Swim England
Reporting a concern
Most people involved in aquatics have a positive experience – but there can be occasions when issues occur.
There are a number of way which you can report a concern to Swim England, depending on your issue. Contained below is information relating to club and judicial complaints; safeguarding concerns, water polo complaints and complaints against Swim England.
Swim England’s Judicial and Safeguarding Regulations aim to help our members, club officials and volunteers resolve these issues in a fair way by creating a structure for handling complaints, both at club and national level.
The regulations cover, among other things, club complaints, safeguarding, judicial complaints, the role of the Swim England disciplinary officer and complaints made during water polo matches. To learn more about each of these, please click on the tabs below.
In addition to the regulations, Swim England provides a significant amount of guidance to help those who may have an issue. All the relevant guidance may be found within the tabs below.
The regulations themselves are contained in the Swim England Handbook, which can be accessed here.
If you have any queries with regards to a complaint, please contact the Office of Judicial Administration at [email protected].
The Office of Judicial Administration may not be able to answer all your questions, as it must remain neutral in any complaint. However, it will provide you with guidance documents relevant to your complaint and may be able to assign you a Swim England Friend to help you. Further information on both the Office of Judicial Administration and those who may be involved within a complaint can be found below.
Club complaints
In a club environment, there can be issues or disputes.
Sometimes, members within a club fall out, or a member has an issue with their club’s committee.
Where a club complaint occurs, Swim England encourages those involved to try and resolve it informally at first.
However, if that is not possible, Swim England’s Judicial Regulations provide a club complaints process for clubs to follow to try and resolve these issues and prevent the issue getting any worse. A club complaint can range from a dispute between two members of the club, to an allegation that someone has breached the club’s rules.
A club complaint may be made by raising the issue with the chair of the club using the club complaint form provided below. Please read the Judicial Regulations and the guidance documents before doing so. If, following the club complaint process, you consider the outcome to be unfair, in some circumstances you may be able to appeal the outcome to Swim England.
| Club Complaint form | Download |
| Club Complaint Appeal form | Download |
| Club Complaint Panel Decision form | Download |
| Flowchart: Club Complaints | Download |
| Standard Directions for Club Complaint Hearings | Download |
| Club Complaints Sanctions Guidance | Download |
| Judicial Regulations FAQs | Download |
| Judicial Regulations Guidance | Download |
Judicial complaints
Sometimes, an issue cannot be resolved at a club level.
For example, where someone is accused of breaching Swim England’s Regulations or Code of Ethics, or where people from different clubs have a dispute.
Where this is the case, a judicial complaint can be made, which will be handled by Swim England nationally, rather than by a club.
Where a judicial complaint is made, it will be resolved in one of two ways:
- Formal mediation: This is where the parties meet and seek to come to an agreement, assisted by a member of our Dispute Resolution Panel.
- Judicial Hearing: This is a hearing in front of a panel of three Dispute Resolution Panel members where each side will have the opportunity to present their case and evidence.
| Disciplinary Officer; Role, Investigations and Charging | Download |
| Flowchart; Judicial Complaints | Download |
| Judicial Appeal form | Download |
| Judicial Commissioner Policy on Substitution and Consolidation | Download |
| Judicial Complaint form | Download |
| Judicial Response form | Download |
| Judicial Regulations FAQs | Download |
| Judicial Regulations Guidance | Download |
| Judicial Sanctions Guidelines | Download |
- Swim England’s disciplinary officer is responsible for looking into allegations of serious misconduct by members and, where necessary, raising a judicial complaint against them.
Anyone can raise a concern with the disciplinary officer by contacting them at [email protected].
Upon receipt of a concern, the disciplinary officer will determine whether the issue meets the threshold for investigation of the issue, or for bringing a judicial complaint.
Where the threshold is met, they will proceed to do so, and where not, they will explain why the threshold is not met and the options open to the person who raised the concern.
The disciplinary officer is focused on the most serious cases in aquatic sport and so a decision by them not to investigate or raise a judicial complaint does not necessarily mean that they do not believe any alleged conduct happened. If the disciplinary officer does not bring a judicial complaint, the person with the concern may still do so themselves.
Some examples of what is classed as serious misconduct and what is not are:
| Serious misconduct | Not serious misconduct |
|---|---|
| Abuse of a position of power. | A coach refusing to promote a swimmer up a lane. |
| Abuse of officials. | Breaches of Swim England regulation with no material impact. |
| Retaliation against someone for raising a concern. | A genuine mistake. |
| Failure to comply with a Swim England investigation. | Poor performance in a committee role. |
| Attempts to conceal breaches of Swim England Regulations. | Disparaging remarks. |
| Discrimination. | |
| Intentional breaches of Swim England Regulations with a major impact on a member or club. | |
| Online harassment campaigns. | |
| Assault inflicting injury. |
In addition to serious misconduct, some of these examples may amount to safeguarding concerns or a criminal offence. Where this is the case, the matter will initially be referred to the Swim England safeguarding team, police or other authority as appropriate.
