Blackwater Valley Canoe Club Club handbook of Guidelines, Policies, Safety Operating Procedures and Risk Assessments Issued: November 2011 Blackwater Valley Canoe Club Uncontrolled in Printed Copy Contents Scope of Document ................................................................................................................................................... 6 1. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Organisation & Insurance ............................................................................................................................ 6 1.2 Legal Framework ........................................................................................................................................ 7 1.3 The Adventure Activities Licensing Authority ........................................................................................... 7 1.4 Safeguarding, protecting and promoting the welfare of children ................................................................ 7 1.5 Advice ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 1.6 Definitions and Exclusions .......................................................................................................................... 8 2 Equity Policy ....................................................................................................................................................... 9 2.1 What is Sports Equality? ............................................................................................................................. 9 2.2 Equality Policy Statement ........................................................................................................................... 9 2.3 Legal Responsibilities ................................................................................................................................. 9 2.4 Implementation ........................................................................................................................................... 9 2.5 Types of Discrimination ............................................................................................................................ 10 3 Safety Policy ..................................................................................................................................................... 11 3.1 Equipment ................................................................................................................................................. 11 3.2 Development Coaching ............................................................................................................................. 11 3.3 Risk Assessment ........................................................................................................................................ 11 3.4 Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Policy .......................................................................................... 12 3.4.1 Club Child Protection and Harassment Policy ...................................................................................... 13 3.4.2 Guidelines for use of Photographic and Filming Equipment ................................................................ 13 3.5 Recruiting and Managing Volunteers and Helpers.................................................................................... 15 3.6 Personal Water Confidence (Swim Tests, Cold Water Immersion) .......................................................... 15 3.7 Safety Drill (Capsize Drill). ...................................................................................................................... 15 3.8 Swimming ................................................................................................................................................. 15 3.9 Indoor Swimming Pool Sessions ............................................................................................................... 16 3.10 Canoe Polo ................................................................................................................................................ 16 3.11 Text & Email Messaging Guidance .......................................................................................................... 16 3.12 Club-wide distribution of e-mail messages: policy ................................................................................... 18 3.13 Social networking services, social media and sport (CSPU) ..................................................................... 19 4 Equipment Policy................................................................................................................................................ 20 4.1 Buoyancy Aids. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) ................................................................................. 21 4.2 Canoes and Kayaks. .................................................................................................................................. 22 4.3 Helmets and Footwear ............................................................................................................................... 23 4.4 Other Equipment – Paddles/Spraydecks ................................................................................................... 24 4.5 Clothing ..................................................................................................................................................... 24 4.6 Access to Store Room ............................................................................................................................... 24 4.7 Issue/Booking Out of Club Equipment from Store Room......................................................................... 24 4.8 Club Trips ................................................................................................................................................. 25 4.9 Liability of Members using Club Equipment ............................................................................................ 25 4.10 Returning Equipment ................................................................................................................................ 25 4.11 Disclaimer on Paddlers providing their own Equipment ........................................................................... 25 4.11.1 Group leaders and Coaches .............................................................................................................. 25 4.11.2 Equipment provided by Participants ................................................................................................. 25 5 Coaching ........................................................................................................................................................... 27 5.1 Qualifications ............................................................................................................................................ 27 5.2 First Aid Certificates and Life Saving Awards. ........................................................................................ 27 5.3 Operating Levels. ...................................................................................................................................... 27 5.4 Area of operation ....................................................................................................................................... 27 5.5 Coaching Events ........................................................................................................................................ 28 5.6 Accreditation for experience ..................................................................................................................... 28 5.7 Inductions/Mentoring ................................................................................................................................ 28 5.8 General Meetings for Coaches .................................................................................................................. 28 5.9 Development of Coaches .......................................................................................................................... 28 5.10 Assessments .............................................................................................................................................. 28 6 Access Policy .................................................................................................................................................... 28 7 Club Trips/Activities/Events ............................................................................................................................ 29 7.1.1 Definition and Authorisation ................................................................................................................ 29 7.1.2 Event Organisers ................................................................................................................................... 29 7.1.3 Budget ................................................................................................................................................... 29 7.1.4 Funding of Trip/Events ......................................................................................................................... 29 7.1.5