Clubs and schools are reminded that no person who is not a Competing Registered Member or School Student Member of the Association may compete in a regatta in NSW.
All competitors are required to compete in their club or schools racing uniform with oars/sculls of the correct colours. A approved lane number must be carried by each crew or sculler in every race and fitted into a number holder on the bow of each boat. Failure to comply with this requirement will attract a fine! ($10).
DISTANCE OF RACES
Championship Regattas
All State Championships
2000 metres
Sprint Championships
500 metres
Masters Championships
1000 metres
Club Regattas
Novice, U16, U15, School Sculls, Schoolgirl Yr9 & 10, Masters
1000 metres
Senior, Intermediate, U22 & U18, School Eights & Fours
2000 metres
Saturday School Regattas
1st & 2nd Eights; Fours & Junior Eights
1750 or 2000 metres
Quad Sculls
1000 metres
LW Fours, Tubs & Sculls
500 metres
C.H.S. Regattas
Open Schoolboy & Schoolgirl
2000 metres
U14, U16, Mix 4x
1000 metres
However, if the course does not permit the maximum distance then the course limit as noted on the Regatta Card applies. Marathon distances as indicated.
TRANSFERS
Rowers wishing to change the club they represent or who are moving to NSW from interstate are required to transfer. Refer to Law of Boat Racing 8 in this book.
INSURANCE OF COMPETITORS
Clubs and schools are required to insure their participants each year by the Annual General Meeting. The Association arranges a Group Accident Policy which most clubs and schools take advantage of. It provides coverage for capital sums for loss of various limbs, sight etc. or death; more importantly is a benefit if the competitor suffers injury preventing normal work. Entries from clubs not conforming with By-Law 6 (Insurance of Participants) will not be accepted.
REGATTA ENTRIES
CLUB AND SCHOOL COMPETITORS SHOULD ADVISE THEIR CLUB CAPTAIN / SELECTORS OR SCHOOL ROWING MASTER OF THE EVENTS THEY WISH TO CONTEST AT FUTURE REGATTAS WELL IN ADVANCE.
All entries require the endorsement of each club/school's registered signatory and are formally lodged in a single batch by that authorised person. Freelance entries (entries from individual members) will be discarded.
Entries for all regattas must be lodged over the internet by 5pm on the WEDNESDAY TEN days prior to the regatta; Paper entries must be submitted on the Official Entry Forms [Schedule 9 (a) and (b)] and must arrive by 5pm if faxed, by 9.30am at P.O. Box 722, GLEBE 2037, by 5pm if physically delivered to the Association Office (Leve 1, 6A Figtree Drive, Sydney Olympic Park, Homebush Bay, NSW 2127).
Schedule 9 requires that the given name of competitors be included on the entry form, and that for Masters events, the age of each competitor in the current year must be declared beside his/her name; failure to declare the age will result in the entry being treated as an A category Masters entry.
In events designated as combined Status events, the club/school must declare for which category the entry is intended; failure to specify will result in the entry being allocated to the higher of the categories/weight divisions.
LATE ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. The only exception is under Law 9 (O)(i) where a penalty fee is payable and conditions apply. ENTRIES UNACCOMPANIED BY THE CORRECT ENTRY FEE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Cheques and money orders should be made payable to the NSWRA for all entries lodged at the NSWRA Office. A reconciliation sheet [Schedule 9 (b)] must be submitted with all entries.
