CODE OF PRACTICE (October 2006)
Cardiff
University Canoe Club aims to introduce non-paddlers to a fun and exciting
watersport and improve the skills and experience of those who are already
acquainted with the sport. The club aims to provide both a social and
active sports club and welcomes new members of any paddling ability.
While canoeing is an enjoyable and fun activity, like all adventure/
outdoor sports there is an inherent element of risk involved. The club
aims to minimise these risks by taking all reasonable safety precautions
and appropriate risk assessments.
Due to the inherent nature of the sport, while
you will never intentionally be put in a hazardous situation, your absolute
safety can never be guaranteed whilst undertaking certain activities
About Us
As a well established sports club, the canoe
club has a lot to offer its members. Club activities include two indoor
pool sessions a week, river trips and canoe surfing trips on some weekends.
We also train for canoe polo regularly and have a number of teams which
compete in the Welsh Canoe Polo League and BUSA. Throughout the year we also
take part in and arrange a number of annual events. These include the
first trip of the year to Cosmeston Lake to work on the skills
recently learnt in the pool and the BUSA whitewater race ( a weekend
of fancy dress, drinking and paddling, but not at the same time). There
is also the BUSA Polo tournament in the spring, which both our men's and
women's teams compete in. Club members also organise
a trip to the French Alps at the end of year which guarantees some excellent
paddling and an impressive sun tan. Overall we are an active club providing
many opportunities for novices and experienced paddlers alike.
When and Where
We meet on Mondays and Thursdays. Monday
collection is at 6.45pm at Uni Hall, 7.00pm at Allensbank House, 7.15pm at
Talybont and 7.30pm at
the front of the Union. Thursday collection is at 7.15pm at Uni Hall,
7.30pm at Allensbank House, 7.45pm at Talybont and 8.00pm at the front
of the Union. We then travel by minibus to Splott Pool, then onto
Gassy Jacks and the Union for a few drinks.
We also have social events such as pub crawls
and parties. The best way of keeping in touch is through the message
board on the website which is
www.cardiff-kayakers.com or another way to keep
in touch is to keep an eye on the notice board (outside the AU office
on the third floor of the Union) Contact numbers are also there if you
have a problem. Failing that there is the clubs e mail address -
Cardiff-Kayakers@hotmail.com
and the website - www.cardiffstudents.com then click sports, canoe.
Coaching and Instruction
There are many experienced paddlers in the club
who, with years of canoeing experience are always on hand for help and
advice. After the first few weeks the Monday pool session becomes dedicated
to improving paddling skills whilst the Thursday session is reserved
for canoe polo games, with games for all levels. Some club members are BCU qualified coaches and there is a programme in place in conjunction
with the AU to increase the qualification basis within the club. Where
national governing body qualifications are not always possible, the
club will be lead by experience. Members need to be clear of this to
ensure that they are content with this method of coaching/ organising.
It is always the individuals own decision to paddle.
The Committee
The canoe club will be run each year by a committee
as follows:
President Organises weekend trips and keeps in
contact with other universities and organisations. Over sees the general
running of the club
Vice President Assists the presidents in his/her duties. Is prepared to
take responsibility for events if the president is unable to attend
Secretary Books buses, attends Athletic Union Council Meetings, deals
with queries
Treasurer Looks after the club accounts
Social Secretary Organises socials and keeps everybody amused
Equipment Officer Ensures equipment is stored safely and is well maintained
Polo Captain Organises polo training and competition
If a position is not filled the responsibilities
of that position will be shared between the other committee members.
Club Responsibilities
When undertaking club activities Cardiff University
Canoe Club will:
* Provide an adequate briefing for each activity
* Provide suitable training and instruction for each activity
* Carry out a risk assessment and make available for members to read
* Prevent any member from taking part who has not signed and confirmed
their acknowledgement and acceptance of the risk involved
* Prevent any member from taking part who is jeopardising the health,
safety or enjoyment of the activity for other club members
* Provide adequate club transport to and from the place at which the
activity will be carried out
* Make sure that there is always a first aider present at club events
* Make sure that there is easy access to the first aid box in case of
accidents and emergencies
* Make sure that all incidents or accidents are reported to the Athletic
Union
* Prevent any individuals from taking part if they can not produce a
membership card, or associate membership card with BCU insurance or
proof of third party liability insurance
* Do all that is reasonably possible to ensure the continued safety
and well being of participants
Equipment
With respect to equipment the club shall
* Provide each club member, if required, with
equipment conforming to, maintained to and where possible exceeding
British Canoe Union guidelines. This equipment shall be as follows:
* A buoyancy aid of correct size and capacity for the paddler
* A helmet which fits securely with adequate fastening
* A spray deck of sufficient size and fit for the boat being paddled.
