 Divers will be introduced to dry land training including gymnastics, dry board and trampolining
activities, flexibility training and basic body conditioning
 Divers will be expected to regularly attend local club and regional Skills (Novice) diving
competitions
 Attendance at all training sessions per week is required
 Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition Commitments: Depending on the individual progression rates then the divers will aim
to compete at the COSDC Championships, White Rose Novices, Sheffield Novices (Santa Skills),
Shipley Novices, Hydro Novices, ASA NER Yorkshire Skills Finals, ASA National Skills Finals,
ASA TID Games
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle
Junior Development Squad
Training Days:
Friday and Sunday
This squad is for divers who do not currently fulfil the criteria to be a member of the Age Group or
Elite Development Squad, but have talent, are committed and want to train hard. Divers will aim to
compete at Regional and National Skills Finals / Regional Age Group Diving competitions.
Criteria




Divers will take part in dry land training including dry board and trampolining activities
Divers will be expected to regularly attend local and regional diving competitions
Attendance at all training sessions per week is required
Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition Commitments: COSDC Championships, White Rose Novices, Sheffield Novices
(Santa Skills), Shipley Novices, Hydro Novices, ASA NER Yorkshire Skills Finals, ASA National
Skills Finals
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle, chamois
Skill Development Squad
Training Days:
Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Aim: Divers strive to challenge for medals at the Yorkshire and National Skills Finals and be
working towards Age Group competition conditions.
Divers will possess the necessary physical characteristics to reach an advanced level in diving.
Divers will have passed the ASA Award Scheme Level 4 or be able to complete the National Skills
Finals dive conditions.
Criteria





Passed ASA Award Scheme Level 4
Divers will develop dry land gymnastics, dry board and trampolining skills
Divers will be expected to attend Regional and National Skills Finals
Attendance of all training sessions per week is required
Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition Commitments: COSDC Championships, Sheffield Novices (Santa Skills), White Rose
Novices, Shipley Novices, Hydro Novices, ASA NER Yorkshire Skills Finals, National Skills Finals,
ASA NER Yorkshire Age Group Championships
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle, chamois
National Age Group Squad
Training Days:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Aim: Divers strive to challenge for medals at Yorkshire and National Age-Group Championships.
Divers will have or will be working towards a comprehensive list of dives on all boards at Regional
and National Age Group level appropriate to the diver's age.
Criteria
 Be physically capable of producing a set of dives required at National Age Group events
 Selection is based on divers commitment, discipline, willingness to learn dives and long
term potential
 Attendance of all training sessions per week is required
 Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition Commitments: COSDC Championships, Club invitational events (Southampton
Invitational, Luton Challenge, Armada Cup, G Star Championships), ASA NER Yorkshire AgeGroup Championships, National Age-Group Championships
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle, chamois, thera-band
Elite Development 3 Squad
Training Times: Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Aim: Divers aim to challenge for medals at Regional and National Skills Finals and strive to
compete at Age Group level.
Divers are selected based on their physical potential to reach an elite level in diving.
Criteria
 Divers would normally be between 8 and 11 years of age
 Selection is based on divers commitment, discipline, willingness to learn dives and long
term potential
 Attendance of all training sessions per week is required
 Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition Commitments: Depending on the individual progression rates then the divers will aim
to compete at the COSDC Championships, Sheffield Novices (Santa Skills), White Rose Novices,
Shipley Novices, Hydro Novices, ASA NER Yorkshire Skills Finals, ASA National Skills Finals,
GStar Diving Championships, NER Age Groups Championships, National Age Group Diving
Championships
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle
Elite Development 2 Squad
Training Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Aim: Divers strive to challenge for medals at Regional and National Age Group Championships.
Divers will strive to compete at Elite Junior level.
Divers will possess the necessary physical characteristics to reach an elite level in diving and have
a high standard of commitment and attendance.
