Policies and Procedures

Members & Parents Information Booklet

Code of Conduct

The aim is for all paddlers in LKR to be safe, to improve performance, to be part of an inclusive club where members feel welcome and come together to enjoy the sport of kayaking.

To create this environment, the club operates to a Code of Conduct which all members, paddlers, non-paddling members and coaches associated with LKR are required to adhere to as a condition of their membership.

The Code of Conduct comprises of the following principles:

All Paddlers should 

  • Take care of all property belonging to LKR and other club members.
  • Co-operate and listen to coaches, helpers and officials at all times.
  • Tell a Committee member/coach/adult you can trust, if you have a problem.
  • Make sure you paddle and train safely at all times and follow the Code of Conduct on land and water.
  • Respect the rights, dignity and worth of others without regard to their age, sex, gender identity, disability, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, religion, race, ethnic origin, nationality, colour, socioeconomic status or sexual orientation.
  • Treat others with respect so that they are able to enjoy their sport without the threat of intimidation, victimisation, harassment or abuse.
  • Conduct yourself with consideration for the safety, comfort and welfare of others.
  • Behave with discretion when discussing individuals and LKR and avoid publicly criticising them in a way which may be demeaning.
  • Abide by LKR and Paddle Scotland (formerly called Scottish Canoe Association (SCA)) policies.
  • Respect the opinions and decisions of those in a position of leadership and/or responsibility.
  • Promote the reputation of kayaking in Scotland and take all possible steps to prevent it from being brought into disrepute.

Coaches and Helpers

  • Paddlers’ welfare and safety is paramount. Ensure activities are appropriate to the age, ability and experience of those taking part.
  • Set an example you wish others to follow. Treat paddlers and members with respect at all times.
  • If you have/become aware of a problem tell a coach, Child Protection Officer or Committee Member.
  • Ensure full compliance with the Paddle Scotland Child Protection Policy and Guidelines

In case of any observed or reported concerns about conduct, LKR will investigate the matter. This may result in a warning or expulsion from the club. Reports of misconduct will be investigated and managed by a sub-committee made up of two Committee Members and the Safeguarding & Child Protection Officer.

Parental Involvement

The club actively encourages parents to be fully involved in club life; this support is the backbone of the club. It is LKR’s expectation that parents will:

  • Support your child’s involvement and help them to enjoy the sport
  • Assume responsibility for the safe transportation of your children to and from events and training, and support your child at competitions whenever possible
  • Never force your child to take part in sport
  • Publicly accept officials’ judgements
  • Set a good example at all times
  • Refer any concerns in a timely manner to your child’s coach or LKR Committee Member

To provide additional cover, we require to have at least one land based adult present for all training sessions and we ask all parents to volunteer for this responsibility on a regular basis (this usually provides a good platform for learning more about the club and generally catch up with coaches and other parents).

Boat Use Policy

Review the Boat Use Policy to understand how LKR owned boats (K1 and K2) may be used and accessed according to your selected LKR membership (where this includes boat rental) or to borrow with associated payment of day-use fee. All LKR boat bookings should be confirmed via lkr.helloclub.com. Any issues or damage to LKR owned boats should be notified to LKR Committee member.

Data Protection

Personal information which you supply to LKR may be used in a number of ways by both by us and Paddle Scotland, the sports governing body, to which we are affiliated. For details, refer to the Paddle Scotland Data Protection Policy to which we adhere.

The Club would like to send you information about our activities, events, and competitions by e-mail. Club emails will be sent with email addresses visible to all to assist communication between members – especially in organising the logistics of getting to competitions and other events.

For further information on how your information is used, how LKR maintains the confidentiality of your information, and your rights to access information we hold on you, please email lkr.kayak@gmail.com

By joining the club, you agree that we may use and disclose your information for the purposes described above. If you are under 18 the form should also be signed and dated by your parent or guardian. Please be assured that we won’t share your details. If you want to be removed, just contact us. 

Photography

If you are taking photographs of your children at events or sessions, we ask that you respect other children and avoid taking their images in close up.

Medical Conditions

We ask that you fully complete/update the membership in details in lkr.helloclub.com in April of each year. Please ensure that the coaches know of any medical conditions, which could affect your/your child’s participation with the club. It is your responsibility to ensure that your emergency contact information is maintained throughout the year.