The Opportunity
The Junior Academy provides opportunities for young people between the
ages of ten and eighteen to experience the sport of rowing and to receive
structured coaching. The club is active in both local and regional competitions.
For the racing calender
CLICK HERE>>
Ross Rowing Club (RRC) welcomes children from the age of 10 upwards.
We operate four types of session for the Junior Academy:
Taster Sessions - usually the first Sunday of the month.
Discover Rowing - groups of around 10 taking their first steps to rowing.
Open Sessions - available to all paid Members of the Junior Academy
Performance Sessions - for competing crews or by invitation
Expectations
The aim of the Junior Academy is to enjoy this sporting challenge. In
the first year or two, this essentially means getting to grips with the
technical demands. From then on, it is a question of developing a level
of fitness and determination to succeed at competition standard. For some,
taking part at the local level of competition is the goal. For others,
the social scene and enjoyment is enough.
The commitment required to prevent the sport becoming a drudge is very
high. Day to day motivation has to come from the individual, rather than
being forced by coaches. There are many members of the club who demonstrate
that studies and sculling do go very well together.
Safety procedures
The club follows the rules of the Amateur Rowing Association's Water Safety
Code.
All rowers must be competent swimmers able to swim at least 50 metres
and this is tested at a local pool. Capsize drills are held regularly
and all rowers must complete the drill. It will teach your child what
to do if he or she ever falls out of a boat.
RRC follows a policy of CRB (child protection) clearance for club coaches,
officials & helpers closely involved with junior rowers.
For more details on safety procedures please see the Junior
Health and Safety section and the main
Safety Section.
The Coaches
All coaching is by qualified coaches who are trained and have been screened
for their suitability for working with young people.
Parents/Carers
We are keen to involve parents in the club and will invite you to seasonal
meetings where you can meet club members and find out more about the club
and our future plans. We welcome parents to all training and competitions
and value your support. We even provide one parent with a Social Membership
as part of a Junior Membership.
Volunteers
As the club is run entirely by volunteers it is essential that both coaches
and parent helpers receive the full support and co-operation of both juniors
and parents. Please complete the 'Volunteers Form' [attached as pdf] if
you would like to get involved.
Membership Application
For a child to join the club it is necessary to complete the Membership
Application Form [attached as pdf] and all supporting details. These are
essential for the safety of your child and to comply with our reporting
commitments to funding bodies. For more details see the Membership section
of the Junior Academy area.
Other expenses
Should your child want to take part in competition membership of the Amateur
Rowing Association is compulsory (it provides insurance cover) and costs
approx £12 for under 14s and £20 for 14-18 year olds.
Club kit must be worn during racing. At the minimum your child will need
a Junior Academy T-shirt.
Race fees are usually between £6 - £8 per person per race.
In addition crews are asked to make a contribution to cover the extra
costs of petrol (approx £3 per person) for those club members who
tow the boat trailer to events.
If you would like to talk to someone about this information or your child's
involvement with the club, please contact the Junior Coordinator, Mark
Lindley on 01989 768918 or the Captain, Ian Howell on 01989 763639.
What can I expect
to pay?
Children can try out rowing for a few sessions to make sure they like
it. You will then be asked to join the club. Current fees for juniors
are:
£84 - Junior under 18 (including 1 Adult single social membership)
What will I get
for my money?
Membership includes your child's use of the rowing. Supervision may be
required dependent on age and inexperience.
For safety reasons the weights, rowing machines and gym may be used by
juniors ONLY under their coach's supervision and after an induction session.
There is currently no additional charge for rowing coaching sessions.
Full membership details are in the
RRC Membership Pack.
Are there any other
rowing costs that I should know about?
Should your child want to take part in competition membership of the Amateur
Rowing Association is compulsory (it provides insurance cover) and costs
approx £11 for under 14s and £19 for 14-18 year olds.
Club kit must be worn during racing. At the minimum your child will need
a Junior Academy T-shirt.
