The Arlington School District adopted a program, in 1950, that allowed the sport of rowing to become part of the high school athletic landscape. That tradition continues today under the direction of the Arlington Rowing Association, Inc. (ARA).  Arlington Rowing Association, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) corporation (non-profit) and can receive tax deductible contributions from individuals and businesses who would like to support our local rowers.

The Arlington Rowing Association exists for the sole purpose of coordinating the efforts necessary to support our team. This is all done through the combined efforts of the ARA officers, trustees, coaching staff, faculty liaison, and many parents.  ARA buys, sells, repairs, and maintains equipment, conducts vital fundraising campaigns, provides wholesome meals at rowing events, and proudly cheers on our athletes as they complete.

ARA PROGRAMS

FALL
Crew  is considered a club sport in the Fall, which means the program is solely managed by the Association.

• Coaching Staff & Transportation – Arlington Crew is responsible for the payment of the coaching staff, transportation to practices (athletes must arrange their own transportation home), transportation to and from races, and transportation of the shells (boats) to races.
• Competition – we compete in several major rowing events in the northeast.
• Food – food is provided at races, through the ARA food tent, for a minimal fee.
• Overnight Stays – athletes are not required for Fall races, with the exception of the Head of the Charles, in Boston.
• Participation Requirement – the program is open to Arlington students grades 7-12.
• Program Fees – the coaching staff, purchases, and maintenance of equipment are covered by non-refundable program fees and donations.
• Swimming Waiver – a swimming waiver, signed by a parent/guardian, is required.
• Uniform – additional money may be required for a uniform, which is typically a one-time purchase.

SPRING
Crew is a sponsored through the Arlington Central School District (ACSD) in the Spring.

• Competition – we compete in several major rowing events in the northeast.
• Coaching Staff & Transportation – ACSD provides coaching staff, transportation to practices (athletes must arrange their own transportation home), transportation to and from races, and transportation of the shells (boats) to races.
• Food – food is provided at races, through the ARA food tent, for a minimal fee.
• Participation Requirement – the program is open to Arlington students grades 7-12.
• Swim Test – there is a required swim test for prospective rowers and coxswains, and a signed swimming waiver must be completed by the parent/guardian.
• Uniforms – Rowers/coxswains are required to purchase a uniform.
• Varsity Letters – varsity rowers and coxswains receive a Varsity Letter for their participation in the sport at the end of the season.

NOVICE CREW & MODIFIED PROGRAM

The term novice refers to a rower/coxswain that is participates in crew in his/her first year.  This is a calendar year, and not an academic year.  (If a rower/coxswain joins crew on March 1, 2021 then he/she is considered a novice until February 29, 2022.)

Novice rowers will:

• Learn about the sport, technique, and terminology.
• Learn to row or cox.
• Learn to use an ERG (ergometer) – which is a land rowing machine.
• Learn to row in the water tank.
• Learn to row on water.

There is no previous experience or boating knowledge required to be a successful rower. It just takes effort, commitment, and the desire to learn.  The first year rowing is all about learning and participation.

A strong effort is made to give everyone the opportunity to row on the water during practice (weather permitting), and to participate in regattas (races). The safety of children will not be compromised.  Since crew is a team sport, all the children must be ready to go on the water/river.

“See you at the river.”