SWIMMING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23012, 13 April 1938, Page 20

SWIMMING

DOMINION STANDARD COACHING ESSENTIAL RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL The belief that, if New Zealand swimming is to be improved and progress is to be made at a rate comparable with that accomplished by other countries, a definite, comprehensive svstem of coaching was essential, was the basis of a recommendation to the council of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association, that a bureau of instruction and coaching ! should be' established, and entrusted with national efforts for raising the standard of swimming ability. The proposal has been referred by the council to the various centres for their consideration, in conjunction with other suggestions' inspired by the British Empire Games, and it will bo discussed by the Auckland Centre at its meeting to-night. The motive for the suggestion of such a bureau is that it would afford swimmers, whether in the cities or country towns, an equal means of betterment, "The function of tho bureau," stated the report presented to the council, "shall be to standardise swimming and training methods in New Zealand, and to supervise tho instruction and coaching of swimmers associated with affiliated clubs, doing this with the cooperation of district representatives " It was suggested that the bureau should be responsible for determining the most effective means of swimming and training, should observe a uniform system of instruction and coaching, and should advise affiliated swimmers dosiring advice on technique or training. The bureau's duty to keep itself informed of tho latest developments technically, and to examine and test new theories in order to decide whether they are advantageous, was also mentioned. A further recommendation was that it should bo represented at Olympic and British limpira Games and other international meetings by a competent observer, so that overseas methods could be closely studied. The seeking of advice from coaches, especially those in other countries, would be among the chief functions of the bureau. Apart from personal visits, means suggested of obtaining expert guidance and instruction from experts are films and recordings. Organisation of special classes would be handled by the bureau. Their training it would supervise according to schedules approved by itself, with duo regard to individual requirements. Regular reports by district representatives, recording the progress of those under their care would be part of the system. Fdr tho purpose of enforcing discipline, swimmers neglecting training would he liable to tho withdrawal of coaching. The financing of the bureau is a ~'v problem. This, it was suggested, could be met by an annual levy on all affiliated swimmers, whether or not they were directly receiving instruction. Referring ,to tho members of the kureau, the report stated that they not necessarily be members of the New Zealand Council, and that • appointment should be for a period of not less than three years.