Canoe - Code of Practice

University of the West of England Canoe Club incorporating Canoe Polo

Introduction

This document outlines the expectations of UWE Students' Union (UWESU) along with its aims to satisfy sports club members & provide guidelines to cater for their well being, safety & behaviour whilst remaining a member of a UWESU Sport & Activities. This document shall be the basis for the safe operation of the University of the West of England Canoe Club.

2.0. General Information

2.1. Membership to UWESU Sport & Activities
Membership is open to UWESU students, UWE & UWESU staff & UWESU life members in accordance with UWESU's constitution providing that they:

A) Receive a UWESU Membership card
B) Register their membership to the sport club through the online UWESU membership application form
C) Read & agree to comply with the UWESU Sports & Activities Code of Practice

Members are also required to comply with the Centre for Sport "Conditions of Use" when using University hired or owned facilities.

The list of members entitled to participate in canoe activities will be kept with the Club President & updated by the Club Committee as appropriate.


2.2.Club Purpose
To provide equal, equitable & safe opportunities for members of the University to participate in Canoeing, Canoe Slalom & Canoe Polo. Activities shall include:

• The introduction of beginners
• Provision for experienced performers
• Participation in appropriate competition (specifically BUSA) & coaching programmes
• Instruction on safe practice & technical aspects of the sport
• Support to progress as appropriate within Performance & Coaching parameters

UWE Canoe Club shall make provision for the encouragement of the development of the sport of Canoeing as the Committee see fit.


2.3. Affiliation
UWE Canoe Club affiliates to the BCU. All UWE Canoe Club members having paid club subscription & registered online are affiliated to BUSA via UWESU.


2.4. Instruction
Instruction will cover: communication, footwear, clothing, equipment & safety precautions.

Coaches/Instructors are assigned to the club by the UWE Centre for Sport.


2.5. Training, Coaching/Instruction:
The club shall seek to support persons actively involved in coaching/instructing/leading activities in attaining BCU Star awards & coaching awards. Where possible a financial contribution from the club or UWESU Sport & Activities of upto 50% may be offered to non-final year students at the discretion of the club committee & the Activities development Co-ordinator collectively. This can only be attained if the club have budgeted accordingly.


2.6Vehicles:
In order to drive UWESU hired vehicles all drivers must be tested & insured. UWESU Sport & Activities provides a nationally accredited minibus driver awareness (MiDAS) practical & theory test free of charge. UWESU Sport provides people carrier practical familiarisation tests & trailer towing training & assessments free of charge.


1st Aid:
UWESU Sport provides 1 day nationally accredited 1st aid courses for all members free of charge.

3.0. Health and Safety Guidelines

3.1. Clothing and Equipment
The club must ensure that the appropriate clothing is worn & equipment used for the appropriate activity. UWESU Sports & Activities recommends that all players adhere to their respective NGB guidelines.


3.2. Rules and Regulations
All sports & activities where applicable should be conducted according to the rules & regulations of the activity issued under the authority of the British Canoe Union (BCU).

UWESU recommends that all members have an up-to-date tetanus inoculation.

All activities irrespective of whether 'active' or 'social' organised by the club shall be run in accordance with these guidelines & those of the BCU. Activities shall include:

• Canoe/Canoe Polo training & competition
• All trips & outings.
• Social trips/as appropriate

3.2.1. Coach/Instructor/Group Leader Role:
It is the Coaches/Instructors/Group Leaders role to inform beginner/novices of all the safety features of the sport. Also to write any training plans, supervise correct technique, ensure safety both on & off the water, any training facility & to provide support during any training, fixtures, competition or trip of UWE squads/groups.

Coaches/instructors & group leaders shall behave in such a manner as not to place members at any greater risk as that associated with normal participation.


3.2.2. Swim Tests:
The aim of UWESU is the promotion of safer practice. There will be a requirement to pass a Swim Ability Test before you participate in any Canoeing activities; therefore all members are required to take the UWE swim test before they can begin water based training; this is done under the instruction of a qualified Lifeguard.

You are required to demonstrate the ability to swim at least 100m in clothing usually worn whilst canoeing. The clothing mustbe completely clean, as dirty garments can contaminate the pool. Entry to the pool will only be allowed if the Pool Staff/Instructor is satisfied that the clothing is appropriate. In addition, you will have to show that you can tread water for 5 minutes & then get out of the Pool at the deep end, without using the steps (this is in order to simulate getting onto a boat/getting out from a riverbank).

Members who can prove that they hold an Amateur Swimming Association (ASA) Survival Award, Bronze Medallion, British Canoe Union (BCU) Canoe Safety Test, British Sub Aqua Club (BSAC) Open Water Test, Lifeguard Award or any other NGB Approved Swimming test need not participate in this test. A photocopy of the respective qualification is required & must be kept in the Sports Club Logbook that is situated in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre 5th Floor, F-Block, Frenchay.

