CONSTITUTION AND RULES
TITLE, The name of the Federation is the:- Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers
1. PURPOSES
1.1 The Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers is recognised by the Sports Council for Wales as the National Governing body, responsible for the development of sea angling at all levels within Wales.
1.2 To make rules concerning the sport of sea angling.
1.3 To promote the sport of sea angling with rod, reel and line
1.4 To foster Welsh National Championships or Festivals by either direct promotion or through
through affiliated clubs.
1.5 To watch over the interests of sea angling within Wales and to make representation to the
appropriate authorities where necessary.
1.6 To be responsible for the furtherance of International competitions, and for the selection and
control of Welsh international teams.
2. LIMITATIONS
2.1 The WFSA shall have no local or national political affiliations and shall have no restrictions based on colour or creed regarding membership.
3. COMPOSITION
3.1 The composition of the WFSA will consist of Officers and National Executive, designated Regions, Affiliated clubs and Personal and Honorary members.
4. MEMBERSHIP
4.1 Any properly constituted and correctly Insured Club, Association or Society which must include a Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, is eligible for affiliation to the Federation. Groups, consortia or combines of the above will not be eligible. All Affiliation applications will be directed to the General Secretary, who will notify Regional Secretaries of the proposed applications.
The National Executive will authorise membership and determine the region to which the club will be attached. In accordance with Rule 6.5 Regional Executives are empowered to grant provisional membership to new clubs,on payment of the appropriate fee, subject to the approval at the next National Executive meeting. All monies must be forwarded in full to the General Secretary.
4.2 Personal Membership is open to any person completing the appropriate form and paying the appropriate fee. Personal Members will be entitled to all the privileges of the Federation. The only exception being that they may not qualify to fish for Welsh teams unless they qualify as in rule 18.3
.4.3 Life Membership, all applications for life membership must be directed to the National Executive who will then make a recommendation at the Annual General meeting, Persons may speak on the nomination at the AGM. Acceptance or refusal of life membership will be a majority decision.
4.4 A junior will cease to be a junior on their 16th birthday. A junior member who starts fishing as a junior at the beginning of the year of his/her 16th birthday will remain a junior to the end of the year.
4.5 A condition of membership to the WFSA will be that all member clubs carry a minimum of PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE.
Entrance to the block insurance scheme is to be encouraged but proof of individual club insurance will be accepted providing the standard is at least equal to that of the WFSA insurance.
5. GOVERNMENT
5.1 The government of the Federation is vested in general meetings. The National Executive shall administer the Federations affairs between general meetings.
5.2 Local administration will be by regions, which may be formed by members of five clubs at the discretion of the National Executive.
5.3 The National Executive will consist of the National Officers, Regional delegates and Personal member representatives.
5.4 Regional Executives will consist of the representatives from the Regional clubs and Personal members.
6. REGIONS
6.1 Minutes of regional meetings and newsletters shall be submitted to the National Chairman, General Secretary, National Press Officer and Personal Members Secretary not later than 10 days after production by the Region.
6.2 Regional annual balance sheets shall be submitted to the General Secretary only ( Regional Secretaries note, any paragraphs that your region does not wish to be published by the Press Officer, please mark Not for publication ) Regional accounts will at all times be open for inspection by the National Executive.
6.3 In the event of the winding up of a region or Personal Members Section, the finances and all assets will be conveyed to the National Body, who may either hold them in suspension for up to two years,pending the reformation of the region or absorb them into the National Funds or assets.
6.4 Each region of the Federation will appoint three delegates to attend National Executive Meetings.
6.5 The National Executive will decide regional boundaries. The National Executive will decide club designation to a region also in the first instance by the clubs headquarters, or by the Secretary`s address.
6.6 All open competition date applications to be referred to the appropriate Regional Executives for approval. The National Executive will determine National Championship dates.
6.7 Regions may make additional rules to aid them with the smooth running of the region. These rules must be submitted in writing to the National Executive for ratification. No regional rule will be allowed to conflict with National rules.
6. REGIONS
6.1 Minutes of regional meetings and newsletters shall be submitted to the National Chairman, General Secretary, National Press Officer and Personal Members Secretary not later than 10 days after production by the Region.
6.2 Regional annual balance sheets shall be submitted to the General Secretary only ( Regional Secretaries note, any paragraphs that your region does not wish to be published by the Press Officer, please mark Not for publication ) Regional accounts will at all times be open for inspection by the National Executive.
6.3 In the event of the winding up of a region or Personal Members Section, the finances and all assets will be conveyed to the National Body, who may either hold them in suspension for up to two years,pending the reformation of the region or absorb them into the National Funds or assets.
6.4 Each region of the Federation will appoint three delegates to attend National Executive Meetings.
6.5 The National Executive will decide regional boundaries. The National Executive will decide club designation to a region also in the first instance by the clubs headquarters, or by the Secretary`s address.
6.6 All open competition date applications to be referred to the appropriate Regional Executives for approval. The National Executive will determine National Championship dates.
6.7 Regions may make additional rules to aid them with the smooth running of the region. These rules must be submitted in writing to the National Executive for ratification. No regional rule will be allowed to conflict with National rules.
