About Bisham Paddle Sport Club

Bisham Paddlesport Club, formerly known as Longridge Canoe Club has moved to Bisham Abbey National Sports Centre. The name name change reflects the new location. The club is affiliated to Paddle UK.

Originally founded in 1966 at the National Scout Boatimg Activity Centre. The club has enjoyed many successes. Olympians: Jane Rowse, and Sheila Burnett, and Para Olympian Jeanette Chippington started her para Canoe and para kayak paddling career.

Seventeen paddlers from the club have competed internationally.

The club focus has always been on development of young athletes and participation of all.

Steve Redgrave and Steve Backshall are both members of the club.

Jeanette Chippington will be competing in the Paris Para Olympics at the end of August.

We look forward to welcoming you on the water.

Policy Document

Incorporating codes of conduct For BPSC, committee, coaches and members

Introduction

“The Policies and Codes of Conduct forming this document will assist BPSC achieving its objectives in a safe, friendly, and appropriate environment.”

In simple terms BPSC’s primary objective is to provide its members with opportunities to take part in flat water racing in canoes and kayaks. Flat water racing will include the disciplines of ‘marathon’ (long-distance) and ‘sprint’. Opportunities may arise with similar racing disciplines e.g. ‘descent’ racing and / or social paddles and activities, and/or other training & fitness activities.

The policies and codes of conduct forming this document will assist BPSC achieving its objectives in a safe, friendly, and appropriate environment. For these reasons it is imperative that all members have access to the documents and understand the policies under which decisions are made, and agree to the codes of conduct.

Throughout this document it is a prerequisite that all members (and in the case of juniors, their parent(s) / guardian(s)) must accept that canoeing and kayaking are ‘assumed risk’ ‘water contact sports’ that may carry attendant risks. Participation must be with awareness of and acceptance of these risks, and responsibility for actions and involvement.

“The aim is for this Document to be simple to understand and to reflect the operations of BPSC.”

This Document has been prepared and adopted by BPSC [14/08/2024]

Bisham Paddles Sport Club (BPSC), herein after referred to as “BPSC” is bound by constitution and this document has been duly adopted in accordance with the constitution’s clauses.

This document shall remain valid and applicable until further notice by BPSC, subject to being reviewed annually by BPSC and updated and readopted as applicable. Where this document is no longer to be readopted then this decision will be announced by the committee.

BPSC shall mean all its members unless the context suggests otherwise. Decisions on behalf of BPSC, required in relation to this document, will be taken by the members at an AGM or EGM, by its committee at committee Meetings or by its Officers or Officials at any other time.

This document shall be made available to all members and prospective Members of BPSC.

Membership of BPSC is dependent on:

1. Acceptance of the policy
2. Agreement of the codes of conduct.

This Document is not intended to be fully inclusive or all encompassing, nor intended to be a document for legal scrutiny. The aim is for this Document to be simple to understand and to reflect the desires of BPSC.

“It is Club Policy that all paddlers agree to BPSC Code of Conduct…”

All Paddlers agree that they

• Will make themselves aware of the risks and hazards on and around water locations.
• Will take all reasonable precautions and avoid unnecessary risk to themselves and others, remembering that in putting themself at risk also puts rescuers/others at risk if they need assistance.
• Will be aware of BPSC’s rules and guidance relating to appropriate use of equipment and clothing when participating in any club activity.
• Will always check river conditions, weather conditions and daylight hours before paddling and adopt appropriate measures when necessary, which may mean changing plans or choosing not to paddle when foreseeable conditions will expose themselves or anyone to excessive risk.
• Will listen, take the advice and instructions and co-operate with club coaches, club officials and race / event officials / organisers.
• Will not take, borrow, use or loan-out any club owned property or equipment without the express permission of BPSC that they may do so.
• Will make every effort to take appropriate care of all property belonging to BPSC or club members and to report any damage to property or if witnessing mis-treatment of property belonging to BPSC.
• Treat other club members with respect at all times – on the water, around BPSC, in communications and through Club’s social media.
• Control tempers and avoid behaviour that may inconvenience or upset others.

All Club Officials and Coaches agree that they will

• Keep up-to-date with appropriate training and knowledge to ensure that they are working to current best practice and safe environments.
• Consider the wellbeing and safety of paddlers before the development of performance. Encourage paddlers to value their performance and not just results.
• Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers and particiapants, based on mutual trust and respect.
• Make sure all activities are appropriate to age, ability and experience of those taking part. Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
• Follow Paddle UK and BPSC guidelines and policies. Never encourage or condone the use of prohibited substances.

All Parents / Guardians responsible for juniors will
Help your child to recognise good performance not just results.
Recognise the difference between encouragement and force, and never forcing a child to take part in sport. Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport.

• Set a good example by applauding good performances of all paddlers. Never punish or belittle a child for loosing or making mistakes.
• In front of juniors openly respect the judgements and opinions of Club Officials, Coaches and Race/Event Officials and where there is a disagreement with a decision enter appropriate dialogue via the appropriate channels or means.
• Use respectable language at all times, assuming that foul, rude, lewd, or swear words are not appropriate at anytime.

Quick Summary of Key Document Points

It is important that all Members read & understand the full content of this document, but for ease of reference the points that will be most likely encountered on a ‘day-to-day’ basis are summarised here. This will be most useful for new members or to act as a reminder for all.

