Cadet Duties Strengthening Our Community Together
Published 09:43 on 15 Dec 2025
Dear Netley Members,
As we approach renewals, we wanted to share an important update about cadet duties and the spirit behind the change.
Over the past few years, cadets have only been required to complete one duty per season. We recognise that for many newer families this has felt like the norm. However, in line with the club constitution and following a review of how the club operates week to week, we'll be returning to two duties per season for cadets, as has traditionally been the case.
We want to explain the "why" with openness and warmth.
Netley has always been a club powered by its people. When everyone contributes a little, the whole club thrives. Increasing cadet involvement again helps us:
share responsibilities more evenly across families, and
ensure our race days and club activities run smoothly and safely.
Most importantly, it creates more opportunities for cadets to feel part of the wider Netley family, learning teamwork, responsibility, and leadership within a supportive, volunteer-led environment.
Cadet Duty Roles
To make duties clearer and more engaging, we now have three cadet-specific roles available on the system:
Beach & Shore Assistant (Cadet only)
Helping launch and recover boats, assisting on the shore, and getting involved in simple club tasks such as tidying patio furniture or refreshing outside bins. These small jobs make a big difference to keeping our club welcoming for everyone.
Race Officer Assistant (Cadet only)
Supporting the Race Officer with simple tasks such as recording sail numbers, organising flags, or helping prepare the race box. A great way to learn how racing works from the inside.
Powerboat Assistant (Cadet only)
Joining the safety boat team in a supervised, observational role. Cadets may help with equipment checks, ropes, and basic preparation under guidance. An excellent introduction to water safety and club operations.
Using Skills and Qualifications Where Appropriate
We are also keen to make the best use of the skills within our membership.
Cadets (and families) who already hold relevant qualifications, such as PB2, Safety Boat, Assistant Instructor or Dinghy Instructor, are warmly encouraged to sign up for standard club duties appropriate to their qualification, rather than cadet-specific roles. This helps the club, avoids duplication, and ensures people are contributing in ways that best match their experience.
Where possible, families are also welcome to align duties together, which many members find makes planning easier. If adjustments are needed, the club team will help facilitate this during renewals.
Other Light Duties Cadets May Help With Around the Club
In addition, and as with all members, we encourage cadets to take part in light, supervised tasks that support the everyday life of the club:
Helping set up or pack away junior equipment on club days.
Assisting with sign-in sheets or handing out bibs.
Helping younger sailors find buoyancy aids or get organised at the start of sessions.
Light clubhouse tasks such as wiping down tables, sorting cupboards, or tidying the training room.
We will avoid anything involving tools, machinery, or tasks that could place cadets near members' boats or stored equipment.
Keeping It Positive, Supportive and Fun
Our aim isn't to burden cadets, but to help them flourish. Duties build confidence, foster friendships, and nurture the community spirit that makes Netley the club we all value. Many of our older cadets still speak fondly of the confidence and connection they gained through doing duties.
We hope this change feels like an invitation for cadets to be even more involved, more connected, and more proud of the part they play in club life.
If you have any questions or ideas, please do get in touch. We want everyone to feel supported and informed as renewals open.
Thank you for helping us keep Netley welcoming, safe, and full of energy for the next generation.
Warm regards,
The Netley Sailing Club Committee
Last updated 09:49 on 15 December 2025