Juniors once able to handle the weight of the junior oar are generally able to taking up rowing. As a guide a junior rower needs to be taller than 140 cm (4’ 7”) and of average strength; though this is not a club requirement.
Sara Gadd, Dave Merrick and Steve Bagshaw run the junior rowing sessions with the kind assistance of volunteer mums and dads. We need the volunteers to assist with gig launching and without their help we are generally unable to launch. A minimum of 4 adults are needed before the session will run.
Regulations for junior rowers are governed by the CPGA and administered by the Welfare Officer. These are set for the advancement and protection of youth rowers. Key items for the information of parents and rowers are:
- Personnel managing the youth section have background and / or interest in youth sport, and are DBS checked. The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevent unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).
- Child safety and security are managed in accordance with the CPGA guidelines. HRGC adopts the guidance and rules of CPGA including the policy for Safeguarding and Protecting Children. Appendix 5 includes Codes of Conduct for Coaches, Parents and Juniors
Prior to rowing the parent or guardian must complete a Junior Rower Information & Health Questionnaire, which will be reviewed prior to rowing. The junior will be instructed in the safety aspects of the water and gig rowing and must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid always during the junior session; these are provided by the club and are kept in the Oar Shed on Ferryboat Beach.