Welcome to ANSAS - AusDBF National Sweep Accreditation Scheme

To become a fully accredited sweep with the Australian Dragon Boat Federation (AusDBF), it is essential to follow the regulations set out in the AusDBF National Sweep Accreditation Scheme (ANSAS).  The scheme outlines a structured pathway for accreditation, which includes completing prerequisite eLearning modules, practical on-water assessments, and adhering to re-accreditation processes every three years.  For detailed information, including the updated Sweep Classification Levels and the process for reaccreditation, individuals should refer to the official documents provided by ANSAS.

Each State has appointed a number of Regional Sweep Coordinators - collectively known as the Sweep Coordinator Group (SCG) - whose aim it is to enhance the safety and the proficiency of Sweeps and support clubs to train up their sweeps to a high skill level.

General Overview 

• The minimum age for a sweep is 14 years.
• Accreditations are valid for 3 years aligned to the expiry of current First Aid Certificate & CPR.
• Minimum standard for CPR is to renew every 3 years to align with First Aid.
• Sweep accreditations are registered on revSPORT and Accreditations are shown on member profiles in RevSport.
• Sweeps must apply for re-accreditation before their expiry date to maintain accreditation.
• Sweep accreditation must be maintained to be covered by insurance.

First Aid

• Sweeps from Level 2 to 5 (L2 - L5) must have a current First Aid Certificate or equivalent.
• CPR Refresher Training is no longer required annually (under ANSAS), however it must still be obtained every three (3) years as part of First Aid Training (re-certification). For technical reasons, Revsport will state your CPR Certification is expiring after one year, but this can be disregarded but CPR must remain aligned to First Aid currency.
• In the case of individual’s workplace specifications; CPR can be renewed more frequently.

Working with Children Checks

• Sweeps over the age of 18 are to maintain current Working with Children Clearance at all times, renewal to be obtained within 2 months of expiry.
• Sweeps under the age of 18 do not require a Working with Children Clearance but are required to provide one within 2 months of their 18th birthday otherwise sweep accreditation will be suspended.

Life Vests

The Sweep is responsible for ensuring any person unable to swim 50 metres or not paddling always wears a life vest at training sessions or regattas that they meet the minimum Maritime and Association requirements to the State or Territory they are in.

Re-Accreditations

Steps on how to renew your Accrediation can be found on the Sweep Re-Accreditations page.

Each of the States or Territories has at least one sweep coordinator who is responsible for assessing and accrediting dragon boat sweeps. These regional coordinators can be contacted directly about sweep accreditation and other sweep related enquiries.

ACT 
✉ Kevin Shipp

NSW
Rob Turnbull 
Rodney Moore
Sweep Development - Dragon Boat NSW

QLD 
Cathy Barnes
Sweep Development - Dragon Boat Queensland

SA
Pat Doogue
Sweeps Documentation - Dragon Boat SA

TAS
Sue Sanderson

VIC
Jennifer Reilly
Sweeps Committee - Dragon Boat Victoria Inc.

WA
Laura Hughes
Sweep Accreditation - Dragon Boating WA

Sweep Accreditation Pathway

Dragon boat activity requires each dragon boat to have a steerer also known as a Sweep or Helm. Dragon Boat Sweeps must obtain AusDBF Sweep Accreditation prior to steering unsupervised. There is a great level of responsibility attached to the position of sweep. A sweep is in control of the boat and responsible for the safety of the crew, their craft and other waterway users. The sweep is responsible to check all safety equipment, lights, oar, bailers, PDF for paddlers who cannot swim 50m, safe boat loading, balancing the boat weight, perform head count and conduct the safety briefing. 

Sweeps require a comprehensive understanding of Maritime Safety Regulations for their State or Territory, competition venues, as well as any specific risks within their training grounds. Weather conditions can pose a level of risk, sweeps should be aware of the tidal flow/levels and wind readings. Most clubs will have a current Risk Management Policy relating to adverse weather, however the sweep, if not comfortable with conditions makes the final call whether the boat goes out.  As skills are developed over time, an absolute highlight, and a reward for all the hours of training is to sweep a racing crew, to success. A great sweep has top boat control skills, is motivational and totally trusted by their crew to lift a boat to optimum performance.

Introductory Sweep Training

For athletes interested in the role of Sweeping a Dragon Boat, the journey begins with getting hands-on experience under the guidance of a Level 3 (or higher) sweep. This preliminary phase is crucial for understanding the fundamentals of steering and boat control. After accumulating an initial 3-10 hours practical experience on the water, aspiring sweeps can then embark on the formal path to accreditation.

The ANSAS pathway involves a series of online educational modules and courses designed to deepen the knowledge of the sport's rules, safety protocols, and the importance of fostering an inclusive environment. Upon completion of these courses, candidates are eligible to register as Level 1 Trainee Sweeps, marking the first official step towards becoming an Accredited Sweep. This structured approach ensures that sweeps are well-prepared to lead their teams safely and effectively on the water.

Download your Sweep Log Book (and Competency Checklist) and start logging your hours.   

To enrol as a Level 1 Trainee Sweep:  

1. Complete the eLearning Courses listed below
2. Log an initial 3-10 hours practical experience on the water in your logbook.
3. Complete the Level 1 Sweep Trainee Sweep Registration Form.

