Rowers Handbook 2015

Rower’s and Parent’s
Handbook
2015
Contact Information
Head Coaches:
Boys
Tim Vallier
745-4628
timothyvallier@gmail.com
Girls
Rob Johnson
634-7186
rljohnsonctrs@gmail.com
2015 Crew Booster Board of Directors
President
Michelle Benham
914-1004
tmbenham@comcast.net
Vice-President
Dana Anderson
danderson@bethany.org
Secretary
Cindy Wadlow
cwadlow@charter.net
Treasurer
Brian Janssen
blrjans@mail.com
Crew Boosters/Team Mailing Address: Rockford Crew Boosters
PO Box 498
Belmont, MI 49306
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Communications
Website:
www.rockfordrowing.com
The team publishes information to the website periodically throughout the year with
current activities, an upcoming schedule of events, regatta results, order forms, fund
raising information, and summaries of accomplishments.
E-Mail:
RockfordRowing@gmail.com
The Rockford Crew Boosters Board, Volunteer Coordinators, and Coaches will continue
to use e-mail to correspond on specific information with parents and with participants.
This format may also be used to reinforce information listed on the website.
It is extremely important that email and the website be accessed regularly by
parents and rowers during the course of the season. With the number of families
involved, the need for electronic transmission of information is critical!!
Rockford Crew Booster Meetings:
The Rockford Crew Booster Meetings are usually held the second Tuesday of every
month at 7:00pm at Rockford Freshman Center and will be one of the dissemination
points for information – whether on budget, fund raising, or miscellaneous information.
The schedule for these meetings will be listed on the website. The board and usually
one or more coaches attend these meetings. Parents are invited to attend at any time or
direct questions or issues to a coach or board member to be discussed. Occasionally
these meeting times or locations change.
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Tentative Spring 2015 Schedule
See the website www.rockfordrowing.com for a current schedule
January 9
January 12
Feb 10
Feb 28
March 7
March 9
March 14
March 18
March 21
March 23
Rowing informational meeting at Freshman Center cafeteria 3 – 4:30 pm
Preseason Conditioning for Spring begins
Parent Meeting @ Freshman center cafeteria
Hungry Eagle Indoor Race @ Ann Arbor (qualifying interested rowers)
Docks in (weather and Ice permitting)
Spring Mandatory Practice Begins
Erg-A-Thon and Garage Sale @ North Rockford Middle School
1st installment of payment due
Spring Sprints Erg Race @ Forest Hills Central
First practice at boathouse, weather permitting. 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm.
Bad weather practice is at the high school.
Lubbers Cup Regatta @ Spring Lake
April 11
(SELECT CREWS ONLY)
nd
April 15
April 18
April 25
May 2
May 9 – 10
2 Installment of payment Due
Grand Rapids HS Regatta @ Riverside Park in Grand Rapids
Scrimmage TBD
Saints Mary’s Invitational @ Orchard Lake
MIDWEST SCHOLASTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS @ Nashport, OH
May 16
May 22 – 23
Scholastic Rowing Association of Michigan State Championship @
Grand Rapids (SELECT CREWS ONLY)
Scholastic Rowing Association National Regatta, Camden, NJ
May 27th
End of Season Banquet @ Freshman Center
(SELECT CREWS ONLY)
(QUALIFYING CREWS ONLY
Visit www.rockfordrowing.com frequently for updates.
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Team Expectations
Athletes are expected to:
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Treat all teammates, opponents, coaches, officials and RHS members with respect
Participate fully in all aspects of training and competition
Be supportive of the team and of yourself by accepting coaching decisions
Seek feedback. If a rower doesn’t know where they stand, ask
Realize that team goals come before the needs or desires of any individual
Enjoy being a member of a successful, competitive rowing team!
Parents are expected to:
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Provide support for your children by taking an active role in the Rockford High
School Crew Boosters volunteer program
Remember that the coaches have full responsibility for training the participants
Respect the coaches as the final authority on boat selection and rowing matters
Remember that coaches seek only to create the fastest lineups possible. While
decisions can at times be somewhat subjective, they are not personal
Participate in fund-raising activities
Volunteer for service activities
Enjoy your child’s growth and development through their commitment, dedication,
and teamwork!