UWESU strongly recommends that all members undertake the Swim Test annually, irrespective of any qualifications obtained.

NB:Any student that does not successfully complete the Swim Test will only be permitted to participate in land based training, until they have successfully completed the Swim Test to the required standard.

Any student highlighted as a marginal pass must re-test at a date set by the instructor. Until they have completed the Swim Test to the required standard they are only to be permitted to participate in land based training where applicable.

Although it is a worth while exercise, passing a Swim Test in a heated pool, only gives an indication of your ability & confidence levels in a controlled environment. Being immersed in cold water is a different experience, where staying with your craft & expending as little energy as possible is more appropriate. The Canoe Club should have & practice appropriate emergency procedure. Contact the Club Committee or Coaching staff for more information.


3.2.3. Trips & Fixtures:
Prior to visiting away locations & or using UWESU hired transport the Canoe club will complete the necessary "Trip Registration Form" - which highlights details such as destination, date & time of departure & arrival, first aiders, a list of all those travelling, their UWESU membership card numbers & emergency contact names & telephone numbers.

ANY changes to the above details MUST be notified to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & the Gatehouse prior to departure.

All travelling members MUST carry with them their UWESU Sport Membership cards for identification purposes.

Where the club is participating in a fixture, squad members will be informed via the squad captain &/or club committee of the travel arrangements, event arrangements & general requirements. Trip notification will be provided by one of the above to UWESU Sports & Activities.

NB: For regular activities not requiring specific trip notification to UWESU Sports & Activities, refer to Section 8 & 10 of the Activities Safety Handbook (located in all Logbooks & the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & UWESU Site Offices).

BUSA Competition:
All members must have paid the appropriate UWE Canoe Club subscription & registered online.

Undergraduates:
Only current UWE students undertaking a minimum of 60 credits of an undergraduate course are eligible to compete for UWE in BUSA competition.

Postgraduates:
Only current UWE students undertaking a study programme of no less than 50% of the full time student programme are eligible to compete for UWE in BUSA competition.

NB: Any club or individual that does not adhere to the above eligibility requirements will be subject to a UWESU Sport & Activities disciplinary.


3.4. First Aid
First aid supplies should be signed out for all training, fixtures & trips & are available at UWESU where first aiders are also usually available. All student coaches/instructors/group leaders should be qualified first aiders.

Members are requested to advise their coach/instructor/group leader/team mates of any medication or medical condition which may affect their health/performance (this information must also be recorded on the online registration membership) eg: Asthmatic - & where the inhaler is carried, diabetic, epileptic etc.

All accidents & injuries other than 'routine blisters/scrapes' must be recorded on an Accident Form & passed to the Sports & Activities Manager.

Any member of a BUSA Representative squad requiring further physiotherapy treatment must be referred by the club sports physio or coach/instructor/group leader using a physio injury report or Accident Form.

Within the club there should be at least 2 qualified 1st aiders per squad/group at anyone time. Where possible a first aid kit shall be taken on every trip, training session & fixture.

NB: Nursing & Physio students do not qualify as substitute 1st aiders, unless they have an up-to-date 1st aid qualification.


3.5. Equipment
No person shall use any equipment not specifically allocated to him or her without reference to the club committee. Members remain responsible for monitoring the equipment they are using before & after every training session or match & reporting defects accordingly to UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.


Repairs/Damage
Members have a responsibility to report all equipment damage/repairs & remedial work required. Failure to do so will lead to a suspension from the club for a period defined by the Sports Club committee &/or Sports President & Sports & Activities Manager.


3.6. Trailer & Racking Load/Unload:
The other practice that is taught & supervised is putting the boats onto trailers. If not performed correctly the risks are:

• Boats fall off the trailers whilst in transit
• Members could injure themselves in the loading process.

Individuals are shown how to use the ties & where best each section of the boats goes.


3.7. Accident Procedures
All Members MUST be aware of the accident/emergency procedures. An accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.

If required, assistance from a 1st aider should be sought.

Report to club officials any injuries or incidents, an accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre. All incidents/accidents are kept on file in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & are used to support any review of safety procedures.

