Minutes of Meetings 2003

12. Ask Miranda to put vacancy for safety officer and one position on the Exec. committee on the web-site. Also get link to BCU safety site from WWR site.
Complete

Election of vice-chairman
John Embrey was proposed by SJW, seconded by SW and elected unanimously.

Selection policy

Senior - Amended (to reflect ICF rule of only 4 paddlers for sprint and classic) selection policy was agreed. Phil Caunt will determine if there is sufficient water to race in Garmisch. If all three races are not completed in Garmisch then the results from the April Trywern will stand. Selection committee will be as last year, it will meet the week after the selection races. John Handyside to chair senior selection with the same committee & approach as last year.

Junior - Up to date on web site. Selection committee will be Howard Blackman, Peter Schofield and James Wingfield to meet immediately after the Trywern.

Team manager's reports

1) Senior team manager's report
Monthly training weekends have been held through the winter, attended by all classes except C2.
Selection, training and World Championships trips have been organised.

2) Junior team manager's report
See attached.

3) Treasurer's report
SMC funding of £30k received, with covering note advising that exchequer funding is for elite competition and preparation only.
Accounts audited and OK, with minor adjustment for tax.
Advised of BCU depreciation policy for assets - 1/3 of residual value per year.

AOB

James Wingfield's risk assessments were discussed, see attached.
Address stickers to be sent to the Schofield's for anyone who should receive the yearbook. e.g. PDOs, clubs, etc etc

Outstanding Actions

Calendar
1. Promote home international series in own nation.
Ongoing action JL, NR, JW
2. Find volunteer from WWR to shadow Howard in his role organising and reporting the Perception Challenge and youth series, in preparation for taking over this role.
Ongoing Action PJS
3. Follow up Dee access with WCA.
Action JE

Financial
4. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only.
Action SJW
5. Write case for second mini-bus.
Action SJW

Rules
6. Obtain electronic copy of the code of conduct.
Action SJW

World Championships / Cup
7. Find someone to run development trip to World Cup.
Ongoing JC
8. Discuss senior worlds at the next committee meeting.
Action SW
9. Advertise event director and shadow for senior worlds.
Action PJS
10. Investigate Worlds funding, possibly via WCA / ICU EU funding.
Action PJS / JW
11. Ask John Handyside to chair selection committee.
Action PJS

Marketing
12. Find volunteers to assemble the new yearbook, to be at printers before the end of the year. Find volunteers to learn how to use the timing equipment at the Nene, Dee and the Burrs. Ask Andy Goodsall to deliver the training.
Ongoing PJS
13. Organise fun weekend at the Nene 12/13th June.
Ongoing Action HB

Safety / Coaching / Timing
14. Locate timing equipment and arrange to store in Howard's office at the BCU.
Action JE, PJS
15. Committee to review draft risk assessment sheet considering safety cover for key risks via PDO's and come up with solution to put to race organisers. This will become a responsibility of the safety officer.
Action all

16. Jes to ask Howard Blackman to discuss swift water rescue in detail at the next meeting.
Action JO
17. Consider the transition from Perception Wavehopper to challenge to Div B at next meeting.
Action SW

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BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

25th March 2004

Grainau Germany

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, James Wingfield, Sarah Wright, Jamie Christie, Simon Wright

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record.

Completed actions

1. Ask John Handyside to chair selection committee.
Complete

2. Find volunteers to assemble the new yearbook, to be at printers before the end of the year. Find volunteers to learn how to use the timing equipment at the Nene, Dee and the Burrs. Ask Andy Goodsall to deliver the training.
Complete

Bala Senior Worlds

Funding was discussed following issues with funding from UK Sport etc.
Sponsorship for getting boats to the UK is being investigated.
Alternatives are being sought.
Shadow role for event organiser was discussed.