Safeguarding concerns
A safeguarding concern is an allegation that harm has, or may have, occurred to a child or adult as a result of a form of abuse by another individual or group of individuals.
It is also an allegation that someone may pose a risk of harm.
Safeguarding concerns are managed by Swim England’s national safeguarding team, in conjunction with club, county and regional officers, plus any external agencies where necessary.
If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact [email protected] immediately.
Where a safeguarding concern has been upheld by an investigator, Swim England may raise a safeguarding complaint against the individual in question, to determine any sanction.
The concern will be dealt with by a hearing in front of a panel of three Dispute Resolution Panel members where each side will have the opportunity to present their case and evidence.
Swim England’s safeguarding team will ensure that all involved in a concern, be they an alleged victim, the accused or anyone else, receives all the guidance they require.
For further information, please visit our dedicated Safeguarding section.
Water Polo complaints
Automatic sanctions
Water polo automatic sanctions are issued following receipt of a red card for an act of violence or misconduct.
They are issued by a water polo delegate or, if one is not present, by the Office of Judicial Administration following a report from the match referee.
Automatic sanctions issued by the Office of Judicial Administration may be appealed.
| Water Polo Disciplinary Regulations; Automatic Sanctions | Download |
| Automatic sanction form with a delegate present | Download |
| Automatic sanction form without a delegate present | Download |
Water polo complaints
Water polo complaints are about conduct that has occurred during a water polo match.
They are made by a referee where they believe that the conduct in question requires a more severe penalty than an automatic sanction.
Any sanction from a water polo complaint is made in addition to the automatic sanction (where appropriate).
Due to the need for water polo sanctions to be issued soon after the match in which poor conduct occurred, water polo complaints are handled by the judicial commissioner, using a speedier process than the standard judicial complaints process.
The Water Polo Leadership Group issues sanctions guidelines for the Judicial Commissioner to use when imposing sanctions for a water polo complaint.
Formal complaint
Swim England is committed to providing the highest-quality service to members and non-members. However, the national governing body recognises there may be occasions where it falls short of expectations and individuals may wish to make a complaint. Swim England takes all complaints it receives seriously.
When a complaint related to, or arising from, the service provided by Swim England is received, it provides a clear and easy to follow process to seek a satisfactory resolution.
Anyone who believes they have received poor customer service, been discriminated against or treated unfairly by Swim England, can make a formal complaint by completing this form.
To find out more, please download the Swim England Complaints Policy.
Please note, not all concerns can be raised as a formal complaint. Please see the policy for details.
Anyone wishing to make a complaint should email [email protected]
Judicial roles
Judicial office manager
The key point of contact for all parties to a club or judicial complaint or any individuals seeking to enquire about making a complaint. To get in touch, please email [email protected] or call: 01509 640 764
Judicial administrator
Administration support for the Officer of Judicial Administration.
Swim England Friends
A network of experienced Swim England volunteers who’ve impartial assistance and guidance to members, or their parents, who have, or are concerned, about a club complaint or a judicial complaint.
They have a knowledge of the regulations, constitution and judicial procedures and are assigned on a case-by-case basis.
To find out more about the Swim England Friends, please click here.
Judicial commissioner
An independent, legally qualified individual who reviews all judicial complaints to determine whether it may be allowed to proceed under the judicial regulations and makes orders regarding the procedure for such complaints.
Dispute Resolution Panel
A panel consisting of independent members who sit on mediations or hearings for judicial complaints.
Amy is a Criminal Barrister and accepts instructions in all areas of defence. Amy is a member of the Football Association Discipline Panel with a love for the game, both watching and playing.
Alex is the Regional Discipline Manager for The Football Association, he also volunteers on the Disciplinary Panel for England Golf, Basketball England, Badminton England and Table Tennis. Alex is a qualified Solicitor.
Alexandra (Alex) is a qualified solicitor with a keen interest in swimming and water polo. She is a team manager at her local water polo club, along with being an age group team manager for the London Region and National Talent Centre. She holds team manager qualifications 1 and 2 and has also completed the Swim England safeguarding course.
André is a portuguese qualified lawyer specialised in sports arbitration and litigation as well as contractual, regulatory and disciplinary matters within the sports realm. André is a chair on the Football Association's Serious Case Panel, Basketball England's Disciplinary, Appeals and Eligibility and Participation Panel, and an Independent Disciplinary Adjudicator for the Kent Cricket League. He also has involvement with the Portuguese Boxing Federation and serves as a member of the Sport Resolution's Pro Bono Service.
