Club Policies

  • NAME
    The club shall be known as Dublin Kayak Club hereinafter known as THE CLUB.

    • OBJECTIVES
      The objectives of the Club are to promote the sport and recreation of Canoesport

    • AFFILIATION
      The club and all members shall be affiliated to Canoeing Ireland

    • MEMBERSHIP
      Membership of The Club shall be open to all persons subscribing to its aims and objectives, upon payment of the annual subscription. Subject to matters of personal safety and the risk of injury, no restriction shall be imposed on any person by virtue of gender, marital status, family status, age, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation or membership of the Traveller community. All applications for membership shall be subject to the approval of the Committee. Voting rights are limited to those over the age of 18 years on the 1st January in the relevant club year.

      CLASSES OF MEMBERSHIP

    • Full Member:  This class of membership shall be open to individual persons aged over 18 on January 1st in the relevant club year. Each senior member shall be entitled to one vote

    • Junior Member: This class of membership shall be open to individual persons aged under 18 on January 1st in the relevant club year.

    RESTRICTION
    A person who has been expelled from, or refused membership of Canoeing Ireland shall not be eligible for membership.


    ACCEPTANCE
    The General Committee may at its sole discretion, decline to accept renewal of membership, from any person, without disclosing the reason.

    ENTRANCE FEE
    Each applicant for membership shall, if his/her application be accepted, pay an entry fee, the amount of which shall be determined by the members in the General meeting.


    ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION
    The rates of subscription shall be determined by the members in the General meeting  and shall be due on election and, thereafter, on or before 30th September in each year.

    CESSATION OF MEMBERSHIP

    1. Any member violating any of the rules or regulations of the Club or being adjudged guilty of unsatisfactory conduct may, by resolution of the General Committee, be suspended or expelled. Any member so suspended or expelled may appeal for a Special General Meeting if such an appeal is sponsored by not less than 33 %  of members who are entitled to vote.

    2.  A member shall be deemed to have resigned from the Club if, after due notice in writing, he/she has not paid by 30th December the annual subscription which became due on 30th September . 

    SECTIONS

    1. The Club may organise various sections to cover the various activities of Canoesport

    2. The affairs of each section shall be conducted by a sub- committee of up to 5 members of whom the Chairperson or his/her deputy shall serve on the General Committee.

    DISQUALIFICATION FROM HOLDING OFFICE

    1. Only members entitled to vote are eligible to hold office.

    2. Any member who is under the age of 18 years, shall not be eligible for election to the General Committee of the Club.


    GENERAL COMMITTEE

    1. The General Committee shall conduct the affairs of the Club as a whole and shall consist of the Executive committee of Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. The following positions are voting positions on the committee consisting of a Safety Officer, Activities Officer, Child Liaison Officer and any other officers as deemed necessary. Additionally, the General Committee may co-opt no more than 3 members of the Club to its members.

    2. The Committee shall be elected by the members at their Annual General Meeting each year and shall be accountable to the members for their stewardship of the club

    3. Meetings of the Committee shall take place as frequently as required and at least four times in any club year.

    4. The quorum for Committee meetings shall be a minimum of five including at least one of the Executive Committee

    5. The Committee shall have the power to appoint and delegate its authority in part to sub-committees consisting of at least three members, at least one whom shall be a member of the Committee.

    6. Nominations for the position of Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer and other officers shall be put forward in the form of a motion under the terms of the Rule 10.4

    7. The term of office shall be for one year and members shall be eligible for re-election.

    DUTIES OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE

    1.Chairperson

     The Chairperson will preside at all General Meetings of the Club and at all meetings of the General Committee. He or she shall be responsible for guiding the activities of the club in accordance with its rules and general policy as expressed by the majority of its members. The Chairperson shall represent or arrange for the representation of the Club at Canoeing Ireland General Meetings. He/she shall be an exofficio member of any other committee of the club.

    2. Honorary Secretary

     The Honorary Secretary will be responsible for the organisation of meetings of the General Committee and of the Club, and the recording of minutes relating to such meetings and all correspondence relating to the general business of the Club. He or she shall be responsible for transmitting all correspondence relating to particular activities to the relevant individuals at the earliest opportunity.

    3. Honorary Treasurer

      The Honorary Treasurer will be responsible for the collection of all monies including subscriptions and shall keep such books of account as required by the General Meeting. The Honorary Treasurer shall audit the accounts of the club annually and shall produce at the AGM balance sheet showing the financial state of the club and where required this to be accompanied by an Honorary Auditor’s report. All cheques or withdrawals drawn on the club’s funds should have two signatures. The Treasurer must make the General Committee aware of any existing or potential financial or cash flow problems.