• BPSC equipment can only be used during programmed club sessions; or ad-hoc sessions being run by a coach; or at races when pre-approved by the committee.
• Buoyancy aids must be worn by: anyone not able to swim 25m in the clothing suitable for the session; unranked paddlers; paddlers ranked in divisions 9, 8 & 7; paddlers aged 13 & under; Juniors over 13 if both a parent/guardian and the session coach have not given permission to paddle without a buoyancy aid; when other conditions dictate.
• Paddlers must be punctual for session and confirm intended participation with the coach(es) on arrival. Late arrivals requiring use of BPSC equipment may not be allowed to paddle, and must not launch after the session has started without the express permission of the Coach.
• A number of programmed sessions will usually take place during each week, however not every session will be suitable for all ages, experiences and abilities. Members should only attend those sessions suitable for them (normally referred to as Group D, C, B or A or according to ‘Handicap’ grading or division ranking).
• Additional sessions may be offered by a coach to specific groups or individuals, for whom the ad-hoc session is suited, these will be announced by that coach.
• Visitors as prospective members are limited to a maximum of two paddling sessions.

Other visiting paddlers are by invitation of a host member, subject to arrangements in place. All paddlers need to have complete either a membership form or guest form before being permitted to paddle.

Adult at Risk Protection

“BPSC believes that taking part in Paddlesport should be a positive and enjoyable and accessible to all persons…”

BPSC is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members: this section is specifically regarding adult at risk protection, for the purpose of this section “Adults at risk” (AAR) would be as defined by the Care Act 2014 (or subsequent amendment).
It is intended wherever possible for BPSC to align its procedures with Policy “P6 – Paddle UK Safeguarding Adults Policy”.
Persons directly and regularly involved with AAR within BPSC, such as coaches and club officials, will be required to be aware of Policy P6.

BPSC believes that taking part in Paddlesport should be a positive and enjoyable part of all lives and to achieve this: Coaches and helpers should follow the Paddle UK Code of Ethics.

All Coaches, helpers and officials working with AAR should read and adhere to the Paddle UK Child and Vulnerable Groups protection policy. BPSC will follow the guidance of the Policy in the event of any concerns or allegations.
BPSC will ensure that anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for requiring a disclosure check will not be deployed until a satisfactory check has been returned.
BPSC will obtain written medical details of AAR which will be made known to coaches, where deemed appropriate and/or necessary.
All coaches of BPSC will be a member of Paddle UK.

BPSC will encourage and support helpers to gain qualifications and assist coaches to stay up to date.
BPSC has a named Club Welfare Officer as a person whose role it is to deal with any issues concerning Safeguarding and Protection and BPSC will share clearly the name of this person with all Members.

Any coach or club official with concerns with respect to the welfare of an AAR should speak with the AAR in the first instance. The decision of the AAR will be respected and the AAR will be assumed to have capacity for the decision unless proven otherwise.
Each Adult, AAR or otherwise, will be involved in any discussion and decision making process about their welfare in a safeguarding capacity and be given the opportunity to make their own choices, whether or not BPSC consider these to be wise. This does not extend to choices that may adversely affect the health & safety of others, directly or consequentially and this exclusion would include, but is not limited to, where actions would be contrary to other Club policies, rules or procedures. Policy P6 sets-out other circumstances for exceptions and when reporting should take place.

BPSC is affiliated to Paddle UK having a club reference 100497. The Affiliation renews during June of each year. The Affiliation type is “Senior with Youth Section”. BPSC is bound by the requirements of Paddle UK and agreements made under this affiliation.
Through the affiliation with Paddle UK, BPSC is covered by the Paddle UK insurance policies. This includes:

• Employers Liability
• Public/Products Liability
• Professional Indemnity
• Officers Liability
• “Crisis Containment”.

Restrictions of cover and limitation of liability as published by Paddle UK are available from BPSC secretary or BPSC chairperson.
The sections “Use of BPSC equipment” and “BPSC sessions” in this document are specifically influenced by insurance provided by Paddle UK. Members must not knowingly act in such a way that puts such actions outside the cover of insurance.

Members or visitors using privately owned equipment are required to be members of Paddle UK in their own name and it is recommended that they take out adequate insurance for personal liability and for theft loss or damage of their equipment. BPSC insurance does not over privately owned equipment. BPSC’s affiliation with Paddle UK does not provide Thames River licence or other waterways licences for privately owner equipment.

The default arrangement is that all paddlers should wear a buoyancy aid when paddling on the water

The default arrangement is that all paddlers should wear a Buoyancy Aid when paddling on the water – if in doubt wear a buoyancy aid.
Discretionary exceptions to the requirement of wearing a buoyancy aid may apply, which are dependent upon the paddler’s experience and water conditions, weather conditions, day light, the season and the group.

BPSC considers the following scenarios are situations where it would not be sufficiently safe for a member to paddle without wearing a buoyancy aid, therefore the following circumstances will mean discretionary permission to participate without a buoyancy aid cannot be given:

• By paddlers who cannot swim at least 25 metres unassisted and in clothing being worn appropriate for the prevailing conditions.
• By paddlers in Divisions 7, 8 or 9, unranked paddlers and all paddlers 13 years and under.
• By paddlers who are Juniors 14 years and above who do not have both parenta / guardian consent, and consent of the session coach. This should be a conscious decision at the start of every session.
• When river flow rates are high (i.e. exceeding 120 cub.m/s but may also be lower) and/or where water temperatures would induce ‘thermal shock’ (which would be below 4[^o]C but may also be higher).
• At night or darkness, including when the time of paddling is close to sun-set when a delayed return could mean returning in darkness.
• If a discretionary exemption appears to apply by the criteria above, the member is then expected to make their own assessment and decision on when it is deemed sufficiently safe not to wear a buoyancy aid.

