[CUCBC Coxes] New Rule and other notices

[Derek O'Brien]

Dear Captains, Contacts, and Coxes,

During the Captains Meeting of 21st January, it was decided that a new rule
be introduced (and tested) in an effort to clean up the early morning rush
which has been occurring for quite some time now.  The new rule can be read
as follows:

   - “For the 10 minutes following lighting down, no boat will be permitted
   to be on the water, save for college first crews and university crews.”

This rule will come into effect between Monday, 25th January, 2010 and
Saturday, 27th February, 2010 inclusive (unless otherwise announced by the
committee).  The hope is that this will split the morning rush into two
waves of boats leaving the boathouse area, and hence quicken things up in
the morning.  It was discussed that this rule would be difficult to enforce,
except for the most obvious situations.  It is up to captains to ensure this
rule is followed, as it is for everyone's benefit.

Unfortunately it is also my job to relay all the negative comments which
have been made, and will comprise the rest of this e-mail.

It was also discussed during the meeting that several coxes were spinning in
inconvenient places, and notably at Baitsbite lock.  Please note that proper
spinning locations are:

   - Jesus Lock
   - Baitsbite Lock
   - Between the P&E and Peter's Posts
   - Between the two posts at the bottom of the reach

It is not acceptable to spin anywhere else, unless in the case of a real
emergency.  When spinning at Baitsbite lock, crews should spin below the
large sign which tells boats to "spin here".  Otherwise, several crews
spinning could slow everything down, and possibly cause a dangerous
situation with some crews getting stuck too close to the weir.  It was
requested at the captains meeting that all coxes be taught to spin quickly,
as slow spinning is a large contribution to slowing down early morning
outings (and outings in general).

This morning, there were and overwhelming number of incidents reported
concerning dangerous coxing.  It is for the clubs benefit, and the safety of
everyone on the cam, that all coxes be competent, and novice coxes be
accompanied by a coach at all times.  Coxes need to know the Rules of the
River handbook, and be able to act accordingly when such situations arise.
If the standard of coxing in Cambridge regularly matches that of this
morning, there could very easily be a serious injury in the near future.

As usual, please try to keep early morning noise to a minimum, and in
particular to 7:30am.  Crews should also not be making unnecessary noise
after 7:30am, particularly in the morning period, and as lighting down gets
earlier.

Captains are also advised to ensure all their lifejackets are in working
order and that their coxes know how to use them.  Race organisers (including
robinson head, newnham short course, and pembroke regatta) will be able to
ask coxes if they have a working lifejacket and are able to operate it
correctly.  If not, that crew will not be permitted to race.

The minutes of the previous Captains Meeting will be put on the website
within the next couple days.

Regards,
Derek O'Brien
CUWBC Secretary
CUCBC Secretary
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