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Rules update March 2007
1. NAME
The FEDERATION shall be known as the CHANNEL SWIMMING & PILOTING FEDERATION. (CS&PF)
Words imputing the singular only shall include the plural and vice versa.
Words imputing the masculine gender shall include the feminine gender.
Words imputing persons shall include organisations.
2. OBJECTIVES
a. To promote the sport of long distance open water swimming world-wide and assist organisations and swimmers to attempt such swims in all ways possible.
b. To promote, assist, observe and authenticate swimmers and sports persons in their attempts to cross the "English Channel/ La Manche" by swimming and "any other means" of crossings such as rowing, canoeing, sailing et cetera.
c. To assist, with advice and information, the organisation of attempts to cross "by any means" acceptable to the relevant authorities the "English Channel/La Manche".
d. To assist in setting up and/or observing and authenticating such swims and "crossings by other means" as indicated in b and c above and provide arbitration facilities to adjudicate, if asked, in the event of any dispute between any clients, bodies and members.
e. To form a register of recognised pilots and assist with the professional requirements, advice, information and guidelines to enable them to operate on a professional basis. To act as a contact between the pilots, the government departments and sports persons requiring such services. To promote a standard that makes the Federation a leading authority, in co-operation with the government bodies, on organisation and safety requirements of such crossings.
f. To formulate a set of rules and guidelines under which such attempts can take place and become a governing body for such attempts. To subscribe to or become a member of any association, club or governing body as deemed necessary to forward the aims of the Federation. To allow other associations, charities, clubs, institutions and public bodies to become affiliated, subject to acceptance, to the Federation if they can benefit from or assist the Federation. To produce application forms, contracts, guidelines and any other information that is required to assist the Federation and its members.
g To apply for any permissions and governmental requirements as are, or shall be required to allow such events to continue. To modify or adjust any of the powers of the Federation to allow its best operation.
3. MEMBERSHIP
Membership is open to all persons, associations, clubs and other bodies who have an interest in long distance swimming world-wide, and attempts to cross the English Channel/ La Manche by swimming or "any other means" of crossing requiring an escort/pilot. A candidate for membership must complete the Federations enrolment form and be proposed and seconded by full members of the Federation. They may then be elected by the Committee. The Committee can propose and second applicants for membership.
All Federation pilots must have CS&PF pilot membership and be qualified as required by the Authorities and the Federation. Proof of current qualifications must be deposited with the Federation and any changes and updates advised.
Observers will be made Hon. Members (with power to vote) for the year in which they act as Observers.
Honorary life members can be nominated by the Committee or a member and a vote taken at the Annual General Meeting. If accepted they will have full voting powers.
Full biennial & 10 year membership is available for each group.
Each FULL member shall have one vote.
All membership will run from 1st January or later to the 31st December for the period selected. Except for the initial period which ran from acceptance of membership to 31st December of the second year
Renewal reminders will be sent in November and are payable before 1st January
Full biennial membership for the year 2005 = £15.00 --- 10 year membership is 4.5 x annual membership fee, for the year 2005 = £67.50
Joint biennial & 10 year membership is available to couples. Only one vote per joint membership will be allowed.
Joint biennial membership for the year 2005 = £20.00 --- 10 year membership is 4.5 x annual fee,
Family biennial & 10 year membership is available to family groups (children up to 16 years). Only one vote per family membership will be allowed. Family biennial membership for the year 2005 = £20.00 --- 10 year membership is 4.5 x annual fee,
Associate membership is available to clubs & individual members of relay teams. One vote per associate group of members will be allowed. At least one member of a club or a relay team must become a full member of the Federation. Associate membership fee for the year 2005 = £10.00
The Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation is a non profit making organisation. Any funds remaining after expenses,services, rents and running costs etc. have been paid and accounted for will be paid into the Federation accounts and used solely to persue the objectives of the Federation
Federation information and news will be posted on the Federation Web site-- www.channelswimming.net ---- and will only be posted to full members on request.
4. SUBSCRIPTION
Future subscription fees shall be proposed by the Committee and set at the Annual General Meeting.
5. FINANCIAL YEAR
The financial year of the Federation shall start on the 1st January end on the 31st December up to which date all accounts and reports shall be made.
6. INTERPRETATION OF RULES
The Federation's decision on the interpretation of these Rules and any other question is final and binding.
7.MANAGEMENT
(a) The general management, conduct and direction of the Federation shall be vested in the general committee which shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Assistant Secretary, Honorary Treasurer, Training Liaison Officer and five elected full members with power to co-opt up to three additional members.