    4. Safety Officer

    The Safety Officer will be responsible for promoting safe practices amongst club members. The Safety Officer will ensure that any club equipment complies with all current safety recommendations. It would also be expected that the Safety Officer would be familiar with the Canoeing Ireland’s Award Scheme and encourage participation in the Scheme by Club members.

    5. Other Officers

    Officers may be elected to be responsible for the duties such as

    Activities Officer: The Activities Officer shall arrange a programme of kayaking events and activities.

    Marketing Officer: The Marketing Officer shall manage the marketing/publicity, social media and website for the club.

    Social Secretary: The Social Secretary shall organise a programme of social events.


    Child Liaison Officer: As per Canoeing Ireland guidelines

    GENERAL COMMITTEE

    1. The General Committee is responsible for the general conduct of the Club’s business and activities.

    2. The General Committee shall meet at regular intervals during the year, as required by the business to be transacted.

    3. Special meetings of the General Committee shall be called by the Honorary Secretary on instructions from the Chairperson, or not less than three committee members.

    4. A quorum shall consist of not less than 3 members of the General Committee.

    In the case of casual vacancy among the General Committee, the said Committee shall appoint another eligible person to act until the next AGM.

    GENERAL MEETINGS

    1. An Annual General Meeting shall be held each year and no later than 18 months after the preceding Annual General Meeting.

    2. An Extraordinary General Meeting shall be called on the instructions of a simple majority of the General Committee, or on a requisition signed by not less than 51 per cent of the members entitled to vote.

    3. Not less than 14 days clear notice shall be given, specifying to all members the time and business of the General Meeting.

    4. Motions for discussion at the Annual General Meeting, not of origin from within the General Committee, shall be lodged with the Honorary Secretary at least 21 days preceding the AGM, and be signed by 2 members entitled to vote.

    5. At any General Meeting, a resolution put to the vote of the Meeting shall be decided by a show of hands, of those entitled to vote, except when more than one nomination has been received for a position on the General Committee, in which case voting will be by secret ballot.

    6. At all General Meetings the Chairperson will preside or, in his/her absence, a Chairperson for the meeting will be elected by the voting members present.

    7. At all General Meeting not less than 33 % of the members of the Club shall constitute a quorum.

    8. If after a half hour from the time appointed for the meeting, a quorum is not present, the Meeting, if called at the request of the members shall be dissolved. In any other case, the Meeting shall be adjourned. If a quorum is not present within half an hour of the time appointed for an Adjourned Meeting, the members present shall be a quorum.

    Accidental omission to give notice of a meeting to, or the non-receipt of notice of, a meeting by any member shall not invalidate the proceeding of the meeting.

    LIABILITY

    1. The General Committee shall manage the affairs of the Club. Financial or legal liability incurred in the rightful exercise of their office shall not, however, be the personal liability of the Committee, but shall be the responsibility of the Club as a whole.

    2. All members or other persons who attend club trips or meets do so at their own risk, and neither the Club nor its officers can accept liability for any loss or injury of any kind sustained at its premises or whilst on a Club trip, meet or other activity.

    VOTING

    Only full members, and members over the age of 18 years are entitled to vote at all meetings.

    ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION

    1. This constitution shall not be altered, amended, or rescinded except by a General Meeting of the Club.

    2. A resolution to give effect to a change must be passed by least 50% of the full members present at the General Meeting.

    AUDITOR

    Every Annual General Meeting shall appoint an Honorary Auditor who shall at least once in every year examine the Accounts of the Club, and ascertain the correctness of the income and expenditure accounts and of the Balance Sheet.

    DISTRIBUTION OF PROFITS

    Under no circumstances can any profit be distributed to members, but any profits earned shall be contributed to a General Fund for furthering the objectives of the Club.

    TERMINATIONS

    The Club shall not terminate except by resolution of a Special General Meeting convened for the purpose and, in such an event, any surplus assets shall be handed over to a body or bodies with similar objectives or to a charity or charities agreed by the meeting which formally terminates the Club.

    POWER OF DECISION

    Any matter not provided for in this constitution, or any question over the interpretation of it shall be dealt with by the General Committee whose decision shall be final.

    SAFETY RULES
    The General Committee shall be empowered to draw up rules for the safe conduct of canoeing activities.


    DECLARATION
    Each member upon joining shall sign an application form containing the following declaration

    Name___________

    Upon acceptance into membership of Dublin Kayak Club I understand that canoeing is undertaken at my own risk. I confirm that I do not suffer from any disability or medical condition which may render me unfit for strenuous exercise**

    Signed_________________

    Parent/Guardian (if under18)  _______________

  • Dublin Kayak Club wishes to provide the best possible environment for all young people involved in the sport.  Young people deserve to be given enjoyable, safe sporting opportunities, free of abuse of any kind.  These participants have rights, which must be respected and responsibilities that they must accept.  Young people should be encouraged to realise that they have responsibilities to treat other kayakers and leaders with fairness and respect.

