1. Every child needs a volunteer.
No adult volunteer – no sailing. This is a condition of entry. There is a 1:1 ratio of kids to volunteers. If you cannot make it and another parent is standing in for you – they cannot also be the volunteer for their own child.
2. No one stands down until all the kids are back and safe.
While your child may be wrapped up warm in the changing room, the support boat teams are probably still on the water; and the galley team are probably busy feeding people. Don’t stop just because your child is back safely.
3. Look after all the kids – don’t focus on your own.
On the water – coach and support all kids equally (or even better, avoid your own – they will be better sailors when you are not within shouting distance!). Off water – remember plenty of kids won’t have a parent available due to other duties.
4. We’ve not finished until we’ve all finished
If you’re in the bar and Coaches are still packing Optimists away, or kids are on the water – you’re doing it wrong.
5. In competitive events – no coaching unless you are a Coach.
It is important that we are fair with all the kids. The Coaches have a plan for which kids need coaching and support during racing – and in a serious race, it will be for back markers only. If you tell your child what to do during a race, we may disqualify them.
6. If you are on the water, make sure your child knows a responsible adult.
Separate from volunteering – your child needs to know someone on shore who can be responsible for them and that they can talk to if they need support.
7. We don’t shout, swear, or drink around the kids.
For obvious reasons. Be positive and be a good influence.
8. Clear up.
There’s no one there to pick up behind you. Bin your rubbish, take your glasses back to the bar, and make sure your kids do the same especially in the club house.
9. Be safe.
It’s really important that we are all safe as well as the kids. Wear appropriate clothing including buoyancy aids if on water. Wear proper footwear because almost all of us will get muddy. No alcohol until you’ve finished your role – and definitely no alcohol on water.