1. ANSAS Sweep Accreditation eLearning course
   https://ausdbfmoodle.com/moodle30/enrol/index.php?id=16
2. AusDBF Rules of Racing - Coaches & Sweeps
   https://ausdbfmoodle.com/moodle30/enrol/index.php?id=20
3. Cultivating Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging for Dragon Boat Activities
   https://ausdbfmoodle.com/moodle30/course/view.php?id=18
4. Sports Integrity Australia - National Integrity Framework
   https://elearning.sportintegrity.gov.au/course/view.php?id=503
5. Sports Integrity Australia - Safeguarding Children and Young People in Sport Induction
   https://elearning.sportintegrity.gov.au/course/view.php?id=542    

As a Level 1 Trainee Sweep, working closely with a supervising Level 3 (or higher) sweep is essential for skill development and proficiency on the water. After accumulating an additional 20 hours of practice and completing the Competency Checklist, it's now time to obtain your First Aid certification (including CPR) and Working With Children Check. Once these prerequisites are met, you can request an assessment to advance to Level 2. 

To request your Level 2 assessment:

1. Ensure you have completed all the above eLearning Courses
2. Provide the following to your Sweep Coordinator
     eLearning Moodle Course Screenshot.
     Sports Integrity Australia Course Certificates.
     First Aid (including CPR) Certificate.
     Screenshot of your Working With Children Check.
     Scan of your completed Competency Checklist.
     Logged in your logbook a minimum 23 Hours on the water.
3. Complete the Level 2 Sweep Upgrade Application Form.

Achieving Level 2 Sweep accreditation is a significant milestone in the pathway of mastering dragon boat steering and control. This level of proficiency enables individuals to confidently guide club training sessions and competitive races.

Sweeps who do not wish to steer at AusChamps regattas may remain as a Level   2 Provisional Sweep and be active in Club training sessions and local regattas.

Sweeps wishing to progress to become a Level 3 Accredited Sweep are required to successfully steer a minimum of six races across a minimum of three regattas.  

Level 3 Accreditation is designed to expose sweeps to various conditions, racecourses, starting procedures, providing a comprehensive platform for assessment and feedback. This process is crucial for continuous development, improvement and assessment of sweeping abilities. Sweeps from Regional areas that have a reduced regatta program should contact their regional Sweep Coordinator to discuss their options.

   Make sure you log your races in your Sweep Log Book

   Sweeps who do not wish to steer at regattas may remain as a Level 2 Provisional Sweep.

To apply for your Level 3 Accredited Sweep upgrade:

1. Ensure you have completed and logged 6 races over 3 regattas.
2. Provide the following to your Sweep Coordinator
     Signed Level 2 Regatta Log Book 
   
3. Complete the Level 3 Sweep Upgrade Application Form.

  Upgrades to Level 3 is not automattic, you must apply to be assessed.

Achieving Level 3 Sweep Accreditation is indeed a commendable achievement. It signifies a level of proficiency and commitment to Sweeping. As you move forward, it's essential to keep refining your skills. Whether it's through seeking advanced training, participating in Sweep Clinics, or simply dedicating time to practice, every effort you make contributes to your growth.

Remember, the journey of improvement is ongoing, and there's always something new to learn or a skill to enhance. Keep pushing your boundaries, and you'll find that you'll discover more about your capabilities and potential. 

Continue your Sweep Accreditation Pathway by mentoring new and upcoming sweeps by sharing your advanced technical skills and knowledge over a three years period. 

Sweeps wishing to become a Level 4 Mentor Sweep must demostrate:

• During the previous three years, met all accreditation requirements for a Level 3 Sweep.
• Consistent and continual development as a Sweep.
• Advanced ability in race environments in a variety of locations and water conditions.
• An understanding of different models/classes of boats (small/standard), rigging systems (e.g. rowlock, pin, U-bolt), and starting procedures (e.g. pontoon, toggle, dragon cups, free-standing starts).
• Good race skills, sweep ethics, and respect for crews and equipment.
• Mentored several new sweeps to minimum Level 2 accreditation.
• Sweeping at AusChamps with the State or club team without incident.
• An understanding of current AusDBF Rules of Racing and State By-laws.

To apply for your Level 4 Mentor Sweep upgrade have your Club complete the Level 4 Sweep Upgrade Application Form.

A Level 5 Sweep should be widely known among the national dragon boating community by name and reputation as an exemplary sweep and a mentor to sweeps across the nation. This level recognises the Sweep’s Ambassadorship to the Sport.

Sweeps wishing to become a Level 5 Ambassador Sweep must demostrate:

• Abilities, knowledge and experience that led them to being granted L4 accreditation
• Significant contribution to the development of the sport and sweeping over many years
• Participation in sweep workshops and sharing new information and techniques with other sweeps, assisting a new club that is without an accredited sweep
• Involvement in club, Inter-club, State, regional mentoring and training
• Swept Auroras (national crews) and/or representative crews (at State, National and/or International regattas).

To apply for your Level 5 Ambassador Sweep upgrade have your Club complete the Level 5 Sweep Upgrade Application Form.

Click here to view the update capsize drill (updated 23-11-2022)