Coaches are expected to:
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Provide clear communications from the beginning on all steps necessary to make
RHS Crew a successful program
Direct feedback to the athletes so they know their areas of strength and weakness,
and methods to improve them
Make fair assessments to achieve the fastest lineups & communicate the
assessments openly
Involve all participants in regatta competition to the maximum extent possible
Share with the participants the many successes of this team!
Limit the team size as necessary:
Though there will not be cuts for the crew team, we will not be able to guarantee that
every rower will have equal practice time and/or race time. Our limiting factors are
the size of the boat house, fleet and number of coaches. Safety is the number one
concern and staff is only able to accommodate 92 rowers and coxswains on the
water at a time. The team is privileged to have a fleet of ten “8’s” and eight “4’s” that
will be emphasized for spring racing season and the coaches want no more than two
shells per coach’s launch.
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Therefore, if the number of rowers/coxswains exceeds 92, then the evaluations will
have the extra effect of determining which student athletes will be rowing every day.
Also due to the team size and competitiveness of the team, not every rower will be
guaranteed to race at every regatta. A further note, only selected crews will be
going to Midwest and, upon invitation, to the National regatta.
The coaches plan to honor each athlete’s commitment to the team by attempting to
give every rower a opportunity to row in at least one regatta.
Crew Evaluation and standards
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All Athletes Meet General Fitness recommendations:
1. 1.5 mile run in 13.30 for boys or 1.5 mile run in 14.30 for girls
2. 3 pull-ups or 20 second bent arm hang
3. 40 bent knee sit-ups in 2 minutes
4. Ability to work in UNISON with crewmates
5. Possess a positive attitude toward coaches and fellow athletes
6. Exhibit knowledge of Rowing fundamentals
7. Perform Boathouse duties
8. 1st and 2nd offense-write up
9. 3rd offense no-race weekend
10. 4th offense-asked to leave
11. Attendance- must not miss more than 6 practices in a season (note required two
days before absence)
12. Skipping practice
13. 1st and 2nd offense- no race that weekend. Call/email parents.
14. 3rd offense-asked to leave
Rowers:
Must meet minimum Erg standard
Coxswains:
Maintain straight course (minimum steering)
Understand and implement basic race strategy
Able to motivate Crew
Participate in workouts
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MINIMUM 2K Erg Standards
Nat./Midwest
2nd Boat**
Times
*times
8:20
8:40
8:15
8:35
8:00
8:15
Category
Women’s LW
Women’s JV
Women’s
Varsity
Girls Jr.
National Team
Boys Jr.
National Team
Men’s Novice
Men’s LW
Men’s JV
Men’s Varsity
***To be
considered
8:55
8:40
8:25
Less than 7:35
Less than 6:35
1st Boat 8:30
7:15
7:15
6:45
9:00
8:15
8:15
7:45
7:45
7:45
7:15
*Nat./Midwest Category- time to be considered to go to Midwest or
nationals and for the first boat “A” boat
**2nd Boat Times-considered for the 2nd boat or “B” boat
***To be considered- is minimum to be placed for competitive race
Crew Rules and Regulations
Practice Cancellation Policy:
Practice will usually not be cancelled due to weather or water conditions; however, it
may be moved from the boathouse to the high school. If practice has a change in
location or is cancelled for any reason, CREW MEMBERS will be notified via the School
PA system during the last class of the day. The Athletic office will also have this
information. Ultimately, it is the rower's responsibility on questionable days to check with
other team members or office personnel before leaving school to find out where practice
will be held.
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Regattas:
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Rowers/coxswains will be required to arrive at the race location at a specific time set
by the coach. It is important to be punctual. The team will not row if members are
not there on time.
Rowers/coxswains are expected to exhibit the highest standard of sportsmanship
and support for the team at competitions.
Regatta participants are responsible for “rigging” the boats at the regatta and also for
de-rigging the boats after the event and helping return them to the boathouse.
It is also important for parents to help support the crew on Regatta days with various
assignments such as transportation, tent set-up, food prep and service, etc.
Rowers/Coxswains will be dismissed by the coaches only AFTER the EQUIPMENT
is taken care of.
