July 2020 Scottish Club Chat
So, in this month's blog, we want to draw your attention to a number of key areas:
Return to Boating - Phase 2 & 3
RYA Scotland issued an update to the Phase 2 guidance on Friday 3rd July 2020 and there will be further updates following the move into Phase 3 (by the Scottish Government) from 10th July. Any updates in information will be put on our return to boating section of the RYA Scotland website and an email sent to clubs & centres. Changes in our guidance will also be advertised through our social media avenues too.
If you have any questions or want to talk through the guidance then you are more than welcome to join us at one of the Connect sessions on a Wednesday 4pm or 7pm. Please register by clicking on the appropriate link below:
There's also a number of specific recognised training centre sessions that are discussing how training can be delivered and you can find the details (and how to book on) via our Facebook page and the online training opportunities calendar.
#Respect the Destination
You have hopefully seen the joint social media campaign that that was launched on 3rd July by Sail Scotland, British Marine Scotland, Wild Scotland and ourselves. The essence of the campaign is to remind leisure and commercial boaters that things may be different across the sailing/boating locations as we ease out of lockdown e.g. berthing arrangements, onshore facilities available and access controls. Further information can be found in our news story but we'd also recommend checking Twitter and Facebook using #RespectTheDestination to see if your intended destination has posted of any specific requirements.
Safeguarding � Child Wellbeing in Sport
As mentioned in June 2020's blog we have updated our 2020 policies and put them, and other new resources for clubs and centres to use and adapt, on our website here. As always, if you have any questions please get in touch with Liza (Child Wellbeing & Protection in Sport Lead for RYA Scotland - safeguarding@ryascotland.org.uk)
Have you thought about Covid-19, how it has affected our children and young people and how it may affect their return to activity? Children 1st and sportscotland have produced a guidance document to help to support children and young people as we return to activity. It is important to consider how people's experience's may affect your activity and this guidance document offers ways on how to approach provision to ensure it is safe and enjoyable.
The Scottish Government has recently passed the Disclosure Scotland Bill which should see a strengthening and simplifying of the system and includes a mandatory membership of the PVG Scheme for those doing regulated roles with children and adults. More information shall be coming out soon so please keep an eye on our webpages.
Finally in terms of a safeguarding update, as many of you will know, Jackie Reid has now retired and Katie Loucaides has started as the new RYA Safeguarding and Equality Manager. As always, Katie is another person that you can potentially contact should you have any questions or concerns around safeguarding.
RYA Census is now LIVE in Scotland
Each year we work closely with the RYA to encourage all RYA Affiliated Clubs based in Scotland to complete the annual membership census. We use the data to produce a picture of club membership across Scotland and the UK. Elements of the overall results are also used by our team and reported to sportscotland.
The emails for the 2020 Census for Scottish Clubs went out on 3rd July 2020 (please contact us if your club has not received it). We totally understand that due to Covid-19 and our 'coming out of lockdown' that your attention may currently be drawn elsewhere, however, we are confident the results of the census will help you (and us) better understand the impact of Covid-19 on your club's membership going forward. Therefore we would very much appreciate your help and support with this task!
Know a junior who needs a supported boat?
If so, then it's worth investigating the John Merrick's Sailing Trust (JMST) competition as it is now OPEN! Applications will close Monday 28th September 2020.
This opportunity is aimed at promising youngsters who display enthusiasm, drive, talent and commitment to the sport and those who may not ordinarily have the opportunity or financial backing to achieve their goals. The trust supports at least one young sailor per year from each region and home country, gifting them with 2 years of exclusive use of their own boat donated to their club or centre which will then support and continue to benefit other young sailors in the future.
For more information on eligibility please visit the JMST page on the OnBoard website. Please note the competition is open to sailors/windsurfers from all clubs and centres, not just OnBoard ones.
The nomination form can be found here.
Finally, have you had a listen to our new RYA Scotland Podcast Off the Water? We have now done 5 episodes, led by Jack and Nikki, with discussions from people like SAMH, sportscotland, RYA, and members of the RYA Scotland team (Liza has still to make an appearance) and we hope you are enjoying them! We are looking for some feedback on the podcasts and would ask that you follow this link to find out a bit more information on why and how you can help with feedback. The link will also help you be signpost how you can listen if you've not done so yet.
We hope that you are well, are beginning to escape lockdown and that we'll catch-up online with you soon! In the meantime, please don't hesitate to get in touch for a chat or general check-in if we can help!
Take care and stay safe!
The Development Team, aka Robin, Jack & Liza