Safety

A safety officer has been identified - Maitland Hyslop <maitland.hyslop@onenortheast.co.uk>

Outstanding Actions

Calendar

1. Promote home international series in own nation.
Ongoing action JL, NR, JW

2. Find volunteer from WWR to shadow Howard in his role organising and reporting the Perception Challenge and youth series, in preparation for taking over this role.
Ongoing Action PJS

3. Follow up Dee access with WCA.
Action JE

Financial

4. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only.
Action SJW

5. Write case for second mini-bus.
Action SJW

Rules

6. Obtain electronic copy of the code of conduct.
Action SJW

World Championships / Cup

7. Find someone to run development trip to World Cup.
Ongoing JC

8. Add senior worlds update to the agenda for future committee meetings.
Ongoing SW

9. Advertise event director and ask candidates for shadow (AG, JO, KB) for senior worlds.
Action PJS

10. Investigate Worlds funding, possibly via WCA / ICU EU funding.
Ongoing PJS / JW

11. Talk to Paul Owen about how payments will be made to event director etc.
Action PJS

12. Create list of old juniors and contact them to see if they are interested in coming back to sport for Worlds / Commonwealth event.
Action SW

Marketing

13. Organise fun weekend at the Nene 12/13th June.
Ongoing Action HB

Safety / Coaching / Timing

14. Locate timing equipment and arrange to store in Howard's office at the BCU.
Action JE, PJS

15. Committee to review draft risk assessment sheet considering safety cover for key risks via PDO's and come up with solution to put to race organisers. This will become a responsibility of the safety officer.
Action all

16. Jes to ask Howard Blackman to discuss swift water rescue in detail at the next meeting.
Action JO

17. Consider the transition from Perception Wavehopper to challenge to Div B at next meeting.
Action SW

18. Communicate with new safety officer new ideas.
Action SW

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BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

11th May 2004

Birstal, Leicester

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, Simon Wright, Sarah Wright, Jamie Christie, John Handyside, Jes Oughton, John Embrey, Maitland Hyslop, Howard Blackman

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record, proposed by Simon Wright, seconded by Jamie Christie.

Completed actions

1. Find volunteer from WWR to shadow Howard in his role organising and reporting the Perception Challenge and youth series, in preparation for taking over this role. Shropshire Paddlesport have kindly volunteered to look after England and Wales. David Dickson has kindly volunteered to cover Scotland.
Complete
2. Find someone to run development trip to World Cup. Stuart Smith will take this role.
Complete
3. Add senior worlds update to the agenda for future committee meetings.
Complete
4. Ask candidates for shadow (AG, JO, KB) for senior worlds. Miranda Churchill and Kevin Bowerbank will do this.
Complete
5. Talk to Paul Owen about how payments will be made to event director etc. All accounting will be via the BCU. (Last time was done through the Tryweryn/ WCA. WWR will maintain a separate fund for worlds commercial items (e.g. tee shirts). Simon Wright will monitor for WWR & Dave Belbin for BCU.
Complete
6. Locate timing equipment and arrange to store in Howard's office at the BCU. Timing equipment was used for senior selection and Tour D'Ecosse.
Complete

7. Committee to review draft risk assessment sheet considering safety cover for key risks via PDO's and come up with solution to put to race organisers. This has become a responsibility of the safety officer.
Complete

8. Jes to ask Howard Blackman to discuss swift water rescue in detail at the next meeting. This has become a responsibility of the safety officer.
Complete
9. Consider the transition from Perception Wavehopper to challenge to Div B at next meeting. Discussed briefly see new action below.
Complete
10. Communicate with new safety officer new ideas.
Complete

Team manager's reports
Selection has been successfully completed for the junior and senior teams. Oliver Wickham and Nigel Jones have appealed as they have not been selected for races 3 and 4. However this was seen to be in line with the policy to select as many paddlers as possible for the development trip.

1. Send note to Dave Peart and Slade Warne explaining why they weren't selected for Bovec.
Action PJS

Treasurer's report
SMC funding has been received. Jes Oughton, Jamie Christie and Kevin Bowerbank are working within budgets.

2. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only.
Action SJW
3. Write case for second mini-bus.
Action SJW
4. Obtain electronic copy of the code of conduct.
Action SJW

Safety
Maitland Hyslop summarised the ongoing safety debate, with key issues being courses, equipment and organisation. More information will be put on the website in the form of a beginners guide to WWR with guidance notes for each river. It will be clearly stated on the web site that no safety cover will be provided during practice, and paddlers are expected to practice in groups. Safety briefings will be provided by race organisers from 2005, times will be published in the year book, and race organisers notified. The safety officer will be responsible for ensuring random checks are carried out at random races throughout the season, and if helmets, buoyancy aids etc are found to be non-compliant then the paddler must be disqualified.