Anita is a qualified solicitor working as a justice legal adviser in the magistrates/family court for more than 27 years. She is also a member of the Independent Safeguarding Panel for UK Athletics.
Chris is a solicitor and mediator. He is a member of the Civil Mediation Council and accredited by the Singapore International Mediation Institute (SIMI). He is also the chair of Mediation Hertfordshire and mediates many different areas including commercial, sport, community, workplace, relationship breakdown and also provides legal services in dispute resolution. He has been a member of the Dispute Resolution Panel for four years.
Chris is a member of his local swimming club, acting in the capacity as deputy chair and IT officer. He is also a qualified judge. Chris has experience in disciplinary and appeal in his professional career. Chris has formal training on mentoring / coaching (not sports), conflict management and resolution and also mediation.
Christine has worked in schools for many years and has qualification and knowledge of safeguarding and governance. She has also acted as an official for World Para Swimming and a referee for Aquatics GB.
Christopher is a qualified solicitor who has been a keen water polo player and swimmer. He continues to play water polo with his local club, where he also holds an administration position.
Clare is passionate about sports and has been involved in swimming for more than 20 years. She works for Lincolnshire Cricket and has great knowledge of club governance and development across several sports. Clare has sat on the Dispute Resolution Panel for nine years.
Craig is a full-time lifeguard and swimming teacher. He has a wealth of experience in this field and also competes at a national level as a para triathlete.
David is a qualified solicitor working within a law firm which specialises in sports law. He has acted as a panel member for many disciplinary cases for a variety of sports. He has held the position of chair at his local swimming club, overseeing all issues that arise.
Emma is a qualified swimming coach. She coaches within the development squad and Masters squad at her local club. She has swam at national level and is now a Masters swimmer.
George is an experienced service manager and team manager in child social care. He has worked within local authorities supervising social workers. He has been a member of his local swimming club since a child, continues to play competitive water polo and is also part of the club’s junior water polo coaching team.
Helen is involved in aquatics at all levels from grassroots club activity all the way through to volunteering at international events. She loves to volunteer for Aquatics GB, including a recent role at the Speedo Aquatics GB Swimming Championships in London. Helen has held various designated safeguarding lead roles in sport and leisure, including previously sitting in this role for a three-year volunteer term with the Royal Lifesaving Saving Society UK. Helen is also a swimming coach, swimming teacher and aquatics tutor.
James is a member of the Sports Resolution Panel offering pro bono legal advice. James is a qualified solicitor advocate.
Jon has worked within the leisure industry for more than 15 years. He has held various positions within a leisure facility and is now a lecturer in business at his local university. Jon was a member of his local swimming club and holds a Swim England Level 1 Swimming Assistant qualification.
Josh has been involved in aquatics in different capacities for several years as a coach, SwimMark coordinator, swimming teacher, club committee member and lifeguard. He is a member of his local swimming club. Josh is a civil servant in the Ministry of Defence and understands dealing with sensitive situations and impartiality.
Kalsoom is currently a Justices’ Legal Advisor at His Majesty’s Court and Tribunal service. Kalsoom is fluent in English, Punjabi. Hindi, Urdu and British Sign Language.
Laura is a qualified solicitor. She is currently Chief Legal Officer at her current employers and oversees legal advice on regulatory and operational matters.
Maria has been involved in swimming for 30 years. This personal connection fostered an appreciation and understanding of the discipline and dedication required, further enriching her perspective as a mediator and advocate for the sport. Maria has held various positions with her club and she is currently a club and county welfare officer. She was also a regional welfare officer for 10 years. With a background as a police officer, Maria is trained in restorative justice and mediation. She also has a very sound background in safeguarding having worked as a designated safeguarding lead in London for many years.
Mathew is a safeguarding lead with experience in the sport, recreation and voluntary sector. He is currently national safeguarding manager for the Lawn Tennis Association. He has worked directly with vulnerable children and managed many complex cases.
Mike is a water polo referee representing Great Britain within both World and European Aquatics – and also officiates at local and national competitions. He is also a water polo delegate within Great Britain. Mike also remains an active player and has been a member of the Dispute Resolution Panel for 16 years.
Micheala has a wealth of experience and qualifications in safeguarding. She also volunteers at her local club, acting as the parent liaison officer. Micheala swam competitively as a child with her local club and is now a Masters swimmer.
Ollie has been regional disciplinary manager at the Football Association since 2021 and has previously held various role within the Sussex County Football Association, including deputy chief executive and deputy senior safeguarding lead. He is a Disciplinary Panel member for Badminton England and Basketball England and also Appeal Board member for Table Tennis England.
