We help raise public awareness of the issues surrounding breast cancer and the importance of practicing monthly breast self-examinations as the best possible way to detect cancer in its early stages.

We willingly take part in media interviews and speaking engagements when requested.

MEMBERSHIP GUIDELINES

Waiver Agreement must be signed by all members each year including the  "Society of Dry Dockers".

Members must be in good standing.

Dues must be paid at the beginning of each month (1st-15th) unless paid in full. $15 per month, which amounts to $180 per year . (Membership may be put on hold in case of reoccurrence of cancer by contacting the Board of Directors.) Dues do not include travel expenses incurred while attending festivals or regattas.

Dues may be adjusted, if necessary, only if approved by the Board of Directors. 60 days notice must be given to Members.

Each Member is expected to participate in a minimum number of practices to be announced by the Coach. Practice schedule to be determined by the Coach

A formal meeting will be conducted once every quarter. Members will be contacted via email or phone.

Members are expected to comply with all safety procedures. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Members are expected to wear life jackets at all times when in the boat. NO EXCEPTIONS.

The team will consist of many members, but will be divided into different Crews for practices and races as needed. A team consists of:

• 20 Paddlers
• 1 Coach
• 1 Steersman

Some Members may be asked to train for different positions by the Coach. He/she has experience and will be able to determine the most effective place for a paddler.

Each member will be expected to volunteer for special events or designated Cajun Invasion supported events.

Cajun Invasion Team Members will hold fundraisers to raise monies to attend

Festivals and races to be decided by team members.

We will work as a team to educate the community about Dragon Boat Racing and the benefits of forming a team to act as an active support system to survivors of cancer.

Dragon Boat Racing is a survivor sport and while we are going to have fun, we must be responsible for each other's safety while in the boat. All safety rules will be addressed by the Coach.

If a problem occurs, please advise a Member of the Board of Directors and follow up with a written statement in order to insure the problem has been addressed.

Members will foster a healthy caring attitude toward other members and support each other. We are all survivors and can "PADDLE" together for a common goal.

From time to time maintenance must be performed on the boat and paddles. All Members will be expected to help with their duty in order to keep the equipment in the best and safest condition for our Team.

Members must be acutely aware of health issues of other Team Members. Start slow as we are learning a new sport and our muscles need to adjust. Warm ups are a must before paddling.

General Requirements

Each Member is responsible for the safety, enjoyment and well-being of all its Members.

From among its members, a new Captain and a new Manager will be chosen. Whenever possible, these positions should be filled by Members who have not yet had that experience. This will emphasize that each new season should be filled by members who have not yet had that experience. This will emphasize that each new season is a fresh new start and will maximize the number of Members who experience an organizational role. The Members may elect a First Mate to assist the Captain.

The Members must designate a Drummer(s), a minimum of two Steerspersons and one Member (Safety Person) to be responsible for ensuring safety procedures are in place on each boat and each Member is aware of the safety procedures.

Each Member is expected to volunteer for special events organized by Cajun Invasion or designated as society supported events.

Each Member is encouraged to foster the development of coaches from within its Members.

All clothing, hats and accessories must be designed in accordance with the society's trademark must be approved by the Board and made available to all members of Cajun Invasion.

Each Member is expected to wear a Cajun Invasion T-shirt at all practices.

All flags, banners and display materials must have Board approval, be consistent with the trademark and require recognition of the sponsors either through use of their logo and/or company/organization name.

Each Team is responsible for ensuring its Members are informed of Cajun Invasion's mission and goals and can articulate that mission.

Each Member is expected to attend the Annual General Meeting.

Future festival events will be addressed at a later date and time.

** A Crew/Team is defined as the Captain, Manager, Drummer(s), Steersperson(s), Coach and Paddlers for each boat.

Please Note: This document is intended to be used in conjunction with the commitment form, which is signed upon payment of the initial membership in CAJUN INVASION.

To compete and have FUN!

To demonstrate that people can participate fully in their life after cancer, including breast cancer.

To improve the physical and psychological well being of people who have had cancer.

To realize we are one team with many crews.

To emphasize putting the best race forward with respect to their crew, not with respect to the other crews.

Coaches must understand -

Each Member is an individual and has a unique set of physical limitations under which he/she can perform at his/her best.

Must be able to assess each Paddler's skill level and work within that parameter.

Develop a training schedule to take individual Paddlers, at different fitness levels and meld them into a racing team.

Help each Paddler realize the benefit of exercise year round.

Other coaching considerations -

Willingness to commit time, energy and emotion.

Have leadership and good communication skills.

Must be cooperative and encourage cooperation.

Show respect for governing sport rules, officials, other coaches and all Members of Cajun Invasion.

Be sensitive, supportive, motivating, positive and encouraging.

Must be able to multi-task.

Be technically competent and learn and know the purpose of the various drills.

Other important points -

Be able to work closely with the Manager and Captain.

Be aware of any ongoing health issues and clarify problems with the medical advisor.

Be aware of the "Dragon Boat Racing Safety Notice".

