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TWICKENHAM ROWING CLUB BYLAWS

January 2026

 

 

 

1.1. General Conduct and Responsibility

• Adherence: All persons - Members, Renters, Visitors, and Guests - must abide by these Bylaws, the Club’s Rules, and the Code of Conduct.

• Respect: All individuals must be courteous and respectful toward each other, other river users, club staff, volunteers, equipment, and property. Unacceptable conduct includes, but is not limited to, mis-use or abuse of facilities or equipment, disrespectful or disruptive behaviour, use of foul, derogatory, or discriminatory language, and any threatening or intimidating behaviour.

• Responsibility for Guests: Members and Private Hire Renters are fully responsible for the behaviour of their guests and attendees and for ensuring their adherence to the Club’s Bylaws.

• Sanctions: Failure to adhere to the Bylaws may result in the individual being asked to leave the premises (or their removal from the premises), and/or further sanctions, disciplinary, or legal action as the Executive Committee feels is appropriate.

• Personal Property: The Club accepts no responsibility or liability for the property of members, guests, or visitors while on Club premises or using the Club facilities.

• No smoking: There is no smoking or vaping are allowed on any club premises or grounds.

• Dogs: Dogs belonging to Members are only permitted on Club Premises if they are under proper supervision and under control at all times.

 

1.2. Representing the Club

• Conduct Off-Premises: Members must maintain a high standard of conduct whilst representing Twickenham Rowing Club away from the premises including whilst training, competing and spectating at Heads, Regattas and Rowing-related events.  Members' actions and behaviour must not bring the club reputation into disrepute.

• Kit: Members representing the Club at regattas and head races must wear clothing in official Club colours. Where possible, all members of a crew should be clothed in an identical manner with official racing kit being purchased from the appointed Club kit suppliers.

 

2. Club Premises and Facilities Use

 

2.1. Primary Use and Access

• Primary Use: The Club premises and facilities are primarily for rowing, fitness, and social activities. Members are expected to respect the buildings and equipment at all times. Use of the premises for other purposes (e.g. social gatherings, remote workspace, private fitness training) requires the express permission of the Executive Committee.

• Non-Member Use: The Executive Committee has also authorised the Club premises and facilities to be used for selective non-member activities including:

  • Community Sporting activities: Including Learn to Row courses, Pilates, Fitness training and similar activities, which are open to non-members and the general public.

  • Private Hire: For events by non-members (e.g., parties, weddings). Income from Private Hire subsidises the Club’s facilities and operations.

• Member Access During Private Hire: During a Private Hire (including set-up and clear-down times), members may be required to temporarily avoid using the specific area(s) of the Club which have been rented for a private event, unless formally invited by the Renter.

 

2.2. Clubroom and Gym Rules

• Footwear and Kit: Wellington boots, muddy shoes, or wet kit are not permitted in the Clubroom or Gym.

• Juniors: Juniors (under 16) must be supervised by an adult at all times.

• Noise: Noise must be kept to a minimum and with reasonable consideration for the Club's neighbours.

 

2.3. Building Security and Damage

• Access to the Club and Clubhouse: Members are required to purchase and use a security fob to gain access to the grounds and clubhouse. No member should attempt to force or climb over the gate or force the doors to gain access to the building. They must not admit anyone they do not recognise as a member or know to have legitimate business at the club.

• Main Entrance Gate: The main entrance gate must be kept closed, except when access is needed for specific permitted reasons (eg boat loading, private hire, etc).

• Club Equipment: Trestles, buckets, sponges and equipment must be stored correctly and safely to avoid being damaged, lost, or washed away on a high tide.

• Closing Up: The last person to leave the building is responsible for ensuring all doors and windows are securely closed, Lights are turned off.

• Damage: Any member, private hirer, visitor or guest who damages club property must report the damage, and are likely to be required to have the damage repaired at their own expense, to the satisfaction of the Executive Committee.

 

3. Bar and Licensing

 

3.1. Bar Operations and Management

• Bar Steward: The AGM shall elect a Bar Steward for the management of the Club bar.

• Private Hire Events: The Executive Committee or their assigned Event Management Company will oversee the bar, clubhouse, and catering facilities for all social and private hire events. All private rentals are granted in accordance with the Private Hire agreement and relevant terms and conditions.

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3.2. Hours and Supply of Liquor​

• Licensing Hours: The hours for sale and consumption of intoxicating liquor must strictly comply with all Licensing Laws and any License extensions.

• Age Restriction: No intoxicating liquor will be sold to anyone under the age of 18 years.

• Designated Use: The Club bar and club room is for the use of members, their guests, and for private hire. No intoxicating liquor shall be supplied to any person who is not a member, visitor, or guest attending a private event.

• Compliance: The Club, members, guests, and all private hire attendees must strictly comply with all Licensing Laws and any License extensions.