Criteria
 Divers will work towards a full list of dives on all boards
 Selection is based on divers commitment, discipline, willingness to learn dives and long
term potential
 Divers will be expected to regularly attend competitions of various levels depending on age
 Divers are expected to adhere to the Elite Development Squad code of conduct
 Attendance at a minimum of four sessions per week is required
 Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition Commitments: COSDC events, Club invitational events (Southampton Invitational,
Luton Challenge, Armada Cup, G Star Championships), ASA NER Yorkshire Age Group
Championships, National Age Group Diving Championships
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle, chamois, thera-band
Elite Development 1 Squad
Training Days: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday
Aim: Divers strive to challenge for medals at junior elite level and for selection to represent Great
Britain at Junior International level. Divers will strive to compete at Senior National
Championships. A high standard of commitment and attendance is expected from divers.
At this stage divers will be training 15+ hours per week with a structured training regime and
competitive schedule
Criteria
 Divers will possess the characteristics to reach an elite level in diving
 Divers will perform a full list of dives on all boards
 Selection is based on divers commitment, discipline, willingness to learn dives and long
term potential
 Divers will target the British Elite Junior Nationals and junior international competitions
 Divers are expected to adhere to the Elite Development Squad code of conduct
 Attendance of six sessions per week is required
 Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition Commitments: COSDC events, Club invitational events (Southampton Invitational,
Luton, Armada Cup, G Star Championships), Yorkshire Championships (NER ASA), British Elite
Junior Nationals, British National Championships (dependant on age)
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle, chamois, thera-band, personal training folder
Elite National Squad
Training Days: Monday - Saturday (18+ hours). Day time and evening training is available.
Aim: Divers in this squad strive to challenge for medals at junior and senior international level.
Criteria
 Total commitment to training
 Selection is based on attitude, commitment, discipline, long-term potential and competition
performance
 Divers will be targeting domestic and International success, British/National Championships,
FINA Grand Prix circuit and all major games
 Divers will be required to develop the disciplined practical and psychological skills necessary
to train and perform at an elite level
 Senior divers will play a mentorship role for the younger divers coming through the scheme
 Annual membership to COSDC and the ASA
Competition commitments: COSDC events, Yorkshire Championships (NER ASA), British Junior
and/or Senior Championships, GB Internationals, Major Games
Personal Training Equipment: drinks bottle, chamois, thera-band
Masters Squad
Training Days:
Monday and Friday
The Masters Squad is geared towards giving training and competition opportunities for adult divers
who want to stay involved, or are perhaps late starters in the sport.
Criteria
 Available to divers aged 16+ years of age
 Some past experience of diving, gymnastics or trampolining at a participation level is desirable
 Attendance at both sessions per week is required
 Again, there is a competitive outlet, so all competitive members are expected to join the City of
Sheffield Diving club annually
Competition Commitments: COSDC events, GBDF Spring, Summer and Winter Nationals,
European Masters and various Invitational Masters International events
Personal Training Equipment: chamois
General Information
Training Scheme Fees
Training fees are paid monthly by direct debit to the Sheffield City Council. These fees pay the
cost of the pool time we hire each month and coaching costs. On payment of your training fees,
you will be issued with a pass which will allow you access to the poolside. You will be informed
when to collect your pass, which can be collected from Ponds Forge Reception. The car park is
managed separately by Ponds Forge Sports Centre. As a squad scheme member you are eligible
to purchase a discounted monthly car park pass if required. You can purchase this monthly from
Ponds Forge reception at a cost of £10.00 per month. Alternatively you can pay as you go using
the pay machines located in Ponds Forge reception.
Note: Do not confuse your monthly training fees with your club membership fee, as these are two
different payments.
Training Times
Because of the size of the facility and the potential that Ponds Forge Sports Centre has to host
large swimming events, training for squad divers is often disrupted at weekends. In the occurrence
of large aquatic events the scheme will be allocated a period of training time which may be outside
the normal training time, usually between 11-2pm. Members will be given as much notice as
possible regarding this, however last minute changes may still occur. Each months training
alterations are emailed out by the Diving Development Officer on a monthly basis. Monthly training
alterations and school holiday training times are also displayed on the diving notice board.