7. DISSOLUTION
7.1 The Federation may only be dissolved by the resolution of two consecutive General meetings, notice of which must be served separately. Such resolutions must be supported by three quarters of those present entitled to vote, which shall represent at least half of the voting strength of the Federation. If such a resolution is passed the National Executive will have the power forthwith to liquidate the affairs of the Federation and if there be any assets on realisation, they be handed to the Sports Council for Wales.
8. ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
8.1 The National Executive will hold the AGM of the Federation in March every year at a place and date as determined. Advance notification asking for nominations, resolutions and items for the agenda must be given to the club officers or the personal members Secretary at least eight weeks before the meeting. All nominations, resolutions and items for the agenda, must be in writing and lodged with the General Secretary at least four weeks prior to the meeting, attendance at the AGM is necessary to move such items, otherwise they deem not to be moved and withdrawn.
8.2 All reports and balance sheets and the agenda must be distributed to the officers, club and personal members Secretaries at least fourteen days before the meeting.
8.3 The agenda will be prepared by the General Secretary in consultation with the National Chairman and will include the receiving of reports, balance sheets, election of officers and variation in rules.
8.4 Those to be elected at the AGM are the Officers, Viz, Patron, President, Executive Vice President, Chairman, Vice Chairman,General Secretary, Treasurer, Fish Recorder, Cup Custodian,Press Officer, Coaching and Developing Officer, Personal Members secretary,Boat Team Manager, Shore Team Manager, Ladies Team Manager,Youth Team Manager, Junior Team Manager,Surfcasting Team Manager, Environmental Officer, Vice Presidents, Hon Auditors and internal Auditors. ( All passed Chairman of the Federation are eligible for election as Vice Presidents )
8.5 A quorum for the General meetings shall consist of representation form at least ten affiliated clubs, or nine affiliated clubs and Personal Members delegates. Those present must represent at least three regions or two regions and the Personal members delegates. A person may exercise only one vote at any time.
8.6 Each affiliated club will be entitled to one vote from each of its TWO delegates.
8.7 Any members of an affiliated club, or Personal member of the Federation may attend the AGM but will not be allowed to take part in any debate.
8.8 Executive Officers will not be allowed to vote, unless in attendance as a delegate of an affiliated club or a Personal members delegate. The Chairman of the meeting may exercise a casting vote.
8.9 Rules may only be rescinded, amended, altered or added by a two thirds majority of the voting strength in attendance at the AGM or at a meeting called for that purpose.
8.10 General Secretary must receive written notice of the nominee at least 14 days prior to the meeting
9. PRIVILEGES
9.1 Officers, Personal Members, Honorary Life Members and members of affiliated clubs are entitled to all the privileges of the Federation apart form the exception in 4.2 and may compete for trophies and prizes offered by the Federation.
10. SPECIAL GENERAL MEETINGS
10.1 These may be called at any time by any six of the duly elected Officers, the National Executive or by requisition duly passed by two thirds of the voting members of a region. Notification of such meeting shall be sent to the General Secretary, stating the full object of the meeting, and must give the text of any resolutions to be moved.
No other business may be discussed, except that for which the meeting has been called. Notice for such a meeting will be sent out to Officers, affiliated clubs and Personal Members Secretary at least twentyone days before the meeting to be held. The meeting will be held within thirtyfive days of the receipt of the request for the meeting.
11. ADMINISTRATION
11. The National Executive will be responsible for the administration of the Federation. It will have the authority to make such Standing Orders for the conduct of its business and such regulations and by-laws for the smooth running of the Federation as it may think fit. All Standing Orders, Regulations and by-laws thus made will operate until the next AGM. at which time they will come up for ratification.
12. MEMBERSHIP FEES
12.1 Each affiliate will pay to the Federation, via the General Secretary an annual fee as determined by the AGM. or a meeting called for that purpose. Such fee will become due on 1st January each year. Any club applying for membership after the 30th November in any year may, at the discretion of the National Executive have its fee carried over to cover the following year. Any affiliated membership which has not paid it`s fee by the 1st March will cease to be entitled to correspondence, benefits, or privileges including voting rights until the fee has been paid.
13. MEETINGS
13.1 Except in the case of prolonged illness or leave of absence granted by the National Executive, an officer or Committee member may be replaced if absent on two occasions consecutively without his or her apology,or after three consecutive time with apologies, any such apologies must be in writing. Verbal apologies will be accepted on merit at the discretion of the National Executive.
13.2 General meetings will be opened by the President whenever possible, who will also occupy the chair during the election of officers, or on occasions where both the chairman and vice chairman are absent. If in addition the President is absent, the General Secretary will call for nominations for a person to chair the meeting. Such nominations will have to be proposed and seconded and voted on in the prescribed manner. If none of the above mentioned officers are present, a chairman will be elected by resolution of the members present to open the meeting subject to the required quorum being present.
13.3 General meetings are to be held every three months. Dates to be agreed at the AGM.
Due and adequate notice of Executive meetings, stating place, date and time thereof shall be issued to all persons entitled to be present by the person responsible. Generally, fourteen days notice shall be deemed to be adequate
14. DISCIPLINE
14.1 The National Executive Committee will have the power to refuse, suspend, or terminate Affiliated or Personal membership where the Affiliated Membership or Person fails to meet, either requirements of membership, or has been found guilty of conduct, which in the opinion of the Executive, warrents disciplinary action being taken. Such members will have the right to appeal against the any disciplinary action having been taken against them at the next AGM. Registration of intent to appeal must be given to the General Secretary in writing within twenty eight days of notification of such disciplinary action, Such notification will be sent by recorded delivery.