5. A template form for spot checks is to be created using BCU forms as a starting point.
Action MH
6. Draft copy of findings from debate at meeting to be circulated to exec. members and comments given back to Maitland.
Action MH

Bala Senior Worlds

An open debate was held to confirm that it was the wish of the executive committee to go ahead with the World Championships / World Cup. There was a unanimous vote that this should go ahead, with a maximum agreed funding of £10k over the two years from WWR. The BCU have agreed to contribute £20k. It was noted that the committee believe this money should be spent on providing a good event for the paddlers, and not in hosting ICF officials.
7. World Championships action list to be circulated to Exec members.
Action PJS
8. Mike Steele to be approached about sponsorship for the World Championships.
Action PJS
9. Advertise event director role.
Action PJS
10. Investigate Worlds funding, possibly via WCA / ICU EU funding, revisit Sport England when One Stop Plan is in place.
Ongoing PJS / JW
11. Create list of old juniors and contact them to see if they are interested in coming back to sport for Worlds / Commonwealth event.
Action SW
12. Arrange World's meeting at Jes's house after the World Cup.
Action SW

Calendar

Dee (Llangollen) access situation:
Llangollen Anglers have offered the WCA a competition-only agreement i.e. they will grant access for specific competition dates for limited numbers but on condition that there is no other access on any other days. The WCA find this totally unacceptable. The WCA Board has informed the anglers this is unacceptable and are seeking to negotiate better terms. However, at present the prospects are not good, we therefore need to plan contingencies. Richard Harvey is discussing the situation with Llangollen Town Council, whose traders do not want to lose the canoeing revenue. Richard is also trying to get the Welsh Assembly involved. Richard is also exploring possible alternatives on our behalf. The following options proposed by John were agreed by the rest of the Executive committee, the final date for resolution is early September.
Div A 6/7 Nov
Ideally, get the Dee available
First alternative; replace the Dee A with the Usk and/or Wye on the same weekend 6/7 Nov (possibly one day on each, on the same weekend)
Second alternative; replace the Dee A with the Usk and/or Wye on an alternative date
Third Alternative; request Gary Baker RAFCA to upgrade the Nith 11/12 Dec to a Div A (this would delay final ranking compilations, and shifts an even greater proportion of the races to the North) N.B. remember impact on number of counting races if races are lost.
AGM
If the Dee cannot go ahead, hold this on the evening of Sat 20 Nov in Stockton, after the Barrage sprint.
ACU Champs 27/28 Nov
Relocate to either Tryweryn (combine with Students if necessary) or Washburn, if access & release can be arranged.
Possibly combine with RAFCA champs on Nith 11/12 Dec
Brad Percival (and maybe Gary Baker) to be consulted

Students Champs 4/5 Dec
Relocate to Tryweryn, if access & release can be arranged (Bala is used to large numbers).
I would not wish to suggest Usk or Wye until relationships have been stabilised.

Div B 9 Jan 2005
Cancel, if Dee not available

Selection dates and venues for 2005 were discussed. Senior selection will be at the Trywern with courses as close to the World Cup courses as possible, this must be complete by last week in April.
Junior selection will be at the same trywern event with either the Awe or Washburn.

It was agreed following a request from Gary Baker that the combined services could be considered a home nation for the home international series, with the aim of getting more services paddlers to attend races.

13. Follow up Dee access with WCA.
Ongoing action JE
14. Arrange for AGM to be held at the Tees canoe club following the sprint at the barrage.
Action SW
15. Promote home international series in own nation.
Ongoing action JL, NR, JW

Marketing

16. Organise fun weekend at the Nene 26/27th June.
Ongoing Action HB
17. Write a proposal for the re-introduction of Div C.
Action JE / HB
18. Identify races to be labelled as regional championships, this will help to raise the profile of the sport with Sport England.

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BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

25th September 2004

Nottingham Kayak Club

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, Simon Wright, Jes Oughton, John Embrey, Michael Mason, Gary Baker, Steve Gove-Humphries, James Wingfield, Andy Goodsell

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record, proposed by Simon Wright, seconded by John Embrey.

