British Canoeing Slalom Committee

“Putting Paddlers First and Valuing Volunteers”

Committee Meeting Minutes

British Canoeing HQ Holme Pierrepont

Saturday 7th February 2015

“Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “contact sports” may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”. British Canoe Slalom Committee Saturday 7th February 2015 Holme Pierrepont

1 Present 1.1 In Person Dave Spencer [2/2] Chair Dave Spencer [2/2] Strategic Planning Chris Baillie [2/2] Scotland Andy Koszary [2/2] Treasurer Jacky Brookes [2/2] Competition Julian Tyler [2/2] Wales Colin Woodgate [2/2] Secretary Peter Curry [2/2] Event Management Andy Grudzinski [2/2] Timing/Technical Jim Croft [2/2] Volunteers Apologies Martyn Setchell [1/2] Vice Chair Hannah Burgess [1/2] Marketing & Publicity Craig Morris [1/2] British Canoeing Dave Royle [1/2] England

2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true record. 3 Chairman’s Report 3.1 Slalom Committee future strategy 3.1.1 World Class Management Group Attended the WCMG meeting in early December. Key points: • Approval of athlete nominations • Rio presentation by John Anderson and confirmation that course construction is underway. There are a number of logistical challenges around accommodation and transport to venues. • Update on Slalom and Sprint programmes and achievements • Update on competition review 3.1.2 Competition Review The British Canoeing Board of Directors has approved the Terms of Reference of a new Competition and Events Strategy group. The Strategy group will set the direction and provide a framework for the implementation of recommendations set out in Competition Review. The members of the group are: Greg Smale Board of directors (Chair) Paul Owen Chief Executive John Anderson Performance director Heather Williams Talent Pathway Manager Andy Goodsell Competition Manager Lisa Brewer Communications Manager David Spencer Canoe Slalom Alan Laws Canoe Sprint / Canoe Marathon / Integrated Working Party Richard Lee Canoe Wales Alan Williams Canoe Sprint All members will be appointed by the Board and be voting members. Terms of Reference and Vision and Strategy documents provide further details and were circulated to the committee 4 Secretary’s Report 4.1 Pinkston Race standard Various reports have been received regarding the test event run before Christmas at the Pinkston site. The majority of the reports were encouraging. Developments continue at the site with additional stanchions, topping off the mid basin obstacle, a bridge to the island for officials and further cabling and wiring being considered. Advice has been sought from the police re street parking on the weekends of the events and they see no problems at all.

Page 2 of 8 “Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”. British Canoe Slalom Committee Saturday 7th February 2015 Holme Pierrepont

4.2 Pinkston allegations Correspondence had been received regarding the recent race at Pinkston. The correspondence included second hand reports of allegations of misconduct. Following investigations, including talking to the alleged victim, no further action is required. 4.3 Ranking and British Open Perpetual Prizes 2015 Secretary provided a list of possible additional trophies. Sponsors will be sought for some of the missing trophies, at a cost of about £100 per trophy. It was agreed that these should be purchased for presentation at the end of the 2015 season...... CDW A sponsor will be sought for a junior newcomer to division 1 C1W prize...... JC 4.4 Junior Championships A list of the perpetual trophies for the Junior / Vet championships will be created. Additional shields will be obtained where at least three entries were made in the age group at the 2014 championships...... CDW 4.5 ICF Rule Changes The rule changes that were agreed and included in the 2015 rules are those that were known before the ACM. No further UK rule changes are needed. A summary of the changes will be made available and published before the season starts. 4.6 British Canoeing Representation Russ Smith was welcomed to the committee, in his absence, to represent the British Canoeing central organisation. Russ will focus on increasing participation at the bottom end of the sport. Andy Goodsell had also been invited but also had other commitments. 5 Finance 5.1 2014-15 Budgets Draft Budgets for the year were circulated. The main points are: • Budgeted deficit for the year of £8.2k. Close to the previously planned £10k deficit to bring our reserves down to a more comfortable level. • £21k British Canoeing grant: o £11k for England athlete funding & development o £5k for World championships o £4k for Officials o £1k for Admin support • Includes provision for a £5k capex budget (currently not committed) resulting in an increase in the I&E depreciation budget of £1.3k. • An increase in the expense claim structure for volunteers to 25p a mile from 1st March. • No budgeted increase in payroll costs. • A cautious estimate of slalom levies. This includes a reduction resulting from removal of levies from Div. 3 events. • An increased grant of £13,000 to the Canoe England Slalom Committee. • A contingency of £2,000 for extraordinary Canoe England Slalom Committee Expense or subsidy for unfunded athletes selected for the Junior / Under 23 World Championships in Brazil. At the next meeting the funding of the home nation slalom committees will be reviewed. 5.2 British Canoeing Support AK has met with British Canoeing Accounts and is close to agreeing support that can be provided centrally without compromising the service and reporting analysis tools...... AK

