British Canoe Union Slalom Committee Putting Paddlers First and Valuing Volunteers Committee Meeting Minutes BCU Headquarters, Bingham Sunday 16 th March 2014 Canoeing and Kayaking are Assumed risk contact sports may carry attendant risks. Participants should be aware of and accept these risks, and be responsible for their own action and involvement.
1 Present Anne Hounslow [3/3] Chair Andy Grudzinski [3/3] Timing/Technical Dave Royle [3/3] England Vice Chair David Spencer [3/3] Strategic Planning Chris Baillie [3/3] Scotland Colin Woodgate [3/3] Secretary Jim Croft [3/3] Volunteers Julian Tyler [3/3] Wales Andy Koszary [3/3] Treasurer Peter Curry [2/3] Event Management Craig Morris [1/3] GB Canoeing Martyn Setchell [2/3] Athlete Rep Jacky Brookes [2/3] Competition Hannah Burgess [1/3] Marketing & Publicity Also Present Michelle Grudzinski Managed Calendar Officer A minute s silence was observed in memory of Tony Rackham who served for many years as ranking compiler. 2 Minutes of Previous Meeting The minutes of the previous meeting were accepted as a true record. 2.1 Matters Arising (not covered elsewhere) 2.1.1 Canoe England Competition Coaching A list of the current slalom module directors in England has been circulated, the meeting agreed that this should not be extended to include e-mail addresses. Slalom Module directors for Wales and Scotland will be supplied when a combined GB list is created. 3 Chairman s Report 3.1 Report A report was circulated that included: Chair was invited to & attended re launch of Lee Valley on 27.02.14. Continuing to progress dates for races at Lee Valley for 2015 & 2016. In conjunction with CW began a review of the role of the slalom administrator beginning with understanding what JC feels he carries out as SA. The first stage has been JC recording tasks and how long they took. A meeting at Bisham was arranged at the suggestion of Paul Owen to try and iron out the ongoing communication difficulties with Andy Goodsell with myself, PO, AG & CW. Due to the flooding in the Thames Valley this was consequently held as a telephone conference. Not ideal but better than nothing. CW subsequently offered his apologies and did not take part. Notes from the discussions in a separately circulated document. All hardware to do with slalom now stored at Lee Valley. Paul Owen was unaware that our capital grants application 12 months ago was directed to Andy Goodsell and stopped there. He advised revisiting this and resubmitting. He will ensure it goes to the panel. PO also unaware David Gent failed to attend a SC meeting. He will take this up. TUTTI winter maintenance nearing completion. Entries now closed for Senior & U23 selection, spread sheet of athletes sent to Andy Maddock who will create start list volunteers needed in various areas, more judges, runners, refreshment distribution, boat control etc. Also if no one to assist in Control when Richard races it will be closed. IP meeting on Sat to validate Junior European Championship team. Email received from Tim Baillie re his retirement and thanking the committee for their organisation of slalom in GB. Page 2 of 7
3.2 Oscars 2014 The Oscars will be arranged in 2014, Hannah Burgess agreed to co-ordinate the event again. Other organising committee members were discussed. In order to avoid confusion the event will be renamed this year, a competition will be arranged to decide the new name. An event will be organised this year. A variety of dates were discussed, with the weekend of the ACM being selected. The committee will underwrite the same extent as in previous years. 3.3 Succession Planning The Chair reiterated that she will be stepping down at the end of this year. A replacement will be needed and there was some discussion. Some of the tasks and roles that are currently held can be delegated to other committee members. Anyone willing to take on the Chair or Vice Chair role should send an email to Anne before the end of the month. Further information on the role, responsibilities and options will then be circulated. The role of Vice Chair is important to support the Chair, and reduce the demands on the chair. Succession plans must be put in place for other roles on the committee. 4 Secretary s Report 4.1 Water Safety at Events 4.1.1 Organisers Pack Water safety information and tasks are continuing. The role of the water safety crew must be better defined, and a relevant briefing given at each event.... PC 4.2 Enhanced Entry Fees Further information was provided in support of the application from Northampton requesting permission to charge an enhanced entry fee. The enhanced fee will be approved this year, but more detailed accounts must be provided after the event. 4.3 Equality Monitoring The BCU Equality monitoring form had been circulated all are encouraged to complete the form as quickly as possible. 