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Sun
Smart Policy
NSW Sabot Sailing Association
as at 21-8-01 |
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| Preamble |
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| The
NSW Sabot Sailing Association (NSWSSA) is an organisation committed
to the |
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of junior sailors. It encourages participation and skills development
for all |
| sabot
sailors, creating an active community of family and peer support
for its members. |
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| Health
and safety is an integral part of the NSWSSA's program for young sailors.
Sailing is by necessity a sport which exposes its participants to
the elements. As awareness of the impact of long-term exposure to
UV rays grows, the NSWSSA wishes to adopt a clear policy to ensure
that any risk of long term skin damage to young sailors who participate
in its programs is minimised. |
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| Why
we need a policy |
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The
NSWSSA includes the youngest regular sailors in the region.
Competitive sailing in sabots starts at the age |
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of
five years old, and children graduate from the class at sixteen.
In the climate of Southern NSW, these are important years for
protection against the sun, both in terms of the vulnerability
of young skin and eyes to damage, and the habits set at this
stage for a lifetime. |
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The
SunSmart message is also important for the parents and other
volunteers who support the sailors in this. |
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class.
It is vital for their own health, as well as to set an example
for the young sailors. |
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The
NSWSSA plays a leadership role in the running of competitions
for young sailors amongst regional clubs |
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which
include sabots in their fleets. It is important for the Association
to set an example. |
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Clear
policies provide a framework for the Association to communicate
important health messages about potential |
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for
skin damage, skin cancer and damage to the eyes to its members
and other members of the sailing community. |
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Simple
procedures and guidelines can make a significant difference
in ensuring that young sailors are adequately |
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protected
from the sun before and during races. |
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| To
whom the policy applies |
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| This
policy applies to Sailors, Officials, Administrators, Volunteers and
Spectators. |
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| What
we want to achieve |
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| By
implementing this policy, the NSWSSA will : |
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Ensure
that its junior members are fully informed about the health
consequences of exposing skin and eyes to the |
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sun. |
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Ensure
that parents and adult organisers have sufficient information
to communicate these health risks to sailors |
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and
to take appropriate steps for their own protection. |
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Increase
the use of appropriate sun protective clothing, sunscreen and
sunglasses by all sabot sailors. |
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Decrease
the incidence of immediate skin damage - sunburn |
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Set
an example for clubs in the district in terms of management
of health risks from exposure to the sun by young |
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sailors. |
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