Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)
Below is an extract from the ASA Web Site:-
The ASA is the national governing body for swimming, diving, water polo, open water, and synchronised swimming.
The ASA organises competitions throughout England, and establishes the Laws of the Sport for each of the above activities.
The ASA operates a comprehensive certification and education programme for teachers, coaches and officials in each of the above activities.
The ASA operates a comprehensive Award scheme
The ASA supports a 1600 affiliated swimming clubs through a National/Regional/County structure.
What does the ASA mean to Stretford ASC and how does the ASA fit into the picture?
On a pyramid structure the water activities in England are arranged as follows:-
The ASA sets the rules for swimming and water polo and stemming from this we have teaching qualifications, and qualified officials. The ASA is part of a bigger organisation called FINA which sets the rules world wide - if we didn't have these worldwide rules how could we run the Commonwealth Games or the Olympics?
Regionally the North West Region run the water activities from the North Midlands up to the Scottish Boarder.
Within the North West Region there are 7 Associations who put on programmes at a more local level. The names of these Associations are Manchester and District, Central Lancashire, Bolton and District, North Lancashire, North Midlands, Cumbria, and Liverpool and District.
Since Stretford is a competitive club we participate in the leagues run by Manchester and District, Central Lancs.
If you want to know more about the ASA they have a very good Web Site at
