RYA British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy Version Details: Programme: RYA British Youth Sailing Version: 3.0 dated November 204 Element Name: Authorisation: Class Recognition Policy Youth Steering Group Authorisation Date: November 204
British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy. Introduction.. This document has been prepared by the RYA Youth Steering Group (YSG) to clarify the policy, criteria and benefits for the RYA British Youth Sailing Recognised classes. It consists of 9 sections, and two appendices:. Introduction 2. Background 3. Policy 4. Types of Recognition 5. Criteria 6. Benefits 7. Partnership Conditions 8. Selection and De-selection Process 9. Status 2. Background 2.. The objective of the YSG is to develop sailors capable of winning events on the world stage, whilst acknowledging responsibilities to develop a healthy, vibrant and inclusive climate of youth sailing within the UK. The YSG aims to achieve this through: 2... Encouraging more sailors to start racing; 2..2. Creating and promoting a pathway to success; 2..3. Providing the support our sailors and classes need to achieve success; 2..4. Developing and promoting a climate of excellence; 2..5. Increasing the number of junior and youth racers; 2..6. Supporting progression to other classes and disciplines. 2.2. The primary objective is therefore to develop the (few) sailors who move on to the Olympic classes. The secondary objective is to develop a large number of youngsters with a high level of competence and a love of sailing who will move into established dinghy and windsurfing classes, university sailing, the marine trade, and other disciplines of our sport such as team racing, match racing, and keel boat sailing. 2.3. In order to meet its objectives, the RYA recognises a number of classes and supports their activities to varying degrees within the annual budget that is funded largely by Sport England and UK Sport. 3. Policy 3.. To recognise those classes which are best placed to develop junior and youth racing skills in order to: 3... Channel large numbers of young people into a select number of classes thereby creating a vibrant and highly competitive racing environment across Great Britain. 3..2. Feed the British Sailing Team Podium Potential & Podium Squads. 3..3. Make best use of RYA, sports councils and sponsor s money. 3.2. To establish partnership agreements with each class to support their development and secure the achievement of the RYA s objectives. 3.3. To monitor and review the performance of each class annually. 3.4. In recognising individual classes the RYA is required to develop and maintain an optimal pathway to Youth and Olympic success by having an effective balance of junior and youth classes/disciplines. Therefore, recognition or de-recognition of an individual class will be deliberated in the context of the needs of the programme as a whole. The scope of this framework is constrained by activity, cost, and available RYA resources as well as the number of sailors aspiring to squads, to best deliver on the following objectives: To have effective and robust pathways from junior, through youth, and on to Olympic classes To concentrate talented young sailors together, and avoid excessive dilution of talent To have an attractive framework, with exciting options for both girls and boys To enhance international competitiveness of GBR sailors To have good links to highly competitive international programmes To be accessible in terms of cost, geography and non-technical options To develop partnerships between the RYA and the classes RYA British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy Version 3.0 November 204 Page 2 of 5
British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy 4. Types of Recognition 4.. There is only one type of Recognition. 5... British Youth Sailing Recognised Class: The RYA then orders the Classes by what it believes are their ability to impact on the stated objectives to help inform the allocation of RYA resources in support of the Classes. 5.2. In addition to the type of Recognition, the RYA also determines the age category that it believes a class is best suited for. As a result, a class will be designated as principally being most suitable for sailors who are normally under 6 years of age (Junior Classes) or most suitable for those sailors who are under 9 years of age (Youth Classes). 5. Criteria 5.. The RYA YSG will use its discretion to determine their recommendations to Racing Committee for the recognition of classes, using the rationale outlined in item 4 and the criteria outlined in appendix A. It will support those classes that in its opinion best meet the aims and objectives of the programme and assign recognition and a priority status. In particular the criteria listed in appendix A, in conjunction with the matrix of objectives in 3.4 will be taken into account when the RYA YSG determines which classes should be assigned which level of priority. 