Official recognition for Octopush (Bulletin 229)

On 25th July 2013 the BOA Chairman Ken Kirby and Chair of the British Sub Aqua Club Clare Peddie signed the affiliation agreement which gives Octopush official recognition with sporting bodies.

The following press release will be included in the BSAC magazine:

BSAC is delighted to welcome the British Octopush Association (BOA) into the family!

BOA is the governing body for underwater hockey in Great Britain and will gain recognition through its affiliation with BSAC, allowing BOA clubs access to benefits such as Clubmark and BSAC’s Safeguarding policy.

BSAC Chair Clare Peddie said she was delighted to welcome Octopush and looked forward to a long and happy association.

Ken Kirby added: “I feel this is a huge step forward for the BOA, we are gaining official recognition for our sport and benefitting from BSAC’s knowledge and experience.”

For more information on the British Octopush Association go to www.gbuwh.co.uk

We are now allowed to use the BSAC logo and add the words 'Affiliated to the British Sub Aqua Club' to any documents or promotional material.

Safeguarding

One benefit of our affiliation with BSAC is their guidance on safeguarding which is becoming very important in sport.

As I told you in the last bulletin the old CRB checks are now called the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

The BOA has a list of members authorised to work with children and vulnerable adults. This list is available to you when you are logged in to the web site.

It is the responsibility of club officials to ensure that any member who coaches or has contact with children or vulnerable adults is named on the Authorised Members list.

All club officials and referees must apply for DBS disclosure and be on the authorised members list as they are likely to be in a position of authority at some time or other over children or vulnerable adults.

There has been changes to the procedure so when applying for disclosure please carefully read the instructions which will be sent to you with your application form.

The BOA will no longer be sent a copy of the disclosure certificate. When you receive your certificate you must arrange for it to be seen by BOA Administration or a Committee member before we can add your name to the Authorised Members list.

You may also use the disclosure certificate to show to other bodies and we will accept disclosure certificates obtained through other bodies providing the position applied for is 'Child and Adult Workforce'.

Clubmark

Clubmark is a form of kitemark which shows your club has correct procedures in place and is important for clubs who train youngsters.

BSAC set the criteria and will assess and award Clubmark to 2 BOA clubs per year as part of our affiliation agreement.

I would like all BOA clubs to attain Clubmark which will show we are taking our sport and our responsibilities seriously.

If you would like to take your club through Clubmark then contact me for details.

World Championships

I am sure you will all join me in wishing the best of luck and skill to our National Squads who are going out to Eger in Hungary for the world Championships.

I am hoping the Olympic legacy will roll over and our athletes will be bringing extra shiny baggage back home.

Ken Kirby

Chairman

British Octopush Association.

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