Where it is necessary to wear a Buoyancy Aid, then it will need to conform to the standard set by the International Canoe Federation or EN 393 / 395. A Buoyancy Aid will not be deemed adequate if it is damaged, missing integral elements of its fundamental design, has reduced performance through age or deterioration or is ill-fitting.

“Any boat in use must have adequate buoyancy to ensure that when capsized it is sufficiently buoyant to remain level at the surface and to support the crew in the water.”

Any boat in use must have adequate Buoyancy to ensure that when capsized it is sufficiently buoyant to remain level at the surface and to support the crew in the water. (NB boat buoyancy adequate to support the crew is still required even when the crew is wearing a buoyancy aid.)
Buoyancy may be in the form of expanded foams or polystyrenes which are non-absorbent; purpose made robust buoyancy bags; sealed bulk-heads; and the like.
Inherent Buoyancy of the boat’s construction, such as sandwich construction are not deemed satisfactory on their own.
The amount of Buoyancy required will be influenced by the specific boat, the paddler and/or prevailing conditions.
Under no circumstances should added buoyancy be removed from club equipment unless instructed to do so by a coach.
Members using club equipment are expected to check the boat for adequate Buoyancy before each use and if buoyancy is lacking then report to the coach or if in any doubt discuss with the coach. If Buoyancy is not adequate and not available to add to the boat, then the boat will be deemed ‘out of service’ and must not be used until rectified.
It is the responsibility of owners / users of privately owned equipment to ensure that it is checked for adequate buoyancy, the coach(es) will not be expected to check this.

“BPSC believes that taking part in Paddlesport should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives…”

• BPSC is fully committed to safeguarding the well-being of its members: this section is specifically regarding Child Protection, for the purpose of this section every Junior is deemed to be a Child.
• It is intended wherever possible for BPSC to align its proceedures with Policy “P1 – Paddle UK Safeguarding Children Policy”.
• Persons directly and regularly involved with children within BPSC, such as Coaches and Club officials, will attend a Safeguarding and Child Protection Workshop.
• BPSC believes that taking part in Paddlesport should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives and to achieve this:
• Coaches and helpers should follow the Paddle UK Code of Ethics.

All coaches, helpers and officials working with children should read and adhere to the Paddle UK Child and Vulnerable Groups Protection Policy. BPSC will follow the guidance of the Policy in the event of any concerns or allegations.
BPSC will ensure that anyone who meets the eligibility criteria for requiring a Disclosure check will not be deployed until a satisfactory check has been returned.
BPSC will obtain written medical details of Juniors which will be made known to coaches, where deemed appropriate and/or necessary.
All coaches of BPSC will be a member of Paddle UK.

BPSC will encourage and support helpers to gain qualifications and assist coaches to stay up to date.
BPSC has a named Club Welfare Officer, Paul Sampson, as a person whose role it is to deal with any issues concerning Safeguarding and Child Protection.

Anyone with concerns with respect to the welfare of a junior should contact BPSC Welfare Officer and/or an Official of BPSC. If BPSC Welfare Officer (or other Official of BPSC) is unavailable, or for some other reason not suitable for a discussion, or matters need to be discuss outside of BPSC organisation, then any member with concerns can contact the Paddle UK Safeguarding Officer.

BPSC is operated through volunteers and all Coaches are unpaid. Every endeavour is made to provide as many Coached Sessions as possible

BPSC is operated through volunteers and coaches are usually unpaid. Every endeavour is made to provide as many coach-led sessions as possible, however there is no obligation on BPSC to provide a minimum or set number of sessions.
Members are advised to attend additional ‘external’ or third-party training groups where the sessions offered by BPSC do not meet an individual’s needs.
BPSC encourages members with adequate experience to obtain Paddle UK coaching qualifications.
BPSC may allocate an annual budget for funding, or part funding, members through some of the coach training obtained through approved courses. Funding, or part funding, when available will be advertised to all members and allocated on merit. Where a member has been funded, or part funded, in their coach training then that member will be required to assist from time-to-time in coaching at club sessions.
Where possible all coaches should organise a rotation of coaching requirements and duties.
A list of coaches and their level of experience will be held by BPSC.
Where a member has relevant experience but does not hold a coaching qualification then they may be asked to operate as a session leader for a particular club session. A session leader will not be expected to provide technical coaching but normally manage the coherence of the training group and the application of training set-out by a coach before the session. All coaches will need to be DBS checked and details held by BPSC.

Club equipment may only be used by members during a programmed club session; ad-hoc club sessions where a coach is present, and at approved races…

Club equipment includes (but not limited to) boats, fixtures and fittings of boats, paddles and Buoyancy Aids.
BPSC endeavours to own and offer to members a range of kayaks and paddles to suit novice and intermediate paddlers for the first part of their paddling development.
At the appropriate time it is anticipated that members will obtain and use their own equipment. BPSC does not recommend members rush to buy their own equipment until they have some experience of what will suit their requirements.
BPSC resources are limited and therefore it is not intended that BPSC will own or have available enough club equipment to meet member’s specific requirements nor have club equipment to meet demands at every session.
In the event that demand on club equipment is greater than club equipment being available at a programmed Session, then any member that arrived is good time for the session but was unable to paddle may request priority for the subsequent club session.