Required Clothing for Regattas:
 Rockford Crew T-shirts. Each rower will be issued one team shirt and one “regatta
finals” shirt. Additional shirts may be purchased from the team. Weather
depending, black turtlenecks may be worn under the shirt. Tank tops may also be
purchased for warmer races but each crew in a boat must be matching.
 Black lycra/spandex biking shorts or other snug fitting shorts or tights will be worn
during racing. Absolutely NO soccer or other loose styles may be worn
 Open toe pool sandals or slip on clogs work best and should be worn when
launching boats. Running shoes will also be needed on race days for pre-race warm
ups.
 RHS Crew rowing jacket is optional but strongly encouraged.
 All crew members must be in uniform on race days.
 Extra socks are vital for practice and race days
Equipment Rules:
 Rowing equipment is very expensive and must be handled with care. Boats and
oars are very long – be cautious of your surroundings when moving them. Follow all
directions regarding the handling of equipment.
 Horseplay is not permitted.
 All crew members must participate in routine cleaning and maintenance of
equipment. Please report any equipment problems to your coach so problems can
be taken care of BEFORE regatta day.
What a smart rower packs in their workout bag:
 Snacks for after school or after practice and a water bottle - your own please, put
your name on it with permanent marker. There is no water provided at the
boathouse.
 Sweatshirt, turtleneck, vest, and long sleeve T-shirts Quick dry clothing like underarmor work best. Springtime on the water is cold!
 Rowing jacket or windbreaker. (Waterproof or water-resistant shells work better
than large bulky jackets)
 Sweatpants, tights, and/or shorts.
 Socks, socks, socks and more socks.
 Running shoes - something decent enough to handle 2 miles.
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Open-toed pool type sandals for wearing on the dock, crocs work well.
2 towels - one to dry with and one to wrap around your feet on cool days.
Hat and/or earband and gloves. (Critical as most heat is lost through your head!)
A change of dry clothes
Your own medication - if you use an inhaler, label it and take it with you in the boat.
COXSWAINS - watches (anything that works is fine!)
Other Recommended Items:
 Dry-fit or moisture-wicking inner layer (i.e. polypropylene, cool max)
 Sunglasses
 Close-fitting spandex/lycra shorts
 Cotton, dry-fit, or cool max T-shirt
 Sunscreen (protect your face and body from painful burns) Hat when not on water
Safety Rules and Policies
The following procedures and policies are established so that team members, parents,
school, and boathouse members are aware of the safe practices and policies of RHS Crew.
All persons involved with the team are expected to follow these practices and rules.
Safety of Team Members:
1. All team members must pass a swim test that involves swimming 50 meters unaided
using any stroke. The test date is to be determined by the coach. Make sure you
are able to attend the date assigned. Make ups are extremely difficult and will only
occur with PRIOR APPROVAL from head coach.
2. Tread water for 5 minutes wearing a full set of sweat clothes. Each individual is
required to wear clothing appropriate for early April rowing i.e. long pants with jacket
or sweatshirt. You will be entering the water with the clothing on. You are being
tested on your ability to stay afloat until a safety launch could get to you if necessary.
3. Demonstrate the ability to put on a life jacket while treading water.
4. Remember all athletes MUST shower before entering the pool, please shower prior
to putting on your long pants, sweatshirts. All clothing worn in the poor MUST be
clean. No street shoes on pool deck. Remember to bring a towel and change of
clothes. You may enter through the lower locker room doors.
5. This standard swim test is recommended by USRowing. Your safety is at stake and
this should not be taken lightly. Coaches will work with any individual having trouble
with this test. This test is MANDATORY for all crew members regardless of prior
sports or experience.
6. All team members must have a current physical on file in the AD office and make
their coaches aware of any physical condition that may create an emergency
situation, i.e., bee sting allergy, asthma, seizures, etc.
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7. All team members are required to dress appropriately for practices and bring water,
warm, dry clothing and any medications that they require with them to practice.
Inhalers MUST be labeled with the student’s name and cannot be shared.
8. When team members are being transported, either by parents or by other students,
they are to be wearing a seatbelt and will behave in a safe manner that will not
distract the driver’s attention. Team members shall respect any restrictions that
parents have placed on students concerning who and how many persons they may
transport. There is no busing to and from practice at the Jupiter boathouse.