Completed actions

1. Send note to Dave Peart and Slade Warne explaining why they weren't selected for Bovec.
Complete
2. Draft copy of findings from debate at meeting to be circulated to exec. members and comments given back to Maitland.
Complete
3. World Championships action list to be circulated to Exec members.
Complete
4. Mike Steele to be approached about sponsorship for the World Championships.
Complete
5. Advertise event director role.
Complete
6. Arrange World's meeting at Jes's house after the World Cup.
Complete
7. Follow up Dee access with WCA.
Complete
8. Arrange for AGM to be held at the Tees canoe club following the sprint at the barrage.
Complete
9. Organise fun weekend at the Nene 26/27th June.
Complete

Team manager's reports
Some encouraging results from senior trips.
Junior : Big trip to pre-worlds and Europeans was successful but was stretched for volunteers. Very encouraging for some first time trippers. Accommodation is in place for next year and manager intends to focus on top end i.e. medals.
1. Kevin Bowerbank has resigned therefore post to be advertised on the web.
Action SW
Junior pre-Europeans were not very well organised but there is little leverage back on them as it was a "pre" event.
2. Feedback to FFCK via BCU.
Action PJS
Going forward the junior team structure will mirror the seniors with 3 tiers to the squad. JO proposed that the current Div A ranking be used as one of the criteria for selection e.g. the ranking replaces a race. Availability of coaches was an issue, many thanks to Grant and Jonnie they were very successful.
3. Decide on timing and location of junior prize giving.
Action JO
Many thanks to JO, JC, coaches and helpers for another successful season.
4. Team managers to review squad lists to ensure accuracy for doping procedures.
Action JO, JC

Treasurer's report
5. Minibus - Jes Oughton to ask Peter Keron if he can look after it and be the registered keeper.
Action JO
World class busses will be available for sale at the end of the year for approx. £8k one will be purchased at this price.
6. Need to decide how much to reimburse Slade and Dave for selection misunderstanding.
Action PJS
7. Yearbook - needs to be written, volunteer to be sought using the web-site.
Action SW
8. Need to ensure selection policy is rewritten early enough for yearbook. This should include communications policy and confidence must be maintained by all involved.
Action JO, JC
9. The 2004/05 budget needs to be presented to the SMC by 20th October.
Action SJW
10. Follow up non-payment of trip contributions with letter.
Action SJW, PJS
11. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only.
Action SJW
12. Write case for second mini-bus.
Action SJW
13. Obtain electronic copy of the code of conduct.
Action SJW

Safety

14. A template form for spot checks is to be created using BCU forms as a starting point.
Action MH

Bala Senior Worlds
Peter reiterated the need to progress with a completely united front. This is the most important event on the BCU horizon at the moment and we can therefore expect their support. Peter is helping for helpers from outside the existing WWR organisation to spread the load. Andy Goodsell has provisionally been offered a position as a project manager at the BCU the scope of which will include support for the non-Olympic disciplines so he should be able to help (he is an ICF official). Still no major sponsorship.
Need additional help for Peter and John Handyside.
15. Send job list to Miranda.
Action PJS
Four responses have been received to the event director's role. Information for candidates will be circulated next week, interviews will be held mid-October.
16. Discuss with Paul Owen possible World's input.
Action AG
17. Investigate Worlds funding, possibly via WCA / ICU EU funding, revisit Sport England when One Stop Plan is in place.
Ongoing PJS / JW
18. Create list of old juniors and contact them to see if they are interested in coming back to sport for Worlds / Commonwealth event.
Action SW
Calendar

2004 classic decider will be the Usk (post meeting suggestion of Tees Barrage for sprint).
19. Try to get access to top section of Tryweryn for Div A races.
Action PJS

Feb Nith promoted to Div A/B.
Usk included again for 2005(hopefully) for end-October (confirm after this year's event; one step at a time).
Oct Taff now A/B sprint (unless better nearby location found).
Exeter CC withdrawing; so Lower Dart (not Dart Loop) dropped after Nov 2004 and new organiser needed for Exe in 2006.
Perception Final to move to Tees Barrage for 2005, if suitable date/tides can be found.
20. Promote home international series in own nation.
Ongoing action JL, NR, JW

Marketing
21. Write a proposal for the re-introduction of Div C.
Action JE / HB
22. Identify races to be labelled as regional championships, this will help to raise the profile of the sport with Sport England.
Action JE / HB
One Stop Plan
23. Comments requested. BCU development plan to be circulated.
Action PJS
Coaching
Alan Tordoff's proposal was accepted.
24. Separate coaching meeting to be arranged to include AG, JO, JC, HB, PJS.
Action JO
25. Add a budget line for coaching development.
Action SJW
AOB
26. Lara Tipper to be invited to the next meeting and the Burrs weekend in November to discuss long term paddler development.
Action JO

DONM
16th October in Stone

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BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

27th October 2004

Birstall

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, Simon Wright, Jes Oughton, Sarah Wright, Jamie Christie, Andy Goodsell

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record, proposed by Simon Wright, seconded by Jamie Christie.

