Discipline Specific Information

There is available a range of information available which is specific to running events within each discipline. Below are some of the key things to consider in each discipline and links to some useful documents.

Freestyle

If you are arranging a Freestyle event, then the GB Freestyle website has a checklist which highlights the key areas to consider and the relevant contacts within the GB Freestyle Committee to co-ordinate with if required.

Marathon

Whether you are looking to run a stand-alone race, a Hasler event or a national championship, there are some key things to consider.

The Marathon Racing Committee website has a range of information about organising events, including information about what is required to register a Hasler event. The Racing Handbook also contains a range of information which may be useful.

There are also some top tips which have been provided by previous organisers of the national events for things that may be overlooked:

• Ensure the correct access and permissions are in place along the route. This will include avoiding clashes with other activities on the water, as well as making sure that land-based facilities are aware of the event and available.
• Make sure you have a process for counting people out and back in so that everyone is accounted for.
• Make sure that participants and volunteers know the emergency procedures if someone gets into trouble.
• Ensure you have an officially recognised starter who can be heard, potentially using a PA system.
• Make sure that pre-start marshals have boards that people can read to help with lining up.
• Make sure there are enough people and stopwatches to record times at the finish line.
• Take a recording of the finish line if possible so that reviews can be made if needed.
• Make sure that people know how to operate the results system being used so that results can be shared promptly.
• Have a plan and process in place for any objections and understand who will deal with them. Make sure that this is communicated in the race briefing.

Sprint

Whilst there's a series of National Regattas that take place each year, clubs and other organisers are encouraged to organise their own regattas on a more local level.

The official racing competition rules are available in the Racing Handbook but there is also some flexibility to this for local or regional events. This includes:

• Selecting particular classes and races to suit the environment and event requirements
• Adaptation of rules to suit the environment and event requirements
• Not impacting on national ranking or promotion

There is a guide to running a Sprint Regatta which includes guidance on:

• Pre-competition planning
• Equipment required
• Race programming and timing advice
• On the day priorities for different roles at the event

Slalom

If you are organising a slalom event there's an extensive range of information available from the Slalom Committee to support the event via the organiser's pack.

This includes:

• The Slalom Yearbook – this contains the rules of competition as well as rankings and contacts.
• The Organiser's Handbook – this contains a range of details for planning an event such as:
  • Pre-event planning and regulations
  • Entry and start list systems
  • On the day priorities
  • Post-event follow up
• Course construction advice
• Safety and welfare documentation
• Timing and results system information
• Organiser's checklist

To register your slalom event, you need to apply to the Slalom Committee in the year before the event. This needs to be done by 1st May for Premier and Division 1 races and by 1st July for all other events. The calendar is then reviewed and approved by the committee and organisers must then complete a more detailed form including initial risk management plan or competition safety plan by 15th December.

Polo

If you are running national league divisional competition, then there is an information booklet below which highlights the key things to consider when arranging a divisional event, including:

• Pre-competition planning
• Equipment required
• On the day priorities
• Post-competition follow-up

For other competitions some of the considerations are still worth taking into account, although there is obviously a greater level of flexibility in what is required.

Additional information is available on the Canoe Polo Website.

Rafting

For information on arranging a rafting event, visit the British Rafting website.

Wild Water Racing

If you are running a wild water race there is a range of advice and guidance provided by the committee. You can view more detail on the Wild Water Racing website linked here.

This includes:

• Race Organiser's Guide – This includes a step by step guide of things to consider from a year before the event through until after the event has finished, including:
• Confirming access
• Required volunteers and their roles
• Selecting and reviewing the course
• Starting procedures and watch synchronisation
• Event checklist – this provides a list of actions required to run a race
• Safety and risk assessment documentation