9. All team members will read and sign the RHS athletic code and adhere to the sexual
harassment policies of the school.
10. All team members are required to annually view the USRowing safety video and be
aware of on the water safety procedures.
Safe Practices:
1. Coaching launches shall be checked by the stroke or other assigned person for the
following items: lifejackets or seat cushions, safety pole or throw rope, anchor, and
adequate gas in can (2 gal.).
2. Coxswains shall check the condition of their boat before launching to ensure safety
and prevent injuries or breakdowns.
3. Coxswains must correctly sign out equipment in the logbook and sign in upon
returning to the boathouse, noting any problems with equipment or hazards on the
river.
4. Inexperienced crews will row with experienced coxswains and inexperienced
coxswains shall row with an experienced stroke for the first week of practice or as
long as deemed necessary by the coaches.
5. After launching and conducting the warm-up sequence, the coxswain is responsible
for holding their boat within site of the boathouse where the crew may continue to do
stationary drills and wait for the coaching launch. At no time is a crew to be out of
sight of their coach’s launch.
6. All team members are to be familiar with any marked water hazards. All team
members are to be familiar with the safe areas for emergency docking. These areas
are marked on the river map and will also be pointed out during the first week of
practice. In case of an emergency, such as a lightning storm, the crew shall proceed
to the closest safety area, regardless of which side of the river they are on.
7. Coxswains should carry a small tool set, whistle, and band-aids in order to deal with
non-emergency situations that may interfere with practices. Coxswains are also
required to wear a watch with a second hand.
8. Boats and tracks must be wiped down after each use BEFORE being racked. Any
problems with the boat should be noted in the logbook and reported to a coach in
writing.
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Safety Responsibilities of the Coaching Staff:
1. The coaching staff shall determine the safety of water/weather conditions and notify
the schools if practice is to be moved to the high school. A weather radio shall be in
use at the boathouse. White caps, strong current, lightning or cold may cause a
coach to cancel on the water practices.
2. Coaches shall conduct a safety meeting with all team members and parents and
keep a list of emergency phone numbers at the boathouse. Parents shall be notified
by the coach of any emergency medical situation.
3. Coaches shall conduct safety drills on the water the first week of practice that will
include emergency stopping, backing down a boat, swamping, and locating safe
areas on the river. The coach shall instruct the crew as to how to safely exit a boat
in an emergency.
4. Coaches shall carry with them a cell phone or radio that will permit them to reach 911.
5. Coaches using RHS vans will transport crew team members or others in a safe
manner, not exceeding speed limits. Use of a school van is prohibited for any travel
other than that directly involved with attending a crew event.
Facilities & Equipment
Jupiter Avenue Boathouse:
Rockford High School Crew operates and practices out of the Jupiter Avenue
Boathouse at Jupiter Avenue and West River Drive. (See map on page 14.) Northview
High School shares space with us. At the Boathouse, RHS Crew houses the shells,
launches, motors, oars, and associated equipment. All our equipment is housed within
our boathouse. We will need to work hard to help maintain the common areas with
periodic clean up and maintenance of the grounds. Not all the equipment belongs to
the schools, renters lease area for their private equipment please be respectful of them.
Boathouse Rules:
The Rockford Crew Boosters (“RCB”), under the auspices of Rockford Public Schools,
manages the Jupiter Avenue Boathouse. The boathouse facility was built to make the
sport of rowing accessible and enjoyable for students and adults in the North Kent area.
To assure that the facility is used in a safe and equitable manner, the following rules
have been established and must be adhered to by students, coaches, and all others
using the facility. Failure to adhere to the following rules will result in disciplinary action
up to and including dismissal from the rowing teams or loss of boathouse privileges.
1. Student rowers are permitted on boathouse grounds only during official practice or
supervised rowing times. Students may not enter the boathouse or use equipment
without the supervision of a coach.
2. Vehicles must be parked in designated areas. Do not park on Konkle Drive. Do
not access the boathouse property by walking across Jupiter Avenue from Konkle
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Drive. Go under the bridge. The access is off of West River Drive across from the
Ambulance garage.
3. Adults wishing to row unsupervised must demonstrate their competence to an RCB
coach. Adults using their own private boats and oars must also be cleared by a
RCB official to use that equipment.