6. Benefits Subject to annual review which will include discussion and agreement between the class and the RYA, the RYA will endeavour to provide access to the following benefits, consistent with the level of relevant level of recognition: 6.. For pathway classes these may include (and is allocated dependant on priority): Junior Classes Assistance from RYA Youth Programme staff The provision of an RYA/Eric Twiname Class RIB, dependant on availability and Class Priority An RYA appointed (and resourced) Head Coach Funding to support the administration of joint RYA/Class activity A grant to contribute towards an RYA National Junior Squad training programme RYA International Travel grants An RYA (grant) Supported Open Training programme Priority access to centrally controlled RYA resources Van s, RIB s, Buoy s etc. Inclusion within RYA Zone and RYA Eric Twiname Championship Youth Classes Assistance from RYA Youth Programme staff The provision of an RYA/Eric Twiname Class RIB, dependant on availability and Class Priority An RYA appointed (and resourced) Head Coach Funding to support the administration of joint RYA/Class activity A highly subsidised RYA National Youth Squad training programme RYA International Travel grants An RYA (grant) Supported Open Training programme Priority access to centrally controlled RYA resources Van s, RIB s, Buoy s etc. Inclusion within RYA Youth National Championship Priority right to exhibit on the RYA Youth programme stand at the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show Right to promote the class as an RYA recognised class and use appropriate RYA branding Champion Club Fleet Development Support (via HPM s) RYA Coach Professional Development Support The provision of RYA Sports Science Support to sailors RYA Squad clothing Youth Class Transition advice (for sailors) RYA Transition training programme Priority right to exhibit on the RYA Youth programme stand at the RYA Dinghy Sailing Show Right to promote the class as an RYA recognised class and use appropriate RYA branding Champion Club Fleet Development Support (via HPM s) RYA Coach Professional Development Support The provision of RYA Sports Science Support to sailors RYA Squad clothing Olympic Transition advice (for sailors) RYA Transition training programme RYA British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy Version 3.0 November 204 Page 3 of 5
British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy A highly Subsidised RYA Zone Squad Training 7. Partnership Conditions 7.. Selection of a recognised class is conditional upon a full commitment to all the requirements set out in the relevant RYA recognition partnership agreement. 8. Selection and De-Selection Process 8.. Applications from class associations pursuing a new application for recognition will be considered annually at the autumn YSG meeting. Any application should be addressed in writing to the RYA Youth Racing Operations Officer, in the capacity of secretary to the YSG by the end of September each year. Each application should include an explanation of how the class meets the criteria set out within this document, with all relevant evidence. The class association web-site, calendar should demonstrate full evidence and adherence to, or adoption of all the relevant policies. 8.2. Current recognised classes will be reviewed annually, usually again at the autumn YSG meeting (for changes taking effect in April the following year) against the criteria consistent with recognition and the levels of funding and support which are available. This may entail a review and monitoring of the criteria and/or review of the structure, types of recognition or indeed the status of a particular class. 8.3. De-selection or a change in type of recognition may occur when in the opinion of the RYA YSG a class is failing to meet the criteria as outlined in this document, or the pressure on resources makes a change necessary, or where a change in international Youth or Olympic classes necessitates a review. A pathway class may become a supported class, a supported class may become a recognised class, a recognised class may be deselected and vice versa. 8.4. If the YSG considers that a particular Class should be selected, de-selected or subject to a change in priority recognition then it will make a recommendation to that effect, together with supporting reasons, to the RYA Racing Committee. A copy of the YSG s recommendation, together with supporting reasons, will also be sent to the relevant Class Association to allow the association a reasonable opportunity to submit a written response via the RYA Racing Manager, acting as secretary to the RYA Racing Committee. 8.5. The YSG s recommendation, together with supporting reasons, and the relevant Class association s written response will be submitted to the RYA Racing Committee, which will decide whether the proposed selection, de-selection or change in type of recognition is to be adopted. The decision of the RYA Racing Committee will be final. 8.6. Should a particular Class be de-selected or subject to a change to a lesser type of recognition then the YSG will endeavour to give to that Class the opportunity, advice and support to enable it to plan and show how it intends to meet the relevant criteria again. RYA British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy Version 3.0 November 204 Page 4 of 5
British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy 9. Status 9.. The RYA policies and procedures are subject to change from time to time, including variations required to comply with Sports Councils directions on the investment of National Lottery funds. 9.2. The RYA reserves the right to amend, supplement and/or discontinue at its absolute discretion, for whatever reason, any or all of its policies and procedures. RYA British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Policy Version 3.0 November 204 5 Page 5 of