Race fees are usually between £6 - £8 per person per race.
In addition crews are asked to make a contribution to cover the extra
costs of petrol (approx £3 per person) for those club members who
tow the boat trailer to events.
ARA Membership
The club requires all members to join the Amateur
Rowing Association (ARA). This provides two essential benefits. One
is additional insurance cover and the other is the ability to compete
in ARA registered events.
Junior Academy Summer Camp
For further information or to download an application form for the Junior Academy Summer Camp CLICK HERE
Junior Academy Summer Training Schedule
Wednesday
4:45 – 6:00pm Levels 1 - 3
6:00 – 7:30pm Level 4
Saturday & Sunday
10.00 – 11.30 Levels 1 to 3
11.15 – 12.45 Level 4
Every first Sunday
in the month will also run as a Taster Session
for those interested in joining the Junior Academy from 11.30a.m
To get the most from the session please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time
Please note that the sessions will be run at the discretion of the coach.
Rowing will be offered whenever conditions allow, however please be prepared for alternative activities.
If you would like to talk to someone about Training or the club, please contact the Junior coordinator Mark Lindley or the captain, Robin Fletcher on 01989 567 354.
Clothing
It is essential that appropriate clothing and sun protection is worn at
all times. This includes: trainers for circuit training, wellingtons for
rowing, layers of clothes for warmth, hat and sun cream. More details
are available in the Clothing
section.
Academy Sessions
A training schedule will be placed in the Registrar (big red folder) and on the notice board inside the clubhouse. Juniors must arrive promptly for the start of sessions and stay to help clear away at the end.
Registration
Immediately upon arrival Juniors must register as attending training sessions or events. The Registrar (big red folder) will be in the clubhouse. Juniors must not leave the session early without the permission of the coach.
Organisation
The Juniors will be divided into groups dependant on the levels of competence outlined below.
Travel arrangements
Arrangements should
be made for Juniors to travel to and from training sessions and events.
To get the best from the coaching time available Juniors should arrive
promptly and be collected promptly at the end of the session, if they
are not making their own way home. If parents are going to be late picking
up Juniors, please contact the coach/coordinator for the event and let
them know.
Please note that there is a tremendous amount of work required at the
beginning and end of each session. The club expects everyone to "muck
in" and do their bit so whenever possible we expect Juniors to stay
on and help out, even if the session has run on over time.
Full membership details are in the
RRC Membership Pack.
Parents are expected to:
" Be in attendance
at the event or make a responsible adult known to their child in loco
parentis, and to inform the coach which adult is acting in loco parentis.
" Make transport arrangements for their children to and from the
event.
" Provide sufficient food and drink for the duration of the event.
" Pay entry fees before the race.
Juniors (with parental help) are expected to:
" Load the
boat and sculls onto the trailer prior to the race and once racing is
finished
" Re-rig the boat and put it away as requested by the coach.
By creating a single, national standard, Clubmark helps give all kinds of sports clubs with a junior section a structure and direction that will benefit them in several ways:
Increasing membership
Being able to demonstrate that the club have addressed issues such as equality and child protection gives confidence to parents choosing a club for their children.
Developing the club
The foundation for any club is its youth structure. So, by encouraging and attracting young members, a strong future is being built for the club.
Developing our coaches and volunteers
As part of the accreditation scheme, the club be given help and advice in developing the skills of everyone involved in your club.
Raising the club's profile
Once accredited,
the club will be listed on the national database and in other sporting
directories that will help to attract new members and to grow.
Behaviour
Rowing and the handling of rowing apparatus is dangerous unless carried out in a safe and responsible way. Running or climbing on equipment/storage is prohibited. Care and attention is required at all times. Juniors and parents are expected to comply with the wishes of coaches and parent helpers. Failure to comply with these instructions will result in exclusion from the current activity and may result in membership of Ross Rowing Club being revoked.