14.2 Where a complaint is made against a National Officer, it shall be brought before the National Executive the first instance for resolving, and the officer shall be advised of the complaint prior to the meeting at which the complaint will be discussed.
15 FINANCE
15.1 The financial year shall for all accounting purposes terminate on the 31st December.
15.2 A balance sheet showing the final disposition of the Federation at the end of the preceding financial year shall be prepared and submitted to the Executive meeting before the AGM for discussion prior to the submission to appointed auditors.
The WFSA assets as presented on the balance sheet are to be insured for the current replacement value and index linked.
16. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE
16.1 Delegations should consist of one officer and two other persons from each region, all to be from currently Affiliated clubs or paid up Personal members. Two delegates shall represent Personal Members.
16.2 Each delegate shall have the power to exercise one vote. In the event of a proposal failing to achieve the required majority, then it will be deemed not carried. In accordance with Rule 8,8 Executive Officers will not be entitled to vote unless in attendance as a Regional delegate or Personal Member representative. The Chairman of the meeting may exercise a casting vote.
16.3 A quorum will be deemed to exist when a minimum of five delegates are present simultaneously of two Regions and Personal Members section.
16.4 All officers, delegations and persons reporting on activities of committees ( federation ) and those who sit on as delegates of the Federation must present reports in writing on each occasion the Executive meets.
17. REGIONAL
17.1 Regions may elect officers to run their respective Regions, as they require, with the exception of Patrons and Presidents.
17.2 Each Region shall hold it AGM at least six weeks prior to the AGM of the Federation.
17.3 Each affiliated club and Personal Members as a collective group shall be entitled to two representatives at Regional level. Each representative being entitled to one vote only. Executive Officers may vote if present as a club or Personal members representative.
17.4 Regions will meet at least four time a year. All officers and clubs shall be notified of the meeting at least seven days prior to the meeting taking place.
18. INTERNATIONAL TEAM SELECTION
18.1 BOAT.
Home Internationals and European Championships.
The squad consists of eight qualifies anglers from the fish off stages, plus, either the ninth placed individual or a ``Wildcard``
Home Internationals and world Championships.
The squad consists of nine qualified from the fish off stages, plus, either the tenth placed individual or a ``Wil card``
18.1.1 Last team Member Selection. The Boat Team Manager will decide upon the last team member based on the qualifying legs and by any extenuating circumstances that may involve the adoption of the ``WildCard`` system.
18.1.2 Wildcard Criteria and Guidelines.
Individual Gold / Top Rod - If an angler wins Gold or top Rod position in the European or World Championships, this angler should be given the opportunity to defend the title. N>B the angler must fish that year`s qualifiers to be considered.
Team Gold - In the event of Gold in a team event, from the previous years team, all barring one angler must have qualified through the merit of the qualifying stages. This can then result in the possible selection of the last member via a``Wildcard``. Further to this, qualification does not guarantee a team place in the previously won event.
Fishing venues and type of fishing play a major part in team selection. For example, fishing at anchor for Conger does not equal drifting for Pollack. The Boat Manager must ensure that the strongest team is being sent for the venue to be fished.
Missing one qualifying leg - Should an angler miss one leg of the qualifiers through no fault of his own, the ``Wildcard`` selection may be adopted. Acritirion relating to `no fault of his own`, is as follows:-
(a) Hospitalisation of the Individual or immediate family member, which neccessitates
the angler`s absence from one leg.
(b) Immediate family bereavement.
(c) An angler who misses more than one qualifying leg will not be considered through the "Wildcard" system.
18.2 SHORE
Tha top nine anglers at the end of the qualifiers will make up the National Team selected for the Home and World Championships. The Manager through the ``Wildcard`` system will selectthe final place. If any of the top nine anglers become unavailable for any reason the tenth place will qualify and so on down the positions they finished. In the event that an individual angler wins a European or World title, then that angler will be given the opportunity to defend his or her title on condition that he or she participates in the Welsh National qualifiers. The decision in respect of entry into European or World Championships would me made at the AGM. prior to the of entry, In the event that European or World Championships are not entered, the National Executive will decide if any alternative event will be entered.
18.3 TRAILS
1. All trials are to be fished in daylight
2. Duration of fishing will not exceed six hours.
3. Venues on which trials are to be fished are to be similar characteristics to the International
venue to be fished whenever possible, i.e. species, rock. sand, Shore- long or short casting.
Boat - uptiding or downtiding.
4. All trials to be fished to International Rules as laid down by the Sea Angling Liaison
Committee,
5. Members qualifiying for shore events would not be elected for boat events unless qualified
as in Rule 18.1.
6. All trials will be fished on a Catch and Release basis.
7. For boat trials minimum sizes may be omitted, depending on the venues to be fished in the
forth-coming events. Team managers will inform all individuals fishing of the points system
prior to the trials.
Team managers will be elected by the AGM. These persons may ,or may not, be a member of the team(s)
The manager will be the first point of contact on all matters relating to the National Team.
