A GUIDE TO

PARADRAGON USA

March 2021 rev.0

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. PURPOSE

2. INTRODUCTION

3. THE WHOs, THE WHATs, THE WHYs

4. USDBF GOALS FOR PARADRAGON

5. SECTIONS

LIST OF APPENDICES

A. Club/Team expanding to include Paradragons

B. Paradragons looking for team/club

C. Experienced paddlers looking for competitive program

D. Resources

E. Glossary

1. PURPOSE Dragon boat racing is an exhilarating sport that offers a variety of levels of competition from local community events to World Championships.

A Paradragon program will increase awareness and introduce more individuals to this dynamic sport, which is open to and encourages athletes of all ages, gender, and impairments.

This Guide is a road map for interested individuals, clubs and organizations to grow and develop Paradragon programs in the United States, that can offer a competitive and/or a recreational opportunity to individuals with impairments.

Here is some background information to the WHOs, the WHATs and the WHYs of the newest IDBF dragon boat division.

2. INTRODUCTION The International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) is the World Governing Body for Dragon Boat Sport. The IDBF seeks to provide maximum opportunities for Paradragons to participate in the sport of dragon boating through its provision of specific Paradragon racing. The IDBF Rules for Paradragon Racing sets forth the way in which Paradragon racing is to be conducted at IDBF events. The United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF), which is the governing body for dragon boating in the USA, supports establishing a guideline for interested clubs, teams and paddlers, in alignment with the IDBF-Para Athlete Commission (PAC) Framework.

3. WHO is Paradragon USA?

USDBF is the governing body of dragon boating in the United States. The mission of the USDBF is to promote the growth and development of dragon boating in the U.S. for fitness, recreation, and team building at all levels of competition.

Paradragon USA is an initiative within USDBF tasked with creating an awareness to promote Paradragon opportunities, within the United States, that aligns with the current IDBF initiative.

WHAT is Paradragon?

Paradragon is the term used by the International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) to describe paddlers who have some form of physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental or intellectual impairment that affects the way in which he or she participates in the sport of dragon boating.

Paradragon also refers to a dragon boat racing division which is inclusive of anyone with an impairment.

WHY a Paradragon Division?

In 2018 the IDBF-PAC created a framework to test the feasibility of a Paradragon division. These earlier ‘framework’ rules were built on the ideas of opening our sport to people of any age and gender who were living with an impairment that prevented them paddling as an unimpaired person might. Following successful trial implementation (most notably at the 2019 European Club Crew Championships), IDBF decided that it was time for a formal rulebook.

WHY a Paradragon Division cont’d

The IDBF Para Athletes Commission was charged with the development of ‘Rules for Paradragon Racing’ formally accepted in October 2020. Many sports have categories for specific impairments. For example, in the Paralympics, paracanoe and rowing eight events recognize three distinct impairments; to compete in Paralympics you must have one of these rigorously defined impairments. IDBF wants anyone with an impairment to be able to race at an international level. IDBF seeks to provide maximum opportunities for Paradragons to participate in the sport of dragon boating through its provision of specific Paradragon racing categories.

WHAT is the difference between a Para Athlete and Paradragon?

PARA ATHLETE is a term readily recognized across international sport, whether that be basketball, skiing, swimming, or rowing etc. The term is used as a descriptor that is mainly used for non-dragon boat audiences.

PARADRAGON on the other hand is an intimate term used within the sport of dragon boating to refer to the race category, and to the paddlers, involved in Paradragon racing.

4. USDBF Goals for Paradragon Program

To support increased awareness and encourage participation for Paradragons in all Regions of the USA.

Paradragon USA will offer and support opportunities for everyone who wants to experience the sport of dragon boat.

A long-term objective is to establish a USA Paradragon program to participate at both Club Crew World Championships and World Nations Championships.

Now is the time to create awareness of the opportunity for Paradragons to become involved in the world of dragon boating and to experience all it has to offer in an official and recognized capacity.

5. SECTIONS

Are you a paddler, coach, team, sponsor, organization, volunteer, or someone looking for more information? This guide is divided into a series of sections to help you navigate the elements of a Paradragon program. Each section has an appendix that will provide you with details of that corresponding section.

