Tasman Jones

Henry Tasman Jones, at age fourteen

Jones was born Henry Tasman Jones on 7 April 1893 at Launceston.[1] He went by the diminutive given name Tas, which he also used in legal matters.[2]

Jones attended the Crown Street Superior Public School. As a teenager he showed talent in swimming.

By 1906 Jones was winning handicap races, 45 yards school competition, starting from scratch,[3] Winning again over 50 yards.[4] At the age of 14 he won the 60 yards championship at Crown Street Superior Public School.[5]

Jones was required to "swim off" to split dead heat eligibility to compete in inter school events at above his age,[6] and missing out, still winning at age level.[7]

Two decades later, Jones' swimming performance at school was still a benchmark for competitiveness for others.[8]

Jones devised a scoring method for diving, adopted in December 1914,[9] using standardised tabulated forms[10] which took account of diving elements, including approach, deportment, and entry.[11] His method was considered simple for judging and broadly satisfactory, but it did not account for the degree of difficulty of the dive.[12]

Jones was respected as a "never failing volunteer" for sporting demonstrations for "good causes".[13]

He managed the Spit Baths from 1918 to 1922.[14] His knowledge of and experience in the provision of swimming bath facilities was called upon by others.[15]

Jones was involved in water rescues, saving one life.[16]

His profile was such that he was used to endorse products in advertising.[17]

Jones died December 1936.[14]

His death left his widow in difficult circumstances and the Spit Club raised funding to assist her,[14] known as the Tas Jones Memorial Fund.[18][19]

As well as performing in demonstration diving and swimming events, Jones took a keen interest in the administration, development, and support of others in sport.

Jones was a vice-captain for the East Sydney Club,[20] and a handicapper for the Club.[21]

He was the inaugural president[22] of the Spit Club, and its swimming coach.[23] and later the president of the gentlemen's section of the club.[24]

Jones coached individual diving,[25] and individual swimming,[26] and he was the inaugural coach of the Balmoral Amateur Swimming Club.[27]

Jones would sponsor sporting achievements, some included the 50 yard swim trophy for the East Sydney Amateur Club,[28] the Spit Club diving trophy,[29] and the North Sydney rugby league club trophy for most consistent forward.[30]

Jones was referred to as a "star sprinter".[31]

Tas Jones executing a dive.

Jones had a diving reputation in 1912.[32]

He frequently led diver teams in demonstration events.[33] and was considered a diving veteran.[34]

In 1909 Jones played water polo second grade for East Sydney.[35] And later played water polo at state championships.[36]

He was sought by the [amateur] Randwick and Coogee water polo team in 1931 but was regarded as professional. While Jones had never competed as a professional he had managed the Spit Baths and taught children to swim for fees.[37]

Jones played second grade for the Eastern Sydney rugby league club from 1912[38] to 1914.[39]

He moved to first grade in 1914 in fullback and three-quarter positions.[40]

Jones also played in seven-a-side competition for Eastern Suburbs[41] as a back.[42]

Jones played first grade[18] for the North Sydney rugby league club.[14]

He started playing rugby league, for Eastern Suburbs, in a pre-season game, but was under disqualification from rugby union. Jones was observed to be a bit hazy on the rule differences between league ad union.[43] Jones played at halfback for Eastern Suburbs first grade opening game of the season against Annandale.[44]

In 1919 Jones played for North Sydney.[45]