Appendix A Class Recognition Criteria The RYA recognition policy is the means by which the RYA makes investment decisions in Class Associations in support of its Performance Pathway These decisions are based on the premise that the RYA only wishes to invest in Class Associations that can impact (or have the potential to impact) on its Pathway and Squad programs. The RYA only has a limited resource to invest so this investment will be prioritised on a Classes ability to impact on this Pathway. This policy is intended to allow prioritisation of Class Associations dependent on the level of Impact they can make. There should be no assumption that just because the RYA does not choose to invest that we do not see the quality or value in any Class or activity delivered. Key considerations for Investment We need good governance to mitigate investment risk That means transparent and robust selection process Supported through quality administration With the Committee as a representation of the membership 2 We need a safe environment for the class association and any associated activity to operate in to mitigate safety, health and reputation risk. That means active and effective compliance to all RYA policies and charters Consideration will be given to whether the Class can protect themselves from criticism of conflict of interest from committee members and to ensure Classes are protected wherever possible from Child Protection issues 3 We need a programme of activity that supports a growing membership base that covers all geographic areas and demographics whilst ensuring there is opportunity for all regardless of background or circumstance That means Class Association membership is part of RYA membership base, evidenced through submission of RYA membership number on Class Association membership application form. Geographical and numerical evidence to show that the class are actively engaged and supportive of growth and inclusion in their activity. Where they are not, evidence to show how they plan to be or why they don't intend to 4 We need programmes of activity that support the development of sailors that: Create fast sailors in all conditions To develop mentally and physically robust sailors that do not break down Are developing to become excellent non dependent decision makers when they reach maturity Excel under the most extreme pressure Nurture passion, professionalism and a performance mindset 5 We need Class Associations that support an approach to coaching that is consistent with delivering the sailor development stated in this policy That means policies consistent with the RYA approach to coaching and any associated guidelines An approach to private coaching that both educates parents as to when and where it may be appropriate and ensures that the Class maintains an environment that is inclusive and gives opportunity to all regardless of background or circumstance 6 We need Class Associations that can support and feed our performance pathway and squads That means that the boats/boards they support and their programs of activity provide a regular supply of correctly developed sailors for RYA pathway programmes and other RYA racing programmes That means names and numbers need to be provided that show that this is being done and evidence that they are being developed with the correct skills to progress 7 We need the environment that the Class Association provide to be fun and enjoyable for the sailors This means that there is a lot of choice and it is competitive, we want the sailors to be driving their parents choice. Notes: This policy is not related to ISAF recognition. This is policy is the means by which RYA make investment decisions in the Class Associations that can best support Youth Sailing outcomes. Sometime that will mean being ISAF recognised, others it will not. This policy considers the boat and rig together as a class and not combinations. For example the Topper hull with a full rig is considered separately to the Topper hull with the 4.2 rig
Element No. Element description Element Weighting Programme (activity) Theme Evidence from Class/ Notes on answer X Evidence Required & Notes to support answer Additional RYA Comments and Thoughts Actions Does your Class have a National & Regional programme of open race training which is geographically and financially accessible? Training The RYA will prioritise Class Associations that either have or can evidence plans to achieve programmes of activity and support that cover all geographical areas and demographics. To support this please confirm all open race training which took place in the previous year, and that which is planned in the current year including venue, cost and numbers attended. The aim is to ensure there is reasonable opportunity for the majority of people across most of the UK from most demographics. We are looking for geographical and numerical evidence to show that the class are actively engaged and supportive of growth and inclusion in their activity. Ideally these figures need to show that the Class is actively feeding RYA Squads and programmes. Consideration may be given to gender split and whether the Class is actively targeting sailors with the physiological potential to progress into Olympic Classes. 2 Does your Class use RYA qualified and approved Coaches and Instructors? Training The RYA needs sailors that are being developed to have the following key attributes: They have a high level of physical competence and sympathy with their environment (wind & water). They are developing to become excellent decision makers. They excel under the most extreme pressure. The RYA will prioritise investment in Class Associations whose coaches actively support and contribute to these attributes being developed in their sailors. Please confirm all coaches, their qualification level/experience or Instructors used for each session (head and assistants). Also the RYA is aware of the challenges and difficulties with private coaching & comfort coaching. (For instance, coaches that are not supporting the development of independent decision making and of sailors that excel under pressure; and oaches that tell sailors what to do in a race as opposed to developing sailors who can work it out for themselves and think for themselves). We will give extra weight to classes that take a proactive position on education with regard to when and what private coaching can deliver, when it is appropriate and when it is damaging to a sailor's development. 