Page 3 of 8 “Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”. British Canoe Slalom Committee Saturday 7th February 2015 Holme Pierrepont

6 Co-ordinators’ Actions 6.1 Athlete Representation 6.1.1 Tabled report Since the last meeting a fair few weekends have been spent following paddlers around on various training camps and days. The training days at LV organised by Dave Jones & Angie Hollick have been a great success. On many occasions have been either side of a Scottish or Welsh session and after a GB session. Allowing paddlers to look at the course with water and gates prior to paddling. Thanks also to Dan Goddard for sorting courses and walking the course with all the paddlers. The various England squads have also had sessions at LV with some having their first paddle at LV. It’s surprising how quickly they cope with the water and as confidence increases get down to some quite difficult courses. Watched GB training and videoed some very tight breakouts, which could help as warm up for our judges prior to selection. All paddlers I am sure looking forward to warmer weather as some of these sessions have been bitter. 6.1.2 Course Design Workshop MS / CM / DM Carried Forward 6.2 Competition 6.2.1 Availability of judges Judges have been asked to send in their returns for 2015. The Junior and U23 Selection event in March at Lee Valley has 22 confirmed returns. The indications that the selection races will just have sufficient judges. There are issues with sufficient judges at other races, in particular the Grandtully and Cardiff races. 6.2.2 International events The ICF have selected no more than two judges for each World Cup, unfortunately they have also selected others, such as assistant chief judge, chief of scoring, video judge. The committee agreed to fund the travel of all those selected. The ECA did not get the restriction on numbers of technical officials that can be funded. CDW had received a consultation document, which indicates that up to seven officials may be selected for the Senior and junior championships. It was agreed that the committee will continue to fund these officials. 6.3 Event Management 6.3.1 Junior Selection 2015 It was agreed that the entry fee for the junior selection race will be £48 for both days and £30 for a single day. This reflects the cost of running a race at this venue. Photographers will be charged a fee for bib and the rental of a buoyancy aid and permission to take photos from within the safety area. Thanks were recorded to Andy Maddock and Lee Valley for the re-negotiation of the rate for the water and facilities. 6.3.2 Cardiff Premier Race 2015 The Cardiff Premier in 2014 made a loss of £2,300 before sponsorship from Hornbill. Even so, a considerable subsidy was needed from the performance budget to balance the books. Given that this budget is under greater pressure in 2015; and that sponsorship could not be guaranteed, the organising club, Seren Dŵr, expressed that they could not run this race. The Cardiff site pricing is based on opportunity cost, not the costs of running the site. There is no consideration of any contribution from increased catering. Unfortunately the race is therefore not financially viable, so will not be run this year. This should be published on the web site as soon as possible...... JT

Page 4 of 8 “Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”. British Canoe Slalom Committee Saturday 7th February 2015 Holme Pierrepont