Club equipment may only be used by members and registered guests:

During a programmed club session, which may include use within a group sub-divided by the coach who will then nominate an experienced and competent ‘session leader’; during an ad-hoc session arranged by a coach and where a coach is present during that Session;

During races forming part of the Paddle UK racing calendar, but then subject to prior agreement between the Member and the Committee (or a person nominated by the Committee).

The committee or a coach may prioritise or allocate a piece of club equipment for use by a particular Member for a particular session, sessions, race or races. Such allocation should be reasonably limited and should be for a specific nature and aim.

All club equipment is to be returned to BPSC storage, in its appropriate place, in a neat and tidy fashion promptly after the end of the reasonable use.

Club equipment is not to be ‘commandeered’ by any particular member(s) for exclusive use or where such action unfairly limits or restricts the availability for use by any other member.

All members must take reasonable care of club equipment whether used by them or not, but particularly when used by them. Any club equipment found to be broken or damaged is to be reported to the committee as soon as possible after being noticed.

The Committee will reserve the right to charge a ember the cost of repairing or replacing broken or damaged club equipment where it is reasonably apparent that the damage arose through that ember’s malicious action or wanton neglect and/or where breakages or damage is repeated by a ember.

No club equipment is to be taken away from BPSC (for the purposes described here “BPSC” extends to the extent of the river used for a session) except with the prior written agreement between the member and the committee (or person nominated by them).
Where club equipment is permitted to be taken away from BPSC it is the member’s sole responsibility to transport, secure and store BPSC Equipment in a safe and appropriate way. Transportation of racing kayaks by vehicle should always be in ‘V-bar’ roof racks or on a canoe/kayak trailer suitable for the purpose and type of boat.
Where loss or damage is not covered by the insurance cover of BPSC, then the Member will be fully responsible for all costs associated with the repair, recovery and/or replacement of BPSC Equipment.

Club Sessions

BPSC aims to provide a number Group Sessions each week, throughout the year.

BPSC aims to provide a number group programmed sessions each week, throughout the year. Any sessions that BPSC offers will be run by members who are volunteers, therefore appropriate appreciation of the volunteer nature of BPSC is expected of all embers. The aim of BPSC is to have an appropriate number of coaches available for planned sessions; but there is no obligation placed on any coach to offer their time (except where BPSC has funded part or all of a coach’s training and the coach has not responded with a reasonable reinvestment of their time back to BPSC).
The number of sessions offered is subject to the number of coaches available, the ability of the member(s) wishing to paddle, the time of year, prevailing weather and river conditions, and ‘on the spot’ assessment of conditions, situations and Members wishing to paddle. BPSC cannot guarantee a group session will be available to all members.

The approximate grouping is based on timings of paddlers around BPSC’s 5km Time- trial course, the time should be based on an unassisted paddle (including without wash- hanging).

5km Handicap Times

Group A : faster than 26m:20s : Handicaps 0 – 19
Group B : between 26m:21s and 29m:00s : Handicaps 20 – 27
Group C : between 29m:01s and 31m:40s : Handicap 28 – 35
Group D : slower than 31m:41s : Handicap 35 and above.

A K2 crew may have a different grouping to their individual K1 grouping.
Groupings are not rigidly based on handicap times and may be adjusted. Adjustment of group allocation must be made for the boat being used and the general conditions.
Members must think carefully about the boat that they are using to ensure that they are reasonably stable, in the conditions. During a group Programmed Sessions a capsize should be the exception rather than the norm. A paddler in slightly more stable boat will always be significantly faster than a capsized paddler trying to paddle a ‘tippier’ (“faster”) boat. The aim is for good group training, not waiting for capsized paddlers!
to programmed sessions. These will typically not be planned in advance but notices will be placed by one of the communication methods.
Such ad hoc sessions are often good opportunities for members wishing to try out a ‘tippier’ boat, but this is at the discretion of the coach subject to their session aims.

Ad hoc sessions

BPSC also encourages ‘ad hoc’ sessions to be arranged between members however as member arranged sessions are not coach led (even if a coach happens to be present) this means that only members using privately owed equipment may paddle.
During member arranged sessions each paddler is responsible for their own risk assessment and management of the risks. Each paddler must ensure that they are competent and self-sufficient not to be dependent on the others in a group, except in the event of a real emergency.
Members using BPSC equipment when no coach is present will invalidate any insurance cover otherwise in place. Members agree not to knowingly invalidate any insurance cover in this way.

Members may from time-to-time be featured in publications available within BPSC, within canoeing, kayaking, SUP networks, and to the wider public through social media.

Sharing of names, ages, location details and appropriate images of any member amongst all other members is highly likely to occur, this needs to be accepted as inevitable by members (and parents / guardians of unior members). Where any Member does not desire this to occur then they are asked to make this clearly known to the committee. The committee will make every reasonable endeavor to manage and control this.

BPSC respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status

BPSC respects the rights, dignity and worth of every person and will treat everyone equally within the context of their sport, regardless of age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, religious belief, sexuality or social/economic status.
BPSC is committed to ensuring that equality is incorporated across all aspects of its development. In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition of sports equality:
“Sports equality is about fairness in sport, equality of access, recognising inequalities and taking steps to address them. It is about changing the culture and structure of sport to ensure that it becomes equally accessible to all members of society, whatever their age, ability, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality or socio-economic status.”
BPSC is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport in an environment free from threat of discrimination, intimidation, harassment and abuse. All club members have a responsibility to challenge discriminatory behaviour and promote equality of opportunity.
BPSC will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously, according to the Disciplinary or Sanction procedures.