3 Does your Class work to an agreed training syllabus that has been agreed with the appropriate RYA manager? 2 Training The RYA needs sailors that are being developed to have the following key attributes: They have a high level of physical competence and sympathy with their environment (wind & water). They are developing to become excellent decision makers. They excel under the most extreme pressure. The RYA will prioritise investment in Class Associations whose training activity actively supports and contributes to these attributes being developed in their sailors. If the Class has a Training Officer, the expectation is that they will be there to work with and manage the coaches/instructors and steer what they deliver in line with the correct sailor development. The Class may be asked to define the role of Training Officer and evidence that this is working on the ground. 4 Does you Class have a programme of regional and national Class racing including Home Country activity 2 Racing The RYA will prioritise those Classes that can evidence a healthy, active and widely supported racing programme. Please confirm all regional and national class competition which took place in the previous year, and that which is planned in the current year including venue, cost and numbers competing. This includes home country activity. 5 Does you class run well organised events which incorporate appropriately structured race management, operational and safety resourcing? 3 Racing Please confirm the race management, operational and safety resourcing for each event where this is left in the hands of the host club; please confirm this to be the case. Please outline ratios in place for safety management. Evidence could include call sign sheets, personnel sheets etc. 6 Does your Class use RYA qualified race officials in key roles? CX Racing Please confirm key officials for each event and define their roles. Key roles may include: Event Director, Principal Race Officer, Chief Safety Officer. This question is contextual and we would expect that the number of qualified officials would be representative of the scale, size and importance of the event. 7 Does your class provide high quality annual international competition that supports sailor progression and development? 2 Racing Please confirm international events available to UK sailors in the past year, and those planned for the current year, whether they are open entry or selected/team, plus number of nationalities and number of competitors attending.
Element No. Element description Element Weighting Is your Class constituted 8 appropriately and consistent with RYA NN Policies guidelines? Organisation Theme Evidence from Class/ Notes on answer X Evidence Required & Notes to support answer Additional RYA Comments and Thoughts Actions Please supply all appropriate documents to the RYA 9 Has your Class adopted and implemented the RYA Child Protection Policy? NN Policies Green: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted and implemented the Child Protection policy The Class must have adopted and implemented the RYA Child Protection Policy to be eligible for investment. Evidence should be provided that shows that this policy is in active use and is known to all those involved with class programme and activity. No Amber: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted the Policy, but there is no evidence to show that it has been implemented investment will be made in a Class that can not achieve a green status and if any evidence emerges after investment has been made that the Class Association should not have achieved green status then we may withdraw investment with Red: The class has not adopted the Child Protection Policy immediate effect. The Class should consider if all Coaches are DBS checked and have they checked that this is current. 0 Has your Class adopted and implemented the RYA Racing Charter? NN Policies Green: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted and implemented the RYA Racing Charter Amber: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted the Charter, but there is no evidence to show that it has been implemented Red: The class has not adopted the RYA Racing Charter The Class must have adopted and implemented the RYA Racing charter to be eligible for investment. Evidence should be provided that shows that this charter is in active use and is known to all those involved with class programme and activity. No investment will be made in a Class that can not achieve a green status and if any evidence emerges after investment has been made that the Class Association should not have achieved green status then we may withdraw investment with immediate effect. Has your Class adopted and implemented the RYA antibullying policy? NN Policies Green: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted and implemented the RYA anti-bullying policy Amber: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted the RYA anti-bullying policy, but there is no evidence to show that it has been implemented Red: The class has not adopted the RYA anti-bullying policy The Class must have adopted and implemented the RYA anti-bullying policy to be eligible for investment. Evidence should be provided that shows that this policy is in active use and is known to all those involved with class programme and activity. No investment will be made in a Class that can not achieve a green status and if any evidence emerges after investment has been made that the Class Association should not have achieved green status then we may withdraw investment with immediate effect. 