Polly has represented her local water polo club as a junior and senior player – and has also won international recognition with Great Britain. She is also a qualified solicitor with experience in commercial disputes resolution, specialising in sports law. Polly has been a member of the Dispute Resolution Panel for six years.
Sam is an independent adviser, supporting governing bodies with regulatory and disciplinary processes and procedures. He has held the position of secretary on the National Serious Case Panel for the Football Association.
Sam is a national level water polo referee and previous board member of his local water polo league. He has also been a development coach at his local water polo club.
Simon is a qualified solicitor-advocate and a partner in his law firm, specialising in commercial disputes and sports law. He deals with disputes on a national and international level. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, the Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers and Law in Sport.
Susan has been involved in many aspects of swimming. She was a swimmer from a young age becoming more interested in teaching and completing her ASA qualifications. She has also worked as a lifeguard. Susan has several roles within aquatics including Micro League registration secretary, welfare officer at club level, North Lancashire secretary, a member of Lancashire County becoming county welfare officer. Susan eventually became a Swimliner working closely with the Swim England safeguarding team before becoming involved with the Dispute Resolution Panel.
Tamsin is a current member of her local club, holding the position of company director and secretary. She holds an Aquatics GB Judge Level 2S qualification. She is also a qualified solicitor.
Tim is a solicitor with 30 years of disputes and investigations experience at international law firms. He is member of several sports disciplinary and judicial panels, including the Football Association’s National Serious Case Panel and Sport Resolutions. He has also undertaken a number of investigations into inequity within sport.
Tom is a qualified solicitor with nearly 15 years’ experience in law. He was part of the University of Chester’s men’s swimming and water polo teams and is still a member at his local club.
Tomos is a solicitor and partner at a national law firm, specialising in commercial and sports law. He works with professional sports clubs and athletes. He has a wealth of experiences in litigation at the High Court, tribunals, mediation and arbitration. He is also a judicial panel member for British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS), as well as a non-executive legal and governance director at Welsh Gymnastics.
Tracie has been involved in volunteering for club, county and Swim England for more than 25 years. Her roles have included being a member of the Dispute Resolution Panel since 2013, becoming the vice chair in 2023. She has also been a welfare officer at club and county level and a team manager. Tracie sits as an independent member on safeguarding / arbitration and sanctions hearings. She also volunteers for Badminton England and has done so since 2022.
Victoria has a background in safeguarding children within a primary and secondary school setting. Working in schools for several years, she has recently become a swimming teacher.
Victoria is a current member of the Independent Panel for the Football Association, adjudicating on misconduct cases and appeals. She is also a member of Basketball England’s judicial panel, along with being a swimming teacher. Victoria was an Royal Lifesaving Saving Society UK teacher and examiner. She has her swimming teaching certificate and has been a lifeguard at her local pool in the past.
Zoe is a member of her local club and acts as secretary and a trustee. Zoe is also a qualified solicitor.
Appeals Panel
A panel consisting of independent Swim England members who determine appeals against decisions made by the judicial commissioner or at hearings.
Annita is a qualified solicitor with years of experience. She has been involved in swimming for more than 25 years and is a qualified referee and swimming official with a sound knowledge of World Aquatics’ rules. Annita is also the Welsh representative on the Aquatic GB Judicial Panel.
Ben is a qualified lawyer, swimming teacher and swimming official. He has wealth of experience in dealing with code of conduct matters and attending hearings in his sector. Ben is the chair of his local swimming club and a trustee.
Ben is a practising solicitor and specialises in commercial dispute resolution. Before qualifying as a solicitor, he worked at the London 2012 Olympic Games as a brand ambassador. More recently, Ben volunteered at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games. Ben is a Football Association qualified referee and coach.
Christine is a registered mental health nurse with experience in working with adults and children. For the past seven years, she has worked within specialist safeguarding roles and currently holds a position as a designated safeguarding adults lead for NHS Greater Manchester. She was previously a welfare officer and remains to officiate as a qualified J2.
Gavin is a practicing barrister and Scottish Advocate, who is ranked as a leading junior barrister in the Legal 500 for sports law. He sits as an arbitrator and panel chair of various international and domestic sporting committees. He also has a wealth of knowledge of sporting disputes from the counsel perspective.
Gillian is a qualified lawyer with employment being her area of expertise. She has her own consultant company, performing investigations for organisations such as the Premier League, Ministry of Defence, schools and the NHS Trust.
James is a legal director at his current law firm and a fully qualified solicitor. He is recognised as a leading solicitor in sport and dispute resolution having featured in the Legal 500 for four continuous years.
Michael is a qualified barrister with experience in sports law. He has been a member of the Dispute Resolution Panel for six years and has been chair on several judicial complaints and appeals.
Shaylla is a qualified barrister and mediator. Shaylla has held positions on multiple sporting disciplinary panels and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games Anti-Doping Panel.