Minutes of Meetings 2005

2. Team managers to review squad lists to ensure accuracy for doping procedures, and new rules must be circulated to squads.
Complete
3. Add Bill Lawrenson and Andy Goodsell to the senior selection committee.
Complete
4. Send note to ICF to raise issue about proximity of dates of Junior Worlds and Junior Europeans.
Complete
5. Minibus - Registered keeper to be changed to Simon Wright for now, Jamie will try find somewhere close to him to keep it.
Complete
6. Need to decide how much to reimburse Slade and Dave for selection misunderstanding.
Complete
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.
Complete
8. Send printer's contact details to Sarah.
Complete
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.
Complete
10. Obtain electronic copy of the code of conduct for year book.
Complete
11. Review form compiled by Maitland and feedback prior to the AGM.
Complete
12. Discuss with Paul Owen possible World's input - meeting 8th December.
Complete
13. Investigate Worlds funding, possibly via WCA / ICU EU funding, revisit Sport England when One Stop Plan is in place.
Complete
14. Try to get access to top section of Tryweryn for Div A races.
Complete
15. Promote home international series in own nation.
Complete
16. Identify races to be labelled as regional championships, this will help to raise the profile of the sport with Sport England.
Complete
17. 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.
Complete
18. Ask Miranda / John to rewrite motions as amendments to the current wording in the yearbook, and consult Howard about other motions.
Complete

Team manager's reports
Senior:
Training camps have been run every month.
Tryweryn access is a massive issue for the team and pressure needs to be applied to make sure that at least WWR has access and soon.
Selection committee needs to be approved:
" Neil Blackman - Chair
" Howard Blackman
" Bill Lawrenson
" Nigel Stevenson
" David Enoch

Jes Oughton and Peter Schofield are available as reserves. Jamie Christie will attend but not vote. Coaches will provide supporting information but are not able to vote.
Approved - Complete

Various communications have taken place about selection, eligibility and squad structure, as per the policy. All selection forms have been received and selection registration is now closed.

Selection races confirmed, parking available at Bala Mill.
19. JE view was that extra safety cover would be necessary at Bala Mill for the sprint selection, e.g. Bala CC or Tryweryn swift water rescue people who want log book time.
Action - PJS

Junior:
Junior Worlds race river has changed, <3 days to learn a new river. The Jr team management are most unhappy about this and the lack of consultation about the decision.
20. Team kit none available, new supplier to source.
Action - JO
21. Juniors have not been contacting coaches, despite e-mail reminders. Another reminder to send and a message on the web site needed.
Action - JO & MC
22. Eligibility concerns were raised about decisions for Juniors. HB stated that a level 3 coach should advise the selection committee and that proof of eligibility was more important now that the course has been changed. Alan Tordoff to be contacted for advice and letters to athletes to be written.
Action - JO

Treasurer's report
23. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only.
Action SJW
Two more busses are now owned by WWR. These have been purchased for £8k each from the World Class Team and will continue to be managed by Dave Enoch. It is required that £6k (£3k per bus) remains available in the BCU - WWR balance sheet to fund insurance and repairs.

Anyone who wishes to drive the new busses must send a copy of their license to Dave Enoch for the insurance.

Due to bus purchases cash is tight for the year, SJW reinforces message to stick to budget.

24. Insurance and paperwork to sort out for existing blue bus. Registered keeper and address to change to Maitland Hyslop.
Action SJW
25. Trailer spend was high last year - costs to review
Action SJW
26. Can trailer maintenance be picked up via D Enoch??
Action AG/HB
27. An Audit of W'Hoppers was requested
Action HB
28. Register of W'Hoppers to build.
Action MH
29. Need to trace other W'Hoppers that have been bought by clubs through BCU schemes so they can be re-distrubuted to WWR clubs.
Action HB
Formal thanks were extended to Sarah Wright for pulling together the year book.

Safety
Nothing further to add over and above Maitland's e-mail ciculations.

Bala Senior Worlds - World Cup
Most entries are now in, (except GBR !!) races are secure and Notts County Council are looking at sponsoring a BBQ.
The Irish have secured £20k sponsorship funding for the event.
JH is now appointed into Director role.
30. Call for helpers - more are needed, link on the web site direct to JH is best route. Put advert on web site and possibly Reading CC web site.
Action - MC

31. Create list of old juniors and contact them to see if they are interested in coming back to sport for Worlds / Commonwealth event.
Action dropped
32. JH travel costs have gone up due to issues with access and dealing with the Tryweryn centre - other areas of budget need to be scaled back.
Action - PJS via committee
33. Detailed business plan now needed for 2005 - cash flow.
Action - SJW
34. Names are required for the ICF officials exam and paperwork to be sent. Date needs to be set nearer the time.
Action - SJW via SW
Bala Senior Worlds 2006
35. Sponsorship of event is now required up to approx £40k.
Action - PJS via committee
Associated events are now being planned with two legacy's planned
" An annual outdoor show
" A cycle path.
Formal confirmation of finance is now required.
36. Issues with the WCA and the Tryweryn are to be formally raised with the BCU board.
Action - PJS

Calendar

37. An organiser is still required for the November Irwell race. North west regional rep to be contacted
Action - HB
No other issues raised, many thanks to John for continued efforts each year.

Marketing
Perfect Motion (PM) is a marketing company that the BCU have employed. They can get results into the newspapers if they are informed soon enough. Selection races should be targeted to be e-mailed on Sunday afternoon.
Action - PJS

One Stop Plan
38. Comments requested. BCU development plan to be circulated. - dependent on funding decisions from SMC.

