The current Sidney Sussex Boat Club Constitution was amended at an open meeting on 18 February 2024. It covers the Constitution itself, the roles of each committee officer, how elections work, the club’s rules and membership types, and the expenses policy.
Read the full Constitution (PDF)
Some key points
- Aims: to give rowers and coxes the chance to compete in CUCBC and British Rowing events, to offer the chance to row to as many members of Sidney Sussex College as wish to, and to foster an environment welcoming to all.
- Free for every member: no current member is ever asked to pay for their membership or for the chance to row or cox. Subscription fees, and students covering race costs themselves, are prohibited.
- Who can join: membership is open to all matriculated members of Sidney Sussex College, and to others by invitation of the Committee.
- The Committee: runs the club, led by the Captain of Boats. Officers are elected each year around Lent Bumps, and the new committee takes over at the Lent Boat Club Dinner.
- Blades and Spoons: a crew that bumps every day and goes up four or more places wins Blades, and may fly the Boat Club Flag as it rows back to the boathouse on the last day. Spoons are the opposite.
- Life Members: anyone who has rowed or coxed in a Sidney senior boat for six full terms (or their whole degree, if shorter) becomes a Life Member, can vote in elections, attend Boat Club Dinners and buy a Boat Club blazer.
Changes to the Constitution are proposed by three members, agreed by three quarters of the Committee, and then voted on at an open meeting of the club. Questions? Get in touch.