Rally Rules
Safety on Rallies
1. All vehicles are not to exceed walking pace on site and keep to the perimeter tracks as much as possible. Watch out for children playing.
2. Do not light portable barbecues near caravans or awnings without informing the Rally Officer. Beware of the dangers from sparks and sudden changes of wind direction.
3. It is advisable to have a suitable multi-purpose fire extinguisher sited near the door of the caravan, or a fire blanket. Note that dry powder extinguishers are more reliable if inverted and shaken smartly. Remember cooking oil is a great fire hazard.
4. Children should not be left alone in the caravan at anytime.
5. A special note to owners of cars fitted with catalytic converters - due to the high temperature of the exhaust pipe there is a danger of igniting the grass.
6. Where Rally Officers have set out site pegs, caravans should be parked with the offside corner as near to the peg as possible, unless told to do otherwise. All "A" frames must face the same direction.
7. Hygiene
All members are advised to take all reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of serious health problems whilst attending rallies, not least given extensive concern regarding E.coli bacteria.
Do not drink from rivers or streams
Ensure that animals have not been in contact with the water taps
Avoid contact with animals wherever possible
Avoid walking through areas contaminated with faeces or slurry liquid
Keep out of areas not allocated to the Rally
Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking
Clean off clothing, footwear or any items carried, which may have been in contact with the ground
8. Fire Safety
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate fire-fighting equipment!
In the unfortunate event of fire:
Get everyone out
Turn off the outside gas valve
Raise the alarm and call the Fire Service
Never leave children unattended in a caravan.
Combustible materials should be kept clear of all cooking and heating appliances.
9. Booking Onto Rallies
Rally & Site Fees At weekend rallies, rally fees and site fees must be paid to the Rally Officers on arrival at the site. No cheques will be accepted on weekend rallies.
On Limited-place Rallies and 5-days Rallies A £20 non-returnable deposit must be sent with booking slips The deposit is strictly non-returnable., Full payment must be paid four weeks in advance of the rally.
Easter Rallies A £10 non-returnable deposit must be sent with booking slips Full payment to be paid two weeks in advance of Easter rallies
Holiday Rallies - A £10 non-returnable deposit must be sent with booking slips. Full payment to be paid four weeks in advance of holiday rallies
Members - requesting refunds are requested to do so in writing, addressed to the Secretary.
Social Fees - Where a social is organised at a Rally, a nominal charge may be made.
VAT - VAT is chargeable on Site, Rally, Social and Plaque fees, also on advertised activities. This is an instruction of the Caravan Club Head Office in conjunction with HM Revenue and Customs.
General - All Rally and/or Social Event Bookings that are not taken up are liable for any charges that may be incurred on your behalf and if necessary you will be invoiced by the Centre Treasurer for costs incurred.
Booking Slips - Please complete the booking slip in full, providing all details requested on the slip.When paying deposits or full payments on the field please make sure you get the receipt at the bottom of the rally booking slip completed and signed by the member receiving the money
On-Line Bookings - Booking’s can be made on-line at the Centre’s web site.
If you have booked onto a Rally and, for whatever reason, you are unable to attend, please let the Rally Officers know, giving as much notice as possible.
Remember - with limited-places Rallies, there are likely to be fellow-members who would like to have attended but who were unable to do so due to lack of available places. If you are unable to attend, please let the Rally Officers know so that at least others on the waiting list can be given the option.
10. On Site
Arrival - Please check with the rally officer when booking a rally what time the rally will open. Remember NO arrivals before the time stated by the rally officer, , Due to Caravan Club Pitching rules, which must be adhered to, no caravans to be sited without presence of the Rally Officer, as you may be asked to move pitches.
Pitching - Caravans and towing vehicles must be sited as instructed by the Rally Officer. Note that all caravan 'A' frames must face the same direction, in the interest of safety. This rule is to be strictly adhered to. No pitches may be reserved at weekend rallies. Cars must be parked at a place indicated by the Rally Officer and at no time parked as to cause an obstruction or danger. Please do not drive through playing areas. Remember that when a Red Flag flies from the Centre Flag Pole no vehicle should be moved without the express permission of the Rally Officer.
Late arrivals - Members arriving after 10.00 p.m. should site themselves at a suitable spot. They must report to the Rally Officer in the morning and be prepared to move on instruction from the Rally Officer.
Visitors - All visitors must report to the Rally Officer on arrival at site. If you are expecting visitors, please ensure that they are familiar with site rules, in particular the 5 mph speed limit, i.e. walking pace.
