Rowing - Code of Conduct

The University of the West of England Boat Club

1.0. 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 Boat 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 Activities Code of Practice

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

The list of members entitled to participate in rowing activities will be kept with the Head Coaches & UWESU Sports & Activities. A copy shall also be displayed at the City of Bristol Boathouse & 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 rowing & sculling.

Activities shall include:

• The introduction of novices
• 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 Boat Club shall make provision for the encouragement of the development of the sport of rowing as the Committee see fit.


2.3. Affiliation
UWE Boat Club affiliates to the ARA and individuals can take out racing licenses if desired. All UWE Boat Club members having paid club subscription & registered online are affiliated to BUSA via UWESU.


2.4. Instruction
Training sessions for sports clubs within UWESU will be conducted by coaches who have appropriate qualifications. Instruction will cover: communication, footwear, clothing, equipment, & safety precautions.

The coaches are assigned to the club by the UWE Centre for Sport. Novice crews will be accompanied on the water by a coach or co-ordinator.


2.5. Trials/Selection Policy:
An induction will be held in the first few weeks of the autumn term for the purpose of assessing the ability of all members. Squads shall be selected no less than three weeks prior to the following events: All BUSA Competition, Eights Head & Henley Royal.


2.6. Training/Coaching:
The club shall seek to support persons actively involved in coaching activities in attaining ARA Coaching Qualifications as appropriate. 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 Sports & Activities Manager collectively. This can only be attained if the club have budgeted accordingly.


2.7. Vehicles:
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 & Activities provides people carrier familiarisation tests & trailer towing training & assessments free of charge.


1st Aid:
UWESU Sport & Activities 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 sports club must ensure that the appropriate clothing is worn & equipment used for, the appropriate activity.

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 respective National Governing Body.

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 ARA. Activities shall include:

• Rowing/Sculling training & competition
• Land rowing & land training, to include event participation
• Social trips as appropriate

3.2.1. Boathouse Induction:

Prior to Water based training all members will be given a tour of all the boats in & around the boathouse & are shown various safety features eg: first aid box location.


3.2.2 Swim Tests:

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. 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 rowing activities.

You are required to demonstrate the ability to swim at least 100m in clothing usually worn whilst rowing. The clothing must be 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 Activities Centre 5th Floor UWESU, F-Block, Frenchay, or alternatively your UWESU Site Office.


3.2.3. Alteration and addition to the advice on Epilepsy
The ARA Medical Committee has advised (November 2006) that rowers & coxwains with Epilepsy should not be allowed on the water when there is a significant risk of further seizures. In line with the recommendations of the DVLA, this period of significant risk is defined as within one year following a fit & whilst reducing medication, & for six months after stopping it. In these cases where there is significant risk of further seizures, rowers & coxwains should not be allowed on the water, except where there is a special individualised risk assessment of the rower & the event. Equally coaches driving launches should follow this advice.

UWESU strongly recommends that all members undertake the Swim Test annually, irrespective of any qualifications obtained. Swim tests are to be undertaken by all members annually.

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. UWE Boat Club should have and practice appropriate emergency procedures. Contact the Club Committee or Coaching staff for more information.


3.2.4. Equipment:
No person shall use any equipment not specifically allocated to him or her without reference to the club committee or in their absence the Head Coaches.


3.2.5. Logging:
Before ANY boat is taken on the water the Cox or bow, in a coxless boat, must log their name along with the boat name, what time the boat set off and when it is expected back on the whiteboard located by the entrance to the Boathouse. The Cox must then take the corresponding numbered tag and wear it around their neck. This is one of the boathouse safety rules & MUST be enforced.

ARA recommends that a permanent record of Boat use is kept as Good Practice, as wells as a Logbook of your own activities in pen. This should include:

• Boat use
• Boat
• Crew
• Out & In Time

This allows the club to track 'out' use on the water & boat maintenance, as well as serving as an evidence trail in terms of any incident.


3.2.6. Boat Code:
With the boat on the water all members follow a specific code of how to get into the boat. Generally (This does depend on which end of the boat is pointing out onto the docks, but usually it's the bow that points out):

• Stroke side (= port side) locks in their oars
• Bow side (= starboard side) then get in first with Stroke side holding onto their respective riggers

Members are shown how to stand onto their respective positions as the boat has strong & weak points; standing on the wrong part of the boat can result in their feet going straight through the hull:

• Bow side then put their blades in their respective gates in order to stabilise the boat
• With Bow side holding onto the pontoon, Stroke side then get into the boat.

