Partially Sighted/ Blind paddlers - Rules???

Munchkin · Post by **Munchkin** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 5:40 pm

This is not in the right section but I guess that there probably isn't one for this...!

I know that many Div 3/4 events will allow/ turn a blind eye to youngsters being escorted nervously around the course as they try and get used to moving water and slalom at the same time (which I know is very much appreciated by all concerned).

Is there anything in the rules to stop a paddler escorting a partially sighted/ blind paddler around the course? We have a club member that made it into Div 3 a few years ago but has not competed since. They are keen to compete again but would need to be escorted as they cannot see the poles until literally just in front of their nose. They have been on river trips so can handle the water. Before encouraging them to take it up again I want to make sure that they would be allowed the help they need, especially now they are no longer in Div 4.

Thanks

John · Post by **John** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:53 pm

What do you mean by "escorting"?
The rules (39.2) state that

39.2 A competitor who accepts outside assistance can be disqualified by the Jury after the latter has been informed by the official judging the situation.

39.2.1 In the spirit of this article, the following is
considered as “outside assistance":
- All aid given to a competitor or to his/her boat.
- Giving, passing, or throwing to a competitor a spare paddle or his/her original lost paddles.
- Directing, pushing, or movement of the boat by anyone other than the competitor himself/herself.
- Giving directions to competitors by means of electro-acoustic apparatus or radiotelephone (e.g. radio-telephone between the competitor and any other person).

I don't think there are any specific rules for partially sighted/ blind paddlers. The rule uses the term "in the spirit of", so I'd say that would allow for some flexibility.

Munchkin · Post by **Munchkin** » Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:32 pm

Thanks, I would mean following or paddling along side the competitior shouting directions. We would not be physically touching them or their kit just giving verbal directions.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:09 am

You could always enter them for a team event - the whole point of that is co-operation.

PaulBolton · Post by **PaulBolton** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 12:34 pm

When I paddled for Proteus in the mid 1980's we had a very well known and (very) partially sighted paddler. He too could only see gates when he was almost upon them (if at all). He was in Div 2 and when he did a run all the other club members used to run down the bank or preposition and shout "encouragement" along the lines of "bow rudder right, sweep left, paddle forward now etc". We did this at every gate - I remember doing it at a Washburn which was quite a challenge given the speed of the water. I guess we were probably stretching the rules, but then again, who has never shouted "paddle hard". Anyway, wasn't it Mark Twain who said "rules are for the guidance of wise men and the obedience of fools!

If I was at an event and someone complained about a partially sighted paddler giving it a go, I'd be tempted to throw them in!!! I'm sure your friend will get nothing but common sense and lots of respect.

Canadian Paddler · Post by **Canadian Paddler** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:02 pm

As Nick reminded me, there is no rule about giving encouragement. There is teh possibility of confusion for teh judges if two boats appear at the same time, so some organisers may be shy of allowing a boat to go round with the paddler. But (as you know) this is not so much of an issue on a weir such as <ADVERT>Orton Mere in Peterborough on JULY 12th and 13th</ADVERT>

As well as Proteus having encouraged Paul (see I remember that long ago, and the canadian team of C1, C2 and C3), Rugby had a similar paddler issue. We proved then that it is possible to assist them from the bank without electro accoustical appartaus, even at Orton, just a good set of lungs, (guess who).

So bring them along, or try Cardington, where iy would be fairly easy to position assistants down the course, or keep up with the paddler, even at the blistering pace that you do in your C2!

Bottom line in my view is, unless there is a good reason, must organisers at the bottom level do it for 'bums in boats', and smiles on faces, and this is a way to increase both. (Definately not for the money!)

Munchkin · Post by **Munchkin** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:38 pm

Ta very muchly people. Orton Mere and Harefield slaloms are both on the list of events to take them along to. Might need to borrow your lungs though CP!

"even at the blistering pace that you do in your C2!" - we are working on that. By the time <ADVERT>Orton Mere in Peterborough on JULY 12th and 13th</ADVERT> comes along you will not be able to blink for fear of missing us!!!
:p

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:20 pm

I can't imagine any div 3 organiser discouraging this kind of "assistance", but given that it assumes supporters with loud voices and a paddler with good hearing, I think I would take it a step further.

For example ,perhaps we could permit instructions to indicate gate location to be called over a megaphone/amplifer or similar. In the spirit of the rules instructions would have to be location indicators, eg "gate 5 is a break out on the left" as opposed to "left bow rudder"/"right sweep" etc and the instructions would need to be audible to a member of the jury to ensure that the paddler wasn't being unfairly "coached".

Although I don't think this situation is covered by the dda, I think this would be in the spirit of the act and count as making reasonable provision so that the paddler is neither disadvantaged nor advantaged. It might not be strictly within the rules but surely some common sense could prevail.

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Tue Jun 03, 2008 9:29 pm

PS Munchkin

You could also try Shepperton 28/29 June - hopefully will be somewhat flatter than for the div 1! We don't normally allow "spectators" on the bridge or island but I'm sure the organiser would make an exception under the circumstances.

Another option could be the Nene - the course is fairly narrow and goes round in a loop, so you can be on the inside of the bend and not have so far to run!

Richard Hodge · Post by **Richard Hodge** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:05 pm

I think weir slaloms are ideal for this sort of thing, making all three of the ones mentioned more than suitable. Provided there is enough space, the support paddler doesn't have to go anywhere near the course, just position themselves in a place where they can see and shout.

I think we've been asked if this sort thing is OK at Shepperton in the past. Whilst it may not be strictly within the rules, I think you would a bit mean if, as an organiser, you said no!

Munchkin · Post by **Munchkin** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:43 pm

Dee wrote:PS Munchkin

You could also try Shepperton 28/29 June - hopefully will be somewhat flatter than for the div 1! We don't normally allow "spectators" on the bridge or island but I'm sure the organiser would make an exception under the circumstances.

Another option could be the Nene - the course is fairly narrow and goes round in a loop, so you can be on the inside of the bend and not have so far to run!

Thanks Dee. I would be more than happy to try Shepperton again but "unfortuantely" I will be in Hong Kong that weekend and I think I am the club member most likely to do the shouting/ escorting!

Thanks for all the help guys. I will be bringing them along to a venue near you soon

PaulBolton · Post by **PaulBolton** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:45 pm

I guess the obvious answer is to change the rules to allow competitors who are registered as visually impaired to receive appropriate support.

Anne · Post by **Anne** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:00 pm

I suggest you come up with a motion to put forward at the next ACM.

In the mean timr I suggest a letter or e-mil to me to take to the next Slalom committee meeting (5th July) would be helpful. Should any complains be lodged we would be able to respond appropriately.

Anne

Munchkin · Post by **Munchkin** » Wed Jun 04, 2008 3:44 pm

Anne, I have sent you an email through this site. If you do not get it please let me know.

Many thanks