Vehicles - Must not exceed walking pace on site and only persons possessing a full driving licence are permitted to drive on-site. Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on site, including those on motor cycles.
Water/Sanitation - Where possible drinking water will be available from a tap on site. Each caravan must have its own toilet. Disposal facilities will be provided for the emptying of chemical toilets where possible. No toilets or parts of toilets may be taken near a drinking water source.
Rubbish - Arrangements cannot be guaranteed for dry rubbish disposal at rallies. Members must take their rubbish home and not put it in the disposal pit if no dry rubbish facilities are available.
Cycles, Roller Skates, Skateboard etc - These must not be ridden or used within caravan lines.
Children - Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising any children (those under 18) staying with them on site
Games. Ball games, - Flying kites, model aircraft, drones and other activities likely to degrade the comfort and convenience of other members, should not be allowed near the pitches or where they could inconvenience local residents. Rally officers should arrange an appropriate open space well away from the outfits for such activities, taking note of any overhead power lines that would prevent particular activities, e.g. flying kites.
Boules - May be played within caravan roadways only and at a distance of a minimum of two metres from caravans.
Dogs and Domestic Animals - Must be kept on a suitable lead of not more than two metres (6ft. 6ins.) and under control at all time. They must not be allowed to foul the ground in the vicinity of the caravans, but must be exercised on the extreme perimeter. Owners must remove accidental fouling by dogs within the caravan lines. All dogs should be wormed. Dangerous Breed Dogs will not be accepted on rallies under any circumstances. Dogs are not allowed in the marquees
Noise - Excessive noise is a regular complaint and should not be allowed to spoil the ambience at rallies. Musical instruments, radios, tannoys, etc, should be operated at considerate noise levels. In the absence of other guidance, e.g. individual Centres’ procedures or landlord’s requirements, noisy activity should cease at 10.30 pm. Official or private parties should under no circumstances be allowed to cause annoyance to people not attending them. Any amplified music should not be so loud that it can be heard beyond the confines of the rally field
Generators - It is recomended that generators are not operated after 6.00 pm and before 9.00 am in line with Caravan & Motorhome Club Rules, plese check with Rally Officers if you wish to extend these times. Generators must NOT be left unattended when running.
Tents - Are not normally allowed on rally sites for sleeping or living in with the exception of Holiday Rallies. Non-members attending such rallies will be the responsibility of the Club member who invited them. The Club member must also be attending the rally over the same dates as the non-member. Consequently the rally bookings by non-member must be made by the Club member. They must be pitched on the next pitch to the member they are with and pay the full site fee and rally fee for the pitch they are using for the full period they are attending the rally.
Pup tents - will be allowed on rallies, but only in the area of the awning with sleeping annexes to the side of the ‘A’ Frame, or at the discretion of the Rally Officer.
Trailer Tents - Where a site is also being used by trailer tents, they must be sited separately and not interspersed with caravans/motorhomes. If the layout does not allow for separate lines, it is permissible to continue a line of caravans/motorhomes with a line of trailer tents. There should be at least 6 metres clear between any line of caravans/motorhomes and trailer tents.
Wet Ground - To avoid unnecessary damage to the site and entrances, members are expected not to use their cars unnecessarily and to adhere to the Rally Officers instruction. A red flag will be flown at the flagpole in extreme conditions. When the red flag is flying the Rally Officer must be consulted before moving any vehicle onto, off or within the site.
Accepting a Tow - Care should be exercised when offering assistance to other ralliers to tow units off waterlogged pitches and fields to ensure that the operation is carried out safely. Those offering such assistance need to be aware that The Club’s Public Liability insurance does not provide cover for this activity. Cover would need to be provided under the personal insurance policies of those involved. In addition, if payment is made for doing so, the person providing the assistance needs to ensure that he is not in breach of his insurance policy by ‘plying for hire’ should an accident occur
Barbecues - Barbecues must not be held inside awnings, or less than two metres from awnings or caravans. They must be at least 300mm off the ground and on metal legs. Fire Pits and Open Flame Fires are not allowed under any circumstances.
Rallying Area -The South Wales Centre covers the local authority areas of Neath and Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, part of Vale of Glamorgan and Powys. Rallies are held most weekends throughout the year in pleasant surroundings, in a friendly atmosphere and with many activities. All members are cordially invited to attend.
The use of the rally field is a privilege - it is the responsibility of members to ensure that the privilege is not abused. Please observe the Caravan Club and Country Code Rules to uphold the good name of the Caravan Club and the Centre.