Ongoing
Coaching and Development
Carl Foody and Gilliam Mara have volunteered to help with retention strategy post university.
Juniors attending races appears to have dropped off.
MH is to continue with his strategy to push development issues.
39. A WWR coaching update needs to be run
Action - HB
40. A coaching calendar for 2006 needs to be devised early and put into the BCU yearbook
Action - HB & AG

DONM and future dates:
April 23rd - Washburn - Hopper Lane Hotel 16:00
June 18th - Bala - 20:00
September 10th - Trent Sprint - NKC 16:00
October 1st - Washburn - Hopper Lane Hotel 16:00
November 12th - RTWC, Tees - 20:00 in

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BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

23rd April 2005

Hopper Lane Hotel, Blubberhouses

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, Simon Wright, Jes Oughton, Maitland Hyslop, Howard Blackman, John Embrey, Michael Mason, Jamie Christie, James Wingfield, Miranda Churchill

Minutes of the last meeting

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

Completed actions
1. JE view was that extra safety cover would be necessary at Bala Mill for the sprint selection, e.g. Bala CC or Tryweryn swift water rescue people who want log book time.
Complete

2. Juniors have not been contacting coaches, despite e-mail reminders. Another reminder to send and a message on the web site needed.
Complete

3. Eligibility concerns were raised about decisions for Juniors. HB stated that a level 3 coach should advise the selection committee and that proof of eligibility was more important now that the course has been changed. Alan Tordoff to be contacted for advice and letters to athletes to be written.
Complete, JW is level 3 and will support

4. Can trailer maintenance be picked up via D Enoch??
Complete - No.

5. Call for helpers - more are needed, link on the web site direct to JH is best route. Put advert on web site and possibly Reading CC web site.
Complete

6. Issues with the WCA and the Tryweryn are to be formally raised with the BCU board.
Complete

7. Perfect Motion (PM) is a marketing company that the BCU have employed. They can get results into the newspapers if they are informed soon enough. Selection races should be targeted to be e-mailed on Sunday afternoon.
Complete

8. Names are required for the ICF officials exam and paperwork to be sent. Date needs to be set nearer the time.
Complete

Team manager's reports
Senior:
9. World Cup selection has been completed and all appear to be happy. Team is to be put on the web site.
Action - MC

European championships team has been selected with 6 paddlers as per the policy text. However the wording has meant that the 6th paddler was not one of the best 4 sprinters or classic racers.
10. Team manager to decide which 4 to race in each event.
Action - JC
11. Detailed wording of the policy to be reviewed by Neil Blackman. These issues need to be ironed out before Jr selection as the committee stuck to the policy rigidly.
Action - JC

Junior:
Jr Team are aiming to run a trip to Mezzana before the race following the change of venue.
12. Team kit none available, new supplier to source.
Action - JO

13. Neil Blackman to be formally approached to chair the Jr selection committee.
Action - PJS
14. Selection committee to pick
Action - JO/PJS

Treasurer's report
15. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only. - Post meeting note - the BCU has changed it's bankers, it is proposed that WWR also change also for simplicity, better interest rates and improved service levels.
Action - SJW

16. Insurance and paperwork to sort out for existing blue bus. Registered keeper and address to change to Maitland Hyslop.- insurance completed.
Action - SJW
17. Trailer spend was high last year - costs to review
Action - SJW
18. An Audit of W'Hoppers was requested
Action - HB
19. Register of W'Hoppers to build.
Action - MH
20. Need to trace other W'Hoppers that have been bought by clubs through BCU schemes so they can be re-distributed to WWR clubs.
Action - HB

Safety
Nothing further to add over and above Maitland's e-mail circulations.

Bala Senior Worlds - World Cup
Monies have now been made available to fund cash requirements.
21. Budget to update and liase with BCU to set up access.
Action - SJW
Formal confirmation of £90k underwriting is still required

22. JH travel costs have gone up due to issues with access and dealing with the Tryweryn centre - other areas of budget need to be scaled back.
Action - PJS via committee
23. Detailed business plan now needed for 2005 - cash flow.
Action - SJW
24. WWR exec requested that a team event be included on the Sunday after the Tryweryn classic race. Not been a recent priority but the opportunity will be explored.
Action - PJS

Bala Senior Worlds 2006
25. Sponsorship of event is now required up to approx £40k.
Action - PJS via committee
Associated events are now being planned with two legacies planned
" An annual outdoor show - organiser now found.
" A cycle path.
Formal confirmation of finance is now required.

Calendar

26. An organiser is still required for the November Irwell race. North west regional rep to be contacted
Action - HB
No other issues raised, many thanks to John for continued efforts each year.

Marketing
PM are involved in the marketing plan for the World Championships

One Stop Plan
27. Comments requested. BCU development plan to be circulated. - dependent on funding decisions from SMC.
Ongoing
Coaching and Development
" Only 8 forms have been returned to MH
" Aiming to get a group to the Matlock Dash.
" 4 families are coming on Le Tour
" W'Hopper register has been started
" 56 paddlers were at the Nene last week

Existing agreements on development will be confirmed. A general committee on development will be formed to include those interested in development at all levels of the sport. Those interested in joining please speak to MH.'

28. Sub-committee to set up to look at it.
Action - JO/MH

MH is to continue with his strategy to push development issues and maintain liaison with Carl Foody and Gillian Mara.

