Healing Dragons of Charlotte was founded on the principles of support, encouragement, physical and emotional wellness, inclusiveness, and amazing team spirit. The following information is provided to our team members to clarify overall communication details, and practice and race information.

Overall

• There are various methods of communication that will be used.
• Our primary resource for communications for paddling the boat to practice, practices, races and events is MeetUp.
• All practices, races and events will be listed on this site.
• RSVP to all events.  If your status changes, please update MeetUp accordingly. This is critical for our coach to set the boat for all practices and races.
• Remember that all of us have different levels of experience and physical abilities.  Be patient with others and be supportive. We are a team!
• Please remember our coach determines where everyone sits on the boat. The coach has a formula for balance, level of experience, and weight distribution. Every seat and every paddler is critical to our team’s success.
• We love photos and videos of our team and the numerous activities we participate in.  Please be respectful of the photos you would like to post. Ask permission from the individuals before posting.
• We encourage you to become involved in supporting your team. Volunteer for a committee, take on a special project, consider running for a board position and share your amazing talents and gifts.  We need you!

Practices

• Make sure to lock your car doors when in the parking lot and do not leave anything valuable inside.
• We have a dry bag for phones, wallets and car keys if you do not have your own.
• Whenever possible, sign up to paddle the boat over to practice from Sienna’s house. It is great exercise and good practice. Keep in mind that you must sign up for practice as well and paddling the boat to practice.
• Arrive on time in order to warm up and be ready for practice.
• Cancellations due to weather will be posted on MeetUp at least one hour prior to the start of practice.
• If you are running late for the practice, please call the Team Captains, or Board President and leave a message if necessary.  DO NOT send a text or leave a comment on MeetUp. We will swing back to pick you up.
• Help guide the boat when it is close to shore. Assist with cleaning the boat at the end of practice.
• Once in the boat, please be quiet as we are there to learn technique and to focus on our strokes.

Races

• All races will be posted on MeetUp.
• RSVP at least 3 weeks prior to the event and race fees are due at least 3 weeks prior to the race date.
• If there are not enough team members participating, we may offer seats to non-Healing Dragon members if needed to fill the boat.
• No refunds unless the race is cancelled.
• We will work with the race organizers to obtain information on hotels if lodging is necessary.
• Assistance is expected to set up and take down our tents and move equipment on the day of the race. Your captains will be overseeing this and will need your help!
• Space under the tents is limited and reserved for paddlers only. We encourage family and friends to attend our races. However, please be respectful of the limited shaded space that our tents provide. This will be reserved for team members who will need a place to rest and rejuvenate.
• Bring water, a chair and a healthy snack to share with the team. Individually wrapped or packaged fruit, protein bars, nuts, etc. are preferred. Please fill your own water container before arriving at the race site. This will help us from running out of water on a hot day.
• Team jerseys and black shorts, pants or leggings and closed toed shoes is the proper attire for the race.
• All members must be race ready, this is at the discretion of the coach.
• No matter what, have FUN and treasure the moments!!
• PADDLES UP! BE FEARLESS! HAVE A BLAST!!

The 5 B’s of Practice Etiquette

1. Be on time.
2. Be observant and attentive to the needs of the team.
3. Be alert and prepared to practice from the time the boat arrives on shore to the time the boat departs the shore.
4. Be conscientious of the strengths and weaknesses of others.
5. Be cordial and social before the boat arrives, and after the boat departs, the shore.