 

4. Use of The Gym and Erg Room

• Access: The Gym and Erg Room facilities are for the use of paid-up Club members or those with a specific contracted agreement (eg School hire, ‘Silver-row).

• Tidiness: All users must wipe down and clean equipment immediately after use.

• Equipment Care: All equipment must be handled with care and returned to their designated storage areas.

 

5. Boats and Equipment

• Boat Usage, Booking & Permission: Boats should be booked using the Club boat booking system aligning with squad allocations and designated training times.  Outside of these times, boats and blades may be used with permission of the Director of Rowing, Captain or their representative.  The usage of some boats are restricted and require additional authorisation by the Captains or Director of Rowing.  Do not use a ‘’permission only’ without the appropriate permission - sanctions and disciplinary action may be taken if this rule is not respected. 

• Housing and Cleaning: Every crew member must assist in moving boats on and off the racks and for cleaning the boat and equipment, and storing securely following an outing.

 

5.1. On-Water Safety & Responsibilities

• Risk Assessment: All rowers should only go afloat after a suitable risk assessment has concluded it is safe, considering the strength of the stream, wind, tide, and crew ability.

• Unsafe Conditions: No crews may boat when the Executive Committed, Director of Rowing  or their representative deems the conditions to be unsafe.

• Steering Signoff: To ensure the safety of all river users, the Club has a strict sign-off policy for all coxswains and steerers. Only those with the appropriate level of steering signoff are permitted to cox or steer a boat (including single sculls).

• Navigation: It is the coxswain’s or steererperson’s responsibility to obey all navigational rules, maintain a good lookout and communicate clearly all instructions for the safe navigation during an outing.

• Responsibility;

  • In a coxed boat, the coxswain is legally responsible for the safety and navigation of the boat and crew, even if a coach is present on a separate launch.

  • In a coxless boat, the person steering (steersperson) is legally responsible for the safety and navigation of the boat and crew, even if a coach is present on a separate launch.

  • Where no steering foot is fitted (ie in a Pair or Double) the responsibility will be the person at Bow and they are legally responsible for the safety and navigation of the boat and crew, even if a coach is present on a separate launch. .

  • In a single scull, the sculler is legally responsible for the safety and navigation of the boat and crew, even if a coach is present on a separate launch.

• Caution: Care should be taken when on the hard, gangway and pontoon, as these areas may be slippery and wet, due to tidal flow, mud and algae.  Suitable footwear should be worn at all times, efforts should be made by members to clean the hard when needed.

 

5.2 Reporting Incidents, Accidents and Damage

• Damage: Any damage to Club boats, oars, or equipment must be reported immediately using the online Damage Reporting system.

• On-Water Accident: Any accident involving a third party (on or off the water), such as  collisions or damage to club property or a third-parties property, or personal injury must be reported immediately to the Safety Adviser using the relevant accident/incident form.

• On-Water Incidents: All on-water incidents (including near misses, capsizes, or negative interactions with other river users) must be reported to the Safety Adviser using the online forms.

• Insurance Responsibility: When an "insurance incident" occurs on water, the coxswain or steersperson is responsible for promptly completing a safety report for the Safety Advisor.

• Financial Responsibility: The Executive Committee can charge any member whose default or negligence contributed to damage to Club equipment with the whole or part of the repair/renewal expense.

 

5.3. Single Scullers Specific Rules

• Competency: Single Scullers must demonstrate their sculling proficiency and knowledge of navigation rules to the Captain or their representative(s) by passing the relevant competency test.

• Outing Log: Scullers boating without a coach must record the time, date, and expected return time on the whiteboard located in the 8’s bay.

• Unsafe Conditions: No Single Sculler may boat when the Executive Committee, Director of Rowing or their representative deems the conditions to be unsafe.  Single Scullers must be familiar with the Risk Assessment table and understand the safe boating limits relating to tidal flow, stream wind and other weather conditions.

 

5.4. Early Morning and Night Time Rowing (and in poor visibility)

• Lights: in the hours of darkness (half-hour after sunset until half-hour before sunrise) and in the daytime where there is poor visibility (or a risk of poor visibility), the correct navigation lights MUST be displayed, in accordance with PLA guidelines.  These specify a flashing white light on the bow and a constant white light on the stern, both visible from 180 degrees.
  Note:  No red or other coloured lights should be used.  NO LIGHTS = NO OUTING

• Permission: Only crews with suitable steering signoff are permitted to row at night, with the additional permission of the Captain or Director of Rowing.

• Crew Attire: It is strongly recommended that crews should wear light coloured or bright high-visibility clothing to increase visibility.

• Launches: All launches must display the appropriate navigation lights

• Fog: No Rowing is permitted in fog or where visibility is less than 200 metres

 

6. Private Boats, Storage Racks & Blade Storage

• Owner Responsibility: Private boats and oars are not covered by the Club's insurance policy. The owner must arrange and maintain marine and third-party liability cover for the duration of storage or use.

