Date: 19`h January 2009
Canoe Wales (Formerly the WCA) supports in principle the ideals and objectives of the UKCC. The Directors of Canoe Wales are at pains to stress that they are not advocating for an alternative coaching scheme or for a withdrawal from the UKCC system. Further, that Canoe Wales wishes to operate one coaching system under the umbrella of the BCU. This coaching system needs to be World Class-and accessible so that all can use it as a building block for success.
However, the scheme as presented to date does provide serious cause for concern. The following points are made in good faith and for the best interests of and for the future of Paddlesport.
Canoe Wales has major concerns in relation to:
• The Proposed scheme’s fitness for purpose.
• The lack of communication forthcoming about the scheme design
• The level of membership complaints and variety of concerns emanating from members and
partner organisations
• The implementation of the proposed models and the results that these will produce within the development of the sport at all levels.
• The cost and time involved in participating under the new proposals.
The Directors of Canoe Wales feel that these concerns need to be addressed at a BCU Board Level together with a full and timely review of the implementation and design process of the coaching system as outlined in the Federal Agreement.
Given the level and depth of concern, Canoe Wales demands an immediate and independent review of the scheme to ensure that it meets the needs of paddlesport, the membership, and organisations that will have to operate within the system. It is the submission of Canoe Wales that further design of the scheme must cease until this has taken place.
Further, as the whole of the BCU is a membership organisation, the members need to receive a comprehensive and accurate statement defining the progress made to date with the proposed
awards that illustrates the coaching pathways.
Phil Blain (Chairman — Canoe Wales) on behalf of the Directors of Canoe Wales.

I fully agree with canoe wales statement on these issues,The level of membership complaints and concerns more than likely comes from experienced volunteer coaches who feel let down by the BCU expecting them to do more excessive and expencive training to get back to the level they were at before the new scheme.As a result of this clubs will lose experienced coaches and cease to function properly,A dangerous situation for the future of our sport,where some clubs are being advised how to run trips with and without coaches just to survive.
It is time the BCU took there head out of the sand and made a statement to the members. 

M Campbell 5231