Kayaking Coaches Guide
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Table of Contents Mission Statement...2 Events Offered...3 Uniform Guidelines...4 Equipment...4 General Rules...5 Protests and appeals...6 Safety & Eligibility Criteria...7 Registering for state Event...8 Divisioning Process...9 Training Requirements...10 Eight week training Program...11-12 Sample Workouts...13 Coaches certification...14 Concussion certification...14 Coaches Code of Conduct...15-16 BBCIC & Universal Precautions...16 Athlete Medical Procedures...17 FAQ...18 Resources...19-20 Notes...21 2
SOMI-Specific Information Sport Season June-September Culminating State Event State Fall Games Events Offered Singles Tourist Kayak (KT): KT1-200m, 500m Doubles Tourist Kayak (KT): KT2-200m, 500m Unified Sports Doubles Tourist Kayak (KT): KT2-200m, 500m Singles Professional Kayak (K): K1-200m, 500m Doubles Professional Kayak (K) - 200m, 500m Unified Sports Double Professional Kayak (K) - 200m, 500m National Governing Body International Canoe Federation (ICF) 3
Uniform Guidelines & Equipment 1. Athletes will be required to wear shirt and shorts during all practice and competition. 2. Coaches should insure that all athletes bring a change of clothes when attending kayaking practice and competition. 3. Swim Suit, Swim hat and aqua shoes will be required for the water test. 4. It is also suggested that athletes bring a set of warm clothing and rainwear. Equipment 1. Helmets can be worn if an athlete trains with one or if the waters are especially rough. 2. A life vest must be worn at all times. 3. Depending on the event, one or more athlete will be in a boat and have a paddle. 4
General Rules 1. At the start line, kayaks will be stabilized by personal holding on their stern or pontoon. However, athletes should be able to control the kayak point of the proper direction towards the finish line and keep the kayak stationary until the start of the race. 2. The start of all races begins with the starting signal by a shot or a short, powerful sound. A drop with a White Flag from the shoreline will indicate the start of the race along with the starting signal. 3. If a competitor starts to paddle away before the start signal has been given, he/she is charged with a false start. 4. Athletes must stay in their assigned lane otherwise they will be disqualified. 5. If an athlete crosses the lane barrier and impedes the other athlete, this will be justification for a disqualification through the protest procedure and the athlete that was impeded has the option of starting the race at a later time for a proper score. 6. The coach must report to the shoreline once the athlete is in the kayak. No coaching is permitted from the shoreline. Encouragement to the athletes is always allowed. 7. Coaches will not be allowed to have a kayak in the water while the competition is being conducted. 8. The maximum number of athletes per division in kayaking is six. 5
Protests and Appeals 1. Any protest involving the judgement of the referee or judge will not be given consideration 2. The protest must be in written form, using the Protest form available from the Sport Information Desk (SID) 3. Only the Head of Delegation or designated Head Coach may protest and must do so no later than 30 minutes after the conclusion of the event 4. All decisions made by the Game Rules Committee will be final 6
Safety/Safety Equipment 1. There will be an umpire/safety boat on the water during practice and competition. The number of umpire/safety boats will depend upon weather and the ability levels of the athletes. 2. Athletes must remain in the kayak at all times while on the water. Legs must be in the kayak at all times. 3. Horseplay on the water may lead to the athlete being removed from competition or a similar penalty. 4. Athletes must be seizure-free for 1 year prior to competing. 5. While on the water, also remember to bring the following: I. First Aid Kit II. III. IV. Quick release tow rope Hand bilge pump Extra portable paddle that can be stored V. Drinking water Essential Eligibility Criteria for All Kayakers Participants must: 1. Be 18 years or older, or accompanied by an adult. 2. Be able to manage all personal care and mobility independently or with the assistance of a companion who accompanies the participant. 3. Be able to get in and out of a kayak independently or with the assistance of a companion, following instruction. 4. Be comfortable in the water including: floating on back independently with a properly fitted PFD, turning from face down to face up independently while wearing a properly fitted PFD, and holding breath while under water. 5. Be able to maintain a balanced, upright position when seated in a kayak, with adaptations if needed. 7
Registering for a State Event 1. Each coach must submit a Seasonal Intent form 8 weeks prior to the State Culminating event. The form will be emailed out 12 weeks before the event date. 2. Each athlete, unified partner, coach, chaperone and guest must be registered in GMS by the registration deadline. 3. Once turned in, the Area Director will receive notification of any athletes with missing requirements, including missing/expired physicals or missing scores. If the information is not received, the area will be notified that the athlete has been dropped. 4. For an area to be in compliance for State Games: I. All athletes must have a current physical on file at the State Office II. III. IV. All Unified Partners must have a Unified Partner form on file at the State Office All coaches and chaperones must have current Protective Behaviors, General Orientation, and a Volunteer form on file at the State Office All coaches must have a current sport certification and concussion training on file at the State Office. 8
