NACK Training Fund
March 1, 2024
“We meet in a spirit of fellowship and to pass on to others the skills and knowledge we’ve gained. We exchange information on safety, education, paddling experiences, and other paddling related subjects.”
I. Introduction
The NACK Training Fund, (hereby referred to as the “Fund”), was created to encourage NACK members to increase their kayaking and safety skills by attending qualified training workshops, programs, or certifications (collectively, a “Qualified Training Program”). In an effort to embrace the evolving trends of the modern paddler, the Fund has been created to replace both the NACK Work program and NACK Bucks program. Although, both legacy programs were historically successful, the diminishing number of outreach opportunities and members’ declining interest in the NACK Bucks program led to the development of the Fund. The Fund supports the club’s mission of exchanging information on safety, education, and paddling experiences while enhancing the skills and education of the modern paddler. The purpose of the Fund is to supplement the cost of members’ training per the eligibility and qualifications guidelines outlined below.
II. Eligibility and Qualifications
A. Any individual who is a paid member of NACK in good standing for a minimum of one full year, has a current American Canoe Association (“ACA”) membership and is at least 18 years of age (a “Qualified NACK Member”).
B. The candidate must demonstrate basic skill proficiency prior to attending a Qualified Training Program.
C. A three-member committee (the “Training Fund Committee”) will determine the eligibility of the NACK member as a Qualified NACK Member and evaluate the training course, workshop, or certification to determine if it meets the requirements of a Qualified Training Program before recommending approval for reimbursement eligibility.
D. The Fund does not discriminate against members based on race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law.
III. Restrictions
A. Reimbursable Training Programs
Applicable for external Qualified Training Programs (non NACK provided training), subject to the Reimbursement Cap (as defined herein). Training programs facilitated by NACK instructors are excluded.
In addition, NACK sponsored Qualified Training Programs hosted by an external non-NACK instructor (“Sponsored Qualified Training Programs”) are reimbursable up to 50% of the cost and is subject to the Reimbursement Cap.
B. Reimbursement Allowance
The reimbursement allowance is the amount that may be used on one or more Qualified Training Programs, exclusive of IDW/ICE’s and Sponsored Qualifying Training Programs.
Reimbursement is limited to $100 per year for Qualified NACK Members assessed at a Level 1 or 2 and $200 per year for Qualified NACK Members (paddlers and instructors) assessed at a level 3 and above (collectively, the “Reimbursement Cap”).
• Qualified Training Programs are reimbursable up to 50% of the cost of the training program and is subject to the Reimbursement Cap.
• ACA Instructor Development Workshop (“IDW”), ACA Instructor Certification Workshop (“ICE”) and instructor updates are reimbursable up to 50% of the cost of the Qualified Training Program.
The amount to be determined by the board of directors and executive committee (collectively, the “Board”) prior to April 1st of each year, the start of NACKs fiscal year (the “NACK Fiscal Year Start Date”).
Reimbursement for an IDW or ICE workshop is not subject to the Reimbursement Cap.
• Sponsored Qualified Training Programs are reimbursable up to 50% of the cost of the training program and is subject to the Reimbursement Cap.
C. NACK will maintain the Fund and replenish the Fund, upon Board approval, prior to the NACK Fiscal Year Start Date. At least 110% of the club’s estimated annual expenses must remain in the treasury (the “Minimum Treasury Balance”). The Board will determine the Fund’s financial health and determine if any amounts are required to be revised for the upcoming fiscal year. This will be documented in the Board’s minutes and any changes will be communicated to the members prior to the NACK Fiscal Year Start Date.
D. NACK will not reimburse hourly lessons.
IV. Commitments
A. The candidate must make a clear commitment to share this knowledge.
Examples include but are not limited to giving skills sessions or peer practice (minimum of 2 is recommended), a presentation at a general meeting or a land class. It is recommended that this commitment be fulfilled within one year of completing the Qualified Training Program.
B. The club will collect $50 for each half day and $75 for each full day of training. If the training is for multiple days, the cost will be for each day.
V. Application Procedure for External Training
A. Each NACK member is required to submit a copy of the training course description from the organizers. The course description should include a summary of the training course, where, when, and who is facilitating, and the cost of the training course. The application must be made in advance of taking the course including a statement from the applicant as to how the training will benefit the club.
B. E-mail the application to the 3 members of the Training Fund Committee identified below. The Training Fund Committee will include 2 Board members and one NACK member and will be eligible for revision prior to each NACK Fiscal Year Start Date.
Name – Email – Board/NACK Member
Deborah Horne – [email protected] – Board Member
Tom Intravaia – [email protected] – Board Member
Tuan Le – [email protected] – NACK Member