Lifejackets/buoyancy aids
Unless you have a Green, Bronze or Yellow competency level next to your name on the Register (Red Folder) you must wear a buoyancy aid when rowing.
Coxswains shall wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid of approved design at all times when on the water. Launch drivers and their passengers whether involved in coaching, umpiring or rescue duties, shall wear lifejackets or buoyancy aids.
On the water
When on the water all Juniors MUST stay in sight of a coach and not row downriver of the launching steps.
There will be no rowing if the river is higher than the 5th step from the top or if the motorway bridge cannot be seen from the clubhouse.
Water Quality
There are risks to health associated with water based activities which arise from the micro biological or chemical quality of the water itself and of its immediate environs. The use of inland waters can never be risk free and it is essential that as users, we are aware of the risks present.
By way of precaution
after immersion or contact with water of uncertain quality -
" Always ensure open wounds are protected from the water
" Wear footwear when launching boats or working on the steps or landing
areas.
" Do not eat or drink before showering/washing.
" If 'foul' water has been swallowed refer to your doctor with full
details of incident.
The Gym
Juniors may only go into the gym with their coach's permission. Juniors may not use weights without adult supervision. They may use the exercise machines if permission has been given.
Clothing
Juniors with incorrect clothing will not be allowed on the water. See guidelines on clothing, food and drinks. More details are available in the Clothing section. [http://www.rossrowingclub.co.uk/Assets/Submenu/clothing/therightkitc.jpg]
Speed and Parking at the Clubhouse
There is a 15mph speed limit along the lane leading to the club. This is to protect the lives of all our children - please do not take that ultimate risk.
For most events there is adequate parking at the club or in the sports field just to the right as you enter the club gates. Alternative parking is available in the car park off Alton Street. Parking on at the side of the lane leading to the club is prohibited by Herefordshire Council.
For .pdf version of Health & Safety advise for Visitors CLICK HERE>>
Code Of Conduct - Junior Members for .pdf version CLICK HERE>>
As a member of Ross Rowing Club you are expected to abide by the following
code of conduct:
o All members must comply with the rules of the club and individual competitions and respect officials and their decisions.
o All members must comply with instructions and decisions made by coaches, captains, and nominated parent helpers.
o All members must respect the rights, dignity and worth of all participants regardless of gender, ability, cultural background or religion.
o Members should keep to agreed timings for training and competitions or inform their coach or captain if they are going to be late.
o Members must wear suitable kit for training sessions and competitions, as agreed with the coach.
o Members must pay any fees for membership or events promptly.
o Junior members are not allowed to smoke on club premises or whilst representing the club at competitions.
o Junior members are not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs of any kind on the club premises or whilst representing the club.
In addition the ARA Water Safety Code states that Junior Members have a duty to:
o Act in a manner that will not compromise the safety of themselves, Club members, other water users and the general public.
o Assess risks and base their decisions on such assessments.
o Actively respond
to their Club's safety rules.
o Be proactive in warning others of impending danger.
o Inform coaches and other crew/Club members of any medical condition that may present a risk to themselves and/or their crew. In the case of juniors, parents have a duty to advise those in charge.
Code of Conduct For Parents/Carers for .pdf version CLICK HERE>>
Parents are encouraged to be open at all times and to share any concerns that they may have about any aspect of the club with Mark Lindley, Junior Coordinator, or Cathy Fletcher, Welfare Officer.
As a parent you are expected to abide by the following code of conduct:
o Encourage your child to learn the rules and abide by them.
o Discourage unfair tactics and arguing with officials.
o Help your child to recognise good performance, not just results.
o Never force your child to take part in rowing.
o Set a good example by recognising fair play and applauding good performances of all.
o Never punish or belittle a child for losing or making mistakes.
o Publicly accept the judgments of coaches and appointed helpers.
o Support your child's involvement and help them to enjoy their rowing.
o Use correct and proper language at all times.
o Encourage and guide performers to accept responsibility for their own performance and behaviour.