6.3.3 Tryweryn Premier Race The Welsh committee requested that the date of the Tryweryn Prem be moved from 17th/18th October to 3rd/4th. There is a significantly increased likelihood of a longer water release on that weekend. This request has been put to BCU committee and a response is awaited. Subject to the arrangement of a replacement for the Cardiff weekend this was approved. This must be published as soon as known ...... JT 6.3.4 Tees Barrage PC has been in discussion with Tees, and there a strong suggestion that the fees will be more reasonable, to return racing to the venue. PC will consult with Tees to evaluate the possibility of running a replacement event this year. This race may well require an enhanced fee. As soon as this is confirmed it will be published on the web...... PC 6.3.5 British Open 2015 / 2016 Olympic Selection The Olympic selection event will be the weekend before the British Open. The entry fee will be of the order of£50 depending on the availability of sponsorship. This will be finalised at least six months before the event. This reflects the possibility of floodlighting being needed 6.3.6 British Canoeing Event Safety Management Workshop Courses are being run across England. Organisers are reminded that from September 2015 there must be a suitably BC trained individual at each event, for BC policy requirements. PC / JC will continue to investigate this requirement ...... PC / JC 6.4 Managed Calendar Rules relating the forms to requesting events for 2016 to reflect the portable points must be revised before the end of March ...... DS 6.5 Marketing & Publicity The Facebook usage continues on a small steady rise. The shortened minutes went down well with 200 people viewing them. This could be something to continue in the future. Video Presentation of Projects at ACM ...... Cfwd It was with regret that the committee noted that with the change of employment Hannah has little time to devote to developing this role. She was thanked for the work she has put into the role...... CDW 6.6 Strategy/Planning 6.6.1 Portable Points Portable points’ proposed rule changes and publicity will be developed as a matter of priority. The aim is to have the principles finalised, before managed calendar process starts...... DS 6.6.2 Committee Structure The structure of the committee will be reviewed during the year, with a view to changing the definition and scope of the co-ordinator roles...... All 6.7 Technical Support 6.7.1 Purchases Options for radios were considered, a proposal to buy 8 PMR radios was adopted. Options for TUTTI Replacement are progressing. Two solutions will be needed, one for timing and one for communications. It is intended that proposals will be brought to the next meeting ...... AG The ability of extending electronic participation will be investigated...... AG 6.7.2 Electronic Entries The BC electronic entry system does seem to be progressing, the committee will therefore consider their own approach. There is an acknowledge aim to move to electronic entry and payment system. Committee members, and other interested parties are encouraged to offer proposals for requirements. The solution may be achieved in several steps. This will be co-ordinated by Dave Spencer ...... DS

Page 5 of 8 “Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”. British Canoe Slalom Committee Saturday 7th February 2015 Holme Pierrepont

6.8 Volunteers The role of entry card distribution will be retained by Susan Paterson rather than taken on by Sarah Ford. Year books will be arriving at BC during the week. The intention is to pack them during the weekend of 14 February. 7 Home Nations 7.1 England A brief report was received that included attending the BC Event Safety workshop on Sunday and will report on its content afterwards. CESC will be having another committee meeting on 22 February with coaching as one of the main agenda items. 7.2 Wales A report was circulated. Some of the subjects were discussed elsewhere. Additional items reported on were: Canoe Wales slalom committee met at the start of January with a number of items discussed and, where possible resolved, including: • The Welsh leg of the Pan-Celtic races will be at the Tryweryn Div 1 race 6th/7th June. • The Welsh Championships will again be split, with Senior/U23/J18 to be in championship format at the Tryweryn Prem 17th/18th October. The Junior championships (J16 and under) will be held at the Llandysul Div/2 10th/11th October. • The performance and development squads have increased in size once again. Funding is being spread more thinly, though the increased number of volunteer coaches is particularly helpful. Where possible, high cost water access (e.g. Lee Valley) is being shared with other groups. • The 1st all-Wales weekend camp for Div 2/3 standard paddlers was a success and is to be repeated in the near future. Thanks were given to those who provided the coaching. Llandyssul were congratulated on the purchase of further land on the bank below the quarry, including the caldron. 7.3 Scotland A Scottish report was tabled among the items covered were: Coaches Wojciech Sekula, the new Performance Coach has started work with the SCA and is based at Pinkston. Lukas Giertl, previously at Pinkston is now based at Aberfeldy. Stephen McDonald is now employed as a part time Development coach at Breadalbane Canoe Club on a Direct Club Investment Grant from Sport Scotland and other clubs have also applied for DCI grants. Roger Holmes is the newly appointed SCA Regional Development Manager. Paddlers In Scotland whilst there are a good number of paddlers at Division 2 and above from J16 upwards, there is a gap at Division 3 and 4, and J14 and J12 in particular, due to insufficient volunteer coaches within the clubs bringing young paddlers through. Hopefully DCI coaches, if appointed will overcome this problem. Junior / Under 23 Selection Concern was expressed regarding a single selection event being held at Lee Valley, feeling this unfairly favours paddlers living near the course. It is hoped that future years will revert to having several races spread around the home nations. Pinkston Excellent articles appeared in the Glasgow Herald and Scottish Daily Record after the press were given a talk by Tim Baillie, demonstrations by Tim and Eilidh and the chance to paddle, on the Friday before the event in exceptionally cold conditions.

