Professional Development needs to be undertaken to stay abreast of the latest developments in teaching and coaching methods, emerging trends in stroke technique and fitness and changing practices in risk management.
It should be noted that some defined activities are "pre-approved" for Professional Development points e.g.: Coaching courses, Swim Australia Teacher courses and other similar courses.
State Swimming Associations, Swim Australia Swim Schools, ASCTA members and others offering Professional Development (sometimes called "PD") activities are eligible to apply to receive Professional Development Points provided that the activity:
* improves the coaching or teaching ability of participants to coach swimming or teach swimming and water safety
* increases the knowledge of participants in the area of coaching and teaching, swimming and related subjects such as water safety
Intending applicants should take note of the following process.
Prior to conducting each and every activity requiring Professional Development points the activity organiser should provide to SwimEd (the education division of ASCTA) a summary of the activity/ course/ seminar/ workshop etc including subject topics, a brief outline of each topic, duration of each topic, presenter of each topic, date of presentation and other pertinent information.
If the activity Presenter/s has not previously registered with SwimEd, a Presenter's Application must be completed and forwarded. Presenters, once approved, will be issued an SwimEd Presenter's Certificate at no cost and will only be required to provide an updated CV for future activities once every 4 years.
A summary of the activity, topics, Presenters, dates, other information and presenter's CV's are to be sent to SwimEd - Click here for our contact details
Once the application for Professional Development points is received SwimEd will review the information provided and may grant points up to a maximum of 1.5 points per hour of actual presentations. If the application is in order, please allow 7- 10 days for the review process, determination and response.
Once a decision is made, correspondence will be sent stating whether approval has been granted and if so, how many points are to be allocated. If the decision is not satisfactory, application may be made for a reconsideration of the decision. Rights of appeal will be notified at the time the decision is conveyed.
If allocation of Professional Development points is approved, permission will be granted to use the SwimEd name and logo in conjunction with promotional material, provided that SwimEd is only presented as approving the Professional Development points allocation. SwimEd may also advertise a calendar of approved activities that is in the public domain on our website and in other ASCTA promotional material.
Prior to distribution of brochures, flyers, etc promoting the activity, SwimEd is to receive a copy for endorsement. Promotional material should state how many ASCTA Professional Development points will be gained from full attendance.
At the activity, attendees are to be issued with a certificate or similar, including the date, activity name, their name and the number of ASCTA Professional Development points granted. (If a person only attends part of the activity a pro rata number of points can only be granted.)
After the activity, a list of attendees, their address and the number of points granted to each person is to be sent to SwimEd.
When an attendee needs to reaccredit they simply send in the usual requirements to the accrediting organisation. Copies of the activity attendance certificates issued will show the number of Professional Development points gained which will be confirmed against the register of SwimEd approved activities and attendees.
Activity organisers will benefit by being able to deliver meaningful Professional Development points as an incentive for attendees. Attendees will gain by receiving recognition of the upgrading of skills and a more streamlined re-accreditation. Recognition by other organisations of the ASCTA PD points granted is at their discretion.
A cost of $2 per attendee per activity applies.
Further inquiries should be directed to SwimEd - Contact Details