Attend all coaching clinics, courses, etc. endorsed by Cajun Invasion.

Mentor new potential Cajun Invasion Members as coaches.

Promote communication between the Manager, Coach and Crew, which is very important. Be aware of drawing the Crew together to form a closely-knit group and keeping in mind the concept of one team.

Welcome and encourage newcomers and novices to ensure they feel part of the crew (keep in mind they may still be quite fragile), ensure that they actively participate in both practices and socialization; possibly set up a "buddy" system with experienced paddlers.

Make sure that non-paddling members (The Society called "Dry Dockers") are informed of and included in all social activities.

Have the Crew select or appoint members to specific duties, i.e., safety, warm-up, communications (newsletter), social coordinator, telephone calls to those not having email

Ensure Team Members honor their responsibilities to fitness program and attendance, and to any extra duties that they have volunteered to do.

Meet with the Coach prior to first practice; know the Coach's wishes and act in a supportive role when paddling (remind Paddlers that the Coach is a volunteer)

Communicate with Members to notify the Manager or Captain if they will be missing a practice. Check attendance if the Manager if not present.

Advise Coach prior to practices whom will be absent for the seating plan.

Attend monthly meetings with other Captains and Membership Chairman one week prior to Board meetings. On a rotation basis, each Captain to attend one (1) Board meeting during the period from March through and including October.

Be acutely aware of the Team Members' health and emotional concerns, and any frustrations or dissatisfaction. Keep in touch with any Paddler who misses a number of practices.

Foster a healthy caring attitude within the group so that Members support each other.

Ensure that there is a good degree of satisfaction among the Team after a practice and that each Member goes home happy and exhilarated.

Attend meetings and/or call meetings as required.

Keep THE KEY to the shed/club where lifejackets/paddles/steering oars are kept at all times - also give a duplicate key to one other Member or the Coach in case Captain is absent.

Ensure adherence to particular practice times, coordinating with the Coach and Steersperson/ Drummer - on and off the water/dock.

Maintain communication with Coach, Captain and all Paddlers to ensure practice times, locations and details of special events are known. Ensure information is passed on to those who do not have email.

Prepare and maintain a Crew Roster with name, address, phone number and email.

Obtain Waiver forms from Cajun Invasion, which Crew Members must complete. Retain Waivers on file (in case of problems such as injury or damage to equipment).

Attend team practices and keep a record of attendance. Inform Captain if unable to attend practice.

Make sure new Paddlers are comfortable and feel free to ask questions. Also be available (with the Captain) to support anyone with a special need.

Respond to all emails and calls from the Coach/Captain/Crew.

Preparation of Festivals/Regattas:

Make early contact with Race Registrar, notify intention of Crew's participation and obtain Event Information Package.

Complete Crew Information Form, Crew Roster and Waiver Forms and forward to Race Registrar.

Ensure Registration Fees are sent in on time.

Attend Managers' meetings as required by event organizers - brief Coach, Captain and Crew.

Read, understand and brief Crew on Rules and Regulations of the event.

Obtain and distribute the Racers Passes and Parking Passes where required.

As requested, assist in arranging accommodations for out of town events.

Inform Crew of details of welcoming party (if scheduled).

During Festivals/Regattas:

Inform Crew of tent allocation and review site map; ensure all Crew Members have their race passes; obtain and review with Coach, Captain and Crew the Race Grid that specifies timing and makeup of each race on the first day of competition.

From Course Marshall determine location of marshalling areas and required time when Crew must be present. ENSURE team moves to this area ON TIME.

Keep Captain and Coach up to date on progression of races so Crew has appropriate time for warm-up, visualization and movement to marshalling area.

At marshalling area, be prepared to look after items such as life jackets, water bottles, etc. (have pack on hand for items).

Periodically obtain race results as posted and inform Crew.

Where competitions extend over 2 days, the Manager MUST remain on site the first day until the race grid for the following day has been posted so the Crew can be informed of the first race for the following morning and arrive on time.

Ensure all Crew Members attend awards ceremony.

Travel Festivals/Regattas

Collect any commitment fees from the Treasurer (or Travel Committee) and disburse according to the wishes of the Crew.

Ensure that equipment (tent, banners, flags, etc.) as needed are reserved and arrange for them to be delivered to the site.

Obtain contact phone numbers for all Crew Members at event and keep in contact as necessary.

After Festival/Regatta

Ensure all personal effects have been picked up.

If the Crew qualifies for awards and some members leave early (usually for transport reasons) make sure to pick up medals or ribbons for them.

Optional but respectful - send a message of thanks to the Race Director and any other person of the host organizers who has been helpful to the Team.

Be responsible for the safety of the boat from the time the boat starts to load until the boat is unloaded at the completion of the practice/race.

Be the first member to get into the boat - always checks the steering arm is secure in its bracket, all the water has been bailed, everyone is seated and the boat is balanced, before leaving the dock.

Remains standing while steering, scanning 360 degrees of the water, checking for traffic. The Steersperson is the eyes and ears of the crew - safety is paramount.

Know the rules of the road, i.e., keep right, give right, big is right, no one is right (Maritime Law).