Divisioning Process 1. The procedures for divisioning have been developed to assist competition managers in applying the principles of fair and equitable competition to athletes of all ability levels. An athlete's ability is the primary factor in divisioning. Factors in establishing competitive divisions are age, gender, and times. 2. Ideally, a sufficient number of athletes or teams will participate at every competition so that equitable divisions can be structured. Experience has shown that in some competitions, however, there will not be a sufficient number of athletes to structure ideal divisions. All questions concerning divisioning can be directed to Heather Burke at burke1hn@cmich.edu. 9
Training Requirements 1. In order for an individual or team to participate in competition, the athlete or team must be involved in an eight-week training program and receive training and competition opportunities. 2. A minimum 10 hours of training must occur before a culminating event. Training usually consists of 1-4 hours each week for eight weeks. 3. Although it is the desire to include every athlete that is training in all the games we offer, due to the many athletes we have competing in the state, it is not always possible. That is why we offer area, regional and a variety of state events to give all the athletes quality competition opportunities. 4. Coaches who are training athletes in a particular sport should follow the established SOMI sports seasons. The sports season is 8-12 weeks prior to the state competition for that sport. SOMI establishes sports seasons to provide maximum training time for the athletes and to coincide with competition opportunities. 10
Eight-Week Training Program Each session is two hours in length. There is a half hour at the beginning and end for gear and clothing preparation. Actual water time is usually one hour. Session One Confidence in the water - The most important skill to build when coaching kayaking is to develop athlete confidence in the water. Although there are rescue services available it is important that each athlete is able to help him or herself when an unplanned situation arises. Before an athlete can begin kayak training, a swimming ability assessment must be administered. Life jackets must be worn during this assessment. Preparing the Kayak - Before entering the kayak, the boat should be properly checked to ensure it is set for the athlete. The footrests should be checked and properly fitted, as one boat is often used for several athletes. Proper footrest ensures good posture and effective paddling. As athletes become advanced they should prepare the kayak on their own especially before a competition, doing things on their own is an important skill from them to learn. Session Two Entering and Exiting a Kayak - Getting in and out of a kayak can be difficult and dangerous, the method of getting in and out depends on the design of the craft and from where the athletes are entering and exiting. The two points of entry are the shoreline and the pier. The boat should be stabilized by a paddle or assigned helpers holding the boat. The kayaker must place one foot in the cockpit close to the central line and then hold the cockpit with one hand while the other hand is on the pier or stabilized by helpers. While maintaining a low squatting position the athlete should slowly move his hips down to the seat. When exiting the steps should be reversed, the athlete should draw their knees to their chest. They should slowly raise their hips and carefully move and take a seat on the pier and swing the legs out of the boat. Session Three Kayak Positioning - The athlete should always demonstrate good posture inside the kayak, the athlete s torso should be vertical or leaning 10 degrees forward. The position of legs and knees depends on equipment and type of paddling. Optimal positioning for maximum power is to have knees closer together. The cockpit opening for racing kayaks are long and narrow to facilitate this knee position and motion. The cockpit openings for cruising kayaks are designed to lock the knees in the place under thigh braces. Paddling Techniques - The key to a good forward stroke is using proper body rotation and minimizing the use of arm muscles. Arms should never bend more than 90 degrees or else arms are working too hard. The grip spacing between the hands should be such that the elbows are at a 75 to 90 degree angle when the paddle is placed horizontally over the head. The grip on the paddle should be relaxed, not too tight. While paddling do not raise the hand higher than eyelevel. 11
Session Four Maintaining Balance in the kayak - To maintain balance athletes must sit with their backs perpendicular to the water. The core and lower back should be relaxed and should let the kayaks tilt freely in the water. After practicing on land, move balancing exercise to the water and instruct athletes to balance with and without paddle using their hands to move the boat. Maneuvering the kayak - Maneuvering techniques are important to master before participating in competitions. Forward, backward paddling along with the technique the draw. The draw technique when you re approaching the shore or pier in a parallel position. Capsizing - Kayaking is not as dangerous as it may appear to spectators. As long as the athletes are prepared and know how to handle, capsizing there is nothing to worry about. If the kayakers falls into the water they need to flip the boat right side up and put the paddle inside. Haul the boat to shore or wait for the rescue team to help Session Five Forward Paddling - Forward paddling is a fundamental skill that all kayakers must learn. Athletes should sit straight up to encourage