29. A WWR coaching update needs to be run
Action - HB
30. A coaching calendar for 2006 needs to be devised early and put into the BCU yearbook
Action - HB & AG

AOB
June Tryweryn:
DCP are struggling to organise 3 races. (Classic, Sprint and Wavehopper challenge)
31. JW to talk to HB
Action - JW
Web Site entries?
32. SJW to talk to Peter Ford about possibilities
Action - SJW
Travel Sharing?
Can a section on the bulletin board be used to encourage and be used to ensure the Minibuses are utilised.
33. SJW to talk to PF about options
Action - SJW
Dart in Feb 06
No organiser has come forward, a call for volunteers is out.
34. AG to be approached about the possibility of a Forces organiser
Action - JE
Promotions
35. Damon Davis has achieved standard for Div A and needs to be promoted. To be pursued via Yael Ford. Chris Embrey to promote also.
Action - MM
Development Boat:
A Savage has been returned and it was agreed to send to Damon Davis if he shows willing. To be contacted before Le Tour
36. JW to talk to HB
Action - MM

Thanks to Miranda and Pete Ford for Website upkeep and quality.

37. SJW to talk to Peter Ford to follow up server cost payments. (has Pete paid out of own pocket?)
Action - SJW

Formal thanks to Neil Blackman for chairing the selection committee.

DONM and future dates:
June 18th - Bala - As soon as possible after the race.
September 10th - Trent Sprint - NKC 16:00
October 1st - Washburn - Hopper Lane Hotel 16:00
November 12th - RTWC, Tees - 20:00 incl AGM.

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BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

18th June 2005

Citilgarth B&B, Frongogh, Bala

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, Simon Wright, Jes Oughton, Maitland Hyslop, John Embrey, Jamie Christie, Miranda Churchill, James Wingfield (Part Time)

Minutes of the last meeting

The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record, proposed by JC, seconded by JE.

Completed actions
1. World Cup selection has been completed and all appear to be happy. Team is to be put on the web site.
Complete
2. European championships team has been selected with 6 paddlers as per the policy text. However the wording has meant that the 6th paddler was not one of the best 4 sprinters or classic racers. Team manager to decide which 4 to race in each event. The paddlers have been spoken to.
Complete. (Classic; J Schofield, R Forbes, G Anderson, S Simpson. Sprint; JS, GA, RF and M Steele)
3. Team kit none available, new supplier to source.
Complete
4. Neil Blackman to be formally approached to chair the Jr selection committee.
Complete
5. Selection committee to pick
Complete
6. Insurance and paperwork to sort out for existing blue bus. Registered keeper and address to change to Maitland Hyslop.- insurance completed.
Complete
7. Trailer spend was high last year - costs to review. £1200 was spent last year. To be monitored again this year.
Complete
8. Budget to update and liase with BCU to set up access.
Complete
9. Detailed business plan now needed for WC2005 - cash flow.
Complete
10. WWR exec requested that a team event be included on the Sunday after the Tryweryn classic race. Not been a recent priority but the opportunity will be explored. Not enough time was available to organise or run so did not happen.
Complete
11. Budget to update and liase with BCU to set up access.
Complete
12. DCP are struggling to organise 3 races. (Classic, Sprint and Wavehopper challenge) - JW to talk to HB. Events run with help.
Complete
13. Dart in Feb 06 organiser - Chris Chorley has come forward.
Complete
14. Damon Davis has achieved standard for Div A and needs to be promoted. To be pursued via Yael Ford. Chris Embrey to promote also.
Complete
15. A Savage has been returned and it was agreed to send to Damon Davis if he shows willing. To be contacted before Le Tour - JW to talk to HB.
Complete

Team manager's reports
Senior:
The World Cup went well with some excellent results in all classes and a good medal haul. (2 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze) The coaching was particularly good

16. Detailed wording of the policy to be reviewed by Neil Blackman. These issues need to be ironed out before Jr selection as the committee stuck to the policy rigidly.
Action - JC
Formal thanks were noted for JC and the Team Support.

Junior:
Selection will be concluded on 19th June and the process appears to be going well. Concerns were raised over the quality of the MK1 should 6 get selected as no-one has yet been ruled out on safety.

Selection policy will be stuck to , PJS to attend the meet.

Team cags are coming and the Mezzana trip is next week.

Treasurer's report
17. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only. - Post meeting note - the BCU has changed it's bankers, it is proposed that WWR also change also for simplicity, better interest rates and improved service levels.
Action - SJW
18. An Audit of W'Hoppers was requested - MH has located 18. Ongoing.
Action - HB
19. Register of W'Hoppers to build.
Action - MH
20. Need to trace other W'Hoppers that have been bought by clubs through BCU schemes so they can be re-distributed to WWR clubs.
Action - HB
Safety
Nothing further to add over and above Maitland's e-mail circulations.

Bala Senior Worlds - World Cup
Monies have now been made available to fund cash requirements.

21. JH travel costs have gone up due to issues with access and dealing with the Tryweryn centre - other areas of budget need to be scaled back.
Action - PJS via committee
22. Follow up cash payments and invoices now required.
Action - SJW
Miranda has many photos and can supply on CD for people who are writing articles for magazines.

Bala Senior Worlds 2006
23. Sponsorship of event is now required up to approx £40k - action superseded.
Action - Closed
24. Can a strategy for fewer shorter releases be carried forward into 2006
Action PJS via org committee
25. Funding - the Welsh assembly have been approached and TV now needs to be commissioned. PJS is in liaison with BCU and other parties around the funding and underwriting package.
Action - PJS
The WWR Exec has been asked to underwrite up to £20k which would be in the form of a loan from the BCU over 4 years. Contingencies exist to reduce the costs of the overall event to such an extent that if Welsh funding or sponsorship falls through then a much smaller and cheaper event could be run.

Vote - "Those in favour of Exec underwriting £20k to ensure at least some kind if event can run"
" For - 7
" Against - 0
" Abstention - 1.
26. The final courses need to be decided upon so a meeting is to be convened with John Anderson and other relevant parties to progress this decision. Note that this needs to be done prior to calendar completion so that Div A's and in particular the selection event can run over the full World Championship course,
Action - PJS

Calendar
27. An organiser is still required for the November Irwell race. North west regional rep to be contacted
Action - JE to chase up.
28. Urgent consideration is needed about the Tryweryn races and selection events for 2006.
Action - JE to co-ord responses from committee.
Marketing
PM are involved in the marketing plan for the World Championships.