2 Has your Class adopted and implemented RYA Youth Racing Safety Policy? NN Policies Green: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted and implemented the RYA Youth Racing Safety Policy Amber: Evidence is provided to show that the Class has adopted the RYA Youth Racing Safety Policy, but there is no evidence to show that it has been implemented Red: The class has not adopted the RYA Youth Racing Safety Policy The Class must have adopted and implemented the RYA Youth Racing Safety Policy to be eligible for investment. Evidence should be provided that shows that this policy is in active use and is known to all those involved with class programme and activity. No investment will be made in a Class that can not achieve a green status and if any evidence emerges after investment has been made that the Class Association should not have achieved green status then we may withdraw investment with immediate effect. 3 Does your class utilise NN Policies operational practices, as appropriate and consistent with the relevant RYA policies/guidelines? Green: Evidence is provided to show that the Class does utilise operational practices, as appropriate and consistent with the relevant RYA policies/guidelines and that these operational practices are in positive active use at all times and this can be fully evidenced. Amber: Evidence is provided to show that the Class does utilise operational practices, as appropriate and consistent with the relevant RYA policies/guidelines Red: The class does not utilise operational practices, as appropriate and consistent with the relevant RYA policies/guidelines The Class must utilise operational practices, as appropriate and consistent with the relevant RYA policies/guidelines to be eligible for investment. Please confirm all operational practices in place and provide evidence to show that they are in active use by all people involved with Class activity at all times. No investment will be made in a Class that can not achieve a green status and if any evidence emerges after investment has been made that the Class Association should not have achieved green status then we may withdraw investment with immediate effect. 4 Does your Class have a structured class committee CX Committee Please outline committee structure with roles and responsibilities and relevant experience for each role. The quality, experience and effectiveness of this should be which is organised to appropriate to the level of investment and impact manage administration, Finance, IT, operations, safety, racing and communication? 5 Does your Class committee 3 Committee Please confirm how often the committee meets, by what means and that these meeting meet on a regular basis either remotely or face to face? are of a high quality that support appropriate check and challenge that develops the Class. Evidence could include minutes of meetings and financial records. The Class should evidence that committee members are active when applicable or possible. 6 Can your Class 3 Communication Please confirm how information is relayed on to sailors and other stakeholders such as demonstrate an effective website, social media (where applicable), email, etc. how often is the website updated, communication plan which are there regular e-shots, etc. The RYA is looking for consistency of message that ensures that relevant supports honesty and transparency and is inline with current Child Protection guidelines. information is easily available to all stakeholders?
Culture Element No. Element description Element Weighting Theme Evidence from Class/ Notes on answer X Evidence Required & Notes to support answer Additional RYA Comments and Thoughts Actions 7 Can your Class demonstrate strong corporate governance in the operation of the committee? CX Professionalism Gold: No evidence through multiple sources of any significant disharmony in the class. Evidence that the large majority of are fully engaged with the programme, and have a high level of trust in the Committee Please outline how strategy is determined and how decisions are made and recorded. Green: Minor evidence through multiple sources of odd instances of disharmony in the Class Evidence that, while there may be some exceptions, most are fully engaged with the programme, and have a high level of trust Amber: Major evidence through a number of sources of disharmony in the Class Evidence exists that, within the Class Association there are mixed levels of engagement with the programme and differing views as to the quality and impact Red: Significant evidence through multiple sources of disharmony in the Class Evidence that few, if any, are meaningfully engaged with the programme, or have trust in the committee The priority accorded here is dependant on the level of impact and investment Is the Class proactive in the matter of succession planning. Does it have a strategic vision for the future, evidence through a 3/5 year plan. The challenge to Chairs and Committees is "How can you handover the class so that it is in a better situation than when you started?" 8 Can your Class Programme Please outline decisions and actions of the committee which demonstrate this. Provide demonstrate a clear evidence that the Class understands our ambition and are aligned to it. committee understanding and empathy with the aims and implementation of the World Class Programme and the ambition of the British Youth Sailing Programme and are aligned to its Critical Success Factors? 