NSC - Club Rules

updated 14/02/05

Newburgh Sailing Club

Club Rules - General

The Club is owned and managed by its members via. a democratically elected committee and is governed by a written constitution. Its objects are the mutual enjoyment and furtherance of the sport of sailing in all its forms. It is essential that new members are familiar with these rules. These rules are intended to protect the environment and provide safety and pleasure to all users of the facilities.

1. All boats must be registered with the club before being used at the club.

2. All persons taking part in any boating activity should be competent swimmers and must wear buoyancy aids [50N]. Non-swimmers should wear a 100N life Jacket.

3. During club activities sailing without a rescue boat can only be undertaken when 2 or more boats are sailing.

4. Overnight camping/caravanning is not permitted except with the permission of the committee.

5. Racing is held under I. Y .R. U. Rules and members should not assume that other water users know the right of way rules. All members are expected to know where the channel runs and that they are obliged to keep clear of larger vessels which are unable to take avoiding action.

6. Nothing should be done which could contaminate the water or plant life around the club - the control of vermin is however permitted.

7. All Children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

8. Boats must be insured with 3rd Party Liability of not less than £1,000,000.

9. Members shall not smoke in any of the club's buildings. Due regard should be given to fire safety.

10. The last key holder leaving the club will be responsible for the locking up of the club premises (excluding the winter boat storage area).

11. The club training centre has a child protection policy which should be adhered to.

12. Compliance with the club Safety/Sailing Rules is required by all members.

13. Notwithstanding any of the above any behaviour which could bring the club into disrepute is unacceptable and the Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures can be used to protect the good name and reputation of the club.

SAFETY/SAILING RULES

1. All persons taking part in any boating activity should be competent swimmers and must wear buoyancy aids [50N]. Non-swimmers should wear a 100N life Jacket.

2. Boats launched from Newburgh Sailing Club should be under the control of a competent helm. Inexperienced helms should not proceed onto the water unless supervised and rescue facilities available. Experience in helming will vary depending on the conditions.

3. Although individual members are responsible for ensuring that they are competent to handle craft in prevailing conditions, any qualified sailing instructor or committee member may recommend that sailing be abandoned.

4. Any craft using the club facilities must be seaworthy.

5. Any craft using the club facilities must carry a minimum of £1 million third party insurance cover.

6. A safety boat shall be available during all club sailing activities. If the conditions are such that a manned safety boat is required on the water during the activities, the boat should be manned by an approved helm as stated on the club safety helm list. It is expected that members share this duty fairly.

7. Should sailing proceed without a permanent manned safety boat, the safety boat must be left on the beach above high water mark in a state of readiness. Should it be required, then the nearest approved safety helm must return to the beach and assume safety duties.

8. On longer cruises, all vessels must be suitably equipped, and have a secondary means of propulsion. It is preferable to travel in company and let others know your planned route and ETA.

9. Safety boat helms must hold a minimum of "Powerboat Level 2" qualification. Safety boat helms are expected to arrive in plenty of time to check that the vessel is ready for duty as per the 'Safety Boat Checklist'. Safety boat crew should be over 16 years of age for Club "Open" events.

10. Craft must keep clear of approaching coasters. It is advisable to carry a paddle to move quickly in conditions of light wind.

11. Powerboats must stay beyond the normal sailing area. Exceptions are to be made for Rescue & Training purposes.

12. Anyone under the age of 14 shall wear a buoyancy aid within 3 metres of the water.

Disciplinary Procedures

Informal Grievance Procedure

Incidents or problems, which arise at the club, are best dealt with by informal grievance procedure.

If those concerned cannot settle the matter themselves, the complainant should ask a committee member to arrange a meeting with the 'accused' person present, at which the official acts as a neutral mediator.

This informal procedure will hopefully help to calm or stop any situations before they result in full formal disciplinary procedures.

Formal Grievance Procedure

Whenever an official complaint is received, the following grievance policy will be adhered to:

1. Any complaint must be made in writing to the Club Secretary. Complaints cannot be made anonymously and should be shown to be contravention of a particular section of club rules or constitution.

2. The allegation or charge will be sent in writing to the accused person. They should be given notice of the charge and a reasonable time to respond (at least 48 hours).

3. The Club Secretary will collect all relevant information related to the complaint and then convene a panel of 3 committee members.

4. The panel will set a date to discuss the allegations. All relevant information and evidence will be provided to the panel, the accuser and the accused.

5. The names of the panel members should also be distributed so that any lack of impartiality can be challenged before the hearing.

6. All parties will be informed of the right to bring a friend or advisor. This person will not be involved in either the discussion or the decision making process.

7. All parties will be reminded that nobody should contact, approach or otherwise attempt to influence any panel member or witness. Any breach will be reported to the panel chairperson and may be a matter for disciplinary action.

8. The complainant(s) present(s) their case first and may identify questions which they would wish to be answered by the 'accused'.

9. The 'accused' person must be given reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegation.

10. Separating the complainant and accused may be required. Therefore the panel may meet on more than one occasion. The club does not have the facilities to allow more than one meeting to be held at one time.

11. Records must be kept of all meetings.

12. The panel will make its decision in private. Decisions will be communicated in writing by post.

13. If an appeal is to be heard, another panel must be convened. This panel must have no direct knowledge of the case. To this end the particulars of the initial hearing must not to be disclosed to anybody other than those present at the initial hearing.

14. The Commodore will not be a member of either panel and should be available to communicate as an unbiased club official with any external appeal if necessary. If no fair outcome can be decided within the club, an unbiased external adjudicator may be required. i.e. RYA Scotland official.

Notes:

Care should be taken that the 'accused' is given a fair hearing, all relevant facts should be considered.

All documents pertinent to the case must be carefully recorded and filed.

All relevant parties should have a complete copy of all related documents.

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