good posture and create powerful strokes. Feet should be against the footrests to also create powerful strokes. Athletes should pay attention to where the paddle should go into the water, ideally in line with where the feet are inside the kayak. Paddle close to the kayak and ensure the strokes are going deep; this produces the most efficient powerful strokes. Session Six Reverse Paddling - Hold the relaxed grip similar to the forward grip. Use the back of the paddle; do not turn the paddle blade. Enter the paddle in the water near the hips. Push the paddle toward the bow of the kayak while turning the trunk of the body. Keep elbows bent while traveling. Session Seven The start procedure - Five minutes before the start all participants within the same division should be at the start area. Athletes may stay in one place or gently paddle around. Two minutes to start a check is completed to ensure all athletes are in the start area. Athletes will raise their hand or paddle to show they are ready. The command ready will signify that athletes in the proper position should remain still but can move their paddle to maintain balance. The command set reminds paddlers to maintain a motionless position. The command go is the actual starting signal, or alternate signal (e.g. shot). Recommended to practice with a verbal go Session Eight Paddling Between the Buoys - After about 50-80 meters of paddling he or she should start paddling slower but with maximum strength. Training with this knowledge will help them implement this strategy in a competition. Athletes should stay in their assigned lane and use onesided paddling, instead of reverse paddling. 12
Sample Workouts 1. Warm up on land paying special attention to the upper body, continue warming up with paddles on land 2. Have athletes get into kayaks, inform them of practice session goals 3. Athletes will start by paddling a given distance, one by one 4. Athletes then stop for exercises 5. Have athletes practice correct body positioning both with and without their paddles 6. Have athletes practice turning and gripping paddles 7. Ask athletes to paddle a distance (short) with the correct form and posture 8. Give them feedback 9. Paddle to a second given point to have athletes practice the dip, the draw and the withdraw 10. Have athletes practice these techniques without paddles 11. Have athletes practice the forward stroke with their paddles but ask them not to touch the water 12. Ask athletes to paddle a distance (short) distance while demonstrating correct forward stroke technique (one by one) 13. Give them feedback 14. Close the practice session by paddling to shore, stretching, tiding and putting away the equipment 13
Coaches Certification 1. The head coach or assistant coach for each team must be certified (in that sport) in order for the team to attend the state-culminating event and obtain an award. 2. To become certified in a sport the coach must: I. Complete the on-line General Orientation and Protective Behavior quizzes at somi.org II. III. IV. Completion of a sport-specific training school or mentoring program. Complete and turn in a Volunteer A form and Application for Sports Training. Complete and turn in Heads Up certification. 3. ** Coaches cannot train athletes unless all certification requirements and athlete medical forms are up to date. 4. A coach s certification will expire after three (3) years. For a coach to become recertified they may: I. View an online recertification video II. Attend a training school or webinar Concussion Certification 1. Sports-related concussions can be serious or even life-threatening situations if not managed correctly. The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have teamed up to provide information and resources to help educate coaches, officials, parents and students on the importance of proper concussion recognition and management. To take the concussion training course visit one of the following websites: http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/headsup/youth.html http://www.nfhslearn.com/electivedetail.aspx?courseid=38000 2. When you complete the training a box will pop up asking you to enter your name, Please put your FIRST & LAST NAME. If you do not do that right away, you will have to take the whole training over again! 3. When you have completed your certification in Concussion Training, please print your certificate and either fax it to the SOMI state office or scan/email to Kellie Murphy at murph4kj@cmich.edu 14
Coaches Code of Conduct 1. Places athletes' health and safety first Coaches/chaperones shall place the health and safety of Special Olympics athletes above all else. When traveling to state competitions, coaches/chaperones are expected to provide for their athletes' physical and emotional needs 24 hours a day. Responsibility for the athletes does not stop after their competitions or after they have gone to bed in the evening. Coaches/chaperones must act at all times as the parent or guardian providing praise /commendation as well as discipline. 2. Knowledgeable in sports rules Coaches shall be knowledgeable of all existing Special Olympics (both SOMI and SOI) and National Governing Body competition rules and regulations and prepare their athletes prior to competition in accordance with those rules. 3. Willing to follow the rules and model good sportsmanship Coaches/chaperones shall abide by the letter and spirit of the rules and be responsible for conducting themselves with appropriate behavior and in a sportsmanlike manner at all times. Coaches who do not conduct themselves in this manner or who are offensive by action or language toward athletes, other coaches, volunteers, opponents, officials, and/or spectators may be prohibited from coaching. 