Executive Committee
Swimming Committee
Water Polo Committee
Diving Committee
Synchro Committee
Coaching Staff
Secretariat
Technical Officials
The Executive Committee is Singapore Swimming Association’s principal policy and decision making body Made up of a President, Sec Gen, Treasurer and Vice Presidents for each Aquatic discipline, Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and Synchro The Executive Committee is elected by the affiliated clubs to a 2 year term Members of the Executive Committee must be an individual member of an Ordinary Member (i.e., an affiliated club) of the Singapore Swimming Association and are required to serve in an honorary (i.e., unpaid) capacity Executive Committee members are limited to a maximum of 4 terms, except that the President may serve for an additional 4 terms
The Management Committee for each Aquatic discipline is chaired by the respective Vice President Other members of the Management Committees are nominated by the Vice President and appointed by the Executive Committee Management Committees are mostly made up of volunteers (e.g., the Vice Presidents and representatives of the relevant clubs) but also have paid staff (e.g., coaches and secretariat)
Typical sources of volunteers for Executive Committee and Management Committees: Former athletes Club officials Parents of athletes Retired business executives
Pull factors – Recognition and Appreciation of their efforts Feeling that they are contributing to a worthwhile endeavour Opportunity to be involved in a glamorous sport Opportunity to travel and meet people Opportunity to participate in National, Regional or World events
Push factors – Heavy time commitment and workload People conflicts
Conflicts of Interest may be Commercial or Sporting, e.g Executive Committee Member has a direct or indirect financial interest in a Company doing business with Singapore Swimming, or Executive Conmittee Member’s son or daughter is a candidate for selection to a National Team
The fact that a conflict of interest situation exists does not automatically disqualify the transaction Conflict of interest rules for corporate directors may be applied Interested party must declare the conflict Interested party may participate in the discussion at the meeting, may give information and background, and may even state his opinion on the subject matter, but should not participate in the vote
Transparency Confidential Information Role of the President Power of the President is to Preside, not to Decide Primus inter pares – first among equals President as referee
Decision Making Process Financial Controls
Most Technical Officials are volunteers although they may receive allowances for travel expenses, per diems, etc Sources of Technical Officials – Parents of swimmers Club officials, coaches, swimming instructors Teachers and students Interested members of the public
Issues for Technical Officials – Technical knowledge and competence [effective courses for TOs] Pragmatic vs. pedantic application of the rules [practical officiating experience] Regular continuing education and updates [regular refresher courses] Selection for “glamour” meets must be fair and transparent Age limits
Volunteers are always needed for support during events, i.e., they constitute the general workforce to help in the running of the events, e.g., ushers, liaison officers, etc. These volunteers usually do not need much training or expertise – usually a short briefing or a training session is sufficient In Singapore, these volunteers are typically sourced from educational institutions, e.g., secondary schools, junior colleges and polytechnics. Parents of athletes and members of affiliated clubs may also be willing to volunteer for specific roles, e.g., liaison officer, driver, etc.