The spray deck shall be waterproof with release loop in good condition
* A kayak of suitable shape, model and maintenance. The kayak shall
be suitable not only for the river grade being paddled, but also the
club member
* Paddles of sufficient maintenance and design for the activity in which
they will be used.
* Sufficient safety equipment will also be provided
as follows:
* First Aid Kit (fully stocked)
* Survival Bag/ Emergency shelter
* Spare Paddles
* Emergency Food
* River knife
* Throw lines of suitable length and number for the activity
* The equipment shall be stored as follows:
* All equipment shall be stored and maintained
correctly at Taylbont, in appropriate Racks and containers installed
in the boatshed.
* It is the responsibility of the trip leader to check that all equipment
has be stored in a tidy and safe manner
* General maintenance of the club equipment is the responsibility of
the Equipment Officer
* Any faults to the equipment shall be reported to the equipment officer
for repair or removal from use.
* Written records shall be kept detailing the extent of club equipment,
where it is stored and the condition that it is in.
* All equipment shall be inspected on an annual basis and a report formed.
The inspectors will consist of committee members, an Athletic Union
representative and an independent canoe expert
* All buoyancy aids will be weight tested to ensure correct buoyancy
standards are met.
NOTE - Any personal equipment that is used is the owner/ users responsibility
and they should ensure that it conforms to the necessary standards for
the activity being undertaken. The trip leader may however prevent and
item of equipment being used if they feel that is unsuitable for the
activity being undertaken. The club assumes no responsibility in any
way what so ever for any personal equipment used.
Normal Operating Procedures
Pool Sessions - Monday & Thursday Evenings
The club committee shall:
Beforehand
* Book the bus one month in advance
* Put a sign up sheet for the pool session on the message board a week
before the pool session, which members must sign in order to get on
to the bus.
* Pick up paddlers at specified points and times and drive to Splott
Pool (02920 462548)
At the pool:
* If a paddler is new the following procedures must be carried out:
* The new members will be asked to swim 50 metres and tread water for
5 minutes
* New members will not be allowed to enter a boat until a competent
paddler can teach them a capsize drill (covering the correct way to
exit a boat and procedure in the water). The competent paddler must
be sure that the new member is able to satisfactorily complete a capsize
drill. A capsize drill with a spray deck must also be taught before
new members are allowed to use a spray deck. This capsize drill must
cover the importance of and use of the release loop.
* These exercises will be followed in training in further kayaking skills
as appropriate
* Paddlers are only allowed to enter the water when a competent/ qualified
paddler and lifeguards are present.
* There is no swimming in the pool when people are paddling for safety
reasons, unless there is a designated swimming area roped off.
These additional procedures should also be followed
when using the pool for canoe polo:
* New members will be instructed in the basic rules of the game before
competing, as well as being briefed on which equipment to wear and use.
The following points should also be noted:
- in beginners games no pushing is allowed
- beginners shall be reminded to bang on the bottom of their boats and
wait for rescue
- For beginners games non players will line the side of the pool ready
to perform rescues if required
- Games will be played in accordance to the canoe polo rules (see appendix)
-Helmets with face guards and buoyancy aids shall be worn at all times,
with both secured correctly
In the event of an accident all paddlers shall
obey the instructions of the lifeguards on duty and club instructors
After the pool session:
* All boats and equipment will be returned to
the store and members returned to the Union or pub.
River Trips
The organisation and running of a river trip
shall be as follows:
Before
* Book bus one month in advance
* Put up signing list a few days before. Paddlers are required to fill
in their full name, emergency contact number , their own number. Failure to do so will result in the paddler being prevented
from participating in the trip
* Identify key safety paddlers, trip leaders and first aiders
* On the day of trip, prior to collecting bus, fill in a bus booking
form with all necessary information and details of two drivers in case
of injury.