4. Coxswains and scullers must sign in and out in the logbook and report any injuries,
any equipment failures and damage, or unusual river condition observations.
5. Report any injuries, property damage or other concerns to a coach immediately.
6. Equipment must be handled appropriately and safely at all times. All equipment
must be returned to its proper place and appropriately cleaned at the end of practice.
Fours and eights are to land at the docks only under the supervision of a coach,
designated adult, or designated varsity rower.
7. Off-water conditioning (running) is restricted to designated routes. Students are to
run only with a coach’s permission and knowledge. Runners must be with a group
at all times. No single runners.
8. School conduct rules (including appropriate dress) apply at all times. No swearing,
no PDA, no inappropriate behavior or horse-play. No harassment or disrespectful
attitude towards other students, other rowers, coaches or adults will be tolerated.
9. Respectful behavior towards all boathouse equipment and vehicles parked on the
property, or the vicinity thereof, is expected. Personal belongings brought on site
must be neatly stowed in designated areas. Users of the boathouse are expected to
help keep the boathouse clean and orderly.
10. The use of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol on boathouse property or in vehicles parked in
the vicinity is prohibited.
Shells:
There are currently 10 eights, 9 fours, 6 doubles, and several singles owned by the
team; along with the associated rigging and oars.
Launches / Motors:
Presently, the team owns 6 launches with outboard motors.
Trailer:
There is one large trailer for transporting shells, oars, and associated equipment to the
various regattas. An additional trailer transports tents and food.
Ergometers:
The Crew owns 40 ergometer rowing machines (“ergs”) for use during practices for the
Conditioning Program and the Spring Crew Season.
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Jupiter Boathouse Location
The Jupiter Boathouse is southwest of the intersection.
Access is just west of Jupiter and does not show on the map.Do not park on Konkle Drive!!
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Crew Team Practice Routine
Boatings and other significant information will be posted on bulletin board or will be given to
the coxswains.
 Rowers are responsible for knowing what boat they are in and the launching order.
 Students need to check for announcements, handouts, deadlines, etc. at the end of practice.
Team meetings usually occur after practice finishes. Coaches will dismiss team.
What to do when you arrive at the boathouse:
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Get launches to water. Check to make sure each launch has gas can, oar, PFD's, safety
pole, and anchor.
Carry sweep oars to the dock area.
Fill your own water bottle and get dressed for rowing or running. BE PREPARED!
Meet with coaches to review the daily practice plan
Complete warm-up routine - several laps around parking lot or body circuits and stretching.
Coxswains are responsible for:
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Checking boat assignments and making sure their crew is present.
Knowing the practice routine for the day, getting tools, and performing equipment checks.
Organizing boat members for warm-ups, running, and launching sequence.
Launching boats on time, following practice plan, returning to the docks on time, cleaning
the boats after practice, and reporting any equipment problems in writing to the coaches.
Upon launching, coxswain will begin the practice routine and must keep her/his boat within
site of the boathouse until the coach in a safety launch arrives. Coxswains under the direction
of the same coach should keep their boats close together. The ratio will generally be two
shells per launch, but it will be more at times. While waiting for your coach, use the time to do
stationary drills.
STAY IN SIGHT OF THE SAFETY LAUNCH AT ALL TIMES.
In general, on water practice will consist of the following:
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Warm up with Swing Picks by 4's, 6's, or 8's. Wait for your coach at the 1,000-meter mark.
Drills (as on plan) to be done by 2's, 4's, 6's (or 8's for varsity only) in sets of 10 - 20.
Steady state rowing - may include a set of power pieces or steady piece at a given power %.
Coxswains must determine if each drill accomplishes what it was meant to.
At conclusion of practice, make sure a Coach is present on the dock before landing.
Place your boat in slings for cleaning prior to racking in the boathouse.
Store all oars and help trailer the safety launches as necessary.
If you did not run earlier, now is your chance.
DO NOT LEAVE PRACTICE WITHOUT CHECKING WITH YOUR COACH.
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Rowing Drills
Here is a list of several drills we use and what they are designed to accomplish.