SECTION 1 Is your club looking to expand to include Paradragon paddlers? Are you a club looking to form a Paradragon team? This section will guide you through the stages of forming a new team or expanding your team to include Paradragon paddlers. Refer to Appendix A for details

SECTION 2 Are you visually or hearing impaired? Do you have a physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, developmental or intellectual impairment? This section will guide the paddler to explore options in finding a club/team to join. Refer to Appendix B for details

SECTION 3 Are you a Paradragon looking for a competitive program? This section will assist experienced Paradragon paddlers find competitive opportunities & programs. Refer to Appendix C for details

SECTION 4 This section will outline resources regarding: • SAFETY AWARENESS • GENERAL DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAINING • EQUIPMENT • RACE/FESTIVALS • LEADERSHIP ROLES • INFRASTRUCTURE Refer to Appendix D for details

APPENDIX A

Guidance to forming/expanding Paradragon Team/club.

This section will guide you through the elements you should consider before starting a Paradragon Club/Team or expanding your team to include Paradragon paddlers.

Before getting started, know the general direction you want your team / club to take so when you start your research you know the following: • What needs to be considered for either a new or expansion of a team/club. • Questions to ask to determine feasibility, challenges, and likelihood of success. • Challenges to consider: accessibility and safety issues or obstacles to clubhouse, training facility, dockside, loading/unloading boats. What is your knowledge of or familiarity with various impairments? What resources are available to you and the athlete? • Embrace the challenges and reap the rewards of coaching para athletes. The challenges and rewards will affect the individual, but also others on the team or in your club, family members, loved ones, spectators and you as a coach. Be open minded and view coaching a para athlete as an opportunity for growth, yours and theirs. • Not all impairments are equal in terms of support and assistance. Some impairments will require physical assistance, prosthesis, support animals, sign language, wheelchairs, etc.

ESTABLISH AND DOCUMENT WHO YOU WANT TO BE • Team Mission and Description: The Mission and Description will define the team’s core purpose or reason for being. The mission will be the foundation for all the team’s efforts and goals. • Culture: Reflect the value, beliefs, and philosophy of the team’s operations.

DEVELOP TEAM STRUCTURE The next is to develop your team structure. This level of thought and organization will be foundational to your team/club’s success. • Define Roles & Responsibilities: o Roles: Refer to one’s position on the team. o Responsibilities: Refer to the tasks and duties of a particular role.

• Coach: The coach is a vital component for the athletes who succeed and attain their goals. • A great coach will serve many roles: technical supporter, motivator, leader, psychologist and maybe most importantly, as a role model for the athlete to follow in the competition arena. Well-developed coaches will understand their various roles as it pertains to their overall program. • Approach the para athlete and talk to them about their goals and any other team experiences. Don’t be afraid to ask about their condition. • Focus on the individual’s ability not the impairment. Be adaptable, you may have to make changes to your workout sessions in short notice. • Be patient.

• Athlete recruitment: Consider the following points in your recruitment strategy: o Who is your target audience? o Identify potential barriers for athletes wanting to participate. o Identify the benefits of your sport. o Share success stories of another team/club o Showcase your community – many people do not get involved in sports because they worry, they don’t fit in. Alleviate this fear by showcasing the range of ages, genders, races, body types, fitness levels and backgrounds of your members.

o Consider holding an open house to introduce and showcase your team. o Establish a working relationship with support networks to assist recruitment efforts. Outlined below are some examples of groups and/or organizations. ▪ YMCA, Gyms, Aquatic Centers, Fitness Centers ▪ Rehab Hospitals ▪ Vocational Rehab ▪ Shirley Ryan AbilityLab ▪ Social Service Agencies ▪ Schools and Universities ▪ VA Medical Centers ▪ Park and Recreational Districts ▪ Adaptive Sport Agencies ▪ Disability Meetup Groups ▪ Government Agencies supporting individuals with impairments, e.g., Wounded Warriors, Combat Veterans to Careers.

o Employ social media in your communication strategy. o Team Orientation Guide – Create an orientation guide that summarizes the key information that relates to the Team operation. This guide will serve two purposes: o (1) Consistently communicate all aspects of the team, and o (2) For a new recruit, helps them understand all aspects of the sport and commitment to the team. o Make joining the team simple.

• Athletes: Once the athlete has been identified and recruited, begin the individual’s development by systematically introducing all the elements of the dragon boat sport and what supports (if any) the athlete requires.

• Ambassadors: Identify ambassadors that will work to encourage, motivate, and inspire individuals to join/try the sport.

• Volunteers: Identify individuals within your community who are willing to assist the team/club in achieving their goals.

INFRASTRUCTURE & ADMINISTRATION The team’s organizational infrastructure and administration • Insurance: Obtain insurance specifically for the boat and dragon boat associated equipment. o Note: Most insurance is not for the individual paddlers and/or their own personal equipment. However, some countries do require liability insurance; do your research.