4.4 BCU / Canoe England Transgender Policy, December 2013 The draft BCU transgender policy has been circulated, based on the UK sport guidelines and IOC rules. It was agreed that for any future cases, the paddler involved will be required to complete the BCU process before applying for ranking status. Where this applies to existing rankings, the paddlers involved will comply with the policy before competing. 4.5 BCU Competition Review The BCU has commissioned a sprint and slalom competition review. Dave Spencer and Colin Woodgate attended the initial steering meeting and are part of the ongoing process. The next steps involve research and consultation; the consultation may be by phone, Skype or face to face review. A number of individuals were identified. 5 Finance 5.1 Committee Accounts AK presented the accounts for the four months ended 28 February 2014. Budgets for 2013-14 are held at approximately the same level as for 2012-13. Page 3 of 7
5.2 Canoe England Capital Grant 5.2.1 Grant Application A renewed application for a capital grant has been submitted. It is understood this will be considered at the meeting on 20 th March. 5.2.2 On Line Entry System Dave Spencer is in touch with Patrick Doyle who was responsible for the BCU database and is now moving to consider an on-line entry system.... Action DS. 5.3 Unpaid Bib Invoices There are still three people who have not paid the invoice for unreturned bibs. Checks will be made to understand if any action can be taken forward. 5.4 Where does my money go? Following the presentation given at the previous meeting; a summary of the conclusions will be produced to publish online for information.... AK 5.5 Yearbooks The content of the yearbook will be reviewed during the year. The mechanisms for distribution were discussed. Proposals will be put to the ACM not to automatically post yearbooks, but to be available at events, or can be sent out on receipt of a stamped addressed envelope. 6 Co-ordinators Actions 6.1 Managed Calendar 6.1.1 Portable Points Dave Spencer has run some sessions at locations around the country. Feedback has been positive so far. The timescale for a motion to be put to the ACM, for implementation in 2016. 6.1.2 Process The committee have made previous attempts to manage the calendar to reduce the gaps in the division one and premier calendars but have met with no support from the clubs. In a further attempt to spread the calendars, clubs /organisers will be encouraged to run events during the gap. Organisers will also be encouraged to attend organisers seminars to allow further spreading of knowledge. 6.1.3 Serpents Tail It is understood that if the Chainbridge site is not available, the location will switch to HPP. 6.1.4 HPP Bookings Serco (the site organiser) have requested all 2015 bookings for HPP. They have been informed that the calendar will not be complete until the end of April, and will not be finalised until the ACM. Discussions are ongoing. 6.2 Event Management 6.2.1 2014 World Cup 1 Colin Woodgate has been appointed as Technical Organiser for the 2014 World Cup and 2015 World Championships. As he is also Chief Judge for 2014, Martyn Setchell will be deputise as Technical Organiser for that race. A briefing on the current state was given. The committee has the ability to nominate people for VIP invitations, the committee will nominate Anne and Andy Hounslow, the Chairs of the Home Nation Committees, Tim Baillie, and Etienne Stott. 6.2.2 Selection All committee members were encouraged to come to selection as there is a shortage of volunteers, especially on the Friday. Page 4 of 7
6.2.3 Tees Premier The Tees Barrage site has recently increased the water fee by 600 to run the Premier race / Junior Championships in September. The organising club will be asked for accounts from the 2013 race and budget for this year to understand the impact on the event.... AH 6.3 Strategy/Planning 6.3.1 Structural Paper An updated draft will be circulated for the next meeting. Carried forward... DS 6.3.2 Possible Alternate Ranking System A roadshow will be presented at a variety of events through the year. 6.4 Technical Support Consideration and consultation of replacing technical equipment is ongoing. 6.5 Competition 6.5.1 International Officials The ICF preference is for BCU to nominate a group of people as a group. This is how the nominations were put for 2014. This will continue for 2015, but with the addition of their preferred role / expertise. To be eligible to officiate abroad, individuals must be IJCSL qualified and have been officiating at least three full premier / div 1 events weekends in the previous 12 months. 6.6 Marketing & Publicity 6.6.1 Interclubs Polo Shirts A competition to design a logo will be run this year. It will be publicised on the Web site, with entries closing on 29 th June, with the same rules as last year.... HB 6.6.2 Articles in Canoe Focus The recent article of a view from a parent was very good. The majority of recent articles have focussed on funded groups. Canoe Focus editors will be asked to try to be more inclusive in the scope. Clubs, events and individuals are all encouraged to submit articles. 