In addition the ARA Water Safety Code states that parents have a duty to:
o Advise those in charge of any medical condition that may present a risk to their child and/or other club members.
o Act in a manner that will not compromise the safety of themselves, Club members, other water users and the general public.
o Actively respond to the Club's safety rules.
Code of Conduct - Club Officials and Volunteers
The essence of good ethical conduct and practice is summarized below.
All volunteers/parent helpers must:
o Consider the wellbeing and safety of participants before the development of performance.
o Develop an appropriate working relationship with participants, based on mutual trust and respect.
o Make sure all activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
o Promote the positive aspects of the sport (eg fair play).
o Display consistently high standards of behaviour and appearance.
o Follow all guidelines laid down by the national governing body and the club.
o Hold appropriate valid qualifications and insurance cover.
o Never exert undue influence over participants to obtain personal benefit or reward.
o Never condone rule violations, rough play or the use of prohibited substances.
o Encourage participants to value their performances and not just results.
o Encourage and
guide participants to accept responsibility for their own performance
and behaviour.
The club has an appointed Welfare Officer. This person has the primary responsibility to check that everyone who has significant access to young people within the club is suitable for that role and has been vetted as described below. They are available to discuss any concerns raised by juniors or parents. Please raise any issues immediately and make a note of any conversations that take place.
Vetting
All personnel who will have significant access to young people will first be vetted to establish whether they have any criminal convictions or other past behaviour that suggests they are unsuitable to work with children. This is done by obtaining a Disclosure about the individual from the Criminal Records Bureau.
Training
The effectiveness of the policies depends on everyone who is involved with junior rowing being aware of what is good practice and current procedures. This applies particularly to those working directly with young people, such as junior co-ordinators, coaches and Welfare Officers, but an awareness of child protection issues is also needed by others who may be involved more indirectly, such as administrative staff, regatta organisers, committee members or occasional helpers. The club strongly recommends that all volunteers and parents familiarise themselves with the guidelines set down by the ARA. These can be found at www.ara or in the red Junior Academy Folder kept at the club.
Photography and Filming Guidance notes
This is a very difficult subject in a sport where competition is almost
exclusively carried out in large open public spaces where it is not possible
to control admission. The club will however encourage officers, and request
parents, to adhere to the following guidelines:
Identification - You must ensure that the visual contents or captions cannot be used as means of identifying children. This includes names, addresses or any other unnecessary information, which could be used to trace the child. Ensure that this information is withheld in all reproductions.
Dress - Children should be photographed or filmed in suitable dress. Some sporting activities have a higher risk for potential misuse of imagery than others, such as swimming and athletics, but the clothing worn in rowing could be seen to have a number of similarities with these sports. Make sure that the footage or photographs focus on the activity, rather than a full body shot.
Safety gear - It is important that children are not featured wearing jewelry, body piercing or clothing that could cause safety issues. Also ensure that the subject(s) are photographed in the appropriate safety equipment. E.g. where appropriate, lifejackets should be worn.
If the club is planning to use specially commissioned photography for a specific publicity purpose such as a brochure or website, we will ask permission from the juniors' parents or guardians.
If you suspect someone
of taking photographs for an inappropriate use you should report him or
her to the Club Welfare Officer,
Police or Social Services.
This club is committed
to ensuring that equity is incorporated across all aspects of its development.
In doing so it acknowledges and adopts the following Sport England definition
of sports equity:
Sports equity 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 it becomes equally accessible
to everyone in society.
The club 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.
The club is committed to everyone having the right to enjoy their sport
in an environment free from threat of intimidation, harassment and abuse.
All club members have a responsibility to oppose discriminatory behaviour
and promote equality of opportunity.
The club will deal with any incidence of discriminatory behaviour seriously,
according to club disciplinary procedures.
For .pdf version
CLICK
HERE>>