Work with the team using a loud voice and a set of clear and consistent commands so everyone understands the commands and follows them quickly.

Be aware of changing weather patterns and be prepared to return to dock if water gets rough.

Work together with the Drummer, echoing calls, ensure Paddlers at the back of the boat feel included with those at the front, and encourage everyone.

Attend all Steering Clinic/workshops endorsed by Cajun Invasion and practice skills learned as often as possible so you can handle the unexpected.

Pass the Steering Accreditation Test before any festival.

Have good communication skills.

Have leadership skills.

Be willing to assume a position of responsibility; must have to be in control and take control.

Be able to cooperate with others, specifically the Coach, the Steersperson and the Paddlers.

Be able to stay calm under pressure; look confident and in control.

Have an understanding of the stroke technique.

Have the ability to motivate the Paddlers, especially in a race.

Preferably have a loud voice (although this can be dealt with).

Be able to multi-task. During a race, the Drummer must call, keep the Paddlers focused, develop strategy depending on the race, be aware of the status of the Paddlers and be aware of the situation on the racecourse.

Safety Person must -

Review all safety notices.

Appoint a substitute safety person.

Establish whether there is a person on the Crew that has current First Aid training, and ask that person to put together a small emergency kit.

Establish whether anyone on the Crew is a non-swimmer.

All Paddlers, Steerspersons and Drummers must wear a proper fitting, approved personal flotation device (life jacket/vest). If possible, the life jacket/vest should be equipped with a whistle.

Wear clothing that is appropriate to weather/water conditions - including light footwear, waterproof tops, pants and hats when conditions require it. Also wear "paddling type" gloves to protect your hands from injury or infection

On every boat before each practice there should be on board -

4 bailers

3 extra paddles

1 extra life jacket

Emergency kit in a waterproof container

A cell phone and a whistle in a waterproof bag, to be used for emergencies.

Portable lights, fore and aft, must be used when paddling at dusk or in the dark.

Confirm with the Coach before practice how many people are on board and have each person know the name of her seat-buddy.

Paddlers should be made aware of the safety practices in the boat, as follows:

Loading and unloading the boat.

Using the paddle as a stabilizer on the command of BRACE THE BOAT by leaning out slightly over the side of the boat and pressing the paddles blades flat on the water, at arms length.

Responding to the command HOLD THE BOAT by placing their paddles deeply and vertically in the water and holding them firmly.

What do we do if we capsize? - This is a RARE occurrence, but can happen.

REMAIN CALM.

DO NOT attempt to swim to shore; stay with the boat and, if possible, hold onto it.

The Drummer and Steersperson to buddy up with the seat-mates closest to them.

Ensure that everyone is accounted for.

Use a whistle and/or a cell phone, if possible, to attract/call attention.

Stay close together, (huddle to reduce heat loss) and reassure each other.

Two paddles can be braced together to support fellow Paddlers.

If Steersperson, Drummer or other member of the Crew falls overboard -

Coach or Drummer should immediately call "HOLD THE BOAT".

REMAIN CALM.

Remember that every situation is different, so listen closely to the instructions of your Coach.

It is unwise to begin or continue a practice if a storm of high winds or lightning is occurring.

A Warm-Up Leader motivates and gets the Team "mentally up" for each practice or race. The Leader can do this by encouraging the Team to participate in cheering each other during the warm up. All positive vocalizations are therefore encouraged! Clapping is also encouraged! The Warm-Up Leader asks the Paddlers how they are feeling and asks them to reply with a resounding cheer, e.g., "We're great!"; "We're strong!"; and "We're ready to paddle!"

Physically, it is important to warm up and lubricate the joints and muscles before paddling. Allow approximately 10-15 minutes for the warm up.

Starting with movement, e.g., marching on the spot, walking step-touching or grapevine, alternately move the arms in varying directions. Rotate the shoulders, press, shrug, circle, and any movement to get the blood flowing!

Encourage lots of breathing, getting oxygen to all the extremities. Continue with varying movements of the arms while doing leg lifts, leg curls, etc.

When doing any routine, e.g., leg lifts with overhead press, do in sets of 8 and countdown "4,3,2,1" when changing from one movement to another. It is easier for your teammates to follow, and they will soon learn when you are planning to change your routine or when coming to the end of a routine.

Your team will not only look good on the water, but will look good during the warm-up as well! Remember - this should be FUN! Don't forget also to have "FUN" music with a strong beat!

It is important to stretch following movement. Shoulder, arms, wrists, back and chest should all be stretched. This can be done while stretching the lower limbs - quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. Hold each stretch for 10-15 seconds.

After the warm-up, it would be best to start the practice or race before "cooling down", although this cannot always happen. If possible, try to keep the Team limber by encouraging movement on the spot.

It would also be ideal if there could be a cool down and slow stretch following the practice or race. Rather than the Team disbanding and each Paddler going her "own way", the Coach might ask the Team to meet in a convenient spot for 5 minutes.

This post-exercise cool-down and stretch could also be done before or following the "critiquing" after a race.