Articles to be written for the World Cup races need to be co-ordinated though Pete Keron to ensure wide coverage.

One Stop Plan
29. Comments requested. BCU development plan to be circulated. - dependent on funding decisions from SMC.
Ongoing
Coaching and Development
Ideas for getting more attendance at Div B's:
" Coaching morning and racing in the afternoon
" Target reduced accommodation costs at venues
" Improve information about accommodation at venues. Can people generally use the YHA number. Need to check up how the YHA can be used with groups
Action - SJW
Existing agreements on development will be confirmed. A general committee on development will be formed to include those interested in development at all levels of the sport. Those interested in joining please speak to MH.'

30. Sub-committee to set up to look at it.
Action - JO/MH
MH is to continue with his strategy to push development issues and maintain liaison with Carl Foody and Gillian Mara.

31. A WWR coaching update needs to be run
Action - HB
32. A coaching calendar for 2006 needs to be devised early and put into the BCU yearbook
Action - HB & AG
AOB
Web Site entries?
33. SJW to talk to Peter Ford about possibilities. Costs appear to be 00's not 000's- no further update for the meeting
Action - SJW
Travel Sharing?
Can a section on the bulletin board be used to encourage and be used to ensure the Minibuses are utilised?
34. SJW to talk to PF about options - no update for the meeting
Action - SJW
Server Costs?
35. SJW to talk to Peter Ford to follow up server cost payments. (has Pete paid out of own pocket?)
Action - SJW

DONM and future dates:
September 10th - Trent Sprint - NKC 16:00 or ASAP after race.
October 1st - Washburn - Hopper Lane Hotel 16:00
November 12th - RTWC, Tees - 20:00 incl AGM.

BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

10th September 2005

BCU Offices - John Dudderidge House, Nottingham

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, Simon Wright, Maitland Hyslop, Jamie Christie, Miranda Churchill, James Wingfield, Andy Goodsell, Howard Blackman, Michael Mason.

Minutes of the last meeting
The minutes of the last meeting were accepted as a true record, proposed by JC, seconded by AG.
Completed actions
1. Detailed wording of the policy to be reviewed by Neil Blackman. These issues need to be ironed out before Jr selection as the committee stuck to the policy rigidly.
Complete
2. An Audit of W'Hoppers was requested - MH has located 18. Ongoing.
Complete, list with HB & MH.
3. Register of W'Hoppers to build.
Complete, as above
4. Need to trace other W'Hoppers that have been bought by clubs through BCU schemes so they can be re-distributed to WWR clubs.
Complete, as above. NB BCU has funded W'Hoppers for Southampton CC through the placid water bid.
5. JH travel costs have gone up due to issues with access and dealing with the Tryweryn centre - other areas of budget need to be scaled back.
Complete
6. Funding - the Welsh assembly have been approached and TV now needs to be commissioned. PJS is in liaison with BCU and other parties around the funding and underwriting package.
Complete
7. A coaching calendar for 2006 needs to be devised early and put into the BCU yearbook
Complete for next year

Team manager's reports
Senior:
The European Championships were a mixed bag with some very good and some disappointing results. The fact that senior paddlers helped out with coaching the Juniors may have had an impact.
Communications were very difficult as mobile phone reception was not available in the river valley. This gave problems when non-planned issues arose. It was also noted that short wave radios would not have been any better due to the local geography.
Comment was also made that there is a need to more critically assess the coaching resource as much effort was spent on the less able paddlers to the detriment of others.
Formal thanks are noted for the excellent coaching support, namely, Alan Tordoff, Johnny Folland, Michael Mason and parental support from the likes of John Anderson.

Junior:
See the attached report document for Jes Oughton's Junior Manager's report.
Points of discussion.
Communications from the selection meeting were considered to be very poor. It was stated that it is the responsibility of the Selection Committee and hence the Chairman of each committee to ensure that appropriate letters are written to all paddlers who had expressed an interest in selection.
8. Ensure responsibility for communication of selection decision is clear and recorded in the minutes. The minutes of selection meetings should also be circulated to all the WWR Exec.
Action - Selection Committee Chairs
Particular note was raised that the Team training strategy for the Juniors was that the team for the race was decided prior to the event and then they trained together. This was considered to be a key factor in attainment of the 2 bronze medals and should be remembered for future reference.
Feelings had been running high between parents, paddlers and the Team Management and the point was made that the parents felt they weren't being listened to and MH was the voice for this. Comment was made that in all disciplines there are such issues and generally WWR has the resources available to manage arising situations.
For comment on the Minibus crash refer to the safety section.
Jes Oughton has now resigned and formal thanks were put forward his enormous contribution and effort that has enabled the junior team to take a large step forward in standards since he started as manager.
It is proposed to leave the post vacant for a few months.