The Team manager is to make maps and notes of all venues that are fished to build up a useful reference book on possible International venues. The Team manager is to look for other International eventsthat the WFSA could involve itself with on a yearly basis.
The Team manager is to be responsible for the organising the Home Internationa, venues, and information pacts etc. The Code of Conduct for Welsh International Anglers is to be followed at all times.
18.6 In all Welsh National Shore qualifiers and International events held in Wales, each zone will be provided with scales. It will be the responsibllity of each angler to present each captured fish to the scales at the earliest opportunity. It will be the duty of the weigh master to return all captured fish to the water as soon as weighed.
Each zone will be supervised to ensure that this practice is carried out. Venues will be selected that will ensure that this Code of Conduct can be carried out. All qualifying matches will be fished on either a weigh or Measure and return format. It is the responsibility of the Area Leader to ensure that when competitions are finished, all beaches used are left in a clean condition.
18.7 The finalists of a National fish off will remain as the election panel until the next National fish off is completed. Not more than one such Fish off to take place in ant twelve-month period, 1st April to 31st March.
If the International Team is unable to elect a full team from its final squad. NO team to represent Wales will be allowed to fish.
18.5 TEAM MANAGERS
Team managers will be elected by the AGM. These persons may ,or may not, be a member of the team(s)
The manager will be the first point of contact on all matters relating to the National Team.
Scoring an Individual who misses one leg - The average % of the angler`s three completed legs should be calculated. This average will then be added to the total% of the three legs fished. Only if this score is then sufficient to have made the squad through the merit of the qualifiers will the angler become eligible for possible selection via the "Wildcard".
18.4 ELIGIBILITY
A qualifying period of three years residence in Wales, and a member of a club, which has been affiliated to the WFSA for three consecutive years, or be a Welsh National or have a Welsh born parent.
The Personal Members are classed as a club for these purposes. Any person who has represented another country would not be eligible for selection in a Welsh Team.
18.5 TEAM MANAGERS
Team managers will be elected by the AGM. These persons may ,or may not, be a member of the team(s)
The manager will be the first point of contact on all matters relating to the National Team.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The team manager will appoint area team leaders from anglers who have applied to fish. Such area leaders must be acceptable to both officers and anglers of that Region and will liaise with the Region before any proposed venue or accommodation is finalised. Area leaders will be the local point of contact for the managers and anglers alike. The area leaders will choose and peg the venue after discussion with the Region`s officers and the Team Manager.
The Team manager is to make maps and notes of all venues that are fished to build up a useful reference book on possible International venues. The Team manager is to look for other International events that the WFSA could involve itself with on a yearly basis.
The Team manager is to be responsible for the organising the Home Internationals, venues, and information pacts etc. The Code of Conduct for Welsh International Anglers is to be followed at all times.
18.6 In all Welsh National Shore qualifiers and International events held in Wales, each zone will be provided with scales. It will be the responsibility of each angler to present each captured fish to the scales at the earliest opportunity. It will be the duty of the weigh master to return all captured fish to the water as soon as weighed.
Each zone will be supervised to ensure that this practice is carried out. Venues will be selected that will ensure that this Code of Conduct can be carried out. All qualifying matches will be fished on either a weigh or Measure and return format. It is the responsibility of the Area Leader to ensure that when competitions are finished, all beaches used are left in a clean condition.
18.7 The finalists of a National fish off will remain as the election panel until the next National fish off is completed. Not more than one such Fish off to take place in ant twelve-month period, 1st April to 31st March.
If the International Team is unable to elect a full team from its final squad. NO team to represent Wales will be allowed to fish.
STANDING ORDERS
1. ORDER OF BUSINESS
(a) The General Secretary or his deputy in consultation with the Chairman shall prepare an agenda and all items so circulated on the agenda shall have priority over
other business.
(b) Any member wishing to introduce other business to the meeting may do so if it can be
proved that the item has become subject matter for the AGM. after circulation of the agenda.
The item must be in the hands of the General Secretary at least seven days before the
meeting, or in the event of an item arising during the meeting, by resolution of the meeting.
(c) An attendance book shall be available at the meetings in whish all members present may
record their names and capacity of attendance.
2. MINUTES
The minutes of the last meeting shall be read and moved as an accurate record. No motion or discussion shall be allowed on the minutes except in regard to their accuracy.
3. RESOLUTIONS
Any member may move a proposition on an item from the agenda during consideration of this at a meeting.
4. AMENDMENTS
Any number of amendments may be put to a motion, but only one amendment shall be before the meeting at any time. Members may speak for or against a motion or amendments and any member may indicate his intention of moving another amendment, should the amendment then under discussion be defeated but he may not move the amendment until the one under discussion has been disposed of.
An amendment on being carried will then be submitted as the substantive motion. Members may then if required, propose further amendments.
5. TIME OF SPEAKERS
The mover of a motion shall be allowed to speak for a single period of ten minutes and all subsequent speakers may speak for a period of three minutes. The time may be extended at the discretion of the Chairman.
The mover of a motion shall have the right to reply.