Data Privacy Policy

This policy explains when and why we collect personal information about our members, how we use it and how we keep it secure and your rights in relation to it.

BPSC is committed to protecting and respecting privacy of its members and registered guests. For the purposed of this section reference to Members or membership will equally apply to registered guests and visitors who provide data. When the term ‘BPSC’ is used in this section it shall include to mean the officers or other persons approved by the officers and acting on direct request of the officers.
For any personal data provided for the purposes of Membership, BPSC is the data controller and is responsible for storing and otherwise processing that data in a fair, lawful, secure and transparent way.
This policy explains when and why BPSC collects personal information about members, how it is used and how it is kept secure and rights in relation to it.
BPSC and its Officers may collect, use and store Members’ personal data, as described in this Data Privacy Policy and as described when BPSC collects the data.
BPSC reserves the right to amend this \data Privacy Policy from time to time without prior notice. Members are advised to check BPSC’s website, Facebook page and group emails regularly for any amendments (such amendments will not apply retrospectively).
BPSC will always comply with applicable UK Data Protection legislation including GDPR when dealing with a Members’ personal data. Further details on the GDPR can be found at the website for the Information Commissioner _{[(www.ico.gov.uk).](http://www.ico.gov.uk/)} For the purposes of the GDPR, BPSC will be the “controller” of all personal data it holds about Members.
What information BPSC collects and why:

BPSC will notify Members promptly in the event of any breach of personal data which might expose those Members to serious risk. BPSC will never sell Members’ personal data.

BPSC may pass a member’s personal data to third parties who are service providers, agents and Paddle UK contractors to BPSC for the purposes of completing tasks and providing services to Members on BPSC’s behalf (e.g. to print newsletters and ordering club kit or clothing). However, BPSC will disclose only the personal data that is necessary for the third party to deliver the service and BPSC will have a contract in place that requires the service provider and its agents and Paddle UK contractors to keep members’ information secure and not to use it for their own purposes.
BPSC will not share members’ personal data with any third parties (who are not BPSC’s service providers without the member’s prior consent (which a m ember is free to withhold) except where required to do so by law or as set out in the table in paragraph vii above or the paragraph below.
BPSC will hold a member’s personal data on BPSC’s systems for as long as the person or persons are a member of BPSC and for as long afterwards as is reasonable to allow membership renewals to take place and be followed-up and for as long afterwards as is necessary to comply with BPSC’s legal obligations.
BPSC will review membership personal data every year to establish whether it is still entitled to process it. If BPSC decides that it is not entitled to do so, BPSC will stop processing member’s personal data with the exception of retaining personal data in an archived form in order to be able to comply with future legal obligations, including but not limited to compliance with tax requirements and exemptions, and the establishment exercise or defence of legal claims.
or have access to personal data for a purpose within the operation of BPSC shall destroy all personal data from their devices and access rights will be removed from personal data held by BPSC once it has been used and it is no longer needed by the member.
Officers of BPSC will have access to personal data whilst holding an elected position of office. As soon as an officer is no longer in office, whether by resignation, suspension or at the end of their term then they will securely destroy all personal data and access rights will be removed from personal data held by BPSC.
BPSC will securely destroy all financial information once it has used it and no longer needs it.
BPSC will securely destroy all medical information once it has used it and no longer needs it.
Members have rights under UK and EU data protection law, including:

1. to access their personal data
2. to be provided with information about how their personal data is processed
3. to have their personal data corrected
4. to have their personal data erased in certain circumstances
5. to object to or restrict how their personal data is processed
6. to have their personal data transferred to themselves or to another business in certain circumstances.
   If a Member has any concerns about how BPSC processes personal data, please contact BPSC Secretary.
   If a Member wishes for BPSC to erase data which is outlined in paragraph vii above, then please contact BPSC Secretary.
   Members also have the right to take any complaint about how BPSC processes Members’ personal data to the Information Commissioner: _{https://ico.org.uk/concerns/}

General behaviour and conduct

All members are expected to make every effort to demonstrate the utmost regard for positive general behaviour and conduct themselves in a manner which shows themselves and BPSC in the best possible way

This would include: Take care of all property belonging to BPSC and other Members. Treat other Members and Visitors with respect at all times on and off the water, including through social media interactions. Treat all paddlers as they would want to be treated themselves. Control tempers and avoid behaviour that may inconvenience or upset others. Co-operate and listen to the Session coach or BPSC officers/officials.

Refrain from taking or recording photographic or video images in or around changing rooms or showers which may purposefully or inadvertently capture images of others using showers or changing. Where available in changing/shower facilities, respect gender designations and age separation. Where changing facilities are not available, or not being used, take care when changing not to become exposed or partially exposed in a manner to make others feel uncomfortable. Refrain from posting or sharing inappropriate or offensive images, text, language or other such material in or around BPSC including in its social media platforms.

Consider the well-being and safety of paddlers before the development of performance.

Develop an appropriate working relationship with performers, based on mutual trust and respect. Make sure all activities are appropriate to age, ability and experience of those taking part.

Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.

• Follow Paddle UK guidelines and policies.
• Encourage paddlers to value their performance and not just results.
• Never condone the use of prohibitive substances.

Of importance for Parents/Guardians of Juniors:

• Help all Juniors to recognise good performance not just results.
• Never force a Junior to take part in sport.
• Never punish or belittle a Junior for losing or making mistakes.

Respect Officials’ judgements and, if necessary, follow the appropriate means and channels for checking or questioning decisions or results on occasions where there is strong evidence that a mistake may have occurred. Publicly accept officials’ judgements when final.