Once everyone is in the boat members are taught to number off from bow.


3.2.7. Land Training Facility
Prior to the use of this facility all members must undergo an induction. The training facility is a small gym located at Favel House in Bristol City Centre. It is intended to be used only by the UWE Boat Club. The gym has eight ergos & various weight machines. All members follow a strict code of conduct whilst using the facility including behaviour & the use of equipment. Any abuse of the facility will result in access being withdrawn.

One of the most important guidelines whilst using the facility is numbers:

Minimum of three club members are allowed to use the facility at any one time due to health & safety guidelines.

Maximum of twelve club members are allowed to use the facility at any one time due to health & safety guidelines.


3.2.8. Coaches Role:
It is the coaches role to inform novices of all the safety features of rowing & how to prevent overturning the boat/catching a crab etc. To write training plans for crews, supervise correct technique, ensure safety both on & off the water & to provide support during training & racing of UWE crews.

Coaches & Novice Co-ordinators shall behave in such a manner as not to place members at any greater risk as that associated with normal participation. In the absence of the club President they shall be responsible for ascertaining the safety conditions afloat with mind to the following factors:

• Height & speed of water - club landings stages & bridge buttresses give good indication
• Wind strength - flag poles
• Visibility - in fog, ability to see across the harbour from the end of the pontoon
• At night - bright white lights bow and stern, correctly secured on the boats
• Ability & experience of crew/cox/coach

If in any doubt, the coach & crew have a responsibility to act in mind of both their & the safety of other harbour users & should not go afloat.


3.2.9. Race Procedures:
Members are brought together & shown how to take apart the boat & put it back together correctly. It is the responsibility of all crews to follow all safety guidelines & entry rules of each race they enter.

• Any race fees are to be paid in advance prior to the trip &/or any vehicles being booked.
• All race entries are to be done through UWESU.

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

NB: Regular Activities not requiring specific trip notification to UWESU Sports & Activities Centre are organised training sessions based at City of Bristol Boat Club, UWEBC circuits at the Centre for Sport & the rowing facility in Favel House.


BUSA Competition:
All members must have paid the appropriate UWE Boat 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 disciplinary.


3.3. First Aid
First aid supplies are available at the City of Bristol Boat Club, Centre for Sport & Favel House ergo suite, where first aiders are also usually available. All ARA qualified coaches have first aid knowledge as a course component. All Novice co-ordinators should be qualified first aiders.

Members are requested to advise their coach/crew 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 in boat the inhaler is carried, diabetic, epileptic etc.

All accidents & injuries other than 'routine blisters' must be recorded on an Accident Form & passed to the Sports & Activities Manager. Any member requiring physiotherapy treatment must be referred by the coach using an Accident Form.

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

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


3.4. Heads of the River/Regattas
Prior to visiting away locations & or using UWESU hired transport the club will complete the necessary "Trip & Transport Booking Form" - which highlights details such as destination, date & time of departure & arrival, 1st aiders, a list of all those travelling, proof of membership, passed swim test & 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 Sports membership cards for identification purposes.


3.5. 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.


3.6. Equipment
All boats, blades & secured fittings will be provided & maintained by UWE Boat Club. Members remain responsible for monitoring the equipment they are using before & after every outing & reporting defects accordingly to UWESU Sports & Activities Centre.

NB: All incidents\accidents with equipment must be reported to UWESU Sports & Activities using a Rowing Equipment Accident\Incident Report Form.

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 rowing for a period defined by the Boat Club Executive committee.

Coxes
The club shall ensure that all coxes wear lifejackets whilst afloat & maintain a large enough number available at the Boathouse to satisfy demand.


3.7. Accident Procedures
Capsize:

• Check all okay & with boat
• Remain with boat
• Ferry glide boat to bank
• Right boat & row back to club or leave boat securely on bank & jog back

Collision:

• Check for injuries, number off from bow
• Check for 'swimmers' & any damage
• Move boat to nearest landing place or slip into water & swim with boat

Summon assistance as appropriate/required - 999, passing boats, people on bank. Return to the clubhouse asap & inform club committee, UWESU Sports & Activities Centre & the Sports & Safety Co-ordinator.

Complete an Accident Form &/or Rowing Accident Form within 24hrs, immediately if possible.

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, this includes (an accident form must be completed & submitted to the UWESU Sports & Activities Centre:

• On the way to & from training/practices
• During any training session &/or races

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 82719/83288
     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. UWEBC 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.


Note: If the Boat 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 and activities for the forthcoming academic year.