British Canoe Union Slalom Committee

“Putting Paddlers First and Valuing Volunteers”

Committee Meeting Minutes

BCU Headquarters, Bingham

Saturday 19th October 2013

“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 Committee Saturday 19th October 2013 Bingham

1 Present Jenny Walker [7/7] Vice Chair David Spencer [6/7] Strategic Planning Emma Aldridge [5/7] Wales Colin Woodgate [7/7] Secretary Martyn Setchell [4/7] Athlete Rep Craig Morris [4/7] GB Canoeing Andy Koszary [6/7] Treasurer Paul Tuffin [3/7] Volunteers Peter Curry [7/6] Event Management (via skype) 1.1 Also Present: Jim Croft Slalom Administrator. 1.2 Apologies Received Anne Hounslow [5/7] Chair Andy Grudzinski [4/7] Timing/Technical Chris Baillie [4/7] Scotland Jacky Brookes [3/7] Competition Andy Goodsell [1/7] BCU Hannah Burgess [3/7] Marketing & Publicity Dave Royle [5/7] England 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true record. In the absence of the chair the meeting was chaired by the vice chair. All were asked to check that the e-mails they use are correct. Some email addresses have changed, some are being incorrectly typed. 2.1 Matters Arising (not covered elsewhere) 2.1.1 Canoe England Competition Coaching A list of the current tutors and assessors in England will be provided, showing the level that they have achieved...... Action RS 3 ACM Business A draft Agenda for the ACM had been circulated. This will continue to be developed until the closing date for club motions. Possible Committee motions were discussed and agreed. Current motions to be handled under regulation 5.9 were agreed. A notice will be put on the web site at the start of the next season to remind people that they are not allowed to compete in both ranking and officials’ events at the same competition. All reports are to be submitted for publication on the web site by 15th November. The provisional calendar will be published on the internet at the same time. Copies will not be available at the ACM. If anyone wants a copy to annotate with late entries / changes they must bring own copy. 4 Chairman’s Report 4.1 Tabled report Congratulations to David Florence on his two world championship titles and to for helping him win the 2nd. A feat not achieved for 60 years. Also congratulations to Mallory Franklin on her silver and the C2 team bronze, a fantastic race, putting GB top of the individual medal table. There was good coverage on BBC news on line and great TV coverage, at least 3 slots on the national plus highlights the following weekend hosted by Matthew Pinsent. A letter has been received from Louise Donington stepping down from International racing but will continue to race domestically. Working with the International Panel on team issues, one disciplinary matter, 3 requests for pre selection for 2014 and getting draft 2014 selection policy ready for going out to the wider community. Held discussions with Canoe England as to how the awards evening was arranged on the same weekend as a premier event. Full apologies received. Russ Smith is looking into how this can be avoided again. Liaising with Lee Valley over this year’s British Open and assisting Shaun Pearce get a race up and running on the legacy loop – entries good at this point.