In the case that training has to be cancelled last minute due to extreme weather conditions, facility
power cuts etc… please check the City of Sheffield Diving Club’s webiste regularly for updates.
The website can be accessed at www.cityofsheffielddiving.co.uk/
Access to Poolside
Access to poolside for parents is strictly prohibited during training times unless in an emergency.
If any parents have any questions or issues, please see the squad coaches after the session or
book an appointment.
Competitions
The City of Sheffield Diving Club (COSDC) is the competitive outlet for the Council Squads and is
responsible for organising and coordinating competitions. Relevant club information is available on
the notice board, club website and from the squad coaches. Divers will be chosen to represent the
Club in competitions when they are of the required standard. This selection will be done through
the recommendations of the squad coaches. As it is a competitive scheme, divers and their
coaches are expected to represent the club when selected.
The Coaches
All coaching staff employed on the Council Diving Training Scheme are qualified ASA Diving
Teachers and are fully police checked in relation to working with children. In order to maintain the
best training environment for each child, the coaching staff are committed to using their knowledge
of diving in a positive and enthusiastic manner, and by adhering to the Sheffield City Council Code
of Conduct.
Movement between Squads
A pathway diagram showing the development pathway for a diver in the City of Sheffield can be
found at the back of this booklet. The pathway is in place so that each diver can move through the
squads and achieve their full potential. Divers’ skill development, competition performance,
willingness to learn new dives and commitment to training will be considered when moving
between squads. Squad movements are generally made at two points during the year, Christmas
and summer, however movements can be made at any time. After squad allocation divers must
commit to the squad by showing a positive training attitude, a willingness to work towards their
goals and attendance requirements. Failure to adhere to these expected standards may lead to
relocation to another squad. There may be times that individuals struggle with high levels of
training, or when the coach’s feels that a diver needs to move into a different squad that will be
more appropriate to their physically or mental ability. All children will learn, develop and mature at
a different rate, which may be reflected in the squad that they are in until they have come through
their various stages of development. This will be done with sensitivity and through consultation
where appropriate.
Communications
The scheme utilises email as a key communication tool and uses squad and group mailing lists to
distribute information quickly, reliably and cost effectively. Parents / Carers are required to give
permission for their e-mail address to be used solely for communications, when completing the
annual registration form. The Diving Development Officer frequently emails important training
information such as letters, monthly training alterations and newsletters. It is the member’s
responsibility to ensure the Diving Development Officer has a current and active email address. If
your email address or contact details change, then please inform the Diving Development Officer
as soon as possible. If you do not have access to email then please inform the Diving
Development Officer to make alternative arrangements to receive information.
There is a secure post box located next to the diving notice board which can only be accessed by
the Diving development Officer and the Club Treasurer. Please use the post box to post scheme
correspondence in such as letters, reply slips and competition entries. Please post all
correspondence in a clearly marked envelope.
Notice Board and Website
Details of many important aspects of the Council Training Scheme and the Club are displayed on
the diving club website and the diving notice board, located to the right hand side of the pool hall
viewing balcony. Divers and parents are advised to regularly check these for important information
such as training alterations, competition news and recent letters.
Newsletters
Newsletters are produced on a monthly basis. Newsletters will be emailed to all members on the
mailing list and will be displayed on the diving notice board. If you have an article that you would
like to see in the newsletter then please contact the Diving Development Officer.
Photography and Filming
Divers are often featured in newspaper articles, websites, photo shoots etc. All parents / guardians
are required to give permission to allow the filming / photographing of divers under the age of 18
years old for Council & Club purposes. This is done when completing the registration form.