1. Support a junior’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport.
2. Use correct and proper language at all times.
3. Set a good example by applauding good performances of all paddlers.

Parent / guardian responsibility for a junior includes a positive and direct hand-over to and from the parent / guardian to the session coach
Parental/Guardian responsibility for a junior includes a positive and direct hand-over to and from the parent / guardian to the session coach.
Dropping-off a junior from a distance (such as at the car park) is not appropriate.
It may be necessary for the parent / guardian to assist the junior in selecting and then carrying equipment to the river and assisting with carrying & returning equipment afterwards. The selection of the equipment however should not happen until permission of the Coach has been received.
The parent / guardian should wait in the vicinity of BPSC throughout the session unless otherwise agreed with the coach.
Juniors can get wet and cold very quickly during a paddling session, even when weather & river conditions may appear warm and benign. The coach may at any time decide that it is in the best interest of an individual or part or all of the group of juniors to return the paddler(s) to the launch pontoon sooner than expected, the doach is not expected to be responsible for a junior once a Junior is off of the water.
The coach may continue the session with the others remaining in the session.

The parent / guardian should be available to receive their junior, promptly provide warm & dry clothing (assist with showering & changing where applicable), and to assist the Junior to return all equipment.

All paddling members and registered guests will be expected to declare any relevant personal medical conditions or injuries that may affect participation.

All members will be expected to declare any relevant personal medical conditions or injuries that may affect participation. This information should be submitted through the membership form each year and advised to coaches as applicable before a session. If any new condition or injury arises or changes in conditions occur (whether temporary or long-term) then this should be notified to a member of the committee before next paddling, or immediately to the coach if during a session.
All guests will be expected to declare any relevant personal medical conditions or injuries that may affect participation. This information should be submitted through the guest form to be submitted before each session and advised to coaches as applicable before a session.
Any injury or relevant incident during a session should be reported to a club official as soon as possible after the event. BPSC should keep a log of all injuries and relevant incidents that have occurred during club sessions, and where notified at any other time.
In the case of an injury or incident affecting a junior member then information relating to the matter should be reported to the parent / guardian at the first opportunity (normally at the end of the session).

All paddlers paddling from BPSC or joining in with any of BPSC sessions are expected to be fully paid-up members of BPSC and are expected to renew annual membership promptly at the beginning of each new club year.

All paddlers paddling in any of BPSC sessions are expected to be fully paid-up members of BPSC and are expected to renew annual membership promptly at the beginning of each new club year.
BPSC year runs from 01 January to 31 December.

The cost of membership is as set by the committee.

Visiting paddlers by invitation - such as for races or training sessions where invited by a host member - Subject to any specific arrangements and agreement (as far as is applicable) of the relevant parts of BPSC policy and codes of conduct.
Visiting paddlers for ‘trial’ or ‘taster’ sessions. Subject to a maximum of 4 (four) sessions and any specific arrangements and agreement (as far as is applicable) of the relevant parts of BPSC policy and codes of conduct. Further, more than 1 ‘trial’ or ‘taster’ session is subject to payment by the visiting paddler a fee as set by the committee.
All Members must accept that canoeing and kayaking are ‘assumed risk’ ‘water contact sports’ that may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risk, and be responsible for their own actions and involvement.
Membership of BPSC does not automatically provide membership of Paddle UK. On membership renewal with BPSC, membership of Paddle UK must be declared if currently held (with date/number); where membership of Paddle UK is not currently held then a Capitation fee is payable and must be selected on the BPSC membership form.
Anyone wishing to race at Paddle UK marathon division levels 1 to 6 inclusive must hold in their name current and valid membership with Paddle UK. Members without current and valid Paddle UK membership or without paying the Capitation fee through BPSC will be regarded as ‘non-paddling’ members of BPSC and will not be permitted to paddle from BPSC, either using club equipment or private equipment.
Any members who use private equipment are recommended to obtain and hold valid current membership of Paddle UK so that they are covered for River / waterways licenses and insurance protection. Where not obtained, or covered by Paddle UK, any members using privately owned equipment are expected to obtain the appropriate River / waterways License(s) and adequate insurance by other means.

Night Paddling

Members are not permitted to paddle from BPSC at night or during the hours of darkness unless approved by the committee.

Members are not permitted to paddle from BPSC at night or during the hours of darkness unless approved by the committee.
There is to be no paddling alone at night or during the hours of darkness.
Appropriate consideration should be given when the time of paddling is close to sun-set and a delayed return could mean returning in darkness. This will be deemed to be night paddling.
Artificial lighting should be displayed at all times whilst paddling at dusk, darkness or at night. Lighting to be consistent with Thames Water Authority requirements (or other water authority where applicable); in the absence of any other guidance then a single rearward facing white light is a minimum. In addition, ‘glow sticks’ attached to the front of buoyancy aids may be appropriate.
The purpose of mandatory lighting is not to see by, but to be seen by others. Additional lighting for seeing-by is to be determined by the paddler. Lighting should not be such that it would dazzle others or impede others’ night vision.
Appropriate buoyancy aid must be worn by all paddlers at night or during the hours of darkness.
Night paddling requires additional precautions to be taken, the precautions should be relevant to the conditions and distances. When appropriate:

• a full change of clothes, including full length thermal top and bottoms, should be carried in a dry-bag
• an emergency supply of energy food (i.e. chocolate bar) and liquid should be carried
• a survival bag should be carried
• a means of making & receiving emergency communication (i.e. a mobile phone) should be carried
• a GPS tracking device with position transmission facility to be used for outside assistance to quickly locate a missing boat (e.g. “followme” or similar mobile phone app);
• a land-based responsible person to be notified of paddle route and timings, who will be responsible for raising alert of missing boat/crew as soon as deemed missing;
• a land-based support crew to follow the boat/crew and meet at strategic intervals along the route.