Rally Officers - The authority for the conduct of any Rally is vested in the Rally Officers. They will arrange their own programme and make all decisions on the site. The Rally Officers will be in sole charge and will be responsible to the Centre Committee. The running of a rally is a voluntary effort. The Centre meets the cost of rally fees and site fees incurred by Rally Officers, excluding electricity.
Portable Wind Turbines - Members wishing to erect small portable wind turbines on their outfit are allowed to do so, but must ensure that they are erected securely and cannot topple or be blown over and comply with noise restrictions
Rally Programme - The Committee have the right to change the programme if necessary. Whilst efforts will be made to advise members of changes you should, if you have not rallied for some time, check with the Rally Secretary or web-site for up-to-date information.
Complaints - If at any time during a rally, you have any complaints, please follow these steps :
Inform the Rally Officers
If no response, inform a committee member on site
Write to the committee via the Secretary
Disclaimer - All persons attending Rallies, Social Events or Sports Events organised by the South Wales Centre do so entirely at their own risk. The organisers accept no responsibility for injuries or damages to person(s) or property. Members taking part in any event are advised to seek their own personal insurance cover.
Please note that neither the Caravan Club nor the South Wales Centre can accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery, satisfactory operation, or effectiveness of any product or service advertised or mentioned in this publication.
The South Wales Centre committee reserves the right to ask any person attending a rally organised by the South Wales Centre for proof of current membership
Centre Competitions - All competitions are open to SWCC members and their families only and, where appropriate, only those attending the rally or event.
Rally Book Cover Competition - All entries to be on A5 paper (8ins x 5ins) and must reach the Secretary by 3rd October 2020 at the AGM. The winning entry will go forward to the Caravan Club’s National Competition. The winner of the 2023 Handbook cover competition was John Thomas, the winning a prize of £25.00 was donated to by J
Photographic Competition - The Effie and Richie Richards Cup is awarded annually to the best photograph on a caravanning theme. The 2023 winner was - John Thomas
Entries to be submitted to the Secretary by no later than 3rd October 2020 at the AGM.
Safety on Rallies
1. All vehicles are not to exceed walking pace on site and keep to the perimeter tracks as much as possible. Watch out for children playing.
2. Do not light portable barbecues near caravans or awnings without informing the Rally Officer. Beware of the dangers from sparks and sudden changes of wind direction.
3. It is advisable to have a suitable multi-purpose fire extinguisher sited near the door of the caravan, or a fire blanket. Note that dry powder extinguishers are more reliable if inverted and shaken smartly. Remember cooking oil is a great fire hazard.
4. Children should not be left alone in the caravan at anytime.
5. A special note to owners of cars fitted with catalytic converters - due to the high temperature of the exhaust pipe there is a danger of igniting the grass.
6. Where Rally Officers have set out site pegs, caravans should be parked with the offside corner as near to the peg as possible, unless told to do otherwise. All "A" frames must face the same direction.
7. Hygiene
All members are advised to take all reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of serious health problems whilst attending rallies, not least given extensive concern regarding E.coli bacteria.
Do not drink from rivers or streams
Ensure that animals have not been in contact with the water taps
Avoid contact with animals wherever possible
Avoid walking through areas contaminated with faeces or slurry liquid
Keep out of areas not allocated to the Rally
Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking or smoking
Clean off clothing, footwear or any items carried, which may have been in contact with the ground
8. Fire Safety
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have adequate fire-fighting equipment!
In the unfortunate event of fire:
Get everyone out
Turn off the outside gas valve
Raise the alarm and call the Fire Service
Never leave children unattended in a caravan.
Combustible materials should be kept clear of all cooking and heating appliances.
9. Booking Onto Rallies
Rally & Site Fees At weekend rallies, rally fees and site fees must be paid to the Rally Officers on arrival at the site. No cheques will be accepted on weekend rallies.
On Limited-place Rallies and 5-days Rallies A £20 non-returnable deposit must be sent with booking slips The deposit is strictly non-returnable., Full payment must be paid four weeks in advance of the rally.
Easter Rallies A £10 non-returnable deposit must be sent with booking slips Full payment to be paid two weeks in advance of Easter rallies
Holiday Rallies - A £10 non-returnable deposit must be sent with booking slips. Full payment to be paid four weeks in advance of holiday rallies
Members - requesting refunds are requested to do so in writing, addressed to the Secretary.