    Junior/Young kayakers are entitled to:

    • Be safe and feel safe

    • Be listened to

    • Be believed

    • Be treated with dignity, sensitivity and respect

    • Have a voice in the club

    • Participate on an equal basis

    • Have fun and enjoy sport

    • Experience competition at a level at which they feel comfortable

    • Make complaints and have them dealt with

    • Get help against bullies

    • Say No

    • To protect their own bodies

    • Confidentiality


    Junior/Young kayakers should always:

    • Treat all instructors, leaders and helpers with respect

    • Play fairly at all times, do their best

    • Respect team members, even when things go wrong

    • Respect opponents, be gracious in defeat

    • Abide by rules set by trip organisers when travelling to rivers or to events

    • Behave in a manner that avoids bringing the sport of kayaking into disrepute

    • Talk to the children's officer if they have any problems (who??)

    Junior/Young kayakers should never:

    • Cheat

    • Use violence of physical contact that is not allowed within the rules

    • Shout or argue with instructors, trip leaders, helpers, team mates or opponents.

    • Harm team members, opponents or their property

    • Bully or use bullying tactics to gain advantage

    • Take banned substances

    • Keep secrets, especially if they have been caused harm

    • Tell lies about adults / young people

    • Spread rumours

    • Guidelines for Parents

    Dublin Kayak Club believes that parents should:

    • Be a role model for your child and maintain the highest standards of conduct when interacting with children, other parents, with instructors, leaders, helpers and organisers.

    • Always behave responsibly and do not seek to unfairly affect the kayaker.

    • Never intentionally expose any young participant to embarrassment or disparagement by the use of flippant or sarcastic remarks.

    • Always recognise the value and importance of the volunteers who provide sporting/recreational opportunities for your child.  Do not publicly question the judgement or honesty of instructors, leaders, helpers or organisers.  Respect instructors, leaders, helpers and organisers.

    • Encourage your child to play by the rules.  Teach your child that honest endeavour is as important as winning and do all you can to encourage good sportsmanship.

    • Set a good example by applauding achievements by everyone.  Encourage mutual respect for other kayakers and leaders.

    • Parents should support all efforts to remove abusive behaviour and bullying behaviour in all its forms.

    Parents’ Code of Conduct

    • I will respect the rules and procedures set down in Dublin Kayak Club Code of Ethics for Children in Sport

    • I will respect my child’s peers, instructors, leaders and parents as well as players, participants and coaches from opposing teams.  I will encourage my child to treat other participants, instructors and leaders with respect.

    • I will give encouragement and applaud only positive accomplishments whether from my child, his/her peers, their opponents or leaders.

    • I will respect my child’s instructor and support his/her efforts

    • I will respect the officials and their authority during trips, sessions and events

    • I will never demonstrate threatening or abusive behaviour or use foul language

  • Dublin Kayak Club provides various sporting activities and opportunities for young people through participation in clubs, regional/provincial events, at our Training Centre and through our national teams.

    Dublin Kayak Club is committed to safeguarding children.  By working under the guidance of our Safeguarding Policies our volunteers and staff, working with our young people throughout the organisation, seek to create a safe environment for young people to grow and develop. 

    Dublin Kayak Club written Risk Assessment document indicates the areas of potential risk of harm, the likelihood of the risk occurring, and gives the required policy, guidance or process documents require to alleviate these risks.The list of risks identified are contained in the following categories: Club and Coaching Practices; Complaints & Discipline; Reporting Procedures; Use of Facilities; Recruitment; Communications; and General Risk of Harm. 

    The Risk Assessment was undertaken on March 26th 2024.

    Our Child Safeguarding Statement has been developed in line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, the National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice.  In addition to our Risk Assessment document described above, there are further procedures that support our intention to safeguard children while they are availing of our activities. 

    Dublin Kayak Club has the following procedures in place as part of our Safeguarding Policies: 

    • Procedures for the management of allegations of abuse or misconduct by staff or volunteers against a child availing of our activities

    • Procedures for the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers to work with children in our activities 

    • Procedures for access to child safeguarding training and information, including the identification of the occurrence of harm

    • Procedure for reporting of child protection or welfare concerns to Statutory Authorities

    The Mandated/Relevant Person for Dublin Kayak Club is Eva Madden.

    We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Our Club is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our activities. 

    This Child Safeguarding Statement will be reviewed on  March 26th 2025

    Signed:_________________  Date: 26/03/24

    Name: Christopher Hughes (Chairman)

    Signed:_________________  Date: 26/03/24

    Name: Eva Madden (Child Development)

    For queries on this Child Safeguarding Statement, please contact Eva Madden