Page 6 of 8 “Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”. British Canoe Slalom Committee Saturday 7th February 2015 Holme Pierrepont

Currently SCA Slalom are trying to gauge whether there would be interest in training sessions mid-week at Pinkston before the Tully Spring div 1 so people could break a journey there. Grandtully The Hydro scheme at Grandtully will not have started by the Spring events and is expected to be well underway by the August race but we are working with the Project engineers to ensure the event can go ahead as normal. SCA Competition Stream Director All competition streams in Scotland are without representation on the SCA Board. Two people had been nominated at the AGM but following a dispute about the validity of the committees making the nominations at the AGM, the directors took it away to resolve the problem and there has been no further action. Seaton Park Aberdeen are developing Seaton Park and have requested the ability to mark particular sponsors by branding some of the gates. It was agreed that such branding is acceptable either on the bearer, spreader, or, following the ICF rules, on the poles. 8 British Canoeing Facilities Holme Pierrepont has unfortunately been closed with immediate effect due to emergency maintenance works on the concrete river bed. SERCO have provided us with an update which is summarised by Andy Maddock below: The current plan is that with the course now stop logged at the top, it will also be pumped out after blocking the bottom and survey and remedial work carried out in the next 10 days during the works outlined below. Assuming that the remedial works required are not more serious than anticipated they do currently hope to be complete by next Friday 13th February. Having discussed this, I would caution that this will be achieved and may slip a little. This assumes that there is no time lost through weather or unexpected additional works required. In terms of half term bookings at HPP Andrew Keen has advised that he will only be able to give a firm completion date next Wednesday once it is clear how work and surveys have progressed. If this is too late to make a decision on camps, he is happy for you to clarify your accommodation needs as a result of decisions of camps. Andy remains in close contact with the centre in order to keep the Slalom public up to speed with operations as we approach half term. Brazil Junior and U23 World Championships 2015 The logistics and coaching team have been working hard and facing many challenges in firming up logistics for the forthcoming World Championships in Foz Do Iguacu. Logistics into Brazil with boats has proven challenging for both Slalom and Sprint programmes of late but I am pleased to confirm that we are close to confirming travel plans and hence being able to confirm a final costing to publish to aspirational non UK Programme athletes. We would like to thank all the Home Nations for their understanding regarding the high financial forecast for the trip and reassure them that everything is being done to manage costs whilst maximising a conducive performance environment. A special thank you to Julie Betcher for leading logistics for this trip. Home Nation Performance Camp Home Nations have been increasingly working together over this winter and we approach the first Home Nations Camp of 2015 in Lee Valley over February Half Term. On behalf of England, Greg Hitchen will be leading the camp which will be attended by all Home Nations including for the first time Northern Ireland. The camp will also be supported by Podium Potential coaches and athletes. The second camp of 2015 will take place in May following the HPP Prem weekend. Selection 2015

Page 7 of 8 “Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”. British Canoe Slalom Committee Saturday 7th February 2015 Holme Pierrepont

As we approach the first selection series of 2015 on behalf of British Canoeing may I wish all athletes a healthy lead in and all the best for racing. Whatever your goals and aspirations may be focus on giving your best in areas within your control and enjoy the journey. 9 Correspondence 9.1 Food Hygiene Regulations Correspondence has been received regarding changes to the regulations regarding food hygiene and the need to label foods for both allergens and sources. The possible need for environmental health inspections for clubs that have kitchens. The FSA has produced some guidance which might help you, which you can see via the link below. If you’re still unsure, contact your local authority. In England, environmental health officers can provide advice to community and charitable groups about food quality, hygiene and safety issues. They also deal with consumer complaints about supplied food. http://www.food.gov.uk/business-industry/caterers/food-hygiene/charity-community-groups 10 Other Business 10.1 ACM Motions Probable motions  Approval of the pre published for portable points.  Standardise terminology across class / event / competition 11 Future Meeting Dates All meetings at 9:30, at BCU HQ in Nottingham, unless otherwise noted.  Saturday 18th April – CDW and AG offered their apologies.  Saturday 25th July  Saturday 3rd October at the Premier event  Saturday Annual Consultative Meeting, 9:30 on 28th November, BCU West Bridgford.  Sunday 29th November post ACM. Meeting closed at 15:12

Page 8 of 8 “Canoeing and Kayaking are “Assumed risk” – “Water contact sports” that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement”.