DURING a British Swimming-sponsored visit to one of America's leading coaching programmes last month, Graham Bassi talked to Terrapins head coach Paul Stafford about his philosophy and club set-up.

"Paul told me that he interviews for the post of chairman to work with him on a committee of five and his assistant coach is a main man of that group," said the Bournemouth Dolphins head coach.

"It is a totally coach-driven programme and this is the only way for a club to succeed."

It's an issue that goes to the heart of swimming in Britain, where the vast majority of clubs are run by a committee comprised mostly of swimmers' parents.

Bournemouth Dolphins has had as many as 15 committee members at times.

It's also an issue at the heart of the turmoil that has engulfed Dolphins during a three-week spell which has seen Bassi's on-off resignation, a dramatic walk-out by nine committee members, the withdrawal of sponsorship, a series of vitriolic anti-Bassi emails sent to members and the departure of about 20 swimmers - although new sponsors have come forward and 10 swimmers have joined during the same period.

A paradox of the club's situation is that the increasingly bitter conflicts out of the pool appear to be matched by overwhelming support for Bassi among the swimmers - and by their success.

The Echo has seen 15 emails urging him to stay - some in quite emotional terms - and the coach says he has received dozens more.

The club has also enjoyed the most successful year in its history competitively, with best-ever results in virtually every competition.

Bassi is one of the most highly-rated coaches in Britain with a track record to match and not even his most vociferous critics question his ability to motivate and get the best out of swimmers.

Where there are problems, they are mostly linked to his relationships with some parents and the club committee.

As one member put it: "I've heard that Graham doesn't do parents."

A former member said: "Nearly all the swimmers are under 16 so of course parents are involved.

"Many of them get up at 4am to get their children to training sessions, and travelling to competitions is hugely expensive.

"Many - especially those on the committee - devote vast amounts of time and money to the various voluntary roles involved in running the club.

"These people need to be valued, listened to and appreciated.

"Yes, a club needs to be coach-driven but parents and committee members have to be free to express their views, debate issues and serve their club in an atmosphere where respect and tolerance prevails.

"Dolphins have lost many committed and experienced volunteers over recent months and this will surely be to the detriment of the club in the long run."

He added: "I have never noted the committee obstructing proposed changes on swimming matters and I feel the committee always worked hard to implement changes suggested by the head coach."

Bassi, who says he has been accused of having a temper, acknowledges there is room for improvement in his people skills and says he is trying to address that.

"Every time I have been involved in a heated discussion with somebody, it's when they have drawn the worst out of me because of their initial approach," he said.

"There are many others that I have disagreed with but because of their mature and adult approach, they have received a mature response.

"I don't think anyone can question our results and how quickly this club has moved forward.

"But on a personal note, I have now employed a professional person to work with me on my communication skills and how I deal with people."

Bassi said he found it hard to accept accusations of bullying.

"I think there's a fine line between challenging an athlete and bullying a child," he said.

"If I'm a bully, why have so many parents and children sent me such kind messages?

"I am an ex-military policeman and a no-nonsense sort of guy.

"I have a loud, controlling voice but when you have 50 swimmers in a pool, you need discipline and control.

"You have to respect other people's views but I don't think they understand the difference between passion and temper."

One criticism is that Bassi has "taken the fun" out of the club - but he refuses to apologise for that.

"Yes, I am results-driven, I am ego-driven. That is me through and through.

"Everybody has their faults and I am no exception. But everything I have tried to do has been to take the club forward and make them the best they can be.

"I was led to believe by the committee that hired me in 2005, and by the management of the Littledown Centre, that the club's goals were all about elite performance.

"It can't be both a performance club and a fun-and-family programme.

"If that's what it is to be, then my resignation was the correct one. But the response I have received suggests otherwise."

Bassi is currently in talks with the club's caretaker committee in a bid to pave the way for the withdrawal of his resignation.

"I am meeting with the new committee to discuss a mandate to allow me the freedom to apply my philosophies," he said.

"If I thought that even 30 per cent of the club wanted me to move on, of course I would go.

"There is no point in staying where you are not wanted. But 95 per cent of the communications I have received indicate that members desire a coach-driven programme to challenge and take the swimmers to their individual potential.

"There has obviously been a breakdown of this communication over the last three weeks, which I accept personal responsibility for.

"I have a passion and a drive to match the England rugby performance last Saturday.

"I know at times I have to control that passion.

"But I repeat that my beliefs are always in the best interests of the athletes."