In the event of any serious accident or incident which involves the Emergency Services or which could involve media attention please follow this procedure:

• Assess the situation.
• Ensure the safety of yourself then the group. Call the Emergency Services if necessary & ensure before your call that you are able to explain exactly where you are. You will also be expected to give them your name, the number from which you are ringing & a brief summary of the incident including possible injuries & the number of injured. If you are calling from a mobile you may in some circumstances need to ask them to ring you back if your call is indistinct.
• Where possible treat any casualties if it is safe to do so. Always be aware of potential spine injuries - never move someone in this situation unless there is a more serious potential situation such as fire.
• All accidents/incidents that occur MUST be reported. Contact UWE as soon as possible by ringing:
  1. The UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.
     Tel: 0117 32 83288/81403/82719/83291
     Hours: 09.30hrs - 17.30hrs (Mon to Fri)
  2. Alternatively the University Gatehouse (24hrs)
     Tel: 0117 32 82552

All incidents resulting in injury occurring in a sports facility owned or hired by UWE MUST be recorded in the accident book, located in the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre, 5th Floor F-Block, Frenchay Campus.

Please be prepared to give the following information:

• Your name
• The telephone number from which you are calling
• A brief summary of the incident & any injuries
• The number & names of people involved
• The name of any hospitals where casualties may have been taken
• The details of any police officers involved with the incident

You may be rung back if there are any further steps that need to be taken.

Do not make any statement to the media other than "no comment". DO NOT discuss ANY aspect of the incident with anyone who is not connected with the emergency services.


3.8. Insurance
Fully paid members that have registered online involved in club activities have insurance cover under the UWESU BUSA Gold Personal Injury Insurance Policy. This is not medical insurance, for which individuals remain individually responsible. Full details are available from UWESU Sports & Activities Centre &/or the club Logbook.

All equipment is registered & insured with UWESU Activities. The personal property of members is not covered unless specifically noted.

All coach & support staff is to possess their own insurance & are affiliated to their respective governing body.

4.0. Conduct of Members

Members should not act in any way that could foreseeably cause harm to themselves or anyone else, & be aware that they owe a "Duty of Care" to those who are so closely affected by their acts & omissions.

Members are expected to abide by UWESU policy (copies available from the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & UWESU Site Offices) & if relevant their particular Regional & National Governing Body Guidelines. UWE Canoe Club will abide by the safety codes of practice at all training facilities or races they attend ie: Bristol Harbour flow pattern, safety code etc.

Members will pay their own fines for any cautions or suspensions received. Neither the sports club or UWESU will take any responsibility financial or otherwise.

Any member or official who is deemed by UWESU Sport to be acting in an irresponsible manner or ignoring guidelines laid down in this Code of Practice may be subject to disciplinary measures by your respective club, UWESU Sport or the relevant National Governing Body.


4.1. Alcohol Consumption
No alcohol is to be consumed on board transport owned or organised by UWESU.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking.

Whilst engaging in social events please ensure that you remain with the group.

Each individual has responsibility for themselves to maintain safe alcohol consumption levels, to know your limits & keep well within them.

UWESU promotes responsible drinking. For more information: www.drinkaware.co.uk & www.knowyourlimits.gov.uk

4.2. Facilities
Members are expected to treat facilities, staff, & students at the University of the West of England & other institutions & establishments with the utmost respect.


4.3. Equal Opportunities
"The University of the West of England Students' Union is a campaigning organisation which represents a diverse membership.

UWESU recognises that inequality, oppression & discrimination exists in this society.

The Students' Union will work towards a fairer society through ensuring greater equality of opportunity for its members & employees.

UWESU aims:

• To increase the quality of everyone's participation in the workforce & the educational process.
• To address attitudinal & organisational barriers to achieving greater equality of opportunity.
• To take positive action to promote fair employment practices & to eliminate discrimination against, & oppression of, individuals or groups of people on the basis of any of the following:
  • Gender
  • Disability
  • Sexuality
  • Class
  • Ethnicity
  • Nationality
  • Ethnic or national origin
  • Colour
  • Creed
  • Religion
  • Age
  • HIV
  • Status
  • Caring responsibilities
  • Marital status

UWESU believes that the oppression of the above groups & other discriminatory behaviour or language is unacceptable to the Union and will result in disciplinary action.


River Access Campaign
FACT: Only 2% of rivers in England & Wales have access rights to the public

Restricted access to water is a problem for just canoeists. Swimmers, boaters, gorge walkers, rowers & anyone wishing to participate in watersport are restricted to using rivers that have undisputed access or where restrictive permission has been granted. This means that there is no access to 98% of rivers in England & Wales.

Greater access to the waterways would be of benefit to us all.

Access to rivers is a concern for us all; even wading in a river that has no access could mean that you are committing trespass. The purpose of the Rivers Access Campaign is not only to raise awareness of the access issue on inland waterways in England & Wales but to bring about a change. The campaign is being undertaken by the BCU on behalf all members of the public.


Note: If the Canoe Club's incoming committee fails to attend the Annual Committee Training in the spring term the club will automatically be shut down & as a result withdrawn from all relevant leagues & activities for the forthcoming academic year.