* Inform the AU of the trip. Read, adjust as necessary and sign the
relevant Risk Assessment
* Fill in the trip registration form
* There will be a minimum of three people on the river trip or group
whilst running the river which will include at least one relevantly
qualified/ experienced paddler
* The club will not take people of unsuitable experience/ qualification
on trips above their paddling ability
On the day
* Check the weather forecast and river level
for any reports that could pose a threat to the safety of the paddlers
* Make sure that all paddlers are carrying correct personal kit, to
include suitable clothing for the river and a change of warm clothes
* When picking up equipment from Talybont stores ensure that each paddler
has sufficient equipment as specified under equipment
* Before leaving ensure that all boats are secured on the trailer/ minibus/
car being used.
* The trip/ group leader will make a continual risk assessment to ensure
that the activity remains suitable for the participants on the day
* Having confirmed the suitability of the river and changed into paddling
kit ensure that dry kit is in the vehicle to be dropped off at the getting
out point
* Before getting on the river, brief all paddlers and if necessary sort
into groups. The ratio of novices relative to the river and experienced/
qualified paddlers is up to the discretion of the trip leader on the
day but will be of a suitable level to ensure as far as is reasonably
possible the continued safety and well being of all paddlers. We aim
for a ratio of 1:4 on river trips (BCU guidelines 1:8)
* Each group leader shall ensure that safety kit appropriate to prevailing
conditions, including first aid kit, is carried within the group
* The trip leader will ensure that escape routes are identified for
the trip
* Make sure that all paddlers are aware of any signals that may be used
* No boat, club or otherwise will be taken on the river without correct
safety fittings maintained to a satisfactory standard, including buoyancy
* Before paddlers get on to the river, the trip/ group leader shall
check that each paddler has a spray deck, correctly fitting buoyancy
aid and helmet, paddles and a boat.
* No novice/ inexperienced paddler shall get on and start to descend
a river before a trip or group leader instructs them to do so, and shall
follow the trip/ group leaders instructions at all times.
* The trip/ group leaders and experienced paddlers will do all that
is reasonably possible to ensure the continued safety and well being
of participants and will lead the trip as dictated by conditions on
the day
* On reaching the get out point novices will leave the river first and
remove equipment from the waters edge to ensure that it is out of the
way of other paddlers leaving the water and will not fall back in to
the water.
* After getting off the river and ensuring that all group members are
accounted for, a final equipment check shall be made and boats racked
up securely as before, and the equipment returned to the Talybont stores.
In the event of an accident all paddlers shall
obey the instructions of the trip/ group leaders and the qualified first
aiders dealing with the situation. In the event of a serious incident
or emergency, the emergency procedure as outlined herein will be followed.
Surfing
Before
* Book bus one month in advance
* Put up signing list a few days before. Paddlers are required to fill
in their full name, emergency contact number , their own number. Failure to do so will result in the paddler being prevented
from participating in the trip
* Identify key safety paddlers, trip leaders and first aiders
* On the day of trip, prior to collecting bus, fill in a bus booking
form with all necessary information and details of two drivers in case
of injury.
* Inform the AU of the trip, read, adjust as necessary and sign the
relevant Risk Assessment (see appendix)
* Fill in the trip registration form
* There will be a minimum of three people on the surf trip or group
whilst surfing which will include at least one releavantly qualified/
experienced paddler
* The club will not take people of unsuitable experience/ qualification
on trips above their paddling ability
On the day
* Check the weather forecast and tide times for
any reports that could pose a threat to the safety of the paddlers
* Make sure that all paddlers are carrying the correct personal kit
to include suitable clothing for the surf and warm clothes for afterwards
* When picking up equipment from Talybont stores ensure that each paddler
has sufficient equipment as specified under Equipment
* Before leaving make sure that all boats are secured either on the
trailer/ minibus/ car
* Check that the surf is of a suitable level for all paddlers abilities.