Treasurer's report
9. Get another cheque book to be held by Peter for emergency use only. - Post meeting note - the BCU has changed it's bankers, it is proposed that WWR also change also for simplicity, better interest rates and improved service levels.
Action - SJW, ongoing.
10. For the new bank account SJW needs the document about special rules for specialist committees.
Action - AG to source
Mini-bus finances and strategy;
" Following the crash of the Blue Sprinter it has verbally been written off by the insurance company. JC is dealing with the paper work. The NBV was £5.3k, the insurance is offering approx. £10k so this will be a welcome cash boost. £5.3k claim is currently noted in the accounts.
" So far the busses have cost £7.5k (+ depreciation) with about another £1.5k to spend on the blue VW bus, R91 KDF, so about £3k per year per bus. We have used about 16 bus weeks this year, with Ashbourne motors this would have cost +/-£16k, hiring World Class busses this would have cost around £5k, assuming they were available. Given the opportunity for income and other usage at race weekends doing shuttles it was agreed that the busses were worthwhile.
" It was noted that there may well be another World Class bus coming available so it was proposed that we repair the Blue VW and replace the Blue Sprinter if and when a World Class bus comes up. The Blue VW would then be reviewed after the Bala Worlds.
11. Andy Goodsell was nominated to keep in touch with Dave Enoch about this possibility.
Action - AG
12. Trailers - still spending on maintenance and repairs - HB suggested getting some more lighter weight ones made so will investigate costs.
Action - HB
Cash Position:
The financial position is better than anticipated, teams have underspent through high paddler contribution levels. The only issue being liquidity over the summer. The cash status is:
Cash at BCU and Bank account = £6.5k
Debtors, (Team mgrs, bus claim, Wcup sponsors) = £14.9k
Creditors, (Watersafe + other Wcup costs) = £12.2k

Safety
MH provided the following general safety comments based observations over the summer racing period.
" How do we deal with Pre-Competition injuries?
" There were injuries at competition, how can we minimise these and reduce their impact if they do occur?
" More assistance would be useful at the top and bottom of race courses.
" Communications were an issue, despite mobile phone technology, though there was a specific issue due to the local geography at Chaleax.
" Emergency procedures and contacts - need to ensure we have these. E.g. having a contact in the UK who has copies of all relevant info such as E111 numbers.
" More than ½ of all injuries have come from only 4 people, though some info is not there. Coaching input is needed to target these areas to help with the right training, for example the use of specific weight training programmes. HB stated that "LTPD is the answer" and that Lara would be coming to talk to us soon to develop this thinking further.
13. It was thought that some paddler profiling would be useful and that J Folland could help with this.
Action HB to talk to JF
" There were messages of concerns, particularly after the bus crash that did not appear to be taken seriously by drivers / team management.

Minibus crash.
The major safety related incident of the summer was the rolling over of the blue Mercedes Sprinter bus at Chaleax. It was not the intention of this meeting to go through the details but the following action plan was derived so that a formal review could be concluded at the next Exec meeting. (1st October)
14. AG and D Enoch were requested to document formally the circumstances around the accident.
Action All to send info to AG
15. This info needs to be collated, circulated and reviewed in writing by exec members before the next meet.
Action AG
16. Circulate BCU Minibus policy, if there is one. (World Class, any guidelines available)
Action AG
17. Agenda item for next meeting
Action Secretary
It was noted that the exec role is to:
1. Have Safety related and driving policies
2. Make them known
3. Provide resources to allow their implementation
4. Manage the use of these resources and policies, which may include disciplinary procedures.
4 concerns have been expressed to PJS that should be picked up in any future policies and investigations. (Not WWR specific)
1. Motorway speeds
2. Duration of journeys
3. General events at Chaleax
4. Minibus accident specifically.

Bala Senior Worlds - World Cup 05
Summary of finances: (not including £10k payment in kind from EA for Tryweryn Water):
Income - Sponsors £6k (Still awaiting payment for most of this)
BCU £10k
DCMS £11.0k
Fees/Teams £7.4k
WWR Exec £6.2k (under budget)
TOTAL £40.6k

Expenditure- Director £9.8k (under budget)
Jury £4.1k (e.g. ICF officials)
Timing £5.8k (includes scoreboards)
Other £20.8k
TOTAL £40.6k
Note that the costs for the HPP accommodation and site hire are still being negotiated as Leisure Connection have not given the promised discount. John Handyside is following up. John's final payment cannot be made until all the sponsorship money is in so he has been actioned to chase this.
18. AG will also chase sponsors via Paul Owen, needs names and numbers from SJW
Action - SJW
19. Follow up cash payments and invoices now required.
Action - SJW, ongoing as above.
20. The Tryweryn water liability has not yet been formally closed off, this needs to be followed up with John Gorman at Canolfan Tryweryn.
Action - SJW

Bala Senior Worlds 2006
Update:
•Cash has now been promised from the Welsh assembly and now there is significant political will to support the event.
• Now need to progress a signed deal with the Canolfan Tryweryn.
• Then get the Welsh mobilised towards the event.
• There will be about 3 weeks worth of events:
1. Commonwealth Champs
2. World Champs
3. Development Week through school ½ term.
21. HB and AG were actioned to get Chloe involved in getting appropriate Copy into the press and in particular the Canoeing Press
Action - HB/AG
Courses: Classic
It is the preference of the WWR Exec that the course is the same as for the 95 Worlds, ie. Left bend above the Graveyard to finish just below Bala Mill fall. It is John Handyside's (JH) view that this will be the final decision on the start but that the finish will be in the town to alleviate issues with access and numbers of people at Bala Mill. For the TV coverage David Goldstrom (DG) is proposing a start from the Stilling Basin. (Very little warm up area and considerable river bed work above the chipper to do)
(PJS abstained form debate due to interest in organisation committee)
Courses: Sprint
The WWR Exec prefers 2 x 90 second courses, not necessarily the same for both runs. TV is proposing a knock out system for live TV where only the top # will progress to the second run in order to have a "final". This would need to be agreed by the ICF committee but was not supported by the Exec. It was thought that it could be made to look this way on TV without elimination of some paddlers from the second run.
Courses: Team
DG is proposing a 3 minute team race down the top section, for the purposes of TV. This was not supported by the exec and if this event does go ahead it was proposed that a traditional classic also be run.
22. Can a strategy for fewer shorter releases be carried forward into 2006
Action PJS via org committee
23. The final courses need to be decided upon so a meeting is to be convened with John Anderson and other relevant parties to progress this decision. Note that this needs to be done prior to calendar completion so that Div A's and in particular the selection event can run over the full World Championship course,
Action - PJS -ongoing, see above.

