TRAVEL RELEASE FORM


If a rower is unable to take the bus to an away race with the team due to a conflicting school event (i.e. NYYSMA, Music in the Park, etc.), then his/her parent may drive their child(ren) to the event. It is preferred that the rower arrive the night before the race so that he/she may go to the venue with the team the following morning. Prior approval is required via the completion of the attached Travel Release Form. The completed form should be given to the coach.
Download Travel Release Form

Sample Away Race Itinerary and Suggested Packing Items

ABOUT THE RACES

A regatta is a series of boat races. The sport of rowing has two basic divisions: crew and sculling. Sweep rowing, or Crew occurs when an athlete rows with one oar positioned on one or the other side of the boat. Sculling involves one athlete with two oars, one in each hand.

ARA participates in crew. We row shells that hold four rowers and a coxswain pronounced (cox-un) or eight rowers and a coxswain. The coxswain is the person who steers the boat and sets the pace for the rowers. Coxswains do not row. The abbreviations 4+ and 8+ are used to describe the boat.  The number tells how many rowers are in the boat, and the plus  sign means that the boat has a coxswain.

There are two basic type of rowing races:   sprints and head races.

Spring is the season for sprints, or standard racing. Usually six boats compete in well-marked lanes. Starting from a stationary position and held in place by people in anchored stake boats.  The command “Attention, Go” is given and the race begins. The referee follows in a motor launch to make sure all boats comply with the rules of the race. the first boat over the finish line wins. Heats are run if there are more boats are entered in the event than the lanes can accommodate. Faster boats qualify to compete in a final heat that determines the winner. The race course is as straight as the site permits.  In high school the rowing distance is usually 1500 meters.

Fall is the season for Head races. The race course is set up. The coxswain must steer through twists, turns and around obstacles in the river. Competing boats are sometimes allowed a practice run so that the coxswain is familiar with the course. Meetings are often held for the coxswains.  They are shown a map and given instructions. Starting time is staggered with a few seconds between each competing boat. Boats are allowed to get up to speed before the start. The clock starts ticking as they pass through the chute.  The boat with the best time wins the race. This race is exciting when boats pass other boats. The results are posted and the winner revealed when all entries in that particular event have completed the course.

EXPECTATIONS AT A RACE

  1. The first time you ever experience a regatta will be like no other experience. It is beautiful sweet chaos – or so it appears to the first timer. You will see rows and rows of trailers.
  2. The coach will not know where the trailer is until he gets to the regatta.
  3. The location of the shell carrier and the food trailer will be different.
  4. All rowers will be at the shell carrier. They will be preparing the boats for races.
  5. Every rower is responsible for helping to load and unload the boats and rig the boats.
  6. Every regatta separates the food and shell carriers. We will be at the Arlington food tent.
  7. The food tent is for rowers and family or friends. It is normally $10 for the day. The cost of the food tent will be sent via e-mail or put on the Sign-Up Genius.
  8. It is a long day. Bring a chair, a book, and a blanket.
  9. Bring an umbrella. The rowers will race in rain, sleet, or snow.
  10. Bring rain boots. The regattas tend to get muddy.
  11. Most directions and information can be found under the host website as well as Regatta Central.
  12. All rowers are expected to stay until the last team race to support the team.