CLUB & SCHOOL REGATTA NOTICE TO COMPETITORS
Welcome to the ................................................ The regatta will be conducted in accordance with the Rules, By-Laws and Laws of Boat Racing of the N.S.W. Rowing Association Inc. ELIGIBILITY: Each competitor must be eligible to compete with respect to the Status Rules governing competition (Law 9). Substitutes in crews, including coxswains, must be advised in writing to the Referee on a Substitution Form (Schedule 15) prior to competing. No change in personnel of a crew is permitted between the heat and the final of an event. START: At the Start, station Number 1 is on the right hand side looking from the start to the finish. The start signal and stop signal will be one horn blast. The Umpire's signal to stop rowing will be the waving of a red flag. The first crew to cross the line will receive a horn blast, other crews crossing the line will be acknowledged by horn sound. All crews must be in the starter's control (and must have reported to the starter) 5 minutes before their event. Where heats/divisions are drawn, this is five minutes before the first heat/division. Races will not be delayed for latecomers. Crews or scullers not intending to race must lodge a withdrawal form (Schedule 14) with the referee not later than 30 minutes prior to the first race of their event. Failure to do so will attract a fine. Finals for all events will be conducted in the order laid down in the Association's Regatta Programme, unless otherwise broadcast by the Referee at the regatta venue. LANE NUMBERS: A lane number of the approved type must be carried by each crew or sculler in every race and fitted into a number holder on the bow of each boat. Failure to comply with this requirement will attract a fine! ($10). SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT: Bowballs of an approved type must be securely fitted to the bow of each competing boat; no boat will be permitted to start in breach of this safety regulation. (Law 7). Boats are also liable to check weighing in accordance with the Rules. WEIGH-IN: Lightweight competitors shall be weighed in rowing suits by a duly appointed Boat Race Official not more than two hours and not less than one hour before the advertised starting time of their first race on each day of racing. In the event of lightweight competitors not making weight before their first race on any day of racing, such competitors may be weigh-in not more than two hours nor less than one hour before one of their subsequent races on that day. The Weigh-in will be conducted at a location advised on the draw sheet. COXSWAINS: Umpires will conduct random checks of coxswains weight. When instructed to be weighed, crews must immediately proceed to the specified place for the coxswain to be check weighed. Coxswains must carry sufficient lead or other metallic weight (no water bottles, bricks or sand bags) to exceed the minimum weight when wearing rowing suit. (Refer to Law 8(3) of the Laws of Boat Racing). DO NOT ROW TO THE START ON THE COURSE or obstruct racing in any way - penalty for breach of the traffic regulations is disqualification. No crew is permitted to warm down or train on the course during the scheduled racing periods. No speedboats (other than those engaged by the regatta organisers for use by the Boat Race Officials) are permitted on, or along side, the course during the regatta. The disqualification of the club or school causing the interference will result. Refer to the course map in this programme for instruction for travelling to the start. DRUG TESTING: Competitors may be required to undergo testing to detect the presence of any performance enhancing substance in accordance with the Australian Sports Drug Agency Act 1990 (as amended). Failure to submit to a drug test will result in immediate disqualification. COURSE CLOSURE: The regatta course will be closed to all crews who are not proceeding to the start of their event, 30 minutes before the commencement of each racing session. Crews violating this directive will be awarded warnings (false starts) and may be disqualified. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES: Presentation of trophies will take place .............................. after..................
SYDNEY INTERNATIONAL REGATTA CENTRE COMPETITOR INSTRUCTIONS
Welcome to the ................. Regatta and the Sydney International Regatta Centre (SIRC). The regatta will be conducted in accordance with the Rules, By-Laws and Laws of Boat Racing of the New South Wales Rowing Association Inc. ELIGIBILITY: Each competitor must be eligible to compete with respect to the Status Rules governing competition (Law 9). Substitutes in crews, including coxswains, must be advised in writing to the Referee on a Substitution Form (Schedule 15) prior to competing in accordance with Law 6. No change in personnel of a crew is permitted between the heat and the final of an event. START: At the Start, lane # 1 is on the left hand side looking from the start to the finish. The start signal and recall signal will be by horn blast. The Starter will advise the procedure for starting. Crews will be dispatched by the starter saying "attention " followed simultaneously by the horn and green disc indicator. The Umpire's signal to stop rowing will be the waving of a red flag. All crews must be in the starter's control (and must have reported) 5 minutes before their event. Where heats/divisions are drawn, this is five minutes before the first heat/division. To achieve this, crews should report to the Marshall at the channel entrance leading on to the course, 15 minutes before their race. Latecomers will not be allowed on to the course. Crews or scullers not intending to race must lodge a withdrawal form (Schedule 14) with the referee not later than 30 minutes prior to the first race of their event. Failure to do so will attract a fine. Finals for all events will be conducted in the order laid down on the Association's regatta program card, unless otherwise announced by the regatta commentator. FINISH: The first crew to cross the finish line will receive a horn blast, other crews crossing the line will also be acknowledged by the finish horn. SAFETY AND EQUIPMENT: Bowballs of an approved type must be securely fitted to the bow of each competing boat; no boat will be permitted to start in breach of Law 7. Boats are liable to check weighing in accordance with the Rules. No boat shall carry radio or telephone equipment capable of sending or receiving messages. WEIGH-IN: Lightweight competitors shall be weighed in rowing suits by a duly appointed Boat Race Official not more than two hours and not less than one