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 19th October 2013 Bingham

Visited the Inter-clubs, as ever good to see so many athletes of different ages & abilities racing together. Invited to GB canoeing training day, will attend for the afternoon session. 5 Secretary’s Report 5.1 Tee Shirt Competition The T shirt that produced was different to the winning entry as the original design had been lost. The revised design had three colours and still needed professional setting. The 2014 competition will be announced at the ACM, limited to two colours (and black), each shade counting as a colour, and must be in a specified format. 5.2 Participation JC reported an increase in the number of people applying for promotion certificates. However the number of people on the ranking list has gone down. More statistics will be collated. 5.3 Cancelled Events and Rankings There have been representations that with the cancellation of the Serpents Tail this should be taken into account when looking at end of season promotion. The process is that at the first meeting after the ACM the promotions and demotions are considered. The numbers promoted and demoted will be based on the size of divisions, and relative performance of those eligible for promotion and demotion. 6 Finance 6.1 Accounts Draft accounts covering the eleven months ended 30th September, showing a surplus of £8,292. Slalom Levies: Gross levies for the races up to the end of September (including estimated amounts for recent events where levy forms have not yet been submitted) total £38,459. This compares with £29,023 for the same period last year and £26,733 in 2011. Controllable costs: Excluding Payroll costs and the CESC grant; our costs for the period to September are £21,460. Whilst the figure does include estimated accruals for costs or expense claims not yet received; it compares with £24,258 for the same period last year (prepared on the same basis). Inter club Championship Finals: The accounts for the Inter-Clubs event are not yet complete. A break- even result is anticipated. CESC: The cash balance held in our accounts, due to the Canoe England Slalom Committee (CESC) was £12,351. Forecast vs. Budget: The trend of higher event levies and lower costs has continued since the July accounts were prepared. It is now reasonably certain that the budgeted break-even result will be exceeded and a surplus is now forecast. This is currently estimated at £9,000. 6.2 Canoe England Capital Grant 6.2.1 On Line Entry System The slalom committee input to this process is on hold. BCU is developing an on-line entry system which will assist in tracking participation. DS is liaising with Andy Goodsell relating to the functions and costsAction DS. 6.2.2 Results display system and PA systems The audit of the 2012 Legacy equipment is to be clarified. This will be reviewed before making proposals for enhancements...... Action AEG 6.2.3 TUTTI replacement Options for a replacement system are being discussed with interested parties...... Action AEG

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7 Co-ordinators’ actions 7.1 Event Management 7.1.1 Inter Clubs JC has announced that the 2014 event will be the last event that he organises. A vote of thanks was offered for the work he has undertaken. The ongoing basis for the event must be reviewed as an urgent matter for the next committee to allow the experience to be passed on. Issues include the safety of the 1,000 people on site. 7.1.2 British Open Other site users AH has met with LV staff to discuss the weekend as it is planned on Sunday to have polo on the lake plus on Saturday they will be arranging activities. No come and try it as too cold for that!! Parking on site has been arranged. Timing and section judges are arranged. The person to head up safety is still to be identified. Further volunteers are sought to assist in control and runners. Forerunners: 1 C1W demo, 1 K1M demo and 1 C1M are arranged. Further demo runners are needed, GB Canoeing have been asked to assist. It was agreed that the format will be:  Saturday will run as a premier race (heats).  All paddlers that have entered the British Open and got to the bottom at least once on Saturday will progress to the semi-final.  The semi-final will be run in the reverse order of the heats ranking.  The top ten progress in each class will progress to the A final, the rest of the paddlers will compete in the B final. To reduce confusion both days will be run to BCU rules, but with no protest fee. The event schedule will be published shortly. 7.1.3 British Open 2014 After negotiations with LV, we are able to hold 2 events on the Olympic channel in the summer months, one would be selection and the plan is to move the BO. However this information was not available until after the application deadline for premier/ones. Discussions with representatives of affected clubs have been undertaken. Running in August would allow the British Open to be a bigger event including a come and try it and opening up the possibility of sharing the site with other disciplines, and come and try it sessions. This broader base, and better weather would also allow consideration of charging spectators to keep the entry fee down. So far Tees Tigers are unwilling to compromise. Viking initially agreed to a change, but if the event includes other division they do not want to agree. No reply has been received from Marple. The opportunities to develop the sport and build for the World Championships are thought to be huge. Not taking up the negotiated slot in the summer will also jeopardise the future summer racing possibilities at this site. Further discussions with the clubs involved will be carried out. 7.1.4 2014 World Cup Any reduction in Slalom Committee funding relating to this event should be identified in advance to allow budgets to be prepared...... AGo 7.1.5 2015 World Championships Any reduction in Slalom Committee funding relating to this event should be identified in advance to allow budgets to be prepared or additional funding to be identified...... AGo 7.2 Managed Calendar 7.2.1 2014 Calendar The current draft was discussed. This has not been published on the web as yet, but will be published with the withdrawn events removed, but without late entries until after the ACM.