Social Fees - Where a social is organised at a Rally, a nominal charge may be made.
VAT - VAT is chargeable on Site, Rally, Social and Plaque fees, also on advertised activities. This is an instruction of the Caravan Club Head Office in conjunction with HM Revenue and Customs.
General - All Rally and/or Social Event Bookings that are not taken up are liable for any charges that may be incurred on your behalf and if necessary you will be invoiced by the Centre Treasurer for costs incurred.
Booking Slips - Please complete the booking slip in full, providing all details requested on the slip.When paying deposits or full payments on the field please make sure you get the receipt at the bottom of the rally booking slip completed and signed by the member receiving the money
On-Line Bookings - Booking’s can be made on-line at the Centre’s web site.
If you have booked onto a Rally and, for whatever reason, you are unable to attend, please let the Rally Officers know, giving as much notice as possible.
Remember - with limited-places Rallies, there are likely to be fellow-members who would like to have attended but who were unable to do so due to lack of available places. If you are unable to attend, please let the Rally Officers know so that at least others on the waiting list can be given the option.
10. On Site
Arrival - Please check with the rally officer when booking a rally what time the rally will open. Remember NO arrivals before the time stated by the rally officer, , Due to Caravan Club Pitching rules, which must be adhered to, no caravans to be sited without presence of the Rally Officer, as you may be asked to move pitches.
Pitching - Caravans and towing vehicles must be sited as instructed by the Rally Officer. Note that all caravan 'A' frames must face the same direction, in the interest of safety. This rule is to be strictly adhered to. No pitches may be reserved at weekend rallies. Cars must be parked at a place indicated by the Rally Officer and at no time parked as to cause an obstruction or danger. Please do not drive through playing areas. Remember that when a Red Flag flies from the Centre Flag Pole no vehicle should be moved without the express permission of the Rally Officer.
Late arrivals - Members arriving after 10.00 p.m. should site themselves at a suitable spot. They must report to the Rally Officer in the morning and be prepared to move on instruction from the Rally Officer.
Visitors - All visitors must report to the Rally Officer on arrival at site. If you are expecting visitors, please ensure that they are familiar with site rules, in particular the 5 mph speed limit, i.e. walking pace.
Vehicles - Must not exceed walking pace on site and only persons possessing a full driving licence are permitted to drive on-site. Learner drivers are not permitted to drive on site, including those on motor cycles.
Water/Sanitation - Where possible drinking water will be available from a tap on site. Each caravan must have its own toilet. Disposal facilities will be provided for the emptying of chemical toilets where possible. No toilets or parts of toilets may be taken near a drinking water source.
Rubbish - Arrangements cannot be guaranteed for dry rubbish disposal at rallies. Members must take their rubbish home and not put it in the disposal pit if no dry rubbish facilities are available.
Cycles, Roller Skates, Skateboard etc - These must not be ridden or used within caravan lines.
Children - Parents or guardians are responsible for supervising any children (those under 18) staying with them on site
Games. Ball games, - Flying kites, model aircraft, drones and other activities likely to degrade the comfort and convenience of other members, should not be allowed near the pitches or where they could inconvenience local residents. Rally officers should arrange an appropriate open space well away from the outfits for such activities, taking note of any overhead power lines that would prevent particular activities, e.g. flying kites.
Boules - May be played within caravan roadways only and at a distance of a minimum of two metres from caravans.
Dogs and Domestic Animals - Must be kept on a suitable lead of not more than two metres (6ft. 6ins.) and under control at all time. They must not be allowed to foul the ground in the vicinity of the caravans, but must be exercised on the extreme perimeter. Owners must remove accidental fouling by dogs within the caravan lines. All dogs should be wormed. Dangerous Breed Dogs will not be accepted on rallies under any circumstances. Dogs are not allowed in the marquees
Noise - Excessive noise is a regular complaint and should not be allowed to spoil the ambience at rallies. Musical instruments, radios, tannoys, etc, should be operated at considerate noise levels. In the absence of other guidance, e.g. individual Centres’ procedures or landlord’s requirements, noisy activity should cease at 10.30 pm. Official or private parties should under no circumstances be allowed to cause annoyance to people not attending them. Any amplified music should not be so loud that it can be heard beyond the confines of the rally field
Generators - It is recomended that generators are not operated after 6.00 pm and before 9.00 am in line with Caravan & Motorhome Club Rules, plese check with Rally Officers if you wish to extend these times. Generators must NOT be left unattended when running.
