Club Rules and Policies

Chris

Club Rules

Our club only has 9 rules. All of which are there for your safety. Please respect and obey these rules: they will be enforced.

  • Buoyancy aids must be worn by all persons on the water
  • Spraydecks must not be used until 1 star is held or with the permission of an instructor
  • Novice paddlers (i.e. not passed 1 star) must stay between the end of the Ditton island and Thames Ditton Marina entrance unless accompanied by a competent Coach/ Leader.
  • Paddlers must be in groups of at least three boats. This does not apply to proficiency level or ranked competitive paddlers using the site.
  • Paddlers playing polo style games must wear helmets. Three competent paddlers must be on the water.
  • Seal launching is from the jetty only is not allowed on any part of the river as it can damage the river banks.
  • If you use club equipment please put it away tidily after use. Please drain and wipe boats if necessary.
  • Please try and help keep the club premises tidy and safe for all users.
  • Be aware of areas of deep silt. Do not paddle them alone.

Junior Members Code of Conduct 

All junior club members are asked to abide by the following rules at all times:

  1. Always wait for a leader to mark you in the register book when attending the club
  2. To be on time for training sessions and participating events or inform your coach if you know you are going to be late.
  3. Co-operate with and respect all requests and decisions made by the coaches, helpers, officials and administrators.
  4. Control your temper and avoid behaviour which may inconvenience or upset others.
  5. Be considerate and respectful to other paddlers and water users. Treat other paddlers as you would want to be treated yourself.
  6. Wear suitable clothing and kit for paddling as agreed with your coach.
  7. Take care of all property belonging to the club or other club members.
    • Replace all paddles in rack after use
    • Empty boats of water and put away
    • Zip buoyancy aids and hang up and hang spray-decks.
    • If you need help with boats ASK. Don’t leave them by the river.
    • Be responsible for caring for your own clothing and equipment also.
  8. Do not leave sessions without the permission of the coach or leader.
  9. Junior members are not allowed to smoke, consume alcohol or drugs of any kind whilst on the club premises or whilst representing the club at any events.
  10. Never paddle alone. No matter how well you think you can paddle. Abide by the club rule of paddling in groups of 3 or more for safety reasons.
  11. Respect all wildlife i.e. swans, ducks and fish etc and do not disturb it in any way, shape or form. Follow the canoeist’s code.
  12. Respect the environment and riverbank. Seal launching from any part of the riverbank is forbidden under the rules of the club. If you see anyone undertaking seal launches please tell a coach or helper. Seal launching can lead to erosion. Follow the canoeist’s code.
  13. If you have a problem that you feel conflicts with the rules, tell an appropriate adult i.e. a coach or helper and they will try and resolve it for you.

Junior members are encouraged to take an active interest in all disciplines of paddling that the club offers. However, no-one will be made to participate in any activity they are not comfortable with. 

Child Protection & Harassment Policy 

Kingston Scouts Canoe Club is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. All members should show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in away that reflects the principles of the Club.

  • Club coaches should follow the BCU Code of Ethics.
  • All Club coaches, helpers and officials working with young people should read and adhere to the BCU Child Protection and Harassment Policy. The Club will follow the guidance of the policy in the event of any concerns or allegations.
  • The Club will ensure that anyone working with young people undertake a screening procedure.
  • All Club members are made aware of the Club Codes of Conduct.
  • The Club will obtain written Medical details of young paddlers which will be made known to coaches where deemed appropriate and/or necessary.
  • The training supervisor use BCU qualified/updated coaches.
  • Unqualified coaches can only work alongside a qualified coach.
  • The club will encourage and support helpers to gain qualifications and assist coaches to stay updated.
  • The Club will identify a person whose role it is to deal with any issues concerning Child Protection and Harassment and notify this person to all members. Anyone with concerns with respect to Child Abuse or Harassment should contact that person. If that person is unavailable they can contact the Club Chairman or the BCU Child Protection Harassment Officer.
  • The Club will adopt and regularly review its Operating and Safety Policies.
  • The Club will review this Policy annually.

If you have any queries or concerns about child protection within the club please contact our Child Protection Officer.  Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport 

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) have issued the “Helping keep your child safe in sport” leaflet, aimed at parents to aid them to ask the right questions about what child protection clubs and centres have in place. Clubs should have a Welfare Officer in place and be working towards training to the BCU Time To Listen course standard for the Welfare officer, the BCU updated its child protection policies in early 2007. If you are unsure please visit the BCU website or speak to your Paddlesports Development Officer. Our club Child Protection Officer is Jo Halford. If you have any queries or concerns about child protection within the club please contact our Child Protection Officer.Our Child Protection Policy can be read above. The government Helping Keep Your Child Safe in Sport leaflet is available to download here.