Completed actions

1. Kevin Bowerbank has resigned as Development Director to focus on Bath CC therefore post to be advertised on the web.
Complete
2. Feedback to FFCK via BCU.
Complete
3. Decide on timing and location of junior prize giving. - These will be held at the Burrs on 12th Feb. 2005.
Complete
4. Yearbook - needs to be written, volunteer to be sought using the web-site.
Complete
5. Follow up non-payment of trip contributions with letter.
Complete
6. Write case for second mini-bus.
Complete
7. Send job list to Miranda.
Complete
8. Separate coaching meeting to be arranged to include AG, JO, JC, HB, PJS.
Complete
9. Add a budget line for coaching development.
Complete
10. Lara Tipper to be invited to the next meeting and the Burrs weekend in November to discuss long term paddler development.
Complete
11. Write a proposal for the re-introduction of Div C.
Action JE / HB

Team manager's reports
See separate junior and senior team manager's reports.

Paddlers must be available for doping tests with 3 days notice to their home address. Any exemptions must be approved at least 21 days prior to competition. It is essential that everyone understands how important this now is to ensure athletes are not disqualified.

1. Send doping rules and links to team managers.
Action AG

2. Team managers to review squad lists to ensure accuracy for doping procedures, and new rules must be circulated to squads.
Action JO, JC
3. Add Bill Lawrenson and Andy Goodsell to the senior selection committee.
Action JC
4. Send note to ICF to raise issue about proximity of dates of Junior Worlds and Junior Europeans.
Action PJS

Treasurer's report
5. Minibus - Registered keeper to be changed to Simon Wright for now, Jamie will try find somewhere close to him to keep it.
Action SJW
6. Need to decide how much to reimburse Slade and Dave for selection misunderstanding.
Ongoing PJS
7. Need to ensure selection policy is rewritten early enough for yearbook. This should include communications policy and confidence must be maintained by all involved.
Ongoing JO, JC
All content for yearbook to be sent to Sarah Wright by mid-November. Final document to be available by mid December.
8. Send printer's contact details to Sarah.
Action JO
9. The 2004/05 budget needed to be presented to the SMC on 20th October. Copies to be sent to Dave Belbin, SMC and AG.
Action SJW
10. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only.
Action SJW
11. Obtain electronic copy of the code of conduct for year book.
Action AG

Safety
12. Review form compiled by Maitland and feedback prior to the AGM. Copy attached with the minutes.
Action All

Bala Senior Worlds
TV is now confirmed so sponsorship can now be pursued. Dignitary's have been approached. Current calendar is attached with minutes.
Sponsorship will be at three levels -
i) Core to fund timing equipment and event manager
ii) David Goldstrum organised rafting representing towns across Wales to provide TV appeal and generate funds
iii) Outdoor show as free-standing event to attract people to Bala over the Bank Holiday weekend

13. Discuss with Paul Owen possible World's input - meeting 8th December.
Ongoing AG
14. Investigate Worlds funding, possibly via WCA / ICU EU funding, revisit Sport England when One Stop Plan is in place.
Ongoing PJS / JW
15. Create list of old juniors and contact them to see if they are interested in coming back to sport for Worlds / Commonwealth event.
Ongoing SW
Calendar

Calendar was discussed, it was felt that 13 Div As was too many. One option could be to change the Feb Nith to a Div B and have the option to change the December Nith to a Div B if there other races have to be cancelled through the year.
Another idea was to make the British Open a free standing event i.e. not a Div A and put more emphasis on this rather than the ranking list. The June Trywern was suggested for this.