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The draft calendar has a long break in the summer for premier paddlers as no club has proposed to a premier event in this period. This is exacerbated by the requirement to hold junior selection early for the Junior World Championships in Australia. 7.2.2 Short Notice Slaloms The original purpose of the short slaloms was to enable an increased number of entry level events to be run, at short notice, with a reduced course erection requirement. The naming of this as short course slaloms has shifted the emphasis from an easily run event, to one that MUST be run on a shorter course. The role, rules and purpose of such slaloms should be clarified and published to reduce any confusion. JC The meeting affirmed that it is not the intention to schedule a short notice slalom at the same time as a ranking slalom, using any of the same gates as the ranking event. 7.2.3 Shaun Bower Letter Colin Woodgate and Andy Grudzinski met with Shaun Bowers and Rob Bates, the Viking Club Chair at the inter-clubs competition. An apology was made and the points clarified. Actions from the meeting:  Clarification of the purpose and rules surrounding ‘Short Course events’ (see above)  Re publish the current committee role descriptions  Clarification of the process to nominate a Slalom committee member  Provide a description of the process to put motions to the slalom ACM 7.2.4 Andy Neave Letter Andy Neave requested that the third Stone winter slalom be granted ranking status for division 4. This was agreed. 7.3 Strategy/Planning 7.3.1 Structural Paper Actions On-going ...... DS 7.4 Technical Support All on-going as of the previous meeting. There are discussions ongoing as to provision of a separate set of timing kit in Scotland to reduce the requirement to transport equipment the length of the country. 7.5 Competition All on-going as of the previous meeting. 7.6 Marketing & Publicity All on-going as of the previous meeting. 7.7 Volunteers 7.7.1 Awards Three active slalom volunteers were nominated for the national volunteer awards. With the event volunteer being won by Colin Woodgate. 7.7.2 Other Awards Being investigated. 7.7.3 Ed Ecclestone Award Nominations are being sought for this award. The committee considered the current nominations, any further nominations will be considered via email or in person at the British Open. It was confirmed that the award is for volunteers only. At present those employed are not eligible despite the number of voluntary hours they put in. The secretary will contact all nominated to make them aware of their nomination...... CDW

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7.8 Athlete Representation Attended a good selection of events since the last meeting ranging from div 2/3’s to the Worlds. It’s good to see that enthusiasm still runs strong throughout. 7.8.1 Paddlers prizes It doesn’t seem to matter what level a paddler is at, the first time they win at a new level is so important. I have attended many prize giving ceremonies this year and the reaction of receiving a quality trophy is very different to a piece of plastic or chocolate. The good prizes are studied immediately and then shown to friends with a smile. Paddlers work hard to get there. I would urge all organisers to do what they can to make it special. 7.8.2 England Junior Coaching We have turned a corner since the last report, with the help of Heather Williams and the coaches. The aim is to deliver a clearer programme including guidance for those who just miss out on selection into one of the squads. A seminar is scheduled prior to the selection process, to be announced on the web site. 7.8.3 Slalom Entry Cards Alison Setchell volunteered to take entry cards to events, which has been received very well. 2600 cards have been given out with a record made of the approximate numbers of cards going to clubs or individuals. 7.8.4 Doubling Up It is fantastic to see more paddlers trying another discipline, with equipment being borrowed and swapped at great pace during events. 7.8.5 Entry Numbers Entry numbers at division 2 upwards appear to be on the increase and I am told more paddlers than recent years have applied for bibs, having been promoted from division 4. I look forward to reviewing the statistics from Nick Penfold after the ACM. 7.8.6 Organiser Seminars I have been asked to run more organisers seminars for those who missed out or thought it was for new organisers. Dates can be agreed at the ACM as we did last year. From the comments made, bringing clubs together to share ideas and expertise was the most useful. I was asked by several paddlers to add a note of thanks to all the volunteers for making the events possible. 8 Home Nations 8.1 England No report 8.2 Wales A variety of reports and emails have been sent in recent days highlighting the work in Wales and the results of the World Cup race. 8.3 Memo to Canoe Wales members Attached is a copy of a memo sent to Canoe Wales members for information. 8.4 Scotland 8.4.1 Pinkston Artificial Course Completion date mid-November. Currently the limiting factor is a power supply from Scottish Power. There is currently a shortfall in funding for such "extras" as decking, slalom poles/ wires, polo goals, CCTV. The new centre manager, Iain Braithwaite, has worked in the paddlesport industry though not participated in slalom. However, through family connections he is familiar with slalom.

