Club Affiliation

Water ski and wakeboard clubs that have an annual membership scheme can join British Water Ski & Wakeboard as an affiliated members club. BWSW offers members club affiliation to both voluntary not-for-profit and commercial clubs. This section outlines the requirements, obligation and benefits of affiliation in more detail. 

Joining BWSW is simply the best way for you and your club to be a part of the sport and be supported by our network of clubs and cable/boat accredited centres. 

BENEFITS

Public Liability Cover – available to voluntary not for profit clubs with up to £10m cover.
Reduced membership rates for club members – your club members will benefit from cheaper membership rates over those of skiers/riders joining us directly as individuals.
Website entry - our website is the central point of information for all things water skiing  and wakeboard related in the UK.  Each year the clubs section of our site receives thousands of visitors – potential members for your club.
Development support – BWSW employs a small team of Development staff whose role it is to assist clubs in their development. 
Access to funded programmes - BWSW receive funding in 5-yearly cycles from Sport England - affiliated clubs have the opportunity to participate in funded programmes.
Resources – BWSW publish a number of documents and resources that contain a wealth of information for clubs and members.
Information to clubs - in addition to the magazine, British Water Ski & Wakeboard, send to all members: information bulletins, newsletters at frequent intervals and guidance. 
Technical support - BWSW is able to supply technical information and assistance on everything concerned with the sport.  
Facility Support  – the aim of BWSW is to improve the quantity and the quality of facilities within Great Britain. 
Management and safety – BWSW publishes safety recommendations and codes of practice which affiliated clubs are expected to incorporate into their own safety rules.
Registration as a SBD Centre – affiliated clubs who wish to be considered for Ski Boat Driver (SBD) centre status have the opportunity to register.

REQUIREMENTS 

• Affiliation Fee and Agreement– all requirements must be met and agreed to by paying the affiliation fee
• Club Welfare Officer - Members clubs must have a Club Welfare Officer who is required to have a current Enhanced DBS check through BWSW (valid for 3 years) and must have attended  a Safeguarding and Protecting Children workshop (an online classroom or in person) - (evidence must be provided)
• Club Safety Rules & Club Constitution – Copies of the club’s Safety Rules and Constitution must be provided

OBLIGATIONS

• Register all members – each affiliated club must register all its water skiing members and its committee members as individual members of BWSW
• Affiliation – clubs must meet all the requirements of the BWSW affiliation in order to receive any of the benefits
• Provide data – BWSW will occasionally ask for clubs to share their participation data with them