Membership
BDA membership supports the development of dragon boat racing in Great Britain and provides access to a range of services, competitions, insurance and member benefits.
There are two types of BDA membership:
- Club membership – for clubs wishing to affiliate to the BDA.
- Individual membership – for people taking part in or supporting the sport.
Both can be bought online via the BDA Membership Platform.
Club membership
BDA club membership is for dragon boat clubs wishing to affiliate to the BDA.
Club membership provides access to the benefits of BDA affiliation, including support, guidance and eligibility for BDA services.
If your club wants to compete in the National League, you'll also need National League First Crew Membership. Clubs entering additional crews in the league need Additional Crew Membership for each additional crew.
Club membership runs until 31 March each year and is renewed annually.
BDA affiliation gives clubs:
- Public liability insurance for club activities
- Directors' and officers' indemnity insurance
- Access to BDA safeguarding policy and advice
- Access to the BDA coaching scheme
- Access to the BDA's knowledge base (including event running, risk assessment and club advisory)
- Access to the BDA club development fund
- Regular communication from the BDA to stay up to date
- Inclusion in the BDA 'find a club' tool
National League First Crew membership gives clubs:
- Entry to the National League and National Championships
- The opportunity to enter EDBF and IDBF Club Crews events
Individual membership
BDA individual membership is for people involved in dragon boating, whether as paddlers, volunteers or supporters.
Membership runs for 12 months from the date of purchase.
We currently offer four individual membership categories:
Adult membership
For adults actively taking part in dragon boating.
Adult membership provides access to the full range of member benefits, including participation in BDA racing, eligibility for GB squads, insurance, and access to the Membership Platform and BDA communications.
Student membership
For full-time students.
Student membership provides the same benefits as Adult membership at a discounted rate. Proof of full-time student status is required.
Under-18 membership
For junior paddlers under the age of 18.
Under-18 membership provides access to the same core benefits as Adult membership at a reduced rate.
Supporter membership
For non-paddling club members and others who wish to support the sport without racing.
Supporter membership includes access to insurance arranged by the BDA, the Membership Platform, newsletters and communications, together with opportunities to volunteer and contribute to the development of the sport. It does not include eligibility to race.
For full details of each membership category and the benefits included, please visit the BDA Membership Platform.
Membership Platform
The BDA Membership Platform is where clubs and members manage their membership, enter race events and access a range of BDA services.
The platform allows you to:
- Purchase or renew membership
- Manage your personal details
- Link yourself to a club
- Enter BDA events
- Manage club information (club administrators)
Insurance
Membership provides access to insurance arranged by the BDA.
Information about the cover provided, together with policy documents and optional additional insurance for clubs, is available on our insurance microsite.