(b) The Federation shall elect a President who can attend and vote at committee meeting. The President elect should hold the position for no more than 2 consecutive 3 year terms then stand down for at least 1 term of office.
(c) The decision of the Federation in all disputes, questions referred to them, or matters over which they have control, shall be final and binding upon the members. Members shall have the right to appeal, in person if desired, at the next full Committee or General Meeting. The Committee shall have the power to make, amend or suspend by-laws from time to time for the proper management and good order of the Federation.
(d) The Committee members, excluding officers, to be elected by rotation with 1/2 being elected every year over a 2 year period. Nominations for the appointment of the Officers and to fill the Committee positions, each proposed and seconded by full members, shall be given in writing to the Secretary at least twenty one days before the date of the Annual General Meeting and made available to all full members. If the number of nominations exceeds the number of vacancies, then a ballot shall be taken, each full member present at the meeting having one vote in respect of each vacancy. Elected members shall take office at once. Full members shall sign in at the beginning of the meeting giving their CS&PF number and collect a voting card. Postal votes will be accepted only by prior agreement with the Federation.
(e) The Agenda of the business to be transacted at all General Meetings shall be sent at least 14 days before such meetings. No resolution, except such as relates to the adoption of the Reports at the Annual General Meeting, shall be moved at any General Meeting unless notice thereof, duly signed by a proposer and seconder, stating its terms, has been delivered to the Secretary at least 21 days before the meeting, for inclusion in the Agenda. The Chairman may at his discretion, however, accept amendments arising out of discussion of items of the Agenda, and he may also allow non-controversial matters which he may consider reasonable, to be raised and discussed.
(f) 75% of the administration fee for each swim registered in the current year to go to the Secretariat as an Honorarium.
A quorum of at least five committee members including at least two officers shall transact the business of the Federation.
8. DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE COMMITTEE
(a). To carry out the rules and transact the business of the Federation
(b). To meet at least four times a year.
(c). To fill any vacancy that may occur among the officers and committee.
(d). To appoint sub-committees which will report to the committee.
(e). To exercise financial control over the funds of the Federation and to present annual Accounts and Balance Sheet at the Annual General Meeting.
(f). To uphold and promote the objectives of the Federation
(g). To assist swimmers and sports persons in their enquiries and attempts at crossing the English Channel/La Manche and authenticate claims of swimmers to have swum the Channel..
(h). To recognised CS&PF pilots and pilot boats for escort duties.
(i). To record details of all swims, and retain documents used in connection therewith.
(j). To take any other action to further the interests of the Federation.
9. DUTIES OF THE HON. TREASURER
The Hon. Treasurer shall oversee all the Federation accounts and the banking of all monies received and deposited on behalf of the Federation and delegate the responsibilities so involved. All Federation cheques shall be signed by any of the appointed signatories who shall be the Hon. Treasurer, the Hon. Secretary, the Chairman and one other officer.
10. SWIMMING RULES
(a) Federation Fees:
Channel aspirants shall pay registration fees as fixed by the Committee annually and set at the Annual General Meeting. The fees are to cover the expenses of the Federation.
ADMINISTRATION FEE. (payable with all swim applications)
Code ------- A non-returnable (includes one swim certificate) £100.00
SOLO SWIMS
Code B ------- 1-way attempt £100.00
Code C ------- 2-way attempt £200.00
Code D ------- 3-way attempt £260.00
RELAY SWIMS
Code E ------- 1-way attempt £100.00
Code F ------- 2-way attempt £200.00
Code G ------- 3-way attempt £260.00
Swims/ crossings greater than 3-way, or for other swim courses not by the "direct route" are to be determined by the General Committee on their merits and the duties of the observer.
Fees for extraordinary swims not covered above to be by negotiation.
Any swim fees not used in the current year must be reclaimed by the 31st of December in that year. Any fees not reclaimed will be added to the Federation funds.
Extra certificates may be ordered from the Secretary after ratification of a successful or unsuccessful swim. Each swimmer will receive one certificate (included in the administration fee). Extra certificates may be ordered from M Oram at a fee of -
A4 size £6.00 plus postage --------------- A3 size £12. 00 plus postage
The swim will not be officially observed unless the appropriate Federation fees have been paid and the medical form and application form have been completed in full to the satisfaction of the Federation.