Duty of Care
The duty of care for all divers starts once they enter poolside or the dry diving areas at the start of
the session and finishes once they leave these areas at the end of the session. Sheffield City
Council is not responsible for divers outside of these hours. Therefore arrangements should
be made for all divers to be fully supervised until the arranged start time of their session, and be
picked up immediately at the end of training. It is advisable to make sure that a coach is in
attendance, before leaving the building. There have been occasions where children have been
dropped off and left, only to find that the session has been cancelled or the times altered. All
efforts will be made to ensure that prior notification will be given in these instances. Please check
the notice board regularly.
Council and Club Policies
The Sheffield City Council has a Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct. All divers and parents
/ carers will be asked to read the Code of Conducts when joining the scheme. Divers and parents /
guardians will be asked to sign to confirm they have read and will adhere to these policies at all
times.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The Sheffield City Council provides a wide range of services to the general public. A major part of
its duties is to ensure that no person is discriminated against during access to a council facility or
services. The Sheffield City Council is committed to providing equal opportunities to all,
regardless of age, gender, religion, race or disability.
Customer Care Policy
The Sheffield City Council Sports Team is striving to provide a service of quality. It believes that
everyone has the right to a service that is free from discrimination. Sheffield City Council Diving
Scheme is committed to providing customer care to the highest standards. If you have any
suggestions or comments to improve the service, please put your comments in writing to the
Diving Development Officer or ask to speak to a lead coach, who will be pleased to help.
Alternatively you can post your comments or feedback in the diving post box.
Physical Contact
Further to NSPCC advice, we are required to inform you that there are aspects of our coaching,
which require a “hands on” technique. This type of physical contact between coaches and divers
will only be used in full view of the balcony and for the following reasons:
 Where it is essential to support the diver during the early stages of learning a skill for safety
reasons.
 To develop the skill and technique (e.g. placing the diver in the correct position or posture)
 To prevent an injury (e.g. pushing them away from the poolside if, during the process of the
dive the teacher considers them to be too close to the poolside)
 To treat an injury
Safeguarding Guidelines
All our coaches attend SCC and Sports Coach UK Safeguarding training as well as completing a
DBS disclosure through both the council and the ASA.
Coaches are trained to deal and respond to suspicions or allegations of abuse. In all instances it is
expected that they contact the Safeguarding Officer as soon as possible, and record as much
information on the SCC Child Protection Issue Log.
Contact details for safeguarding for both Activity Sheffield and COSDC are
Activity Sheffield:
Paul Steel (Operations Manager) – 2735630 / 07713261427
Diana Radford (Head of Service) – 2735052 / 2736149 / 07970091473
City of Sheffield Diving Club:
Christine Cryan (Child Welfare Officer) – christinecryan61@hotmail.co.uk
The COSDC Child Welfare and Protection policy is available to download at
www.cityofsheffield.co.uk
Complaint Procedures
Any problems that occur during training scheme time should be discussed and hopefully resolved
with the squad coach concerned. Please do not engage in text or email communications, instead
please make an appointment to speak to a coach. Should it be necessary to take the complaint
further, this should be taken up with the Diving Development Officer. The matter will be dealt with
according to Sheffield City Council procedures, or be refereed to the relevant Council Officer if
necessary. Complaints relating to the structure and running of the club should be addressed to the
relevant person on the Club Committee e.g. the Head Coach, Secretary or Child Welfare Officer.
Information on how to do this can be found in the Club information pack (online) or by contacting
the Secretary.
For further information on the City of Sheffield Diving Club and competitions, please download the
‘COSDC Information Pack’ from the Club website in the ‘Club Documents’ section
(www.cityofsheffielddiving.co.uk/).
Contact Details
Diving Development Officer: Nikki Smith
Email: Nikki.Smith@sheffield.gov.uk
Swim Office: 0114 272 8578
Mobile: 07800 882541
Address: Nikki Smith
Sheffield City Council Swim Office
Ponds Forge ISC
Sheaf Street
Sheffield
S1 2BP