An amending motion shall not be a mere negative, but must be relative to the original motion, must be in writing, if the motion is in writing, may be moved or seconded by any member whether he or she has not spoken on the original motion, must not be moved after the question has been put, gives no right of reply to the mover and cannot be withdrawn without the consent of the meeting.
6. CLOSURE OF DEBATE
A debate may be closed by the moving of either of the following motions to be put immediately by a member who has not previously spoken at any time during the debate. This may only be expressed once per item on the agenda.
(1) That the meeting proceeds to the next business. If carried, all discussion on the subject will
stop without a vote being taken but the matter can be brought up at a subsequent meeting,
if lost, the discussion on the original subject is resumed.
(2) That the motion be put, if carried, to the vote at once, with the right of the mover to reply to
the debate. if lost, the discussion on the original subject is resumed.
The Chairman may close the debate when he considers fair discussion has been allowed, but in the event of a dispute on an important matter the decision must rest with the meeting.
7. VOTING
The declaration of the Chairman as to the result of the vote shall be conclusive, provided that if the voting has been by show of hands and there has been no immediate objection to the accuracy of the result as declared by the Chairman.
If an immediate challenge is made to the accuracy of the result declared by the Chairman then a poll should be taken forthwith.
CHAIRMAN OF THE MEETING
The Chairman of the meeting should not normally take part in general discussion except to give guidance to the meeting. In the event of him wishing to express his personal views the Chairman should vacate the chair, unless requested by the meeting to do so without vacating the chair. The Chairman`s ruling on any question under Standing Orders, or any points of Order, or any explanation shall be final, unless a majority of the meeting votes to the contrary. All speakers will rise to address the chair and should contain themselves to the motion under discussion. The Chairman will normally remain seated during the debate. At any time the Chairman rises, any member speaking shall resume his seat.
No member shall speak while the Chairman is speaking. No member shall interrupt whilst he is speaking, unless to clear up misapprehension as to something he has already said, in which case he will indicate to the chair, on whose approval he will then state his or her point in the most direct possible terms.
8. ORDER OF ADJOURNMENT
It shall be the power of the Chairman to:-
(a) Preserve Order.
(b) To adjourn the meeting when it is impossible to maintain Order.
(c) Generally to conduct the meeting that the business thereof may be facilitated, and the
and the results clearly and well defined.
The Chairman shall not have the right ,except as in 8(a) and (b) above, to adjourn the meeting except with the consent of the members present, unless the business for which it was concerned have been concluded.
9. SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
Standing Orders may be suspended on a majority vote of the members present. The motion of suspension must state the purpose and the time period of the suspension of the Standing Orders.
3. PROCEDURES
3.1 There are a number of requirements to fulfill before becoming a coach within the WFSA. These are broken down into three areas.
3.1.1 Level One is aimed at developing skills of coaches at club level. Ensuring that their
compliance with all WFSA policies and basic requirements include:-
a. Knowledge of WFSA coaching procedures.
b. Basic First Aid.
c. Familiarity with the Child Protection policy and procedures, to include
Police and Social Service vetting.
d. Must be an experienced Angler.
3.1.2 Level Two Is aimed at regional coaches. These coaches will play a part in supporting
club coaches and organising Region-wide coaching activities.
Key areas include:-
a. Support of club coaches
b. Promotion of Angling Skills within the Youth Sector.
c. Concentrates more on competitive angling - Club and Region, Methods and Technique
COACHING POLICY
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The education and well being of our members is of paramount importance to all who represent the Welsh Federation of Sea Anglers and its affiliated clubs. All our members have the right to coaching. They have the right to be taught correct Angling procedures in our Federation and in our clubs.
1.2 In the WFSA we respect our members. The atmosphere within the Federation is one that encourages all members to do their best. We aim to provide opportunities that enable our members to learn from fully licensed and recognised coaches from within the Federation.
1.3 All WFSA recognised coaches must have gained their qualifications s as coaches through the Federation of Welsh Anglers Coaching Foundation, and hold a current coaching licence and and also a certificate of CRB check before they will be eligible to coach within the WFSA.
1.4 Our coaching scheme helps to develop appropriate skills in our members. We also show them to regognise different methods required for different environments, and how to behave and adapt in response to them.
2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
2.1 This policy ensures that all WFSA coaches are Fully and correctly qualified in all respects and are clear about the requirements and methods with regards to our coaching structure.:-
Its aims are a. To raise the level of skills within angling of all WFSA representatives.
b. To ensure effective communication between all WFSA coaches and
representatives with regards to coaching methods and success.
c. To lay down the correct procedures for those who wish to undertake FWA
Coaching Foundation coaching certificate and CRB check.
3. PROCEDURES
3.1 There are a number of requirements to fulfill before becoming a coach within the WFSA. These are broken down into three areas.
3.1.1 Level One is aimed at developing skills of coaches at club level. Ensuring that their
compliance with all WFSA policies and basic requirements include:-
a. Knowledge of WFSA coaching procedures.
b. Basic First Aid.
c. Familiarity with the Child Protection policy and procedures, to include
Police and Social Service vetting.
d. Must be an experienced Angler.
3.1.2 Level Two Is aimed at regional coaches. These coaches will play a part in supporting
club coaches and organising Region-wide coaching activities.