BPSC strongly recommends that all Members arrange to paddle in groups made up of at least 3 competent and experienced paddlers.

BPSC strongly recommends that all members arrange to paddle in groups made up of at least three competent and experienced paddlers. Juniors must not paddle alone without the permission of the head coach, the chairperson and the junior’s parent / guardian.
As Members are not permitted to use club equipment unless during a club session or when a coach is present, then the circumstances should not arise for a member to be paddling alone using any club equipment. If requested then permission should only be granted with special measures to be arranged and agreed after the consultation of the head coach, the chairperson and the committee. (such situations might arise with special events such as Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race training.)
“Paddling alone” is not intended to mean insignificant, slight or low risk separation from a training group. What constitutes “alone” may vary depending on ability and age of the paddler.
Non-Junior Members who paddle alone, wholly using equipment that is not club equipment, do so at their own risk and are deemed to have assessed for themselves that all conditions are suitable for them to do so. Members accept that BPSC, coaches or officials are not able to ‘police’ when members paddle and cannot be responsible for members wrongly assessing conditions or getting into difficulties whether foreseeable or otherwise. If the member is in any doubt about the conditions or their safety paddling alone then they must not do so.
Members are not permitted to paddle alone from BPSC at night or during the hours of darkness.

No paddling may take place on any section of The river when red boards are in operation as published or announced by the River Thames authority.

No paddling may take place using club equipment on any section of The River when “Yellow Boards” are in operation as published or announced by The river authority.
BPSC advises all Members that paddling on “Amber/Yellow Boards” is an increased risk and recommends that this does not take place, but this is subject to assessment by the individual if using personal equipment and should include the wearing of buoyancy aids by all.
All club programmed sessions will be cancelled during red boards and amber boards.
The Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all.
BPSC is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the well-being of all its members, ensuring a positive and enjoyable experience for all. BPSC believes that it is important that members, coaches, the committee and parents / guardians of junior members associated with BPSC should, at all times, show respect and understanding for the safety and welfare of others. Therefore, members are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns or complaints that they may have about any aspect of BPSC.
BPSC recognises the benefits and limitations of the use of Social Media and e-mail communications. To provide the most balanced use, BPSC sets out guidelines which are expected to be followed by members. In some circumstances it may be necessary or reasonable to go outside these guidelines, but the individual members involved may need to justify the reasonableness of doing so. See also Communications and Social Media/e- mails.
All Members are expected to abide by the following code of practice:

Take responsibility in ensuring they are up to date with the rules, understand and adhere to them.
Respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of age, gender, ability, race, cultural background, religious beliefs or sexual identity.
Recognise the valuable contribution made by coaches and officials who are usually volunteers. They give their time and resources to enable you to partake in canoeing / kayaking.
Respect decisions made by Officials but, if necessary, follow the appropriate means and channels for checking or questioning decisions or results on occasions where there is strong evidence that a mistake may have occurred. Thereafter publicly accept officials’ judgements when final.
Be a positive role model, treat other paddlers and officials with the same level of respect expected to be shown in return.
Use correct, appropriate and proper language at all times, at no times using swear words or other offensive language or actions.
Not to smoke, consume alcohol or drugs at BPSC or whilst representing BPSC.

Keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their Coach (where individually expected) or Team Leader (for races) if they are going to be late.
Wear suitable kit for training sessions and races, suitable for the conditions and/or race rules.
Pay any fees for training or events promptly.
Bullying of any form will not be tolerated and is not to be accepted or expected.
Encourage everyone to enjoy sport and understand that people have different motivations for taking part.

Ideally BPSC will not need to apply sanctions, however to ensure BPSC has a safe, friendly and appropriate environment, sanctions may be applied when necessary.

Ideally BPSC will not need to apply sanctions, however to ensure BPSC has a safe, friendly and appropriate environment, sanctions may be applied when necessary.
In the first instance any person forgetting or ignoring the policies or codes of conduct or reasonable instructions of any coach or any club official can expect to receive a verbal reminder.
For repeated ignoring of the policies or codes of conduct or reasonable instructions of any coach or any club official persons can expect to receive a final reminder and warning of further Sanctions.
For persistent and/or flagrant ignoring of the policies or codes of conduct or reasonable instructions of any coach or any club fficial, persons can expect to be excluded from a particular club session or number of club sessions.
For actions which are serious in the first instance, or where exclusion from a particular club session or number of club sessions has not rectified the issue(s) then members can expect to be excluded from BPSC and non-members excluded from paddling at BPSC and having application for membership refused for a period of time.
BPSC cannot accept liability for any loss incurred by persons being excluded whether direct or indirect, monetary or otherwise (including loss of unused portion of the membership period remaining).
Nothing within these sanctions is intended to limit other or additional action being taken by BPSC, by any of its members in their own right, any other person or statutory authority.

Social media and emails form an integral and essential part in binding together the members and club activities.