Calendar
24. An organiser is still required for the November Irwell race. North west regional rep to be contacted
Action - PJS to ask Jon Royle
25. Urgent consideration is needed about the Tryweryn races and selection events for 2006.
Action - JE to co-ord responses from committee, ongoing
Proposed dates for World Cup 2006 are:
16th-18th June, Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
24-16th June, Mezzana, Italy
30th June - 2nd July, Lofer, Austria.
Marketing
PM are involved in the marketing plan for the World Championships.
Comment was made that the only article about the World Cup to appear in the Canoeing Press was the one written by Stuart Fisher in Canoeist.

One Stop Plan
26. Comments requested. BCU development plan to be circulated. - dependent on funding decisions from SMC.
Ongoing No further comment
Coaching and Development
Ideas for getting more attendance at Div B's:
" Coaching morning and racing in the afternoon
" Target reduced accommodation costs at venues
" Improve information about accommodation at venues. Can people generally use the YHA number. Need to check up how the YHA can be used with groups
Action - SJW, to rejoin and circulate info
Existing agreements on development will be confirmed. A general committee on development will be formed to include those interested in development at all levels of the sport. Those interested in joining please speak to MH.'

27. Sub-committee to set up to look at it.
Action - JO/MH
MH is to continue with his strategy to push development issues and maintain liaison with Carl Foody and Gillian Mara. CF was at the HPP sprint.

28. A WWR coaching update needs to be run
Action - HB
AOB
Web Site entries?
29. SJW to talk to Peter Ford about possibilities. Costs appear to be 00's not 000's- no further update for the meeting
Action - SJW, no update for meeting
Travel Sharing?
Can a section on the bulletin board be used to encourage and be used to ensure the Minibuses are utilised?
30. SJW to talk to PF about options - no update for the meeting
Action - SJW, no update for meeting
Server Costs?
31. SJW to talk to Peter Ford to follow up server cost payments. (has Pete paid out of own pocket?)
Action - SJW, no update for meeting

DONM and future dates:
October 1st - Washburn - Hopper Lane Hotel 16:00 (apologies, Miranda and JW)
November 12th - RTWC, Tees - 20:00 incl AGM.

BRITISH CANOE UNION

WILD WATER RACING EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING

1st October 2005

Hopper lane Hotel, Blubberhouses

Minutes

Present - Peter Schofield, Simon Wright, Maitland Hyslop, Jamie Christie, Andy Goodsell, Howard Blackman, Michael Mason.
Apologies - Miranda Churchill

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

2. Matters Arising
2.1 Jon Royle has agreed to organise the November Burrs race

3. Team Manager's Reports
3.1 Details of the proposed winter training camps have been distributed to all interested athletes

4. Treasurer's Report
4.1 Most of the income from the World Cup Series has now been received; however the issues relating to HPP would not be resolved until JH returned to the UK.
Action - SW
4.2 Details of the provisional 2006 budget were distributed and attached with these minutes
Action - SW to attach copy
4.3 JO was currently working out the final expenditure for the 2005 Junior Team Expenses are would return any surplus shortly
Action - JO

5. Safety
5.1 JC has produced a full brief of events which happened during the 2005 European Championships and these have been passed to AG. At this stage a full investigation has yet to be completed however for all future team trips the following should apply:
¢ Seatbeats are to be worn by all occupant at all time
¢ Speed limits are to be adhered to at all times
¢ A minimum of two sets of NOK details should be available
¢ Advance route planning for both the outbound and return journeys
¢ Athletes must inform a member of the team management of any injuries which are likely to affect their performance as soon as practicable.
Note - These guidelines do not necessarily reflect on events which happed during the 2005 European Championships
Action - AG

6. Insurance Claims
6.1 JC provided a report on the current situation relating to the outstanding insurance claims:
¢ JH and SS Medical claim have been process and JC is arranging payment
¢ KB Medical claim remains under investigation - It was agreed that the WWR committee would settle this claim and wait for the insurance to come through - JC would send cheque to KB
¢ Boat Insurance remains under investigation
¢ Mini-bus claim - a settlement figure has been agreed, however this has not been accepted yet, pending outcome for Boat claims
Action - JC
6.2 It was agreed that the Chairman would write formally to all athletes directly involved with this accident advising them on the current situation and what actions would be taken to prevent future incidents occurring, the Safety Officer would rite to all other members of the team indirectly affected by this incident.
Action - PS/MH

7. Bala Worlds - 2006
7.1 The future of the 2006 World Championships being held at Bala is currently in the balance with a 50/50 probability of going ahead - This follows demands from the WCA in relation to water liability - This is currently being discussed by the BCU Board and a final decision will be made shortly
Action - PS

8. Calendar
8.1 The 2006 Calendar details were only briefly discussed during this meeting - It was agreed that this would be the first topic of the next meeting.
8.2 JE is still waiting for confirmation for the Tryweryn dates and courses - He has requested a March and April event together wit use of the World Championship courses
Action - JE

9. 2005 ACM
9.1 The WWR website would be used to publicise the details and committee nominations for the 2005 WWR ACM. The following posts are due for election: as a result or retirements and vacant positions
Chairman
Treasurer
Secretary
3 x Committee Members
Junior Team Manager
The following have offered to stand for re-election:
Peter Schofield (Chairman), Simon Wright (Treasurer),
Howard Blackman and Michael Mason
Action - MC