4. Encourages athletes to put forth their best efforts Coaches/chaperones shall be honest and instruct athletes to compete with maximum effort in all preliminary trials and finals, or he/she may be prohibited from coaching by the Games and/or Sports Rules Committee at the specific competition. Coaches should review the Athlete Code of Conduct with athletes before or at the first practice. 5. Follows no recreational swimming rule It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to follow and adhere to the guideline of "no swimming" during all SOMI Culminating Events. The health and safety of athletes is allimportant. If a coach/chaperone takes athletes swimming at hotels without authorization, this will be considered a violation of the Code of Conduct, and the persons responsible will receive a letter of warning and may be separated from the program. 6. Follows the no alcohol/tobacco/or controlled substances policy The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and/or controlled substances is not permitted at any training or competition venue per Section 4.09a of the SOI General Rules. 15
7. Carries all athletes' forms It is the responsibility of the coach/chaperone to carry a copy of each athlete's Application for Participation form at practices and competition. 8. Obey all laws I will obey all federal, state and local laws and facility, venue, and Special Olympics rules. 9. Responsibility While attending tournaments, I am fully aware that I am responsible 24/7 for my athletes. BBCIC & Universal Precautions The following guidelines have been established regarding blood-borne contagious infection carriers participating in the Special Olympics Michigan program: 1. When an athlete is a blood-borne contagious infection carrier, specific reference will be indicated on the Health Appraisal Form, which is required for each participating athlete. 2. All identified carriers will be assigned a personal chaperone unless behavior warrants a less restrictive ratio of up to 4:1 athlete-to-coach ratio. Regardless of ratio, the athlete's chaperone will: I. Monitor and restrict the athlete's interpersonal activities to those conducive to good hygiene. II. III. IV. Encourage good hygiene while the athlete is participating in team and individual sports. Supervise sleeping quarters and eat meals with the carrier athlete to encourage proper eating habits. Report immediately to the medical staff any incident observed by the chaperone where the carrier athlete breaks the skin of another person by scratching, biting, etc. 16
Athlete Medical Procedures 1. In order for an athlete to compete in any Special Olympics Michigan event they must send a complete physical form to the State Office. This form must be signed by a physician. The physical must be completed every three (3) years. All athlete physicals should be in the possession of the head coach at all practices, tournaments, team functions, etc. 2. In the event that an athlete suffers from a sports related concussion, bring to medical staff immediately. If the athlete is diagnosed, an incident report form must be filled out and returned to the SOMI state office. In order for the athlete to return to play, they must receive written consent from a health care provider, which also must be turned into the SOMI state office. 3. It is your responsibility as a coach to have an emergency action plan in place for all practices, travel, or local tournaments you attend. 17
FAQ Q. After how many years does a coach s certification expire? A. 3 years Q. Athletes much be seizure free for how long prior to competition? A. 1 year Q. What happens if an athlete does not stay in their lane? A. They will be disqualified Q. What is the maximum number of athletes per division in kayaking? A. 6 athletes Q. When does the Seasonal intent form have to be submitted? A. 8 weeks prior to competition Q. For an area to be in compliance for State Games: A. All athletes must have a current physical on file at the State Office All Unified Partners must have a Unified Partner form on file at the State Office All coaches and chaperones must have current Protective Behaviors, General Orientation, and a Volunteer form on file at the State Office All coaches must have a current sport certification and concussion training on file at the State Office. 18
Resources Heather Burke Sports & Training Director burke1hn@cmich.edu Divisions, Rules, Competition, Roster Information Sheets Nick Caudle Sports & Training Manager, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu SW Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SW Regional Tournaments Kellie Murphy Coordinator of Sports and Volunteers, State Office murph4kj@cmich.edu Training Schools, Coaches Education, Volunteers Rick Brady Sports & Training Coordinator, Regional Programs caudl1n@cmich.edu SE Specific Training Schools, Coaches Education, SE Regional Tournaments Janice Sager Senior Specialist Clerk janice.sager@cmich.edu Athlete Medical Forms, Registration Materials, GMS 19
Resources For the following SOI Resources please visit: http://www.somi.org/sports/sports.html Kayaking Coaching Guide Rules, Protocol and Etiquette Planning a Training Session Quick Start Guide Teaching Kayaking Skills And many more For the following SOMI Resources please visit: http://somi.org/coaches.html Volunteer/ Guest Registration Form General Orientation Participation Guide, General Orientation Quiz, Protective Behaviors Training Head s Up: Concussion Training Application for Sports Training Certification Registration for Coaches Training Recertification Quizzes And many more 20
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Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt. www.somi.org