Key areas include:-
a. Support of club coaches
b. Promotion of Angling Skills within the Youth Sector.
c. Concentrates more on competitive angling - Club and Region, Methods and
Technique
3.1.3 Level Three Focuses hugely on International Angling Skills. Level Three coaches and
coaching will concentrate on working with regional coaches to develop
competitive angling at all levels. Areas to include:-
a. Develop Competitive Angling.
b. Focus on International Angling Techniques
c. Develop coaching activities for all ages.
d. National Coach Status.
3.2 There is a duly elected person on the Executive Committee to represent the coaching
needs of the WFSA. This person is the WFSA Coaching and Development Officer.
3.2.1 The WFSA Coaching and Development Officer is responsible for the following:-
a.. Production and monitoring of all WFSA coaching procedures.
b. Production and monitoring of WFSA level 1,2 and 3 coaching coarses.
c. Keeping and monitoring of a central register of all coaches within the WFSA.
d. Yearly renewal of coach requirements such as basic first aid and also as per
the child protection policy - police and social services vetting.
c. Liaison with the FWA Coaching Foundation and The Sports Council for Wales
on all aspects of the coaching courses.
3.4 Each affiliated club shall have its own Coaching Officer.
3.5 Once an applicant has successfully achieved a level of coaching, He or She will receive
an FWA coaching certificate, ID card relevant to the level obtained and also coaching
packs containing Child Protection information, guidance notes and coaching
procedures
4. Monitoring and Review
4.1 The WFSA Executive Committee review all procedures as supplied by the WFSA
Coaching Development Officer. This policy is reviewed annually.
CHILD PROTECTION POLICY
1. Introduction
1.1 The health, safety and well being of all junior members, hereafter referred to as
children, are of paramount importance to all adults who represent the Welsh
Federation of Sea Anglers and its affiliated clubs, hereafter referred to as WFSA
representatives. Our children have the right to protection, regardless of age,race,
culture or disability. They have the right to be safe in our clubs and Federation.
1.2 In the WFSA we respect our junior members. The atmosphere within the WFSA is one
that encourages all children to do their best. We provide opportunities that enable our
children to take and make decisions for themselves.
1.3 Our coaching scheme helps to develop appropriate attitudes in our children and make
them aware of the impact of their decisions on others. We also show them how to
recognise different risks in different situations, and how to behave in response to them.
2. Aims and objectives
2.1 This police ensures that all WFSA representatives with immediate contact with our
children are clear about the actions with regards a child protection issue. It aims are:-
a. To raise the awareness of all WFSA representatives and identify
responsibility in reporting possible cases of abuse.
b. To ensure effective communication between all WFSA representatives
when dealing with child protection issues.
c. To lay down the correct procedures for those who encounter an issue of
child protection.
3. Procedures
3.1 There is a named person in the Executive Committee and in each region and in each
affiliated club who is the child protection coordinator.
3.2 If any WFSA member suspects that a child may be the victim of abuse, he/she will
immediately inform the named person in his region and club about his/her concerns.
Abuse can be of sexual, emotional, or physical nature. It can also be the result of
neglect.
3.3 Any action that the coordinator takes when dealing with an issue of child protection must
be in line with the procedures outlined in local Education Authority Child Procedure
guidelines.
3.4 The region or club named coordinator works closely with the Social Services
Department and the area Child Protection Committee when investigating any
allegations of abuse. All parties involved handle such an investigation in a sensitive
manner,but the interest of the child is of paramount importance.
3.5 All adults in WFSA will receive regular updates and details of local child protection
procedures as they become available or change.
3.6 If a child protection referral is made, a case conference is held within eight working
days of the decision. The case conference offers the opportunity to share information
formulate a plan of action. WFSA Executive Committee, Regional Committee`s and
and Club Committee`s are expected to attend and participate in all case conference
and meetings held where appropriate.
3.8 We require that all WFSA coordinators/junior section organisors hold a current
certificate of CRB check prior to being involved in working with children.
3.9 There may be times when adults in the WFSA, in course of their duty, use physical
intervention to restrain children. The coordinator requires the adult involved in such an
incident to report this to him/her immediately.
4. Monitoring and review
4.1 The WFSA Executive Committee reviews any incidents retailed in the log. This policy is
reviewed annually by the Executive Committee.
ANTI DRUGS POLICY
1. Introduction
3.1 The WFSA does not allow at any time the consumption of any banned substances
as listed by the Olympic Committee`s Commission by its membership.
3.2 The WFSA does not allow the consumption of alcohol during fishing times of
competitions staged by the WFSA, its Regions, Clubs or Personal Members section.
neither does the WFSA condone the consumption of alcohol before any competition.
3.3 Drug testing of WFSA members may take place when WFSA event organisors have
strong grounds for suspicion, or following an incident where the use of drugs or alcohol
could be found to be contributory.
3.4 The WFSA membership may also be subjected to random drug testing as part of the
policy against drugs in sport.
3.5 Testing will be carried out by an outside firm skilled in this particular field. Such a
company will test to the relevant banned substance list and will monitor body levels
when asked to do so.
This firm must be independent of the WFSA and medically certificated to carry out
sample collection and subsequent screening
4. Discipline
4.1 Any member of the WFSA, affiliated via club, personal members or associate
membership who is found to be in contravention of the anti-drugs policy may face
disciplinary action as laid out in section 14 of the WFSA constitution.