• Waivers: A waiver is a formal statement giving up a right. The team/club should consider developing a Waiver for each individual to execute. For example, all athletes sign a waiver saying that the team is not responsible if an athlete gets injured while participating in the sport. It would also be prudent that the waiver incorporate language around any medical condition that could be a barrier with an athlete’s participation. It is suggested that once the waiver is developed, have it reviewed by an attorney. The bottom line – All athletes involved with a team or club should feel confident and comfortable that reasonable steps are taken by the club to ensure their safety and well-being.

• Team Communication and Athlete Registration System: Develop a form that collects pertinent information on the athlete. Consider employing a team communication management system, e.g., TeamSnap, that will assist in this task as well as support the other elements of ongoing Team communication and overall administration.

• Funding: Each team will need to determine the level of funding that will be required to support the team’s effort. Consider establishment of Dues, Race Fees, Transport Fees, etc. The team may also consider fund raising events to supplement the team’s financial needs. Research any charitable organizations that may exist to assist in the team/club needs.

• Team and Partnership Management: The Team/Club may want to explore organizations that would be willing to provide a “sponsorship” in support of the team’s goals. This can be done through development of a grant proposal.

UNDERSTANDING PARADRAGON BOAT TRAINING & RACING The Paradragon athlete or team may require supplementary tools to assist with paddling; specific areas of focus may include:

Equipment Some Para Dragon paddlers may need adaptive equipment to help with paddling and posture. When using adaptive devices safety is of the utmost importance. For example: Adaptive seating and/or strapping may be necessary for an athlete with a lower limb impairment. However, if not properly designed or tested this could be very unsafe in the event of a capsize. Paddler’s swimming ability may be hindered as a result of their impairment. Buoyancy aids should be considered. A club or organization can determine any paddling adaptations or prosthesis to be used by a para dragon paddler. However, when competing in an IDBF event such as CCWC or WNC there are guidelines that must be followed. IDBF race rules do not permit the use of ‘smart’ prostheses or of other devices that generate power. Race Rules (refer to regulation CR13.1 of IDBF Competition Regulations) For additional guidance refer to IDBF Para Athletes Commission – Rules for Paradragon Racing.

RACING Partner with the race/festival organizers to ensure the necessary elements are in place to support Paradragon participation, specifically: • Docking/Loading: Understanding the planned protocols; is it accessible?

• Equipment: Review and validate the necessary equipment prior to race day

• Team Village: Review the Team Village layout, location and accessibility. Are the restrooms accessible and close by the team tent, is there a quiet room or area to de-stress an athlete with a mental health related episode?

• Transportation: Evaluate the transportation to and from the event

• Parking: Planned parking at the event and distance to the Team tent

• Refreshments: Food and beverage availability

• Support: Volunteers need to support your team on Race Day

PRACTICE CONSIDERATIONS • Safety: Safety is #1 priority in Dragon Boating. Elements that should be considered:

o Ability to Swim: Ideally all members of the crew should be able to swim 50 meters without a Personal Flotation Device (PFD). It is suggested that individuals should be “water competent”, meaning an ability to swim and hold a position in cold or slow-moving water by treading water and remaining afloat, unaided in such water conditions for at least 3 minutes. o If there is any doubt about the water competence of a team member, they must wear an approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD).

o Emergency Preparedness: What are the protocols for o (1) Inclement Weather, and o (2) Capsize Preparations.

o Safety Kit: Individual teams should be responsible for their own o (1) First Aid Kit o (2) Safety related information including completed waivers for new paddlers, and o (3) Cell Phone on the boat o (4) Knowledge and adherence to local Coast Guard regulations

For additional protocols on Safety refer to Appendix D.

• Training Venue:

o Launching/Docking/Loading:

o (1) Understand the planned process for launching, docking and loading boats, and

o (2) Identify venue modifications required to facilitate training.

o Equipment: Identify equipment required to support the varying needs of the team.

o Parking: Evaluate the training venue for provision of access to sufficient and adequate parking for your team.

o Support: Identify and attain volunteers and other support personnel needed to support your team on training days.

APPENDIX B

Guidance for Paradragon paddlers looking to join or find a club/team. Find your region and click on the link.

• USDBF – through their website will create a database registry of paddlers and teams across the country Paradragons (PD) - United States Dragon Boat Federation (usdbf.org)

• South Eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association (SRDBA) membership director 2020 Board of Directors - SRDBA

• American Dragon Boat Association (ADBA) membership director Officers and Directors - American Dragon Boat Association

• Pacific Dragon Boat Association – (PDBA) membership director [email protected]

• Eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association – (ERDBA) Membership director ERDBA Member Crews - Eastern Regional Dragon Boat Association

APPENDIX C

Guidance for experienced paddlers looking for a competitive program.