• Eligibility: Rack rental is available only to current rowing members.

• Allocation: The Club operates a waiting list, and racks are normally offered in strict chronological order, though the Executive Committee reserves the right to grant priority in exceptional circumstances.

• Fees: Annual Rack fees are determined by the Executive Committee and are due on the 1st of April each year, payable in advance.

• Housing: Only Club or Member sculling boats are to be housed on the premises. Other boats require prior consent from the Captain or Executive Committee.

• Blades: Privately owned sculling blades must be stored in the racks allocated for that purpose. The Exec committee reserves the right to apply a charge for storing privately owned blades. Permission is required to use Club sculling blades, and a charge may apply.

• Forfeiture Conditions: The Executive Committee can require a rack to be given up for arrears on fees, failure to meet requirements, ceasing to be an active rowing member, or vacating the rack (other than temporarily).

• No Subletting: Racks cannot be "sublet" or lent without the express written consent of the Executive Committee.

• No Automatic Transfer: The sale of a boat to another member does not automatically transfer the rack access rights.

• Club's Lien: The Club has a first and paramount lien and charge on every private craft or equipment for all monies due from the owner, with the right to sell the item(s) to satisfy the debt.

 

7. Events and Trailer Logistics

• Regatta & Head Costs: Each member of a competing crew must pay the full cost of the entrance fee and associated trailering costs, along with any Hosting fees or additional costs for participation.  This includes any associated governing body membership (ie British Rowing) required for them to participate.

• Trailer Loading and Unloading: Club boats and equipment should not be on the trailer for longer than is absolutely necessary - therefore, all members participating in events are required to assist with the loading and unloading of boats and equipment from the trailer in a timely fashion as specified by the Captain, Director of Rowing or their representative.

 

8. Insurance and Liability

• Liability and Use of Facilities: Members, Renters, Visitors, and Guests use all equipment and facilities entirely at their own risk, even in the presence of a coach or trainer. Twickenham Rowing Club accepts no responsibility or liability for any injuries or accidents that may occur during the use of these facilities.

• Personal Liability and Insurance: The Club recommends that all members and persons using the facilities have public liability insurance and personal accident cover. British Rowing’s ‘Race’ and ‘Row’ memberships include public liability insurance and personal accident cover for rowers.  

• Private Boats: Private boats and oars are not covered by the Club's insurance policy. The owner must arrange and maintain marine and third-party liability cover for the duration of storage or use.

 

8.1  Insurance

• Insurance Nominee: The Executive Committee nominates one person to process insurance matters on its behalf.

• Insurance for Towing Club Trailers: The member towing a Club trailer is responsible for ensuring their vehicle and themselves are suitably insured (including breakdown cover and third-party liability cover) and that they are conversant with the legal and practical requirements of towing.

 

8. Coaches, Staff and Volunteers

• Coaches and Volunteers support the club activities and Members, Renters, Visitors, and Guests.  Whilst doing so, they act to the benefit of those participating but are NOT responsible for the actions of individuals and bear no liability for the actions of participants.

 

8.1. Safeguarding Requirements

• Regulated Activity: Any sessions involving regulated activity (e.g., contact with children (under 18) or vulnerable adults) must involve a minimum of two coaches, in accordance with British Rowing Guidelines.

• Prerequisites for All Involved: Any volunteer, member, or coach involved in regulated activities must complete the following prior to commencing their duties:

  • Verify their identity.

  • Supply at least two independently verified written references.

  • Complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (activated by the Welfare Officer via British Rowing).

  • Complete relevant safeguarding training at regular intervals.

 

9. Other Miscellaneous Bylaws

 

9.1. Fire Safety and Security

• Prohibitions: No smoking, vaping, fireworks, candles, or naked flames are allowed on any club premises or grounds.

• Storage: Flammable or hazardous materials must not be stored in or around the building or premises (with specific protocols for the management of fuel for launches & chemicals used for the repairs of boats) 

• Fire Procedure: In case of fire, sound the alarm immediately, call 999 (giving the club's location), evacuate the building, and muster at the designated space.

 

9.2. Club Administration

• Membership and Subscriptions: Members must refer to prevailing membership notices for current categories, rights, responsibilities, and fees, which are updated annually.

• AGM and Captain's Role: Votes for officers are counted only from members present at the AGM. A Joint Captaincy of two members may be elected if no individual stands for the role.

• Regatta Organisation: The Regatta Committee is responsible for all operational matters, including compliance with safety and licensing laws.

• Expenditure Claims: Members claiming for reimbursement of approved expenditure must submit the claim within two months of incurring the expenditure.

• Removing Equipment: No persons shall remove any article belonging to the Club from the premises unless authorised by the Captain or Director of Rowing.  Any unauthorised removal of articles or property, whether temporary or not, will be deemed as theft.

• Abandoned Property & Possessions: The Executive Committee reserves the right to dispose of any abandoned or unclaimed property or possessions after due warning.

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