BSAC lowers age limit

[Spider]

Hi there

There was some discussion on this issue when BSAC members voted on it earlier this year, so I thought people might like to know that BSAC has gone ahead with lowering the age limit for BSAC branches from 14 to 12.

More information on depth restrictions, supervision, marshalling etc is available on the BSAC website News pages:

http://www.bsac.org/news/news2.shtml

[Fiona]

Spider, yes we know about this, just one thing a BSAC club is entitled to have any age limit it wants, if a clubs wants 16 then it can.

[Woz]

We're going to try and get my 8 yr old daughter to OWI by 15 just so she can teach all the new 18 year old students we get in.

[Spider]

Originally Posted by Fiona

Spider, yes we know about this, just one thing a BSAC club is entitled to have any age limit it wants, if a clubs wants 16 then it can.

Thanks Fiona

I should have mentioned that it's up to the individual branch to decide on the lower age limit for their particular branch (subject to the absolute minimum age of 12 years old).

I know that there was a "Yes" vote from the members earlier in the year. However, it's only from today (as a result of an NDC meeting at the weekend) that branches can go ahead with deciding to lower their age limits if they choose and the specific guidelines from the NDC have been issued today.

[Juz]

Let me start with............... I'M NOT BSAC!

Is there any guidance for who can teach under 16s/under 18s?

Do instructors have to undergo official police checks etc

I think I'm right in saying this is what the SAA advised, although at the time my club opted to keep the min age as 16 IIRC.

I think it is worth pointing out the sensitivities in teaching children in this day and age.

Just a thought.

Juz

[turbanator]

Originally Posted by Juz

Let me start with............... I'M NOT BSAC!

Is there any guidance for who can teach under 16s/under 18s?

Do instructors have to undergo official police checks etc

I think I'm right in saying this is what the SAA advised, although at the time my club opted to keep the min age as 16 IIRC.

I think it is worth pointing out the sensitivities in teaching children in this day and age.

Just a thought.

Juz

Pretty much 'yes to all' except compulsorary police checks. Not just children, but any vulnerable member of society.

[DannyB]

I'm not BSAC either but am involved in youth work. I would stongly reccomend that anyone who is dealing with youngsters undergoes a CRB check http://www.crb.gov.uk/ it protects the youngsters and the organisation.

The scout group I am involved in does it for any adult who will be left on their own with children. We are also all issued with the "Yellow Card" which is a set of guidelines advising us how to protect youngsters and ourselves, it's available online at http://www.scoutbase.org.uk/hq/child-protection/ypf.htm

HTH Danny

[Janos]

Branches are strongly advised by BSAC to appoint a Branch Welfare Officer if they have under 18s in the club. There is also a welfare policy and if we admitted U18s to the club then I think a few of us (DO, TO, couple of the more active instructors) would take the CRB checks.

Janos

[Nick Kay]

We're going to try and get my 8 yr old daughter to OWI by 15 just so she can teach all the new 18 year old students we get in.

I know this was probably "tongue in cheek", but...

AFAIA, in BSAC you need to be 16 to do the IFC and 18 to take the TIE/PIE...

[Twinsetmad]

This is one we at our BSAC club has come across....the main problem is not one of age but resposibility. The parents needed to take an active role, whether it be poolside or taking the student to the open water venue. It became apparent very quickly that the club was being treated as a youth club.
I for one would not wish to take full resposibility for someone elses child. It brings lots of questions to bare....even things like can you equalise your ears?
I was against the age reduction, and still believe it is not a good thing. I have seven kids and another due in December. Mad no...but, I look after my kids...I would always be there...in a sport with all the dangers of diving would a 12 year old rearlly say....I'm not going in?