ASCA Advocacy

Advocacy: The Coaches’ Voice in Swimming

ASCA is committed to ensuring coaches’ voices are heard, their contributions are recognized, and their interests are represented in decisions that affect their careers, programs, and athletes. Through direct advocacy, collaboration with sport leaders, and engagement with the swimming community, we work to advance the coaching profession and champion a coach-driven, athlete-centered approach to swimming.

Advocacy in Action

ASCA turns coaches’ concerns into action through leadership, collaboration, and a strong collective voice.

• Coach Sustainability Research and Solutions: Published research project identifying practical solutions to improve swim coach retention and career sustainability.
  Press Release: ASCA Fellows Research Project Identifies Practical Solutions to Improve Swim Coach Retention and Career Sustainability – October 21, 2026
• USA Swimming Leadership: Helped mobilize a movement for changes at USA Swimming by raising concerns about direction.
  Letter to USA Swimming Regarding Membership Trends and Quad Plans – August 13, 2024
• Fairer Team USA Selection: Elevated coaches’ concerns about Team USA coach selection, contributing to an updated, fairer policy.
  ASCA’s Statement on Coach Selection – December 9, 2024
• USA Swimming Partnership: Established a formal partnership with USA Swimming to collaborate on programs that support coaches.
  Press Release: USA Swimming and ASCA Announce Strategic Alliance – June 11, 2026
• Global Coach Representation: Co-founded the International Federation of Swim Coaches Associations alongside coaching organizations from Canada, Australia, and Great Britain, strengthening the collective voice of coaches worldwide.
  Press Release: Four of the World’s Largest National Swim Coaches Associations Form International Federation of Swimming Coaches Association (IFSCA) to Support Coaches Nationwide – June 4, 2024
• Doping and Accountability: ASCA has a longstanding reputation for fighting doping and promoting fairness in swimming.
  ASCA Position Statement on Doping and Accountability – August 20, 2024

Representing Coaches and Their Interests

ASCA works to ensure coaches’ perspectives are part of the conversations and decisions shaping swimming.  ASCA works to:

• Maintain regular communication with USA Swimming and other coaching associations to address issues affecting coaches.
• Bring member concerns and recommendations to sport leaders and organizational partners.
• Build relationships that strengthen the voice and influence of the coaching profession.
• Communicate regularly with swimming media, including SwimSwam and Swimming World, to bring coaches’ perspectives into coverage of important issues in swimming and highlight coaching accomplishments, contributions, and professional expertise.

Listening to Coaches and Raising Issues

Effective advocacy starts with understanding what coaches experience every day. ASCA gathers member input through surveys, direct conversations, committee discussions, and engagement with coaches across the sport.

Advancing Professional Standards

ASCA advocates for a stronger, more respected coaching profession by helping coaches develop their knowledge, skills, and leadership through:

• Certification: Structured pathways for professional learning and development.
• Education: Clinics, webinars, and resources coaches can apply in their programs.
• Ethics: Professional integrity and athlete-centered coaching through the ASCA Code of Ethics.
• Recognition: Hall of Fame and awards programs that celebrate coaching

Building a Stronger Coaching Community

ASCA supports coaches at every career stage through programs that encourage mentorship, leadership, connection, and professional growth.

• Fellows Program: Engaging coaches in research, learning, and leadership.
• Women’s Initiative: Supporting women in coaching through connection and leadership opportunities.
• 30 Under 30: Recognizing and supporting emerging coaching leaders.
• Mentor Program: Connecting coaches with experienced professionals to support career development.

These initiatives help coaches build professional networks, develop leadership skills, and contribute to the future of the sport.

The American Swimming Coaches Association strives for sportsmanship, ethics, and integrity to the highest degree. The ASCA Code of Ethics was established to reflect these principals in our profession.

Your Voice. Your Profession. Your ASCA.

Here’s what YOU can do

Coaches are essential to the future of swimming, and their voices deserve to be heard. ASCA is strongest when its members are engaged and involved.

• Speak up: Share the issues and challenges affecting you and your program.
• Get involved: Participate in ASCA programs, committees, and leadership opportunities.
• Connect: Work with fellow coaches to strengthen the profession.
• Help shape the future: Join ASCA in advancing the interests of coaches and the sport.

Position Statements

Statement from the American Swimming Coaches Association on “Enhanced Games” – May 30, 2025

Statement on Doping and Accountability – August 20, 2024

Proposed ASCA Recommendation on Officials and the Development Competition Program – September 23, 2023

Statement on Policy Regarding Female Transgender Swimmers – January 15, 2022