16. Try to get access to top section of Tryweryn for Div A races.
On hold

17. Promote home international series in own nation.
Ongoing action JL, NR, JW

Marketing

18. Identify races to be labelled as regional championships, this will help to raise the profile of the sport with Sport England.
Ongoing JE / HB
One Stop Plan
19. Comments requested. BCU development plan to be circulated. - dependent on funding decisions from SMC.
Ongoing
Coaching
20. Prepare a letter for coaches and send to AG for checking. The letter should ask them to prepare:
i) coaching CVs in line with the appropriate level requirements
ii) a presentation on a subject of their choice
iii) copy of safety certificate
iv) BCU membership number.
Action JO

AGM
Details confirmed with Tees Watersport Centre.
John Embrey's motions were discussed 1,2 and 3 were agreed, these need to be rewritten as amendments to the current wording in the yearbook. The Exec agreed that it is not the right time for amendments 4, 5 and 6, although this would be checked with Howard.

21. Ask Miranda / John to rewrite motions as amendments to the current wording in the yearbook, and consult Howard about other motions.
Action SW

DONM
20TH November Teesside 7:45pm

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ACM held at the Tees Watersports Centre Stockton:
20:00 20th November 2004

1. Attendees
Peter Schofield - Chairman Clitheroe Canoe Club
Simon Wright - Treasurer Lincoln Canoe Club
Sarah Wright - Secretary
Jes Oughton - Junior Team Manager
Michael Mason Durham Canoe Club
Gary Baker RAFCA
David Baker RAFCA
Keith Wickham Sunderland Canoe Club
Stuart Fisher - Canoeist Magazine
David Rimmington Solihull Canoe Club
Huan Rimmington Solihull Canoe Club
Kyle Bowles Solihull Canoe Club
Barry Bowles Solihull Canoe Club
Maitland Hyslop Hexham Canoe Club
Jackie Hyslop Hexham Canoe Club
Dee Paterson Shropshire Paddlesport
Malcolm Blowers Meridian Canoe Club
Miranda Churchill Addlestone Canoe Club
Jo Oughton Paddleplus
Liz McIntosh Forth Canoe Club
Phil Caunt
David Belbin Nottingham Kayak Club
Iain Clough Tees Kayak Club

2. Apologies
Andy Clough
James Wingfield
John Embrey
Stuart Smith
Jamie Christie
Peter Ford
Yael Ford.

3. Approval of minutes from last ACM
Minutes of last year's meeting were proposed by Jo Oughton and seconded by Iain Clough.

4. Chairman's address

INTRODUCTION
I would like to welcome you all to our AGM in Teesside, arranged again thanks to Iain Clough and Simon and Sarah Wright - We are building on the successful format of the last two years - an earlier AGM and a buffet at the Tees Kayak Club - please stay on after the AGM or join us for the social afterwards. Everyone is welcome and I'd like to invite all those paddlers who are having their first taste of WWR competition - everyone is very welcome

We always need more volunteers - in all sorts of roles. Please see me, or any member of the committee, if you would like to be more involved!

GENERAL
It has been another good year for junior development, with further growth in the Perception Wavehopper Challenge and increasing interest in WWR. We even have a Blue Peter presenter hopefully paddling with us tomorrow at the Tees sprint. The BCU's new coaching scheme and emphasis on Long Term Athlete Development will help us to continue developing the sport.

We had a good years performance at the Senior Worlds in Garmisch in Bavaria and the Junior Worlds at Vipiteno in Italy. In particular the Pre-European and World Cup Series gave a large number of our top senior and junior paddlers their first taste of top international competition. This will, I'm sure, help us increase the depth of our talent for years to come.

Phil Caunt and Alan Tordoff's development of the Senior Squad and the preparations they have put in place mean that we now have a coaching structure that works for the sport at all levels. Maitland Hyslop's new role as safety officer is another step in helping develop the sport at all levels

The good news is that work is continuing preparing for the World Championships at Bala in 2006 and the World Cup in 2005. Preparation is far advanced and things are looking good.

I would again like to extend my thanks to everyone who has helped in any way this year - we have a lot of friends and influence in the family of paddlesport and this is something we should be very proud of. In particular I would like to thank the Race Organisers - without whom we would not have a sport!