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The site building is up, many of the colourful 40 foot containers are on site and several clubs have put their names down to lease one. The rapid blocks are on site and many in place. At a recent meeting there were discussions covering such things as: position and anchoring of start and finish beams; getting wires back to control; suitable room for control; judges positioning and wires to control; catering options on the site; car parking for events; and a possible date for a first slalom which is likely to be well before the official opening at Easter time. Currently there are no charges available but clubs are being encouraged to get in touch with Iain to book regular slots. There are to be tours and an introductory session for group users on 23rd October and a number of slalom volunteers will attend. 8.4.2 Staff Change Stephen MacDonald has changed roles within the SCA. He is now the Regional Development manager and will assist clubs who have ambition to develop and increase their activities. 8.4.3 Vision and Horizon programmes The performance director is rolling out the new vision and horizon programmes for Scottish performance athletes currently. 8.5 GB Canoeing 8.5.1 Competition At the final World Cup of 2013 in David Florence won Silver in the MC1 class and Jasmine Royle won her first international medal with Bronze in C1W. Well done to both. The Senior World Championships in took place in September. The GB team had their most successful championships for many years and made history not just in Britain but in the sport on a global level. David Florence became the first paddler to win 2 individual World titles at the same championships adding the C2 World crown alongside Richard Hounslow to the C1 Gold won the day before. Mallory Franklin also won Silver in the C1W class capping off a fantastic season for her and the British C1W who won 9 international medals this year. A bronze medal was also won in the Men’s C2 Team event. There were also a number of other stand out performances including Joe Clarke’s 6th place in his first year on the Senior Team. Well done to all the athletes and to those who have contributed to this success. 8.5.2 Programme All levels of the programme are currently engaging in a comprehensive review to reflect on year one of the Olympic cycle against our 4 focus areas as part of the Rio business case. At HPP the third year intake for Talent ID have just been selected by Richard Ramsdale. The process continues to evolve and be refined and is proving a stable base for our talent pathway and providing a greater understanding of what makes an elite Canoe Slalom athlete at each stage of their development. In line with a UK Sport request GB Canoeing will be conducting an in depth competition review of Canoe Slalom and Sprint, led by Heather Williams. Talks are evolving on who will participate and it is acknowledged that members of the wider Canoe Slalom community should contribute to the process. The GB Canoeing Podium programme based at Lee Valley are hoping to move into their new building at the LVWWC in early December. The programme is delighted to be able to have their base on site at the Olympic venue and have all aspects of a high performance training environment in one place. At HPP new owners Serco are well underway with their exciting transformation of the site. GB Canoeing have established a good relationship with them and are looking forward to the improvements to the High Performance Centre. 8.5.3 Olympics The Rio Olympics were, this week, confirmed to be taking place in Rio. There will not be a published Olympic qualification policy until April. 8.5.4 Selection Policy Consideration of the long term requirement for stability is under way. With consideration of the timing of international selection and policy. The aim of marking wildcard selection races in the yearbook.

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8.6 BCU No report 9 Any Other Business 9.1 Where does my money go? The analysis of where money comes from, and where it goes to will be revisited and republished. 10 Future Meeting Dates All meetings at BCU HQ in Bingham at 9:30 unless otherwise noted.  Annual Consultative Meeting, 9:30 on 23rd November, at Xylem.  24th November, the first meeting for new committee, 9:30 in Bingham. Meeting closed at 15:47

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”.