At Free Style we swim, and we try to swim fast. And we do it in a context of friendship, fairness, and social justice. The fact that like so many other worthwhile activities, swimming can be used as a vehicle towards achieving other desirable ends in life is intentionally emphasised, as indeed is seeking a balance between competing demands in young people's lives.

Please read our Mission Statement

Meetings are open to all members, and in the case of junior members, their parents or guardians as well. Any younger members likely to benefit from the experience are also actively encouraged to attend and participate. Every effort is made to reach decisions through open discussion and consensus.

By convention the position of Hon. President is filled by someone outwith both the club and the sport. It is hoped that in so doing, such a person might bring a completely independent perspective to bear, introducing fresh ideas into the frame and offering neutral facilitation with respect to resolving any disagreements that may occur.

To support the work of the Management Committee, our constitution & regulations provide for a Training Subcommittee consisting of the Hon. Secretary, the Wellbeing & Protection Officer, our two Joint Club Captains, together with all the coaches. Its role is to consider all matters relating directly to the training of our swimmers, and to present proposals to the Management Committee for their consideration.

With the explicit expectation that every member contributes some energy to the club during the year, we hope a wider interest in the on-going running and well-being of the club will be kindled. This in turn will hopefully mitigate the chances of any smaller self-interest group emerging that has undue influence in the decision-making process.

No, he’s not a swimmer of any note even though his hair does look wet! His name was Cleisthenes, an Athenian political leader who introduced a system of political reforms that he called demokratia, (from demos, “the people,” and kratos, “power”). He is widely regarded as the founder of Athenian democracy.

Many of our swimmers are in or approaching their teenage years, years that are a challenging developmental period. As parents, we love our children to bits and we care deeply about their futures. We want to equip them with the tools to tackle life with gusto. We strongly believe that good manners and consideration of others are essential parts of that toolkit.

Respect when dry...

• Get to the pool in good time - aim to be on the poolside 5 minutes before the session is due to start

• Do not leave your clothes in a cubicle - other users may need to get changed whilst you are swimming

• Look after your clothes and make sure you have everything with you when you leave

• Use the toilet and, if need be, blow your nose before coming onto the poolside

• Always be polite and courteous to pool-staff and to every other user of the pool

Respect when wet...

• Always swim in such a way that you do not interfere with the training of anyone else

• Look at your coach when he or she is talking to you and listen carefully

• Swim in the correct direction in your lane cutting across before you turn so that you do not pushoff into the person behind you

• Leave sufficient space between you and the swimmer in front. You must both give yourselves the best chance possible of swimming an uninterrupted length

• If you are the lane leader, stay focussed and set an example. Have your goggles down ready to go as soon as you are told and keep track of the set

• Allow other swimmers to swim in at the end of a length: practising finishing is as important to the last swimmer in the lane as it is to the first

• If you want to have a drink or go to the toilet, do so between sets and not in the middle of one

• On longer swims, if you want to pass, gently tap or tag the toes of the person in front. This is the sign that they should stop at the end of that length and let you pass. Don't tailgate!

• Brush your teeth before practice and don't breathe on people when resting at the wall - especially important after garlic bread!

• If the responsibility for your children being on time for training rests with you, then please try to get them there earlier rather than later

• If your children are still of an age when it would be best for them not be left at the pool on their own, please make every effort to be punctual picking them up. Coaches will of course wait but may have other places they need to be themselves

• Whilst we understand that you may have questions, please do not try to talk to the coaches during a session - they will be more than willing to provide the time you need when the swimmers are changing or by arrangement

• Please do not come onto the poolside or try to talk directly to your child without first seeking permission from the session coach

• The treasurer's role is a busy one and you can help by paying your fees on time. Chasing people for money is a time-consuming task best avoided

• Actively supporting and encouraging your children will be of great benefit to their swimming