Tents - Are not normally allowed on rally sites for sleeping or living in with the exception of Holiday Rallies. Non-members attending such rallies will be the responsibility of the Club member who invited them. The Club member must also be attending the rally over the same dates as the non-member. Consequently the rally bookings by non-member must be made by the Club member. They must be pitched on the next pitch to the member they are with and pay the full site fee and rally fee for the pitch they are using for the full period they are attending the rally.
Pup tents - will be allowed on rallies, but only in the area of the awning with sleeping annexes to the side of the ‘A’ Frame, or at the discretion of the Rally Officer.
Trailer Tents - Where a site is also being used by trailer tents, they must be sited separately and not interspersed with caravans/motorhomes. If the layout does not allow for separate lines, it is permissible to continue a line of caravans/motorhomes with a line of trailer tents. There should be at least 6 metres clear between any line of caravans/motorhomes and trailer tents.
Wet Ground - To avoid unnecessary damage to the site and entrances, members are expected not to use their cars unnecessarily and to adhere to the Rally Officers instruction. A red flag will be flown at the flagpole in extreme conditions. When the red flag is flying the Rally Officer must be consulted before moving any vehicle onto, off or within the site.
Accepting a Tow - Care should be exercised when offering assistance to other ralliers to tow units off waterlogged pitches and fields to ensure that the operation is carried out safely. Those offering such assistance need to be aware that The Club’s Public Liability insurance does not provide cover for this activity. Cover would need to be provided under the personal insurance policies of those involved. In addition, if payment is made for doing so, the person providing the assistance needs to ensure that he is not in breach of his insurance policy by ‘plying for hire’ should an accident occur
Barbecues - Barbecues must not be held inside awnings, or less than two metres from awnings or caravans. They must be at least 300mm off the ground and on metal legs. Fire Pits and Open Flame Fires are not allowed under any circumstances.
Rallying Area -The South Wales Centre covers the local authority areas of Neath and Port Talbot, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, part of Vale of Glamorgan and Powys. Rallies are held most weekends throughout the year in pleasant surroundings, in a friendly atmosphere and with many activities. All members are cordially invited to attend.
The use of the rally field is a privilege - it is the responsibility of members to ensure that the privilege is not abused. Please observe the Caravan Club and Country Code Rules to uphold the good name of the Caravan Club and the Centre.
Rally Officers - The authority for the conduct of any Rally is vested in the Rally Officers. They will arrange their own programme and make all decisions on the site. The Rally Officers will be in sole charge and will be responsible to the Centre Committee. The running of a rally is a voluntary effort. The Centre meets the cost of rally fees and site fees incurred by Rally Officers, excluding electricity.
Portable Wind Turbines - Members wishing to erect small portable wind turbines on their outfit are allowed to do so, but must ensure that they are erected securely and cannot topple or be blown over and comply with noise restrictions
Rally Programme - The Committee have the right to change the programme if necessary. Whilst efforts will be made to advise members of changes you should, if you have not rallied for some time, check with the Rally Secretary or web-site for up-to-date information.
Complaints - If at any time during a rally, you have any complaints, please follow these steps :
Inform the Rally Officers
If no response, inform a committee member on site
Write to the committee via the Secretary
Disclaimer - All persons attending Rallies, Social Events or Sports Events organised by the South Wales Centre do so entirely at their own risk. The organisers accept no responsibility for injuries or damages to person(s) or property. Members taking part in any event are advised to seek their own personal insurance cover.
Please note that neither the Caravan Club nor the South Wales Centre can accept responsibility for the quality, safe delivery, satisfactory operation, or effectiveness of any product or service advertised or mentioned in this publication.
The South Wales Centre committee reserves the right to ask any person attending a rally organised by the South Wales Centre for proof of current membership
Centre Competitions - All competitions are open to SWCC members and their families only and, where appropriate, only those attending the rally or event.
Rally Book Cover Competition - All entries to be on A5 paper (8ins x 5ins) and must reach the Secretary by 3rd October 2020 at the AGM. The winning entry will go forward to the Caravan Club’s National Competition. The winner of the 2023 Handbook cover competition was John Thomas, the winning a prize of £25.00 was donated to by J
Photographic Competition - The Effie and Richie Richards Cup is awarded annually to the best photograph on a caravanning theme. The 2023 winner was - John Thomas
Entries to be submitted to the Secretary by no later than 3rd October 2020 at the AGM.
Please observe the Caravan and Country Code Rules to uphold the good name of the Club and the Centre.