If not alter the times and destinations accordingly
* Before anyone enters the surf, at least two people will discuss the
safety zone and rip tides that may present a problem or possible danger
* The safety zone will be identified and pointed out to all paddlers.
At least one person will remain on land to generally overview the situation
and as a point of reference for possible threats to safety.
* before going in to the surf brief all paddlers of any signals that
may be used and emergency plans, if necessary sort into groups. The
ratio of novices to experienced/ qualified paddlers is up to the discretion
of the trip leader but will be of a suitable level to ensure as far
as is reasonably possible the continued safety and well being of all
paddlers. We aim for a ration of 1:4 (BCU 1:8)
* Each group leader shall ensure that appropriate safety equipment is
carried by the group
* No boat club or otherwise will be taken into the surf without sufficient
buoyancy
* Before getting on the water the trip/ group leader will check that
each paddler has a spray deck, correctly fitting buoyancy aid and helmet,
paddle and boat
* No novice paddler shall enter the water until instructed to do so
by the trip/ group leader and shall follow the group/ trip leaders instructions
at all times whilst on the water
* Whilst in the surf, the trip/ group leaders will do all that is reasonable
to ensure the safety and well being of participants as dictated by condition
on the day.
* paddling in and out lanes will be identified and the trip/ group leaders
will position themselves in the position of maximum effectiveness, dependant
on conditions on the day
* After getting off the surf and ensuring that all group members are
accounted for, a final equipment check shall be made and boats racked
up securely as before, and the equipment returned to the Talybont stores.
In the event of an accident all paddlers shall
obey the instructions of the trip/ group leaders and the qualified first
aiders dealing with the situation. In the event of a serious incident
or emergency, the emergency procedure as outlined herein will be followed.
Personal responsibility
Whilst the club aims to cover the majority of
safety aspects for the members, responsibility for personal behaviour
ultimately rests with individual club members. These responsibilities
are:
* Read, understand and sign to confirm personal
awareness of the club's code of practice
* Complete and sign a medical/ consent form and keep the club up to
date with any changes to this information
* Declare on the membership form and medical/ consent form any medical
conditions or allergies
* Be able to swim at least 50 metres in canoeing equipment
* Always pay attention to and adhere to the advice and instructions
of the club member leading the activity
* Inform the trip/ group leader of any medical conditions or injuries
that could prove problematic during the course of the activity
* Always carry an inhaler or other personal medication that may be required
that is not kept in the first aid kit
* Not jeopardise the safety of others during club activities
* The Club and University will take no responsibility for members or
their actions if they are found to be in any way intoxicated whilst
on a trip
* The decision to paddle always rests ultimately with the individual
On trips the club member shall
* Have attended a minimum of one pool session
* Be able to exit the kayak safely as instructed at the pool session
* Sign up and complete all categories on the signing up form before
they are allowed to take part in the trip
* Ensure that they wear a correctly fitting buoyancy aid and helmet
as provided by the club where required whenever on the water. (See Equipment)
If the individual provides their own equipment it shall conform to all
necessary standards but must seek their own insurance as Union insurance
does not cover their own equipment
* Bring adequate changes of warm clothing and suitable clothing for
the river.
* Always follow the instructions of the trip/ group leaders
* Inform the trip/ group leader if they have any doubts about their
ability/ desire to participate further in the club activity
* Will raise and discuss any safety concerns that they may have
* Will only get on the water when instructed to do so
* Will only get on the water where instructed to do so
Whilst taking part in club activities in the
swimming pool the club member shall:
* Will abide with the individual rules and safety regulations of the
swimming pool
* Whilst playing canoe polo will wear a correctly fitting buoyancy aid
and helmet with face guard as provided by the club
* While canoe polo is being played spectators will remain out of the
pool and out of the way of the referee and lifeguard
* Will abide by the decision/ ruling of the referee during the canoe
polo game
* Carry out correct rescue procedure towards a capsized paddler
Emergency Procedure
In the event of a serious incident or emergency
the following procedure shall be
adhered to:
* Impose communication restrictions. The reasons
for this are:
-Emergency procedures need to be effectively carried out
- Accurate and objective communications need to be made
- Prevent false reports being conveyed by emotionally upset persons
- Unnecessary panic can be spread to parents/ friends/ the media
No person should make any comment to the press
or public. Only approved persons shall do this after consultation with
the Athletic Union.