I would also very much like to thank Jamie Christie, Jes Oughton, Kevin Bowerbank and all the class coaches for their help and dedication. Having such an experienced team, with in depth support is really making a big difference to our elite performance. In particular I'd like to thank Kevin Bowerbank for his hard work as Development Director and wish him all the best in his continuing work with Bath Canoe Club

Paddler Focus - To make the sport accessible to all who want to participate
It has been another very good year for development. The programme of different training events run by clubs, the WWR committee, the BCU Paddlesport Development Officers and the new Perception Wavehopper challenge continue bringing newcomers into the sport .We continue to see the results of this flow through - with an increasingly hard fought club youth series and a very promising junior team. We are now focusing on increasing the breadth and depth of our coaching support at all levels and are putting in place a continuing training plan. We continue to need volunteers - in particular to take over from the great work Kevin Bowerbank has been doing as development director. The great thing with development is the more we do - the more there is to do!

International Success - To help paddlers realise their full potential in International competition.
We have had another good year, with Jonnie's World Cup 6th place and his Bronze Medal at Bovec. The K1 Men's team World Championship 6th place was excellent. Also the junior team had some excellent results with Jessica Oughton's 4th place in the sprint European championships and Rory Woods' excellent results at the Junior pre-Worlds. The focus has now moved to preparing for next year's Junior World Championships at Vipiteno in Italy and of course for the Seniors the 2005 World Cup & 2006 Bala Worlds'. We are seeing a resurgence of interest in C2's and will be looking for both team and individual medals.

Most of our effort remains focused on supporting all our athletes both with technical training, coaching and good management support, which is now in place to deliver our performance plan.

Raising the Profile of Paddlesport - To manage and run an enjoyable programme that meets the needs of the whole WWR paddling community. Deliver a competition programme that attracts and stretches all our paddlers
We have had another good and full calendar, hopefully catering to most tastes, with many thanks to the race organisers and to John Embrey again for all his dedication behind the scenes. We are continuing our very successful social events in Scotland and have moved our Welsh event to Teesside this year - as you know! The loss of the Dee is a severe blow and we will be working to get the races re-instated as soon as possible. The Usk was a welcome re-addition to the calendar but only serves to illustrate the difficulties in maintaining access for paddle sport. Many thanks to Howard Blackman for running the new family-friendly format event at the Nene. I'd also like to thank Miranda and Chris Churchill, Pete Ford and James Lee for their work on keeping the website interesting and up-to-date. I think they have done a fantastic job.

We will be continuing to try other new format events and of course bringing together a team to run the World Cup Series in collaboration with the Irish Canoe Union and then for the World Championships in 2006 - more volunteers will be needed so please contact John Handyside or Me if you'd like to be involved.

So to conclude I would just like to thank everyone for coming to the AGM and wish you all the very best for the coming season. Happy Paddling!

Peter Schofield
Teesside

5. Treasurer's report

Total expenditure of £50.5k is £9.8k more than budget and is partially off set by income of £5.2k more than budget. The extra income noted is mainly from a higher level of contributions and Wavehopper Royalties. With depreciation as per budget the net effect on overall reserves for the year is a reduction of £4.6k more than budget, i.e. a reduction in reserves of £10k from £38.2k on the 1st Nov 2003 to £28.2 on the 31st Oct 2004.

The debtors at the year end represent income that has not yet been banked and outstanding payments, with creditors being the reverse, cheques written and not yet cashed.

6. Secretary's report

There were 5 committee meetings held in the last year:

Grandtully 6/3/04
Grainau 25/3/04
Birstal 11/5/03
Nottingham 25/9/03
Birstal 27/10/03
Attendance was as follows:

Peter Schofield, Simon Wright - 5
Sarah Wright, Jes Oughton, Jamie Christie - 4
James Wingfield, John Embrey - 3
Andy Goodsell, Michael Mason - 2
John Royle, John Handyside, Maitland Hyslop, Howard Blackman, Gary Baker, Steve Grove-Humphries - 1

7. Election of officers

Safety Officer - Maitland Hyslop was elected proposed by Jo Oughton, seconded by Dee Paterson.
Jamie Christie John Embrey and Jes Oughton were re-elected. Proposed by David Belbin and seconded by Michael Mason.
Secretary remains vacant.