(b) Swims will be categorised as Standard, Special or Assisted according to the method and/or aids used
STANDARD
No person in a Standard attempt to swim the Channel shall use or be assisted by an artificial aid of any kind, but is permitted to grease the body before a swim, use goggles, wear one cap and one costume. The word "costume and cap" shall mean a garment, not made of neoprene or rubber or any other material considered by the Federation to give a similar type of advantage, and not in any way designed to contain body heat, and/or aid buoyancy.
THE OBSERVER WILL HAVE TO APPROVE THE "COSTUME AND CAP". THE SWIMMER MUST MAKE SURE THEIR "COSTUME & CAP" ARE OF AN APPROVED TYPE BEFORE THE SWIM STARTS AS THE SWIM WILL NOT BE RECOGNISED IF THEY ARE LATER FOUND TO NOT CONFORM.
During a swim no physical contact with the swimmer shall be made by any person other than to pass food and drink or secure such items as light sticks for safety reasons.
“The use of MP3 players shall not be allowed by the swimmer while swimming during any English Channel swim attempt”
SPECIAL
A special category swim will be to the same rules as a standard swim except for the allowance, by prior arrangement with the Federation, of the minimum additional aids or contact as is deemed necessary for the safety of the swim on medical or other agreed grounds.
ASSISTED
An assisted category swim will only be accepted after prior agreement with the Federation.
(c). For a swim to be officially recognised, the swimmer must walk into the sea from the shore of departure, swim across the English Channel (i) to finish on dry land, or (ii) to touch steep cliffs of the opposite coast with no sea-water beyond. Swimmers may finish in harbour water provided they land as in (i).
(d). For a multiple crossing to be officially recognised, the swimmer must, as soon as his feet touch the ground, land as directly as possible in accordance with rule 10(c). He must then return immediately to the water, where he may stand or sit for up to 10 minutes. During this time he must not be touched by any person, but may be handed food, grease, medicines or swimming apparel to be administered by himself. He must then, in agreement with the Observer, make the most direct and reasonable way to water deep enough in which to swim, and commence swimming. In all the above conditions, the Observer's ruling will be final, subject to official ratification by the Committee. The time spent before the return swim starts shall be added to the time of the subsequent crossing.
(e) Every application for recognition of a swim must be accompanied by the Pilot's chart positions and by the Observer's Report, recording incidents, time, tides, method of feeding, etc.. The Committee may call for additional evidence if they require it.
(f) The appointed Observer shall be in sole charge of the timing of the swim, and shall be responsible for observing compliance with the rules, subject to ratification by the Committee.
(g) The timing of a swim shall start from the moment the swimmer enters the water until he completes the swim as laid down in Rule 10(c).
(h). On their arrival in the Dover area the swimmer must advise the Secretary and the Pilot of their place of residence. All documentation must be completed by the time limits laid down in the CS&PF information and any changes in dates or arrangements for Pilots etc. must be reported as soon as possible but before the swim starts. The Pilots are required to give the Secretary a full 12 hours notice of the departure of the pilot boat. Failure to give such notice could mean that an Official Observer may not be able to be appointed and the swim will not be able to proceed.
(i). The Federation shall not observe solo attempts to swim the Channel by persons under 16 years of age. Swimmers shall be over 16 yeaars old at least 3 days before the swim starts, and for registration purposes at the beginning of the swim time period they are booked to swim in.The Committee shall be empowered to examine and to refuse to accept if thought necessary, the applications of persons to attempt to swim the Channel especially when they are over 55 years of age.
(j). Swimmers must be aged 12 years for at least 3 days before they can swim in a standard relay team, subject to correct registration and to their medicals being accepted. See relay rules 11.
(k). All aspirants must satisfy the Federation of their competence to make a realistic effort to undertake a successful attempt to swim the Channel.
(l). The use of drugs by participants in Channel Swimming, other than for therapeutic reasons in accordance with medical advice, is regarded with complete disapproval and is considered contrary to the spirit of the sport. Any swimmer unable to participate without the administration of banned drugs must submit their application to the Federation with ample time for it's consideration. The Federation reserve the right to make random drug tests on Channel aspirants. The Observer may require a sample of any medication given.
(m). Only Federation registered pilots who are members of the CS&PF and hold the required qualifications will be recognised to pilot. Only Federation registered pilot boats with the required certification in force will be allowed to escort.
It is the responsibility of the pilot/owner of the pilot boat to inform the Federation of any changes in circumstances which will invalidate the required qualifications.
(n). In no circumstances shall more than one swimmer at a time be allowed to make their attempt from the same pilot boat.