Pick Drill: sit at the finish. Begin with arms only, by 6’s or 8’s, square blades and pace called
for by coach or coxswain. Progress through each of the parts of the stroke: Arms Only, Body
Over, ¼ slide, ½ Slide, ¾ Slide, full Slide. Coxswain may add feather when she wants, but
usually not until after full slide. This drill is the first part of the warm-up and helps to get the
rowers in tune with one another for the practice. It helps to refresh the rowers on how
important each part of the stroke is, and how to get each of the 8 rowers in perfect synch.
½ Slide (1/2 Pressure): Make the transition from full slide to half slide on the coxswain’s
command, then call for ½ pressure. This can be done by 2’s, 4’s, 6’s or 8’s, depending on
how many are rowing or if you feel a stable boat is necessary. The rower will go only to half
slide, then drop the oar in the smooth back splash and then QUICK legs to accelerate the
boat. This is preferably done at half pressure, as this pressure helps, the rowers feel the
quickness of the boat and their legs, without causing them to tire to quickly. It is especially
useful for emphasizing a quick catch and quick legs to help accelerate the boat. Use this
often to keep the catches quick and rowers in perfect synch. Listen for one catch, listen to
hear a single oar go in when all eight enter the water, this is ideal!
Cut the Cake: Make the transition from full slide, continuous rowing, to the drill. While rowing,
on the coxswain’s command, begin the drill. After the finish, the rower stops at body over
position. Then, you swing back toward the finish. At this point, you should not have moved
your legs, only your arms and back have moved. The split second your upper body is fully
extended, bring yourself back to the finish for a second time. Your blade is out of the water at
this time (feathered or square, depending on how the coxswain wants it); so in a sense you
are taking an air stroke. Once you reach the finish (for the second time), push your hands
away and go all the way up the slide as you would a normal stroke then catch, and drive.
Repeat until coxswain stops drill or switches you out. This drill is good to develop a sense of
swing in the boat and to get the crew to really sense movement together. When done by all
eight, it adds to a sense of set in the boat. A relaxed recovery should be emphasized here, as
the rowers will want to go up the slide at the same speed they were before being called into
the drill. However, because the drill takes more time before the rower actually moves up the
slide, the boat slows down and therefore the rower must slow down the recovery slide to
compensate for the slower shell movements.
Outside Hand Only: On the coxswain’s command, begin the drill. Remove the inside hand
(the hand closest to the oarlock) and row only with the outside hand. Place the inside hand
behind the back, as though someone had you in an arm lock. This helps to get the inside
shoulder down, ideal for the rowing position. This drill obviously must be done with square
blades, and can be done in pairs up to all eight. Consistent blade height is emphasized, as
well as a clean catch with good back splash. A level pull through is ideal, and is what the drill
is truly trying to accomplish. You do not want the oar to dive down into the water so that any
of the shaft gets buried, but you also do not want the oar to wash-out (the handle finishes in
the lap instead of below the breast). Work to make sure the oar handle gets squeezed into the
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body, right below the breast, then tap it down with the outside hand to get a clean finish.
There should not be a big wave as the oar comes out of the water. This drill can be done from
paddle to ½ pressure.
Wide Grip: On the coxswain’s command, begin the drill. With the inside hand, reach down
past the handle of the oar. Most of the strength of the following strokes will be taken from the
outside hand, as it is difficult to grip the carbon fiber. The purpose of the drill is to emphasize
twist from the waist (also known as length). This is key in increasing overall stroke length as
well as overall boat speed (the longer the stroke, the more power you get per stroke).
Emphasize reach and twist from the waist, increase the length of the stroke, get long!!!!!
Feet Out of the Stretchers: This drill is begun from a dead stop. Take feet out of the
stretchers and place them on top. Begin rowing at full slide. This drill is important in
emphasizing a relaxed recovery. The rowers cannot pull themselves up the slide, and must
feel the boat move out from underneath allowing it to come up on the recovery. It also helps
keep the rower from yanking on the oar at the finish and relying on her foot stretchers to keep
the boat from being pulled out. This is ideal in teaching a relaxed recovery.
Athletic Letter Award Criteria
I.
COMPETITIVENESS
Rowers competing in Senior or “Varsity” open and Lightweight are eligible to earn athletic
letters by:
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Winning a medal at the Michigan Scholastic Championships.