8. Proposed motions - SEE BELOW

Motion 1 Exclude Div A paddlers from Perception Challenge
9.12.1.1 Add: ", and must not be ranked in Division A. If a paddler is promoted to Division A at any time during the year that paddler is no longer eligible to score Perception Wavehopper Challenge points, with immediate effect. In addition, any paddler who achieves a time at a Division A race that would have entitled promotion to Division A but refuses promotion may be excluded from earning further Perception Wavehopper Challenge points at the discretion of the Ranking List Compiler."
Proposed by Exec, seconded by Miranda Churchill. 10 votes in favour and 3 abstentions.
Motion 2 Exclude Div A paddlers from Youth Series points
9.9.1 Delete "which are restricted only by age"
9.9.5 Replace with: "The competition is for Division B paddlers only. However, any paddler achieving promotion to Division A from September onwards may continue to earn Youth Series points for that year. In addition, any paddler who achieves a time at a Division A race that would have entitled promotion to Division A during races prior to September but refuses promotion may be excluded from earning further Youth Series points at the discretion of the Ranking List Compiler."
9.9.6 Add new point : "Paddlers ranked in Division A may still compete in, and score points for their club at, the National Youth Club Championships."
Proposed by Exec, seconded by Gary Baker. 12 votes in favour and 1 against.
Motion 3 Remove Wavehopper Allowance from Div A
9.5.2 Replace with "No time allowance will be applied to competitors in Division A and Open events. Actual run time will be used for all Division A and Open position and points calculations."
9.5.3 Delete "..Division A or.." from line 3.
Proposed by Exec, seconded by Jo Oughton. 12 votes in favour and 1 against.
Other Tidy-Ups
9.2.7 Replace "Sprint Series. The best four scores &." with "Sprint Series. The best five scores&."
Change "& gaining less than four results&" to "& gaining less than five results &"
Delete "Note: " onwards.
9.2.8 Add "Should the Dee races not take place for whatever reason, the Usk race will be used as the deciding Classic race and the Tees Barrage as the deciding Sprint". Should either of these not take place replacements will be published on the website".
9.2.10 Add to end of first sentence (after "&for 8 races 4 count") : ", subject to a maximum of five counting events per series".
9.4.10 Replace with "No promotion to Division A will take place at Division B events". For promotion to Division A to take place a paddler must enter a Division B event which coincides with a Division A event on the same course and produce a time (without any allowance) which would have given the paddler 240 or more Division A points had they already been in Division A. In addition, the paddler must have demonstrated their competence to cope with Division A courses. When a paddler is promoted, the promotion will be retrospective (i.e. they will be awarded Division A and not Division B point for that event). The entry fee will be the same as for the Division B event."
9.4.11 Replace with "Promotion to Division A may be declined. However, if a paddler persistently declines promotion the Ranking List compilers reserve the right to refuse to award further Perception or Youth Series points."
9.4.12 Replace with "Irrespective of whether a paddler gains promotion at a Classic or Sprint event, that paddler shall be considered to be promoted for both Classic and Sprint series."
The original change to 9.2.8 was amended to read : "In the event of a tie the result of the October Washburn will decide the National Ranking."
The original change to 9.4.11 was amended to read : "Any paddler who achieves a time at a Division A race that would have entitled promotion to Division A but refuses promotion may be excluded from earning further Div B points at the discretion of the Ranking List Compiler."

With these amendments the tidy ups were proposed by the Exec. and seconded by Simon Wright. All voted were in favour.

10 A.O.B.
Calendar - Phil Caunt suggested that the Exec. should consider sprint weekends and classic weekends instead of some of the mixed weekends we have at the moment. This is what the French do and delivers much better sprint results due to the increase in practise of sprint courses. It was agreed that this will be considered further by the Exec.
Junior Development - Barry Bowles questioned the current proposals to split up the juniors into separate tiers. Jes Oughton explained that this was necessary to keep the number of paddlers at training events in line with the available coaching resources for safety purposes.
Barry Bowles also pointed out the lack of information that has been sent to junior paddlers since the Leicester meeting. Jes and Phil explained that this was because this should be a quiet time for paddlers and they are still awaiting the international calendar for 2005. Once this is available the Junior and Senior team coaches will put together a programme of training events and circulate to all. Another reason for the current quiet time is this is a pre-worlds year for the seniors, and it has been decided to focus on getting coaches qualified. . It was agreed clear information will be circulated to junior athletes as soon as possible
Development- Dee Paterson suggested that we needed resources to focus on new development paddlers both senior and junior. . The Exec agreed to review development arrangements and align with the BCU's long term paddler development plans and the WWR Coaching structure.

Meeting closed at 9:30pm.

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