CLUBMARK ACCREDITATION
Through our accreditation in 2005 and again in 2019, Weybridge Rowing Club shows itself to be a well-run, safe, progressive and friendly club, for participants of all ages. Below is further information and documents that form part of our accreditation, plus links to relevant British Rowing resources.
WHAT IS CLUBMARK?
Clubmark is the universally acknowledged cross sport accreditation scheme for community sports Clubs - sort of a Kitemark or ISO9000 for sport clubs.
It is applicable to all sports, not just rowing, though the British Rowing has adopted it as a follow-on to Project Oarsome and the National Junior Rowing Programme. Unlike these programmes, however, it does not involve clubs in a lot of expense in buying special equipment, but merely requires adherence to a set of guidelines (see below) and completion of a 'portfolio' of paperwork.
Clubmark stands for:
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Higher standards of welfare, equity, coaching and management in community sports Clubs
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Making sure the nation's sports Club infrastructure is safer, stronger and more successful
It shows that a Club provides the right environment which ensures the welfare of members and encourages everyone to enjoy sport and stay involved throughout their lives.
An accredited Club is recognised as a safe, rewarding and fulfilling place for participants of all ages as well as helping parents and carers know that they're choosing the right Club for their young people.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
As well as gaining a pat on the back from British Rowing and recognition by the local council, there are several tangible benefits to WRC becoming Clubmark accredited:
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It increases the likelihood of our obtaining grants from the local authority, lottery or other bodies.
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We are included in the SportSearch programme, meaning that we are recommended in schools to any children wanting to take up rowing.
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Professional support from British Rowing / Local Authority / Sports Partnerships to help us develop the club.

READING LIST
WEY documents
Clubmark Accreditation Certificate
WEY Are Open To All: Inclusion Statement
British Rowing resources
RowSafe
Safeguarding & Protecting Children Policy
How Much and How Often
Safeguarding Adult at Risk in Rowing

CRITERIA FOR ACCREDITATION
Duty of care and child protection
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As outlined in each of our policy and procedure documents (linked below), we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of our younger members and adults
Furthermore:
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At least two people have attended child protection training, one of whom must be a coach
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The Club has adopted codes of conduct for all coaches, officials and volunteers
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The Club conforms to the British Rowing Water Safety Code (RowSafe)
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The Club has contact details of parents/carers and emergency/alternative contacts
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The Club has information on any medical conditions of junior members and informs coaches on a need to know basis
Coaching and competition
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The Club provides a coaching programme outlining the number of sessions including times for both dry and wet start sessions
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The Club fully utilises Go-Row award for teaching of all young people at the club
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The Club organises at least one fun event per year
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The Club ensures there is a minimum of two Level 2 qualified coaches involved. Project Oarsome clubs must have a minimum of six Level 2 coaches
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The Club has a Junior Section Co-ordinator, with a clear job description. They must not hold any other position which may interfere with the running of the junior section of the club
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All coaches involved with junior must conform with British Rowing's child protection policies and procedures
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All coaches responsible for the programme hold professional indemnity and/or public liability insurance through membership of British Rowing
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All coaches are aware and conduct all session in accordance with British Rowing's coach/participant guidelines plus “How much and how often for young people”.
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All coaching and competition takes places at venues and with equipment in accordance with the British Rowing Water Safety Code
Sports equity and ethics
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The Club has an open constitution, in accordance with British Rowing's guidelines
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The Club adopts and equal opportunity and sports equity policy
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At least one member of the club has attended a Running Sport “A Club for All” workshop
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At least one coach has attended a Sports Coach UK “Coaching and equity” workshop
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The Club has codes of conduct for parents/carers and supporters
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The Club has a set of rules for children and young people
Club management
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The Club is affiliated to British Rowing
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The Club has public liability insurance
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The Club has a specific membership category and pricing policy for young people
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The Club communications regularly with parents/carers
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The Club has a junior/volunteer co-ordinator to act as a liaison with Sport England and British Rowing
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The Club has contact with at least one school/youth organisation (Project Oarsome schemes should be linked with two schools).
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The Club has developed links with the local authority Sports Officer, Sports Partnership and continues to maintain contact with them and with British Rowing
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The Club is committed to further development work.