• BPSC believes that social media and emails form an integral and essential part in
• binding the members and Club activities. However the use of these as forms of
• communication have limitations and potentially harmful aspects that needs to be carefully balanced.
• It is widely recognised that the over-use of social media platforms can have a negative
• impact on the health & wellbeing of individuals. BPSC encourages all members to be
• mindful of this and follow more general guidance on its safe and managed use.
  All members will be permitted free access to the website at bishampaddlesport.club

Bisham Paddles Sport Club
Sharing of names, ages, location details and appropriate images of any member amongst all other members is highly likely to occur, this needs to be accepted as inevitable by members (and parents/guardians of junior members).
Sharing of names, ages, location and appropriate images of any Member amongst canoeing / kayaking networks is highly likely to occur where members take part in races, this needs to be accepted as inevitable by members (and parents / guardians of junior members).
Sharing of names, ages, location and appropriate images of any Member with the public may occur. Where any member does not desire this to occur then they are asked to make this clearly known to the committee. The committee will make every reasonable endeavour to manage and control this.
BPSC cannot guarantee privacy where other parties have access to information either shared within social media or otherwise available in the public domain. By way of example, taking part in races will put information about Members in the wider/public domain, this needs to be accepted as inevitable by the members (and parents / guardians of junior members).

The storage of any personal items at BPSC is not permitted with the exception of personally owned canoes or kayaks which may be stored in allocated boat storage racks.

The storage of any personal items at BPSC is not permitted with the exception of personally owned canoes or kayaks which may be stored in allocated boat storage racks.
The boat storage racking has limited space and so is subject to availability at the time of requesting and the fee must be paid for at the rate set by the committee. Boat storage racking is only available to fully paid members, however membership does not guarantee allocation of a space.
Rack spaces will be allocated for a maximum period of 12 months, running from 01 January each year, after 12 months all spaces will be subject to further request with membership renewal and then reallocation as above.
At no time should any personally owned canoes or kayaks be placed or stored in racks intended for BPSC’s equipment.
At no time should any personally owned canoes or kayaks be placed or stored in racks allocated to others, without their consent.
The committee may limit/cap the number of rack spaces allocated to any individual, but if not restricted further then the maximum number of spaces Member will be one.
The Committee may at their discretion allocate rack spaces with priorities other than ‘first- come, first-served’ : such as to coaches or committee members; and/or deprioritise for paddlers with less frequent attendance.
BPSC cannot accept responsibility for any theft or damage of any privately owned boat or equipment. The owners are advised that they take adequate measures to satisfy themselves that their items are adequately secured/locked and to takeout adequate
insurance for equipment whilst in use and in storage.

Swimming may need to take place for assessment of competent swimming.

• Swimming may need to take place for assessment of competent swimming.
• Swimming is only permitted with a competent adult on the bank edge, within 25m, and when a competent rescue paddler is on the water in the vicinity.
• Swimming must not take place without adequate assessment of the conditions including water quality, presence of weed, presence of other craft, water temperature and flow rates.

Visitors and Guests

BPSC welcomes visitors and guests who wish to paddle with BPSC and recognises the benefits for BPSC and the visitors sharing training and development skill

This needs to be balanced against the longer-term and over-riding benefit of a sustainable level of membership and encouraging & attracting paddlers to join as full members.

Visitors, and registered guests to BPSC as prospective members are limited to a maximum of 4 paddling sessions.

After the maximum number of paddling sessions has been reached then the prospective member will be required to join as a full member before any further paddling at BPSC.

BPSC may charge a visitor fee for each session, or for a block of sessions. The fee will be as set by the committee at the time.

Where the visitor has a current Paddle UK marathon divisions ranking then they may be asked to join the appropriate group session relative to their ranking.

Where the visitor is a beginner or novice then they must join a taster session, introductory session or core competence session with an appropriate level coach.

Other visiting paddlers are welcome by invitation only and will need to be hosted by a current member and subject to arrangements being in place for that invitation. The host will be required to liaise with the visitor with regards BPSC’s policies and codes of conduct applicable during their visit.

All visitors will need to complete the registered guest form.

Photography and video guidelines

Bisham Paddle Sport Club recognises that publicity and photos, and videos of young people enjoying paddlesport are essential to celebrate the achievements of the child and to promote the sport and a healthy lifestyle. However it is important to observe the following guidelines.

The key concerns of the use of images of children and young people relate to:

The possible identification of children when a photograph is accompanied by personal information.

The inappropriate use, adaptation or copying of images for use on child pornography or illegal websites.

The taking of inappropriate photographs or recorded images of children.

Guidelines for Photographic/ Recorded Images

Ensure parents/ carers/ the young person have granted their consent for the taking and publication of photographic images.

All children featured in photographs/ recordings must be appropriately dressed with outer clothing garments covering torso from at least the bottom of their neck to their thighs (i.e. a minimum of vest/ shirt and shorts).

The photograph or recording should focus on the activity rather than a particular young person and personal details, which might make the young person vulnerable, such as their exact address, should not be revealed.

Clubs, coaches and volunteers should be allowed to use video equipment as a legitimate coaching aid and means of recording special occasions however care should be taken in the dissemination and storage of the material.

You should not use any images of a child or young persons who is the subject of any court order or where consent has not been granted. Parents and spectators taking photographs/ recordings should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/ filming.

Any instances of the use of inappropriate images should be reported to Bishampaddlesport Club welfare officer, Paddle UK, or the Police.

Guidelines for Publishing

Where a photograph/ recording is used it is appropriate to name the child. However, personal details of children such as an email address, home address and telephone numbers should never be revealed. Think about the level of consideration that you give to the use of images in all publications, for example the process used in choosing photographs for a publicity brochure for the club. Apply an increased level of consideration to the images of children used on websites and social media.

Updated 07/08/2024