BSCTA has not 'Agreed' published Policy

A recent newsletter and e-mail has suggested that new guidelines had been adopted in relation to a joint policy the ASA Board & British Swimming Board have recently agreed with BSCTA & IOS in response to the growing concern on how we communicate between adults & children, in the light of the rapid developments of mobile phones, text messaging e-mailing & other forms of electronic communication.

Whilst the document clearly states that the BSCTA has agreed with this policy; it has not. Whilst it is true that the BSCTA debated this matter almost twelve months ago and gave its responses to the ASA as part of an 'on-going' debate, they have never agreed a Joint Policy with either the ASA or British Swimming Boards; more importantly, neither have we ever been asked to.

Whilst the BSCTA recognise the basis behind this document, the BSCTA Executive Committee, consisting of some of Britain's pre-eminent coaches both past & present, have serious concerns over this Policy's content, practical application and potential effects upon the majority of honest & hard working coaches & team managers, who are using modern technology safely & to good effect, for the benefit of their teams and swimmers.

The BSCTA Executive Committee are meeting next Wednesday to discuss this matter, amongst others, and they will respond again after then.

The BSCTA has acted in this way to inform members of its position at this time and that the statement in the recent bulletins are untrue.