The Scottish Canoe Association (SCA) notes the conviction and sentencing of former SCA member and coach Dave Rossetter on 28th January 2021 in relation to online grooming offences. When the SCA became aware of charges against him, he was suspended, pending an investigation.

The charges involving Dave Rossetter are unconnected with paddlesports and the SCA investigation found no allegations or instances of wrongdoing within the SCA. He resigned from membership prior to the conclusion of the disciplinary process and is no longer permitted to be an SCA member or hold any roles in connection with British Canoeing awards.

The organisation takes its responsibilities extremely seriously and has comprehensive safeguarding processes, procedures and training in place, and all coaches are required to comply with the coaches code of conduct. It investigates all allegations of misconduct in line with our safeguarding and disciplinary policies. The SCA process for reporting any safeguarding concerns is available on our website. 

We recognise that Dave was known by many people in the paddling community and this will be difficult news to hear. 

The SCA was advised not to make any public comment until the conclusion of the court process and sentencing last week as doing so may have prejudiced the outcome. 

Anyone affected by the situation is encouraged to seek help from others in the paddling community, contact the SCA Safeguarding Officer or professional support services such as  breathingspace.scot on 0800 83 85 87, Children 1st,  Children 1st Parent Line on 08000 28 22 33 or The Samaritans on 116 123.