CLUB CODE OF CONDUCT
It is the policy of: Essex Slalom and Paddlesportclub (The Club) that all paddlers, volunteers, coaches and parents show respect and understanding for each other and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club as set out in the Club Constitution. The aim is for all paddlers to improve performance and have fun.
Everyone involved in the Club should abide by the Club Rules and Policies.
Paddlers
• Take care of all property belonging to The Club or club members.
• Treat other club members with respect at all times — on and off the water — treat other paddlers as you would want to be treated yourself.
• Control tempers and avoid behaviour which may affect or upset others.
• Co-operate and listen to your Club Officials, Coaches and Volunteers.
• Consider the wellbeing and safety of paddlers above the development of performance.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Follow Paddle UK and club guidelines and policies.
• Hold the appropriate, up-dated qualifications and insurance.
• Encourage paddlers to value their performance and not just results.
• Never condone the use of prohibitive substances.
Parents/Carers
Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport.
Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
Never force your child to take part in sport.
Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
Publicly accept official’s judgements.
Use correct and proper language at all times.
Set a good example by applauding good performances of all paddlers.
Junior Member Code of Conduct
All Junior Members are asked to abide by the following rules at all times:
Co-operate fully, respecting all requests and decisions made by the coaches, helpers, officials and administrators.
Be on time for training sessions and events or inform your coach if you are going to be late
Paddlers must control their tempers and avoid behaviour which may inconvenience or upset others
Be considerate and respectful to other paddlers and water users - treat other paddlers as you would want to be treated
Paddlers must wear suitable kit for paddling as agreed with your coach
Take care of all property belonging to the club or any club member – and be responsible for caring for your own equipment and clothing.
Not to leave sessions without the permission of the coach or leader Junior members are not allowed to smoke, consume alcohol or drugs of any kind whilst on club premises or representing the club at events
THE AIM IS FOR ALL PADDLERS TO IMPROVE THEIR SKILLS AND HAVE FUN
Q: What kit do I need to go canoeing?
A: Before you are properly kitted out, a pair of light-weight tracksuit bottoms or leggings and some plimsole-like shoes/trainers (preferably without a big sole) are good to wear on your bottom half. Avoid wearing cotton if possible as it tends to get heavy and cold when wet! (unless it’s really hot).
A light weight, fitted top with a thin cagoule which is loose fitting for good range of movement is also useful for your upper body. In winter multiple layers are a good choice .
You will also need at least a buoyancy aid and possibly a spray deck which goes on top of your clothing and helmet before you grab your boat and paddle and take to the water. If you are a beginner, then the club will provide these.
It is anticipated that Paddlers will purchase their own equipment once they have engaged with the sport allowing the club equipment to be used for new entrants.
Water Quality
Water quality is an important issue for paddlers as poor water quality carries the risk of illness for those visiting our waterways. Here we share information on issues around water quality, helping you identify, report and – where possible – improve the quality of our rivers, canals and waterways.
Weil’s disease (Leptospirosis)
Weil’s disease is the result of an infection caused by bacteria called Leptospira. Symptoms can range from mild (such as headaches, muscle pains, and fevers) to severe (bleeding from the lungs or meningitis). If the infection causes an infected person to turn yellow, have kidney failure and bleeding it is then known as Weil's disease.
Weil’s disease is often transmitted by animal urine or by water or soil containing animal urine coming into contact with breaks in the skin, eyes, mouth, or nose.
To prevent infection, it is recommended that you cover cuts to minimize the risk of infection and always wash thoroughly as soon as possible after being out on the water. If you experience poor health, such as flu-like symptoms, consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Blue Green Algae
Paddlers are highly likely to use waterways which at sometimes of the year are susceptible to potentially harmful Blue Green Algae. Blue Green Algae is just one of a number of algal species that live naturally in inland waters. When conditions are just right – still water, high nutrient input from such sources as fertilizers (phosphate), calm, hot and sunny weather – algae can reproduce rapidly and very quickly out-compete other plant life to dominate the lake causing algal ‘scums’ and blooms. The algae are unsightly and can be toxic to both people and pets.
Blue Green Algae is difficult to identify, but warning signs will often be present at waters where it is known to be present. If you suspect Blue Green Algae may be present, please contact the Environment Agency Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
Personal insurance and Waterways Licence
Club Membership and Waterways Licence
When clubs and centers affiliate to Paddle UK they pay a fee for each member of the club that is not a member of Paddle UK. Members of the affiliated club are then insured for recognised sessions and activities of the club.
Please note that club associate members will not be insured if you canoe or kayak at other times.
Additionally, the club’s waterways licence only covers the boats for club-based sessions or activities. If you go paddling outside of club sessions or activities, you need to be aware of local restrictions / fees to access the waterways. For example, a licence fee is required on the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation and can be purchased on-line at h
ttps://essexwaterways.com/shopIf you think you will be taking part in canoe or kayak activities outside of those organised by your club, you need to consider your own Paddle UK membership. For more details, visit
www.paddleuk.org.uk