9 Can your Class 2 Programme Please outline how this takes place and demonstrate that this is an ongoing demonstrate a programme commitment. of communication and discussion with sailors, which helps them to understand the most appropriate time to move on to youth or Olympic classes? 20 Can your Class demonstrate activities designed to encourage sailors to view sailing as a lifetime sport? Lifetime Gold: The evidence is that 00% of those involved with the Class association are members of the RYA and all are positively engaged with, and add value to, the achievement of the ambitions of the Class Association. Green :The evidence is that 00% of those involved with the Class association are members of the RYA and the majority are positively engaged with, and add value to, the achievement of the ambitions of the Class Associations Priory will be given to those Classes that can evidence giving sailors a lifetime in the sport. Please outline activity/communication to demonstrate this. Lifetime in the sport includes instructing, coaching, Keel boat, match racing, team racing, slalom, free style, all exit pathways. Domestic class competition (e.g. RS200). As well as active volunteering and technical work. Amber: The evidence is that many (+60%) of those involved with the Class association are members of the RYA and that some are positively engaged with, and add value to, the achievement of the ambitions of the Class Associations Red: The evidence is that some (-60%) of those involved with the Class association are members of the RYA and that few are positively engaged with, and add value to, the achievement of the ambitions of the Class Associations
Trends & Data Element No. Element description Element Weighting Theme Evidence from Class/ Notes on answer X Evidence Required & Notes to support answer Additional RYA Comments and Thoughts Actions 2 How many sailors have progressed into Youth/Olympic sailing over the past 3 years? Progression Priority will be given to Class Associations that can evidence their impact on the RYA pathway and squads. Class Associations that have both the best record and the strongest process to maintain or increase this will have the highest level of priority A large proportion of this data will be held by the RYA so please consult and check before investing in your own recording and tracking system. Classes should also be aware that a distinction will be drawn between when a class has been a fundamental and primary part of a sailors development and when it has been used to support their development alongside another class. 22 How many sailors from the class have delivered medals at World & European championships at Junior and Youth level in the past 3 years? 23 How many sailors have attended each event (regional and national) in the past 3 years? CX Medals Racing The priority awarded here is contextual and will be considered relative to the standards and breadth of international competition and the condition and venue location. Whilst the RYA wish to record this information and may use it to inform investment we are well aware of the limitations in terms of sailor development and the long term performance penalty for classes that choose to chase these results. A large proportion of this data will be held by the RYA so please consult and check before investing in your own recording and tracking system Please break the number down by national and regional (each RYA zone) 24 How many open training days have been delivered? 2 Training Please confirm number over the past 2 months broken down by RYA zone 25 How many sailors have attended each open training day? 2 Training Please confirm number over the past 2 months broken down by RYA zone 26 How many class members are there and how many of these are members of the RYA? Class Please confirm the numbers of members and the historical trend. Ideally Broken down by age and sex. 27 Progression, medals, racing events, open training, class membership? CX Trends Please illustrate the trend (using actual numbers) for as many of these criteria as possible over a 3 year period
Element Weighting NN Non-Negotiable 2 The highest level of priority for the RYA Intermediate level of importance Description This element must be achieved to be considered for investment. Evidence should be clear and unequivocal. If evidenced is produced after investment has been made that suggest this is no longer the case then investment may be withdrawn with immediate effect 3 CX Contextual Lowest level of importance for investment consideration, often in support of another area. This means that the standard required from the element is dependent on the impact that the Class can make and the level of financial investment Priority Level Level Coach RIB Finance Admin 2+ + //// // 2 Old Pathway 2 /// / 3 Old Supported + 0 // 4 Old Recognised 0 / 5 0 0 6 This is only given as a guide as to what investment MAY be offered and is heavily dependant on what resource is available at the point of investment
Appendix B British Youth Sailing Class Recognition Process Diagram RYA Youth Steering Group (YSG) YSG Assess classes merits against the criteria, and then consider recognition in the context of the programme as a whole. YSG Make recommendations regarding recognition and record reasons/rationale. YSG Inform class and invite response/comment. Racing Committee makes a decision based on YSG recommendation and class association response. YSG/Youth Racing staff offer support and advice to class to develop their recognition status. Racing Committee notifies class.