Rules of Training

A.  Safety and use of approved sweeps during practices

• All teams must adhere to the Safety Management Policy. 
• Log any near misses or incidents immediately so we can eliminate, isolate or manage.
• Non-swimmers are not permitted in the Dragon Boats, all members must be able to swim at least 50 metres. 
• It is the team manager’s responsibility to facilitate a swim test before the first event in December to ensure you are comfortable in the water. 
• All team practices are required to have a NZDBA L2+ Certified sweep.
• The Sweep is in charge of and responsible for your boat at all times.  Their commands must be adhered to insure everyone’s safety.
• New Sweeps not certified must register for the Novice Sweep program and managed under the NZDBA Sweep Guidelines.

B.  Use of the boats and training equipment

• All teams must be registered teams of the BOPDBC to use dragon boats for training.
• Only members of the BOPDBC may use the equipment of the BOPDBC, guest members are allowed on a casual basis, next of kin details must be gathered by the team manager and full safety briefing provided by the sweep.
• All members are responsible for ensuring ALL gear is securely locked up after training.  This includes all life jackets, support boats, the lockers etc.
• Team managers, sweeps or coaches are to report any equipment damage to the BOPDBC Equipment Director.
• Ensure you have all hands on to lift the boat, use the hand holds provided.
• Do not stand on the seats.
• Do not bang your paddles on the side of the boat.
• Do not rub wax on any part of the boat.
• Break well before the wharf and approach slowly to minimize damage.

C.  Cancellations

• Generally in regards to weather the BOPDBC will only cancel training if there are white peaks, waterspouts, lightning strikes, water contaminates or out of the ordinary hazards we cannot mitigate.  This allows coaches to modify training slots to land-base without interference or confusion from the association.
• If for some reason the BOPDCB needs to cancel training, notices will be posted on the BOPDBC Facebook group by 3pm and if possible - emailed out to team managers, sweeps and coaches as listed in the registration form.   Teams use TEAMER app or similiar to advise members of cancellation.

D.  Conducting practices

• Training sessions are 1hr each.  Boats are to be returned to shore by the hour, no later.
• When practice alongside another boat keep 2 meters clear water between boats front, back and side.  In an event of a capsize this will prevent paddles or the gunnel from the other boat hitting people in the head.
• Always be on the lookout for swimmers.
• Don't give a wake to model boats or paddle boarders.
• No stopping in the middle of the channel.

E.  Lifejackets

• BOPDBC supplies lifejackets.
• All persons on board must wear a lifejacket.
• Lifejackets are never to be left outside lockup.
• Lifejackets are to be returned to the lockup and hung on hangers.

F.  Use of the Lockups

• The BOPDBC will take no responsibility for any loss incurred of personal gear.

G.  Use of Sulphur Point Boat Ramp

• The ramp and car access areas are legal roads - keep them clear at all times.
• When warming up keep to the grassed areas.
• When loading your boats into the water, there are only 4 ramps - please keep all dragon boats on one ramp, push first boat to the front.  At high tide 4 dragons can be loaded on one side.  This minimises our spread and allows other marine uses access.
• Ensure you put your rubbish, drink bottles, coffee cups etc and more into the bins.

H.  Training wear

• Footwear is a must at boat ramps due to the risk of cuts and slips.
• Quick dry top, shorts and boat shoes.
• Ensure you bring a change of clothes and towel.
• Evening trainings are cold in Spring and Autumn.  Appropriate clothing is - long sleeve thermal, dri gear top, bike shorts, boat shoes.  If temperature is particularly cold beanies and boat shoes.
• Jeans and heavy cotton are not allowed by anyone in the dragon boat.

I.  Nutrition and hydration

• Hydrate before training.
• Bring water and hydrate during training.
• Make sure you have eaten up to an hour before training.
• We recommend you consult a nutritionist for advise on a training diet and supplements.  Advise them you are doing aerobic, anaerobic, strength and endurance training.

J. Alcohol, Drugs and Smoking

• Bay of Plenty Dragon Boat Club has zero tolerance policy when it comes to alcohol and drugs

• World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) rules apply, please see IDBF website

• No alcohol is to be consumed within the 12 hours before the use of a Dragon Boat.

• Teams are not permitted to drink at training.

• BOPDBC has a no smoking policy and ask all smokers to refrain from being seen smoking at training or in a dragon boat uniform.

K. Make It Greener Policy

BOPDBC has a Make It Greener policy.  We ask all participants to not only take out what rubbish they bring to training and races but pick up any extras left in the areas we use.  Let make our universe a cleaner place every day.

L. Code of Conduct

• All members to review and accept the Code of Conduct.  
• Be nice to each other.
• Be supportive.
• Respect our officials.
• Respect other users on and off the water.
• Help each other to become better sportspersons on and off the water.