• Club Crew World Championship (CCWC) – is the highest level of competition for clubs. Up to 5 teams in each division can represent their country. Teams interested in competing at CCWC must race at USA Nationals the year prior to CCWC to win their team a berth to compete International Dragon Boat Federation - IDBF Calendar

• Team USA National Team program – is the highest level of competition a paddler can compete at. Athletes from across the country ‘try out’ (typically with specific testing protocols) to be selected for the National Team. The USDBF promotes an established selection process for athletes and coaches interested in competing at the World’s Nations Championship (WNC) Team USA - United States Dragon Boat Federation (usdbf.org)

• USDBF – through their website and social media, promote competitive programs such as CCWC and the National Team program Home - United States Dragon Boat Federation (usdbf.org)

APPENDIX D

RESOURCES SUPPORTING PARADRAGONS

GENERAL DISABILITY AWARENESS TRAINING - (supporting various impairments). i.e., Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Visually Impaired (VI), Hearing Impaired, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). These examples are not an exhaustive list of impairments.

COACHING Coaching Athletes with a Disability | CAC AdaptiveAdventures.org

ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT SportsAbilities Adaptive Sports AbilityLab Home | Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (sralab.org)

FUNDING & PROGRAMS Fact Sheet - National Veterans Sports Programs & Special Events (va.gov) Adaptive Sports Organizations | Challenged Athletes Foundation

EQUIPMENT/PADDLES/SEATING: There are many dragon boat equipment suppliers & vendors in the United States that could act as a resource and provide assistance to develop and adapt paddles and customized seating for para dragon athletes.

PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICE (PFD)/BUOYANCY AID Buoyancy Aids & Lifejackets | Look After Yourself | Safe Boating | Knowledge & Advice | RYA - Royal Yachting Association

RACE/FESTIVALS - Dragon Boat event production companies in the United States have a large client base. These clients host local festivals across the country.

PERSONNEL IN LEADERSHIP ROLES • coach, volunteer, helm, ambassador, team management

SAFETY Become familiar with

• IDBF Rules of Racing - International Dragon Boat Federation - IDBF • IDBF Water Safety Policy - International Dragon Boat Federation - IDBF • IDBF Competition and Regulations - International Dragon Boat Federation - IDBF • Contact your local Coast Guard and other authorities for local specific regulations

APPENDIX E

GLOSSARY

Club Crew World Championships (CCWC) Rowing eight IDBF hosts the Club Crew Championships every even- An octuple scull (abbreviated 8X) is a racing shell or a numbered year, where every athlete on any given crew rowing boat used in the sport of competitive rowing. comes from the same club.

International Dragon Boat Federation (IDBF) The world Rules for Paradragon Racing governing body of dragon boat sport. IDBF Rules for Paradragon Racing which set out the way in which Paradragon racing is to be conducted at IDBF events.

International Dragon Boat Federation Para Athlete Social media Commission (IDBF-PAC) Websites and applications that enable users to create and The IDBF Para Athlete Commission (IDBF-PAC) is share content or to participate in social networking. responsible for the development of the rules relating to, and the management of, Paradragon racing at IDBF competitions.

Para athlete Team USA National Team A sportsperson with a physical or intellectual impairment. The highest level of competition a paddler can compete at. Athletes from across the country ‘try out’ (typically with specific testing protocols) to be selected for the National Team (WRDBC).

Paradragon United States Dragon Boat Federation (USDBF) The The term used by IDBF to describe paddlers who have some United States Dragon Boat Federation is the official national form of physical, psychological, neurological, sensory, governing body for the sport of dragon boat racing in the developmental, or intellectual impairment that affects the United States and has been a full member of the way in which he or she participates in the sport of dragon International Dragon Boat Federation since 1991. The boating. It also refers to the dragon boat division in which USDBF is currently comprised of 4 regions PDBA USA - Paradragon athletes compete. Pacific Dragon Boat Association, ADBA - American Dragon Boat Association, and ERDBA - Eastern Region Dragon Boat Association, and SRDBA - Southeastern Region Dragon Boat Association.

Paradragon USA World Championships (WDBRC) The initiative within USDBF tasked with developing a IDBF hosts the World Nations Championships, also known as Paradragon program within the United States. the World Dragon Boat Racing Championships, every odd- numbered year. Each country fields one team per class. Athletes for these national teams are most typically chosen individually. The IDBF Congress is also held in conjunction with each WDBRC.

Race/Festival Organizer Also known as race or festival Producer. Race/Festival organizers are responsible for the logistical planning, organization, and execution of festivals to ensure that the festival is conducted successfully.