5. Monitoring and review
5.1 This policy is reviewed annually by the Executive Committee.
CHAMPIONSHIP AND COMPETITION RULES
GENERAL
1. The WFSA will promote annually, National Championships that it may from time to time
decide to organise, National Championships will be given priority over Club and
Regional open events. Regions or member Clubs desiring to organise a National
Championship should make application to the General Secretary no later that eight
weeks before the AGM. Clubs holding National Championships are to forward an
agreed percentage of profits from the competition to the WFSA. National body.
The WFSA will if needed appoint a representative to sit on the organising committee
of anyNational Championship.
2. All Championships will be open to all anglers except where specifically stated to be for
WFSA members only.
3. Names of Team members and reserves must be registered with the organisers prior to
the comencement of the event
4. All unwanted fish weighed at festivals should be disposed of at the discretion of the
organisers.
5. Tackle - Only one rod and reel with running line may be used. A second rod may be
assembled ready for use, but terminal tackle must not be attached. Handlines, casting
other than with a rod, or any methods of angling are forbidden. A maximum of three
hooks may be used, double and treble hooks will only count as one hook.
6. Foulhooked Fish - Any fish, which is deemed to be caught fairly, will register, provided
that it has been hooked by only one angler and is not landed on previously lost tackle.
7. Minimum Sizes - All fish brought to the scales for weighing must conform to the current
WFSA fish size and weight and also those of the Department of Environment Food and
Rural Affairs. which ever is the greater.
8. Assistance - Assistance may be given to hand in (subject to rule 9 ), Gaff, net and
unhook a fish attached to tackle in use by a competitor, otherwise only the competitor
should handle the tackle or rod.
9. Fish Landing - Where the competitor does not have use of a suitable net, tailer or gaff or
where it would be impracticable to use any of these methods he may recieve assistance
to hand line the fish, providing that before commencing to to do so, some part of the fish is
is out of the water in the immediate vicinity of the waterline or boatside, and it can be
lifted immediately clear of the surface and not be pulled through the water towards the
competitor.
10. End of Contest - Competitors must commence reeling in at the end of a prescribed
fishing time. Acompetitors with a large fish in play at the time, may have time to land the
fish. A fish will be deemed to be in play if the tackle is not snagged, running free and the
fish capable of taking line. Any cause for late arrival at the weigh in must be reported in
writing to the organising committee, and any decision by the committee will be final and
binding.
11. Rejection of Certain Species - Certain species may not be weighed in as part of the
catch These species are listed by the organising committee of the event and should be
checked on entry to the event. However, these species may be weighed for a specimen
prize where applicable. No species protected by the law will be accepted or considered
for acceptance under any circumstances.
12. Protests and Disputes - All protests must be lodged in writing to the organising
committee within ten minutes of the completion of the weigh in on the day in question. The
decission of the organisor, or if applicable the adjudicators will be final.
13. Tying - In event of a tie for the heaviest bag of fish or aggregate length of fish, the award
shall go to the one who whoes catch contains the greater number of fish.
14. Wieghing Time - No bags of fish, or if the case may be, single fish, shall be accepted for
weighing after the specified time, unless subject of rule 12. No fish shall be returned to the
competitors until after the weigh in has been completed. Bags of fish or single fish shall be
the responsibility of the competitor until accepted by the weigh in steward.
15. Responsibility - The WFSA accepts no responsibility for the loss of any item/s which may
occur during or by reason of any competition.
16. At no time during the playing of a fish shall the rod be supported wholly or in part except by
the competitor in question. This is applicable to competition fishing from piers, shores,
breakwaters, boats etc. Harness may be used.
17. Competition advertising musr clearly state the classification of the prizes or award list,
i.e. Heaviest Fish, Best Specimen, Aggregate Weight etc.
18. Junior Anglers must have written permission from their parents before cash prizes are
given.
19. Acceptance of the competition rules is a condition of entry and participation; Competitors
should make themselves familiar with all notices posted at the competition headquarters.
RULES APPERTAINING TO SHORE EVENTS
1. Only in the case of an invalid or where a person is incapable of casting, for him or herself is
it permisable for assistance to be given. Even then, only with the written approval of the
organising committee.
2. Wading above thigh boot level is not permitted.
RULES APPERTAINING TO BOAT EVENTS
1. No complete team will be allowed to fish together in the same boat except in a specifically
advertised event.
2. No person or persons will be allowes to reserve a boat for their own use in any open
Championship, except in one that is specifically organised to allow this, as in the case of a
specifically advertised small boat event. The organising committee shall be responsible for
organising by ballot the competitors for each boat.
3. The organising committee shall be responsible for organising by ballot the competitors for
each boat.
This selection to take place after registration and prior to the championship or event;
the procedure will be as follows:-
The names of all competitors will be placed in a container and the names of all the boats
be placed in another container. The name of the first boat will then be drawn out and the
number of required competitors to fill this boat will then be drawn.
In the case of International teams participating then all of their names shall be placed in a
seperate container and drawn out against individual boat names in the first instance,
ensuring that no international team has more than one team member per boat, as far as is
practical in relation to the number of boats available.