10. Coaching and Development
10.1 HB has received details of the European WWR Standards and is currently review the WWR Start Tests, these details will be distributed shortly
Action - HB
10.2 A level 2/3 WWR competition coaching course will be held at the Nene White Water Centre, currently 9 candidates have registered.
The plan for the 2006 season is to hold 4 courses throughout the season
Action - HB/AG
10.3 The post of National Development Coach (Flat Water Racing & Wild Water Racing) will shortly be advertised through the BCU
Action - AG

11. AOB
11.1 WWR Rules - Race Organiser are to ensure that safety checks are carried out to at all races - Particularly regarding Airbags and BCU membership
Action - JE

11.2 Travel Sharing - It was suggested that a note be placed on the front page of the WWR website, inviting paddlers to use the bulletin board to advertise travel sharing opportunities
Action - MC

13. Date of Next Meeting
13.1 November 12th - RTWC, Tees - 20:00 incl AGM.

top

GB WILD WATER RACING ACM
Tees Barrage Stockton:
20:00 12th November 2005

1. Attendees
Peter Schofield - Chairman - Clitheroe Canoe Club
Michael Mason - Durham KC
Iain Clough - Tees KC
Andy Clough - Tees KC
Jon Royle - Rivergods
Dave Peart - Bradford & Bingley
Slade Warne - Bradford & Bingley
Richard Vincent - Soar Valley
Jackie Hyslop - Hexham CC
Sandra Hyslop - Hexham CC
Jennifer Hyslop - Hexham CC
Dan Goddard - Peak UK
Julie Bright
Jamie Oughton - Soar Valley
Jo Oughton - Soar Valley
Dee Paterson - Shropshire Paddlesport

2. Apologies
Simon Wright
John Embrey
Jamie Christie
Miranda Churchill
Yael Ford
Pete Ford
Howard Blackman
James Wingfield
Andy Goodsell

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
Again I'd like to welcome you to our Annual Consultative Meeting at the Tees Barrage centre where food will be available so please stay after the race. Everyone is very welcome and the Tour o't North is a great opportunity to meet and get together.

We have a particular need for more volunteers as a number of people are standing down after a number of years distinguished service - we have been managing without a Secretary for the Last Year and need volunteers for the Development Sub-Committee Chairman and Junior Team Manager. Please see me, or any member of the committee, if you would like to be more involved!

GENERAL
2005 has been a roller coaster year! Junior development has continued with the Wavehopper Challenge now being run by WWR after the successful introduction by Howard Blackman of the BCU. It's a year ago now but Jessica's Blue Peter badge was well deserved - and a great showcase for WWR. The emphasis on Long Term Athlete Development is continuing. Our coaching is continuing to emphasise key elements including preparation and walking the course, technical skills, ability to roll, core stability and strength for big water.

We had a great year with what was probably Great Britain WWR's best ever results with Jonnie's Bronze at the World Cup and the Boys and Girls well-deserved Team Bronze medals at the European Championships. Notwithstanding the small size of the sport it does show both our level of talent and the benefit of very specific training for team racing - which is great fun. I'd like to give a special thank you to all the coaches, team management, parents and other helpers who made this all happen. For me this is one of the great strengths and joys of our sport.

The Europeans and Junior Worlds were marred by a serious accident with one of the team mini-buses which, when fully laden, rolled over on a tight bend with adverse camber and ended up in a ditch. The WWR Executive has discussed the incident at both our recent committee meetings and are taking action. These are not exhaustive at this stage but include:
- reinforcing existing WWR and BCU policy to ensure seatbelts must be worn at all times and drivers and passengers are clear of their responsibilities under the law.
- Improving UK-based incident management and documentation support to ensure effective communication and documentation support to individuals and the team.
- Ensuring sufficient time and funding when planning team trips to allow for adequate rest periods and overnight stops. It is recognised that this will require changes in established practice and journeys will take longer and cost more. This will be included in overall event planning and budgeting.
- Warning drivers of stability issues with fully loaded high sided minibuses on poor quality , and narrow roads. Modern high powered vehicles with stiff anti-roll bars give little or no warning when they are going to roll.
Phil Caunt and Alan Tordoff's continuing development of the coaching structure to ensure it is flexible and paddler focused continues to be a great strength. I know how many people have given so freely of their knowledge and free time. It is very much appreciated and shows in our great results this year.

I'm pleased to say we had a very successful and enjoyable world cup series in England, The Republic of Ireland and in Wales. There was great competition as well as a lot of fun. For me one of the highlights, summing up all that is best in our sport was the Shannon team race - seeing the Ivory Coast/ Singapore/ Turkish team together after the finish line. The most spectacular was Richard Forbes' airborne barrel roll down Bala Mill falls.! Id like to expend my thanks to John and Adele Handyside and all our other helpers who made it happen on time and on budget.

It is with regret I have to announce the cancellation of the planned 2006 Wild Water Racing World Championships at Bala in North Wales. We have been unable to secure sufficient funding to run the planned 2006 World Championships events.

The ICF have asked for applications from any countries that might be able to run the event, ideally during May 2006 in Europe. The aim is to minimise changes to people's existing travel plans. Until the new plans are announced please continue to direct any correspondence and enquiries to John Handyside who will manage the transition until a new venue is announced.
I would like to thank all those involved in the successful 2005 World Cup series for their efforts. Thank you for your understanding in this matter

On the other hand I am really pleased to report that the Scottish Canoe Association are actively considering hosting the 2007 European Championships as part of the Highland Games festival. A big thank you to Stuart Smith and Maitland Hyslop for trying to increase the range of international race venues we have here in the UK.

Again I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who has helped in any way this year. 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, Maitland Hyslop, Miranda Churchill , Simon Wright 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 Jes and Jo Oughton for all of their help with the Junior Team and for the great results this year.

