ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Identify needs and requirements of swimmers and program.

1.1. Analyse the requirements of competitive performance for the activity or discipline in swimming.

1.2. Use approved assessment methods to develop profiles for each individual, subgroup and group participating in the program.

1.3. Outline objectives for the program, and each phase within the program, according to swimmer's profiles and through negotiation with swimmers and support personnel.

2. Develop a program.

2.1. Develop a performance strategy to meet the identified needs and requirements of the swimmer or team.

2.2. Select drills, activities and games that address the identified needs and requirements according to best practice principles of swimming and aquatic activities.

2.3. Establish fixed points of the program and identify and document periodisation within the program.

2.4. Identify strengths and weaknesses of the opposition.

2.5. Develop individual and team tactics to match the performance strategy and the opposition profile according to swimming rules, policies and regulations.

2.6. Identify resource requirements for the program according to relevant legislation and organisational policies and procedures.

2.7. Schedule and document all aspects of the training program according to organisational policies and procedures and best practice principles of swimming and aquatics activities.

2.8. Identify potential constraints and external influences and develop strategies to overcome these.

2.9. Determine evaluation methods to monitor the program prior to and after implementation.

3. Evaluate program.

3.1. Gather and discuss data on swimmer's performance in competitions as a result of program implementation.

3.2. Seek feedback from participating swimmers, other coaches and support personnel.

3.3. Evaluate effectiveness of training program and modify as required.

Required skills

planning and organising skills to:

develop an individualised training program to improve competitive swimming skills

devise a program schedule according to identified requirements and objectives

communication skills to:

liaise with swimmers, other coaches, health professionals and support personnel

convey training program requirements

seek feedback from various sources

problem-solving skills to:

select appropriate techniques and strategies for the program to meet objectives

modify program as required

literacy skills to develop individual profiles and programs

numeracy skills to gather and analyse data on swimmer's performance.

Required knowledge

legislation, organisational policies and procedures and accepted best practices of swimming to enable development of safe training programs

anatomical, physiological and biomechanical differences of swimmers to plan individualised programs

planning and periodisation methods to meet individual and group needs

principles of growth and development and their relationship to coaching pedagogy

drills, activities and games to improve specific swimming skills and performance.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

assesses swimmer's needs and current training status and applies this information to develop individual profiles and identify program requirements and objectives

develops programs for individuals and groups of competitive swimmers that incorporate drills, activities and games that are aimed to improve swimming performance

evaluates and modifies the training program according to swimmer's performance and required improvement.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure development of training programs for multiple competitive swimmers to allow the demonstration of competency and consistency of performance.

Assessment must also ensure access to:

a group of swimmers at the competitive level

resources and support personnel

swimming pool facilities and equipment

documentation on individual swimmer's performance history.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of developing swimmer profiles and planning a program for a competitive swimmer

observation of communicating with swimmers, other coaches and support personnel to identify and meet program requirements

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the impact of anatomical, physiological and biomechanical differences of swimmers on the development of individualised programs

portfolio of training program and analysis of data collected on swimmer's performance

third-party reports from a supervisor detailing performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

SISSSWM301A Teach the competitive strokes of swimming.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Requirements may include:

objectives

structure

specific activities

range of activities

time

equipment and safety.

Assessment methods may include:

field assessments

interviews with swimmers

observation of performance

performance history

physical ability tests

trials

national testing protocol.

Profiles may include:

physical

psychological

tactical

technical

leadership.

Objectives may include:

swimmer enjoyment

competition and performance.

Support personnel may include:

administrators

coaches

sports scientists

sports medicine providers

other health professionals

parents or guardians.

Best practice principles of swimming and aquatic activities may include:

preventative practice to minimise hazards or risks

Coaches or Instructors Code of Conduct policies

national activity organisation regulations and guidelines

relevant national, state or territory or local government regulations and guidelines

the culture of swimming

current and past good practice.

Fixed points may include:

structure and subdivision of the competition

individual and team involvement

intended peaks

selection dates and criteria.

Periodisation may include:

macro-cycles

micro-cycles

meso-cycles

pre-season

in-season

post-season.

Resource requirements may include:

ratio of coaches to swimmers

ratio of equipment to swimmers

access to first aid facilities, equipment and facilities

objectives and structure of program

specific and range of activities

time and budget

specialist support.

Relevant legislation may include:

occupational health and safety

privacy

working with children

anti-doping policy

harassment-free sports policies.

Organisational policies and procedures may include:

occupational health and safety

conflict resolution

communication protocols

use, care and maintenance of equipment and facilities

training and scheduling commitments

code of ethics.

Potential constraints may include:

background noise

time availability

stress level of coach and swimmers

information overload

conflict.

External influences may include:

environmental conditions

other facility users

spectators

parents

officials and administrators

other coaches.

Evaluation methods may include:

fitness and lab assessments

discussions with swimmers

training and competition performances

training diaries

input into the program.