6.6.3 Facebook / Twitter Although more people are following the site, the number of likes are not increasing. A more varied content is to be sought, with encouragement to like the postings. The twitter feed is currently a direct feed from Facebook with no introduction. The twitter feed may need to be manually fed to allow explanation of the content. 6.7 Volunteers Discussion is ongoing. 6.8 Athlete Representation 6.8.1 Organisers Seminars 22nd March at Shepperton, Div 1/2-1pm outside control 19th April at Tully Div 1/2 & Pan Celtic - 1pm outside control 10th May at HPP, Div 1 & Pan Celtic - 1pm outside control Agenda Headings included Bringing organisers together. Site challenges Consistent competition Course design Start & Finish Speaking to Athletes Leaving the event with a good feeling Page 5 of 7
Try to accommodate paddlers but in a fair manner Warning about allowing paddlers to go out of sequence Rules and questions Judges & training, parents judging for siblings Trouble running an event. (Who to contact). Organisers pack Managed Calendar (Failed and still driven by clubs). Complex. 6.8.2 The Slalom Committee and International Panel Attended International Panel meetings on behalf of the Slalom Committee as an observer with a change of role to the position of chair, if a conflict of interest existed. Displayed the Paddler Method Statement for a Protest at Selection + the Chief Judge(s) Method Statement for Senior Selection at Grandtully & HPP. 6.8.3 Coaching Continued to link with coaches from England and Wales. Would like to develop a link with coaches from Scotland. Thanks to Heather Williams and Andy Maddock for keeping in the loop during the closed season. 6.8.4 Slalom Entry Cards Alison Setchell will continue to take entry cards to events and training venues. We are always looking for help at events, in all quarters. If you can make yourself available please speak to the organiser or someone at control. 6.8.5 Event Prizes Prizes are awarded on the basis of entries at the closing date. Organisers are encouraged to consider juniors in the pre allocation of prizes as these are a great encouragement at that level. 6.8.6 Large Groups When a large group attends an event or training facility, the group leader should make themselves known to the organisers to ensure they do not have an untoward effect on the event and the ability of others to practice. Craig will contact all home nations to explain this. 7 Home Nations 7.1 England Ian Robson attended the Canoe England meeting and will be submitting a report, which can be circulated to the committee. 7.2 Wales Following the departure of the Chair and Chief Executive of Canoe Wales, Emma Aldridge has accepted the position of interim Chair, until the AGM in October. As a result, Emma has relinquished her positions of CW Slalom Committee Chair and representative to this committee. CW Slalom Committee have appointed Steve Rayner as interim Chair and Julian Tyler as interim representative pro tem. Canoe Wales has lost a significant income stream with the demise of its subsidiary trading company Rescue 3. As a result, there is considerable focus on the finances of the organisation, especially areas of nonessential expenditure and alternative income sources. In the circumstances, the CW Slalom committee has decided it is not able to support the running of a Pan- Celtic competition in Wales this year 7.3 Scotland 7.3.1 Problem parking at Grandtully There has been debate on the chat line. There were incidents of incorrect parking and incorrect behaviour, both in terms of standing beside a car getting changed, urinating or generally causing offence to the residents and Chocolate Shop customers Page 6 of 7
The organisers of future events propose not to give results to anyone reported for such behaviour on residential roads in the village, will not receive a result or ranking points and possibly be reported for disciplinary procedures. This was agreed. 7.3.2 Pinkston Artificial Course, Glasgow An update was circulated regarding progress with the course. 7.3.3 Ongoing Issues The committee was updated on the ongoing issues in Scotland. 7.4 GB Canoeing Successfully moved into the new performance centres in Nottingham and Lee Valley. Seniors had a successful first winter in Dubai, and will return shortly. There is the possibility of allowing British athletes to buy in to some of the slots. Buy in to the Junior Worlds is required very quickly after selection. GB were commended on the information circulated in advance. A massive thank you to the volunteers responsible for the Junior Selection races. 8 Future Meeting Dates All meetings at 9:30, at BCU HQ in Nottingham, unless otherwise noted. 29 th June 7 th September (at Interclubs) 9 th November Annual Consultative Meeting, 29th November, at BCU HQ West Bridgford. 30th November post ACM. Meeting closed at 15:05 Page 7 of 7