4. A boat captain will be designated to take charge of each boat, as far as angling is concerned.
concerned. The boat captain should not be a member of an international team. They will be
responsible for the following:-
Liaison with the skipper of the boat
Observance of the rules.
Observance of the commencement and finishing times for fishing.
The drawing of boat positions, Once they are decided they will be strictly adhered to.
The reporting of any matter concerning safety or well being of competitors and any incident
relevant to the late return of the boat.
5. Gimbal chairs may be used but the gimbal must be free swinging.
6. It is only permisable for skippers and crewmembers to assist in the landing of fish.
Participation in the event including fishing for bait is not allowed.
7. In all boat competitions a points system will be used. The fish points system will be
pre-arranged at regional level.
8. In all national boat qualifiers a percentage system will be used. The percentage system
will be:-
(a) 1st place = 100%
(b) 2nd place = 2nd place competitors point score divided by the top score to
yield a % and so on until the last place.
9. Conger Eel - In the interests of conservation when a conger Eel is fiarly hooked, deemed
to be beaten and in gaffing distance of the boat, then a token of gesture by the skipper or
other elected responsible person should suffice, The fish to be released at the side of the
boat.
10. Results of the day will be placed on all notice boards at the Championship Headquarters as
soon as completed. as to a basis for records of the day.
11. Movement of the boat during fishing time will be undertaken when:-
(a) The boat skipper decides that for some reason the boat position is unsafe.
(b) By majority vote of the competitors.
12. The organising committee may, with permission of the federation, change a rule or make
additional rules to meet local conditions.
Note; Organisors will ensure that all boats booked are fully licenced and insured
for the anglers that they carry.
RULES APPERTAINING TO SPECIMEN HUNTERS
(a) A maximum of two rods will be permitted.
(b) A maximum of three hooks per rod may be used.
(c) Method of capture. Rules (a) (b) and (c) will apply.
(d) Terratorial Waters.
(e) Championship and competition rules 6,7,8,9,16 will apply.
(f) Rules appertaining to shore events, Rule 1, will apply
(g) Ru;es appertaining to Boat events, Rule 5, will apply.
(h) If more that one angler catches the same number of species, the angler with the
highest specimen percentage will be the winner.
METHOD OF CAPTURE
(a) Fish caught at sea will be eligible for consideration for awards if the boat used has set
out from a port in Wales and returns to a Welsh port, without having called at any port
outside Wales. Fish caught in the terratorial waters of other countries will not be eligible.
(b) Claims can only be accepted in respect of fish caught with rod and line and rule 6 of the
Championship and competition rules apply.
(c) Shore fishing id defined as from the landmass of Wales, or an immovable object
attached to the landmass of Wales, i.e. A pier, permanant breakwater, a bridge or an island,
island which is part of the principality. Or a permanant breakwater offshore, which is in
Welsh terratorial waters as defined below.
TERRATORIAL WATERS
For the purposes of WFSA awards, Welsh terratorial waters will be defined as follows:'
Twenty (20) miles seaward from the coast of Wales.
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BASIC CLAIMS PROCEDURE
Specimen fish forms must be completed in BLOCK CAPITALS in full and sent to the Regional Fish Recorder no later than 10 days after the capture of the fish. It is the responsibility of the captor to ensure that this form is completed correctly and handed to the Regional Fish Recorder or posted in time. Where identification is difficult or questionable positive means of identification must be submitted with the claimform such as clear photographs or a Department of Marine Biology Certificate.
Specimens weighed onboard a boat will be accepted. However, to enter into a Trophy award the fish must be accompanied by a colour photograph. The lowest scale reading must be used
TOPE SMOOTHOUND AND STARRY SMOOTHOUND
These fish may be assessed by using the girth/ linear chart ( also distributed ) with measurementstaken as per the diagram. These species may also be weighed onboard as per the above paragraph.
Fish entered for specimen purposes may be weighed on scales or steelyards used for the sale of goods to the general public ( shop scales ) and which are subject to weights and measures department scrutiny. If a club or individually owned scales are used then this must carry a current weights and measures certificate of accuracy. A copy of such a test certificate must be sent to the Fish Recorder with the initial claim, subsequent entries need only provide the relevant data.
The sensitivity of the scales should be appropriate to the size of the fish i.e. small fish should be weighed on finely graduated scales.
A stamped addressed envelope must accompany any claim if a receipt is required. The Fish Recorder will not accept any claim queries without production of a receipt.
A specimen claim form may be submitted on behalf of a club member by the clubs official Fish Recorder, provided a club claim form has been completed and signed by the captor and witnessed and handed to the National Fish Recorder. The captor`s signature may then be omitted and the form duly signed by the Fish Recorder instead of the Chairman or Secretary.
If no witness to capture is available, the claimant may verify the claim by affidavt.
Fish Recorders reserve the right to reject any claim where the rules have not been adhered
Regional Fish Recorders will send a monthly return to the National Fish Recorder.
There is one Nationally recognised procedure for calculating fish percentages. This is to work out the specimen fish`s weight in relation to the Welsh Record weight.
Copies of this procedure are issued frequently and are available from the National Fish Recorder.
WELSH RECORD ( ROD CAUGHT ) FISH LIST
Captors of potential Welsh Record fish should in the first instance contact the National Fish Recorder. |
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