(o). Only one dinghy or inflatable at a time shall be permitted to operate with a pilot boat.
(p). During solo swims a swimmer maybe accompanied in the water by 1 person only & not accompanied at all until after the first 3 hours. This accompaniment will be for a maximum of 1 hour & cannot be repeated until at least 2 hour have elapsed after the cessation of the accompaniment.
The second swimmer may swim alongside, but not in front, of the solo aspirant & must not impede the solo swimmer.
For health & safety reasons the pilot must agree to any request for a support swimmer before they enter the water to accompany the swimmer.
The pilot may, at his or her discretion, request that a second swimmer join the solo aspirant outside of these times for a short period on the grounds of safety. (i.e. if a swimmer suffers severe cramps). Similarly the pilot may ask for accompaniment at the very end of a solo swim if the conditions dictate. This is to be allowed even if the request is within 2 hours of a previous accompaniment.
No support swimming is to be allowed on a relay swim”.
11. RULES FOR CHANNEL RELAY TEAMS
Relay swims will be divided into the same categories as solo swims - Standard, Special, Assisted. Any alteration from a standard crossing must be agreed by the federation before the start of the swim.
STANDARD
No person in a Standard relay attempt to swim the Channel shall use or be assisted by an artificial aid of any kind, but is permitted to grease the body before a swim, use goggles, wear one cap and one costume. The word "costume and cap" shall mean a garment, not made of neoprene or rubber or any other material considered by the Federation to give a similar type of advantage, and not in any way designed to contain body heat, and/or aid buoyancy.
THE OBSERVER WILL HAVE TO APPROVE THE "COSTUME AND CAP". THE SWIMMER MUST MAKE SURE THEIR "COSTUME & CAP" ARE OF AN APPROVED TYPE BEFORE THE SWIM STARTS AS THE SWIM WILL NOT BE RECOGNISED IF THEY ARE LATER FOUND TO NOT CONFORM.
a). “Each standard team shall consist of 6 swimmers each swimming for 1 hour. The names of the 6 persons shall be given to the official observer before the actual commencement of the swim. Thereafter there shall be NO changes in order or substitutions whatsoever.
Swimmers in relay teams shall be over 12 years old 3 days before the relay swim starts, and for registration purposes the beginning of the swim period their team is booked to swim in. They shall be under 16 years of age for at least 24 hours after the swim finishes for it to be classified as a Junior Relay team swim.
Junior swimmers (over 12 & under 16 years of age) will only be allowed to swim in standard 6 person relay team swims.
In no circumstances shall more than 1 team be allowed to make their attempt escorted by the same pilot boat”.
(b). Each swimmer shall swim for one hour each time he/she enters the water.
(c). The change-over/takeover from one swimmer to the next in a relay should take place every 60 minutes with the new swimmer entering the water on a signal given by the observer. During the take-over the new swimmer must enter the water from behind & swim past the preceding swimmer. The previous swimmer must then exit the water as quickly as possible. The change-over should take no more than 5 minutes”.
(d). Team members shall rotate in the same order throughout the swim. Pace-making is NOT allowed.
(e). An Official Observer of the Federation must be present on any Relay Team swim for it to be recognised.
SPECIAL
A special category relay will be to the same rules as a standard relay except for the allowance, by prior arrangement with the Federation, of the minimum additional aids or contact as is deemed necessary for the safety of the swim on medical or other agreed grounds.
ASSISTED
An assisted category relay will only be accepted after prior agreement with the Federation.
ADDITIONAL RULES
The General Rules of the Channel Swimming & Piloting Federation shall apply at all times.
All swimmers must be paid up members of the Federation before they can swim.
All relay team members must be either full or associate members of the Federation. At least one member of each relay team must be a full member of the Federation.
Crossings by "any other means" must be approved of and allowed by the authorities and the terms of the attempt are to be approved by the Federation before they are accepted. The authorities will be advised of all such applications.
Trainig swim ratification. All swimmers taking part in a solo swim must supply proof/ratification of a 6 hour swim in water of 61°F/16°C or less or proof of completion in a recognised event for a period considered by the CS&PF to be an acceptable alternative. All swimmers taking part in a relay team swim must supply proof/ratification of a 2 hour swim in water of 61°F/16°C or less or proof of completion in a recognised event for a period considered by the CS&PF to be an acceptable alternative.
Updated rules
Last rule update as of the Motions and amendments approved at March 2008 AGM.