hour before the advertised starting time of their first race on each day of racing. In the event of lightweight competitors not making weight before their first race on any day of racing, such competitors may be weigh-in not more than two hours nor less than one hour before one of their subsequent races on that day. The Weigh-in will be conducted at a location advised on the draw sheet. COXSWAINS: Umpires will conduct random checks of coxswains weight. When instructed to be weighed, crews must immediately proceed to the specified place for the coxswain to be check weighed. Coxswains must carry sufficient lead or other metallic weight (no water bottles, bricks or sand bags) to exceed the minimum weight when wearing a rowing suit. (Refer to Law 8 (3) of the Laws of Boat Racing for the specific weight requirements for male, female and age categories). DO NOT ROW TO THE START ON THE COURSE or obstruct racing in any way - penalty for breach of the traffic regulations is disqualification. No crew is permitted to warm down or train on the course during the scheduled racing periods. No speedboats (other than those engaged by the regatta organisers for use by the Boat Race Officials) are permitted on the course or warm up lake. LANE NUMBERS: A lane number of the approved type must be carried by each crew or sculler in every race and fitted into a number holder on the bow of each boat. Failure to comply with this requirement will attract a fine! ($10). DRUG TESTING: Competitors may be required to undergo testing to detect the presence of any performance enhancing substance in accordance with the Australian Sports Drug Agency Act 1990 (as amended). Failure to submit to a drug test will result in immediate disqualification. COURSE CLOSURE & TRAINING: The regatta course will be closed to all crews who are not proceeding to the start of their event, 30 minutes before the commencement of each racing session. Crews violating this directive will be awarded false starts or will be disqualified. Traffic on the course during training will be:- Lanes 1 & 2 - return to the start; Lane 3 vacant (do not enter this lane); Lanes 4 and 5 - row through (low speed - no racing); Lanes 6, 7, 8 and 9 - speed (racing or racing pieces). COACHES INSTRUCTIONS: The cycle path at SIRC on the southern side of the course is reserved for coaches following races on bicycles. In the interests of spectator safety no bicycle riding is permitted within 200m from the finish line. Only official vehicles are permitted to drive to the start or use the media roadway. No coaching boats are permitted at SIRC. No coaches or spectators are permitted within the starting / aligning precinct when the 2000 & 1000m starts are in operation. All cyclists are required to wear a safety helmet at all times when riding. PRESENTATION OF TROPHIES: Presentation of trophies will take place on the pontoon dais following the discharge of the race by the Umpire & Judge. Successful competitors must proceed to the pontoon between the shore and first line of buoys.
RESPONSIBLITIES FOR CLUBS & SCHOOLS HOSTING REGATTAS
Clubs and schools hosting regattas are expected to stage the event at a very high standard of organisation and in compliance with the Rules, By-Laws and Laws of Boat Racing. The Board of Directors and NSWRA Union of Boat Race Officials request regatta organisers to make certain that the following essential points are fulfilled:
Form a small committee of enthusiastic workers and follow the instructions "Organising Your Regatta" and "Conduct of Regatta Draws" contained in the NSWRA Directory.
At least one week before the regatta submit a "Regatta Equipment Hire Request" form (form F30) and arrange to pick up and return the equipment trailer with the NSWRA Office. It is a requirement at all regattas (including school) that the NSWRA two way radios are used (refer Law 35).
Familiarise yourself with Law of Boat Racing 14 "The Course" and setup the regatta course in accordance with that Law and have the course ready for 90 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of the first race.
Provide comfortable, stable and adequately powered umpires boats allowing the officials to safely stand to control races. Your boat drivers must hold current Waterways licences.
Isolate the judging position to prevent interference from spectators, athletes.
Provide an information officer to deal with enquiries from the public and competitors in a designated accessible area.
Provide a isolated and covered commentary position with table & chairs with good vision of the finish and regatta course and an adequate public address system.
Provide at least 2 volunteer Judges; 2 volunteer timekeepers; 2 volunteer marshalls and 2 volunteer runners to communicate between the judges, commentators, results board and information officer.
Provide a results board and volunteer to upgrade the results.
Furnish refreshments for the Boat Race Officials before, during and after the regatta.
Provide a meeting room for the Jury to meet in after the regatta and have the Captain / Rowing Master present at the meeting.
Ensure that there is a lunch break during all day regattas.
Provide a detailed map of the regatta racing course embodying traffic rules for getting to the starting positions and have it included in the program and displayed in a prominent place for the competitors and public to refer to.
TUITION IN THE RULES & PROCEDURES
Clubs and schools are urged to arrange for the Boat Race Official Examiners to hold forums on the Laws of Boat Racing and good racing procedure at their boatsheds early in the season to improve the knowledge of their rowers, coxswains and coaches.
BECOME A BOAT RACE OFFICIAL
Clubs and schools are urged to encourage members, officers, coaches, parents, masters etc. to become a Licensed Boat Racing Official. We welcome new applications and you can begin here by reading the course material and then undertaking the assessment tests to attain attain Level 1 Boat Race Official certification.
JOIN YOUR UNIONS
Renew old acquaintances, meet new rowing friends and support the sport you love by joining either the NSW Union of Rowers or the Union of Oarswomen. Attend one of their great functions, everyone is always welcome. Phone the NSWRA Office for more information.
DISCLAIMER
The publisher believes all material produced in the N.S.W. Rowing Association Members Handbook is correctly and accurately researched. However, we give no warranty in relation thereto and disclaim liability for all claims against the publication, its employees or any person associated which may arise from any material contained within its pages which may be challenged by any persons.
