Policy Documents

It is the policy of East End Canoe Club that all paddlers, volunteers, coaches, and parents who are involved in club activities show respect and understanding for each other and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club. 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 and the spirit in which they are written.

Paddlers

• Take care of all property belonging to the club or club members. This includes reporting any damage noted to club equipment to a committee member, and attending kit fixing days
• Treat club members and other with respect at all times – on and off the water
• Be accountable for your words and actions, including any fouls committed whether intentional or not
• Control tempers and avoid behaviour which may affect or upset others
• Co-operate and listen to club coaches or officials

Club Officials, Coaches and Volunteers

• Consider the wellbeing and safety of paddlers before the development of performance
• Be fully aware of any safeguarding responsibilities, follow Paddle UK and club guidelines and policies
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect
• Make sure activities are appropriate to the age, ability, and experience of those taking part
• Display consistently high standards of behaviour. Never condone the use of prohibited substances
• Hold the appropriate, up-to-date qualifications and insurance

Parents/Carers

• Help your child to recognise good effort and performance, not just results
• Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport
• Never force a child to take part in sport, never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes
• Use correct and proper language at all times. Publicly accept official’s judgements
• Set a good example by applauding good performances of all paddlers

All Members (Including Guest Members)

You should not take part in any irresponsible, abusive, inappropriate, or illegal behaviour which includes: 

• Putting yourself in a position which could compromise the safety of junior member concerning issues of safeguarding
• Using offensive language
• Publicly using critical or disrespectful descriptions of others either in person, through text, email, or social media apps/websites – such as with the use of mobile devices
• Be in a condition which would compromise either yourself or others in a club session as a result of participation in any of the above

Guest Members

Guests do not have voting rights at any form of committee based or membership meeting.

They are expected to follow the same rules, expectations and behaviours as all other members.

1. New guests are those new to the club and need to inform the committee in advance to ensure the right forms are completed, access is granted to Spond and adequate supervision can be arranged for their first session
2. Regular guests are those who are registered accordingly on Spond and may attend occasional sessions. If a guest does not have individual Paddle UK On the Water membership, they can only attend a maximum of 6 sessions per year.

All Guests (Regular and Irregular) must have a committee or Senior Club Member sponsor who will vouch for the behaviour of the guest.

The Sponsor will be expected to brief the guest on any rules, expectations and behaviours for the activity being attended. This includes the use of mobile devices & social media before, during and after the activity.

All Guests should

• Fully appreciate the basis of their attendance at a club activity including: 
  • paying any required fees without the need to be chased
  • looking after club and private equipment provided for their use
• Observe any rules, restrictions and arrangements provided by committee members, senior club members or their sponsor:
  • Including any relating to safeguarding such as the use of changing areas, and reasonable behaviours/expectations for the session they are involved in.