Winning a medal at the Midwest Scholastic Championships.
Making the Grand Final at CSSRA or SRAA
Consistently upholds and demonstrates varsity standards and attitude
(Determined by coaching Staff)
Rowers in Junior or "Junior Varsity" and Novice classifications can also earn a letter by:

Rowing in a Senior or “Varsity” open and Lightweight events, meeting the same
criteria as Seniors
 Making the Grand Final at CSSRA or SRAA
II.
TEAM SPIRIT & DEDICATION
In addition to a rower's skills and competitiveness, the rower's conduct is also most important.
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Rower may not miss more than three practices and must inform their coach of the
absence prior to the practice.
Rower must attend all regattas.
Rower must participate in regatta preparations & equipment storage.
Rower must be courteous and helpful.
Rower must meet team obligations and follow Rockford's Athletic Code.
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III. TEAM SERVICE
To keep the team operating, there are many, many tasks that must be performed outside
those directly associated with practices and regattas. These occur throughout the year as well
as during the rowing season- Rowers are needed to help. Some examples would be team
fund raisers, boat loading and unloading, boat and oar maintenance, helping with learn-to-row
classes, etc.
Financial Obligations
Participation Costs:
As indicated earlier, most of the RHS Crew Program costs are borne by the participants.
While Rockford Public Schools pays stipends for 4 coaches, equipment and boathouse
insurance, racing shirts, and miscellaneous boathouse facility expenses, the Rockford Crew
Boosters are charged with managing and funding the costs of the program. With team
growth, we need to continue to finish out and improve the boathouse. With greater demands
on equipment, we need to provide an adequate maintenance budget as well as purchase new
equipment. The Crew Boosters also believe we need to invest in building a strong, selfsustaining coaching staff.
Rowers selected to compete in the National Championships will incur an additional cost for
transportation and lodging. Although this may seem expensive, these fees help cover the
budgeted costs of running the program. Fund raising activities also assist in offsetting the
budget of the program and in purchasing new equipment. To give you an idea of the costs,
the following is a list of budgeted items (not all-inclusive):
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Boathouse maintenance
Boat & equipment acquisition, maintenance & repair
Equipment (oars, rigging, cox boxes, safety equipment, tools, trailers, etc.)
Gas & oil for launches
Coaches’ salaries
Regatta fees
Regatta transportation / housing / hotels / food
Association dues
RHS Sports Booster Club membership is highly recommended. Submit a registration
form (available from the team) and $25 fee directly to the RHS Sports Boosters. Please
select CREW as your sport to credit so that the rowing team will get additional Sports
Booster funds.
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Crew Pre- Season Conditioning
Conditioning Program:
The preseason conditioning program is a voluntary training program designed as a land-based
weight, erg work and aerobics program and is held at RFC. This program is managed by
members of the Crew coaching staff, and normally runs from mid January through early
March, several days a week. The conditioning is not required for participation in RHS Crew,
but it is highly encouraged for all students not involved in winter sports.
Fundraising
One of the most important aspects of the success of the Crew program involves volunteer
support from parents, rowers, friends, other family members, and many others. Rockford High
School Crew has enjoyed tremendous support from all these participants in the past and must
have willing, energetic support in the future to sustain a viable program. In addition to
volunteer commitment, it is important for rowing families to be committed to help raise the
funds needed to operate the team. All Crew families must participate in both fundraising and
service efforts throughout the year. By doing so, we establish a bond and share unique
experiences which is an uncommon occurrence between teens and parents today.
There are many opportunities during the year for rowers to earn funds toward their dues.
Below is an outline of activities typically scheduled during the year (subject to change). This
also depends on whether we have parents who will head up these activities.
March – Erg-A-Thon (individual rower), Garage Sale at NRMS – bring your donations,
priced and ready (team fund)
March/April – Pop can drives (½ to rowers, ½ to team fund)
Year Round – Scrip (individual rower), Meijer Community Rewards (individual rower),
Amazon Rewards (team fund)
Volunteers are always needed for fundraising opportunities. Ideas for additional fundraisers
are also appreciated. Please let the board know if you are willing to be a Fundraising
Coordinator or if you are willing to help the team members earn money to reduce dues and
maintain equipment.
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