The Marathon Selection Committee has currently scheduled a series of assessment races this season, with the aim of selecting a large team for the Worlds in September (see policy). The first assessment events planned are on 25th April (singles long course, Norwich) and 2nd May (singles short course, South Cerney).
2020-21 Hasler season
When we suspended the Hasler points competition until the end of 2020, we had been hoping for a return to competition and completion of the second half of the season. However this looks extremely unlikely, so the MRC has decided to suspend the Hasler points competition for the remainder of the season (i.e. to end August 2021).
Clubs may still organise Hasler races if restrictions allow, there will simply be no points collected towards the Hasler Final.
In place of a traditional Hasler Final, the MRC hopes to run an inter-club competition, provisionally on 19th September, and open to all clubs.
New anti-doping code
On 1 January 2021, a new version of the World Anti-Doping Code will come into effect. The Code is an essential document which harmonises anti-doping policies, rules and regulations around the globe and impacts all athletes, coaches and sports organisations. As a result UK Anti-Doping, the ICF and British Canoeing have all updated our anti-doping rules to align with the new code.
A summary of the WADA Code changes can be found here
Junior Racing Skills
For 2021 there will be changes to the MRC Junior Development Squad.
The MRC, SRC and BC’s Talent Programme are launching a joint series of racing skills days and camps. These will be inclusive, and are aimed at engaging a large number of juniors and coaches from the racing community.
Built on the back of the MRC’s previous JDS events and the EDP days delivered by the Talent Programme, they will provide opportunities for juniors to develop their racing skills, and for club and BC coaches to share knowledge and learn from each other.
More details can be found in the attached poster, and further information will follow in the new year.
It is anticipated we will still have a named marathon Junior Development Squad in conjunction with the MRC National Training Squad, and details will follow in 2021.
Racing Skills Days PosterMRC International Selection Committee
The MRC International Selection Committee sets the International Strategy on behalf of the MRC (although this is approved by the Committee as a whole), and meets to select GB and England representative teams.
The Selection Committee is comprised as follows:-
James Smythe (Chair), Bishops Stortford CC
Kat Wilson, Reading CC
David Enoch , Nottingham KC
Dyson Pendle, Norwich CC
Independent, non-voting observers are involved in the setting of the Strategy and Selection meetings:-
Pete Wilkes, Fowey River CC
Gemma Wiggs, British Canoeing
MRC International Selection Policy 2021
The MRC Selection Committee is publishing the 2021 International Selection Policy, in the hope that there will be a return to international competition in the coming season. Continue reading “MRC International Selection Policy 2021”
English Club Coaching and Leadership Bursary Survey
Please find below a message from the BC Club Services Team:
We will shortly be announcing a bursary aimed at financially supporting the development of coaches and leaders in English affiliated clubs. We will be looking to support clubs by upskilling volunteers who lead and coach on the water.
Before we send out the bursary details and application forms we would ask that you fill in the survey below. This will give us a better picture of the current level of coaching and leadership in your club. It will also give us a better understanding of whether your club might be in a position to make a contribution to or match funding in order to increase the number of volunteers accessing this bursary.
The survey can be found here and we would ask that you fill it in by 06.11.20. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact your Area Development Officer or clubs@britishcanoeing.org.uk
Molly Green
From Kirton Kayaks:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sad passing of our beloved Grandma, Molly Green. She slipped away peacefully this morning in the presence of her close family.
Behind the scenes, Molly was the backbone of Kirton Kayaks. Alongside husband David Green, she contributed locally and nationally to canoe racing for almost 50-years. She was a great organiser and was involved in the early development of the sport when Marathon was called Long Distance and board meetings were held in living rooms. She was in charge of the award ceremonies at the very first World Championships and similarly, the prize giving at the Nottingham Sprint regattas around that time. She could turn her hand to any needlework and for years operated a sewing shop at the factory making quality spray decks, cags and bags.
She will be sadly missed by all that had the privilege of knowing her.
All of the Marathon Racing Committee are greatly saddened by Molly’s passing, and thinking of David and the family at this time. She was a great volunteer for our sport, but more importantly someone who truly cared for every member of our community. Of all the people you could meet at a canoe race, Molly could lift your spirits the highest. We will all miss her.
Brigg Hasler – Cancelled
Please note the Brigg Hasler that was due to run on 18 October has been cancelled.
Your opinions on national Marathon events
British Canoeing and the MRC are interested in your views on our two major national events, the National Championships and the Hasler Final.