Paddler Focus - To make the sport accessible to all who want to participate
Although this year the focus was on the World Cup series our development work has continued strongly in many different ways. The programme of different training events run by clubs and the WWR committee with the continued support of the BCU Paddlesport Development Officers and the 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 the junior team results this year. We now have in place coaching support at all levels. This year we purchased two minibuses (may be three). These are available to help people participate in races and support development weekends. We have increased our support to university students to try and get more new entrants into the sport. Thanks go to Carl Foody and Gillian Mara for taking this on. Next year we will be again developing support to clubs to help develop WWR across the UK.

We continue to need volunteers in any capacity. 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 possibly our best year ever, with Jonnie's World Cup Overall Bronze Medal, plus his Two Gold and One Silver in the Sprint races. We also had a brilliant result for the Castleconnell team race where Jonnie, Pete Keron and Richard Forbes came second to the Czechs, beating the French into 3rd place.

The Junior Team had excellent results at the Europeans. Ben Oakley, Daman Davis and Jamie Oughton's bronze team medal was great, against very strong Belgian and French teams. Olivia Churchill, Sandra Hyslop and Jessica Oughton's bronze team medal was equally good, beaten again by the French and an incredibly strong Czech team. This was immediately followed by the Junior World Championships in the Val de Sole, Italy. Jessica Oughton's 4th Place and the Girl's fourth place in the team race again demonstrated the strength of the girls team.

The focus has now moved to preparing for next year's World Championships, wherever it is to be held, and for the 2007 Junior Worlds in the USA. 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 continue to have a 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. The continuing loss of the Dee remains a severe blow and we are dependent on the Welsh Canoe Association to get the races re-instated as soon as possible. We are looking at re-vamping the calendar to include more development and "special" events to support a wider range of tastes, including some of the student's races. The aim is to perhaps look at reducing the number of Div A's and, whilst keeping the concept of weekends such as the Tour O't North & Tour D'Ecosse , changing the format of our "double header" sprint/ classic weekends.
I'd also like to again 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 continue to do a fantastic job. In particular Miranda's exploits uploading photos of the World Cup Series to the website from outside internet cafes (via wireless LAN) is worthy of special mention. By the end of the first day we had people from 25 countries around the world accessing the pictures on the website - which made it all worthwhile.

So to conclude I would again like to thank everyone for coming to the ACM and wish you all the very best for the coming season. Happy Paddling!
Peter Schofield
Teesside

5. Treasurer's Report
After the original budgets were agreed it was decided that the World Cup transactions would be handled through the WWR Exec accounts, this means that the other income is higher than budget. Trip expenses were heavily subsidised by paddler contributions, reflecting the length of trips and relatively high cost areas visited.

World Cup
£5k/yr was to be put aside for the World Cup and World Champs organisation over 3 yrs meaning up to £10k was available with the net expenditure ending up at £6.5k, though approximately £3k of income is still outstanding in sponsorship payments. (Experience Nottinghamshire).

The main creditors are payments still outstanding and under negotiation with John Handyside and the water sports centre at HPP.

Minibus
FE51 WHZ has been written off and the Net Book Value is showing as a £5.3k debtor for the insurance claim. Any extra actually received from the insurance company will show as an exceptional item next year, (or when payment arrives!)

Running costs have been much higher than budget. The Exec analysed this expense rate and decided that it was worthwhile compared to hiring. This will need to be reviewed again next year with 2 buses. It is not planned to purchase another this year.

Depreciation is as per the BCU policy of 1/3 retained value.

Reserves
Overall reserves have reduced slightly by £11.6k over the year, a £6k bigger reduction than budget, mainly due to higher than budget spend on minibuses and the net World Cup spend, which was budgeted as £3k for this year.

It is intended to keep the overall reserves at around £20k going forward which represents the minibuses' NBV and the float required to maintain liquid throughout the year.

5. Election of Officers
Chairman (Peter Schofield) and Treasurer (Simon Wright) were re-elected - Proposed Iain Clough, seconded Andy Clough.

Exec Members (Michael Mason and Howard Blackman) were re-elected - Proposed Jo Oughton, seconded Jon Royle.

Secretary and Safety Officer remain vacant.

A.O.B.
World Masters Event - at the Wild water Team leaders meeting at the Ardeche that evening a proposal was being made to maintain a World Masters event.

Participation numbers - There has been a noticeable and worrying decline in numbers at many races particularly in the latter part of 2005. John Embrey made a request for ideas for calendar options to be forwarded to the Exec committee. He stressed the long lead time required for race venue organisation so ideas are required by the first half of 2006 for implantation in 2007.

Jennifer Hyslop raised the need to analyse the lack of transition by paddlers from Wavehopper to div B events. Jo Oughton promoted a need for better communication with them and a distribution list for future race information to be created.

Worlds Cancellation - Dave Peart stressed his belief that it was paramount for future World confidence in Great Britain Wild Water Racing that a World Championships event is still run in 2006 on a British river. At the Washburn Users Meeting it had been discussed that Yorkshire Water were very pleased with the 2005 World Cup event there and might be amenable to being involved in a 2006 World Championships event on the Washburn. More work on the river to create features would be possible and a lake run-out should be considered as has been the case in other World Championships. The Chairman stated that he would take back to the BCU a third proposal for a Washburn/HPP/Awe bid but this has been knocked back by the BCU twice already. Also funding is at square one once again as this was partially being made available from the Welsh Assembly and time was running out. A learning point is that future events will require written contracts.

Dee Sprints - As classic races from the Chain Bridge Hotel to Llangollen Town are not currently on the calendar it was suggested that we look to hold a sprint event on parts of it - Mile End Mill?

Meeting Closed at 9.30pm with a thanks to ACM attendees and race organisers and the Exec.