* Procedure to be taken at the incident site:
a) Assess the duties which apply to the situation
- Delegate responsible helpers
- Contact emergency services
b) Contain the incident
- Account for every member of the group
- Impose communications restrictions
c) Inform the Athletic Union, stating:
- Time and location of incident
- Nature of incident
- Number of people involved and condition
- Names of casualties
d) Maintain an incident log - keep a record of all events as they occur
First Aid
Contents of First Aid Kit
* Advice sheet
* Life aid resuscitator
* Wet wipes
* Latex Gloves
* Eye Pad
* Waterproof adhesive plasters
* Small and large bandages
* Ice pack
* Safety pins
* Micropore tape
* Small and large gauze swabs
* Stitches - large and small
* Hazard waste bag
It is club policy that:
* At least two first aiders will attend each club trip
* The club, each year, will send willing people on first aid courses
* Any use of first aid equipment must be reported via an AU accident
report form, which should be returned to the AU within 24 hours of the
incident
Following any accident
* In the event of an accident or injury it must be reported according
to AU policy
* In the event of a serious injury or incident counselling will be offered
to those involved or affected by the events.
Appendix - Canoe Polo Rules
1. Each team consists of a maximum of 8 players.
No more than 5 players are allowed on the playing area at one time.
2. Substitution is allowed at any time. Entry of players is only allowed
from the teams goal line
3. The game starts each half with all players lining up with the stern
of their kayak on the goal line. The referee blows the whistle and throws
the ball into the middle; one player sprints for the ball, all other
players must be at least two metres behind that person.
4. The aim of the game is to score goals. Any member of the team can
act as goal keeper
5. When a goal is scored the game re-starts with the opposite team passing
in the centre. All players must be in their own half of the pitch
6. A goal throw is taken by any defender when the attacking team sends
the ball behind the goal line.
7. A corner is taken when the defending team sends the ball behind the
goal
8. An attacker is not allowed to obstruct, when the goal keeper has
'paddles up', by pushing the kayak off the goal keepers line or push
the defender into the keeper. The goal keeper can be any defender.
9. When the ball touches the side line the team that did not last touch
the ball has a free throw from the side line
10. An obstruction occurs when a player does not allow an opponent to
go where they wish and the ball is further away than a kayaks length.
This does not apply directly in front of the goal or in close proximity
to the ball when ramming and kayak blocking is allowed
11. An illegal body tackle occurs when the bow or stern of a kayak goes
over the cockpit of another kayak. It is illegal to go over the bow
or stern of an opponents kayak
12. It is not legal to touch an opponents kayak with your hands or paddle.
It is legal to push them over with the flat of the hand on the shoulder
when the ball is at your opponents arms reach
13. Use of paddles likely to cause injury is illegal. This includes:
- Using the paddle to get the ball when the opponent is using their
hands
- Knocking the ball from an opponent is using their hands
- Tackling an opponent so your paddle goes across their body, and yours.
It must go parallel to your kayak
- Every time a paddle comes within arm's reach of an opponent.
The referee always blows if a paddle makes contact with a body
14. Legal passes are made by throwing or spooning the ball with paddles.
It is legal to stop the ball with a paddle i.e. 'paddles up' but it
must never be hit or struck with the blade to re-direct it.
15. You may dribble the ball but you may not hold onto it for more than
five seconds or carry it on your boat
16. Un-sportsman like behaviour is penalised
17. Free shots are direct at goal. Free throws are indirect shots at
goal. Which is given is up to the discretion of the referee
18. Goal penalties are given without a goal keeper.
For a full set of rules go to - www.canoe-polo.com
Additional Information
British Canoe Union 0115 982 1100 www.bcu.org.uk
Welsh Canoe Association 01678 521199 www.welsh-canoeing.org.uk
Cardiff University Athletic Union 02920 781439
Surf info www.a1surf.com
Club e-mail Address cardiffunicanoeclub@yahoo.co.uk
Splott Swimming Pool 02920 462548
Committee
President Dave and Chris
Vice President Sam
Secretary Danni
Treasurer Lauren
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