2022–2023
Rowing Handbook
Parts of a boat 9
History of Shelford Rowing 1
Rowing and schoolwork 2
Shelford Rowing – Rowers’ Contract 11
Suggested physiotherapists and medical practitioners 5
Training location 3
Parent support 6
Regattas 7
Head of Schoolgirls’ (HOSG) Regatta 7
What to bring to regattas 8
Fees 3 Uniform 3
Shelford Rowing Program 1
Nutrition and iron deficiency 5
2022–2023 Rowing calendar 7
Glossary of Rowing terms 10
Our mission 1
Captains of Boats 2
Contents
Crew selection policy 2
Rowing camp 3
Training schedule, Term 4 2022 4
Health, exercise and injury prevention 5
Directions to regatta venues 8
Parent etiquette 6
Training schedule, Term 1 2023 4
Our rowers and their families benefit from the disciplines of training, the challenges of competing and the bonds that develop through teamwork. We hope you enjoy the challenges and rewards that come with being involved in Rowing!
2. To offer each individual a sense of belonging to a unique group.
This Handbook is designed for both rowers and their parents. It details the Shelford Rowing program to help you understand how the program works and to ensure a great experience.
entered its 1st crew in the National Championships for the first time, and narrowly missed making the finals. The following season saw Shelford make the finals, achieving a close second in the Petite Final. The 1st crew of 2016 went a step further, making the semifinals and achieving a ranking in the top half of the country. At the conclusion of the 2017 season, and after winning the Petite Final, the Stroke of the 1st Crew became the first Shelford rower to be selected to trial for the Australian Junior Rowing Team, and the crew won the C Final at the Nationals. Shelford won the B Final in 2018 and achieved the major milestone of being ranked in the top ten crews in ShelfordAustralia.has steadily gained an enviable reputation as a rowing school, with a program that has a great culture and produces technically sound and competitive crews. Rowing is a ‘marquee sport’, with great exposure. The Shelford name and brand is now a regular sight around Victoria and interstate, and the School’s name is regularly broadcast over loudspeakers that are heard by thousands of spectators, especially at HOSG, State and National Championships. Rowing has become one of Shelford’s most successful sporting ventures, where our crews perform against the best schoolgirl crews in the state and from across the country.
• integrity
4. To develop resilience in all members of Shelford Rowing.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome all families who have joined Shelford Rowing and we look forward to many exciting days along the riverbank!
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Rowing is a character-building sport for all involved. There is no other sport where the success of a team is so dependent on how well athletes, coaches and families work together.
History ShelfordofRowing
Our mission
1. To develop the character of each individual who enters Shelford Rowing through membership of specific crews and Shelford Rowing in general.
• commitment
• selflessness.
• perseverance
6. To celebrate the achievements of all within Shelford Rowing.
7. To foster school spirit and pride in Shelford Rowing.
Rowing at Shelford started in 2003 when a student approached a staff member at the School with an interest in learning how to scull.
• loyalty
• honesty
3. To promote the outstanding characteristics required by rowers:
Shelford Rowing Program
5. To work to achieve the potential of each individual and crew.
In its short history, Shelford Rowing has grown from an activity undertaken with the aid of a borrowed boat and a committed staff member, giving up her time to organise and coach this single sculler, to a strong and vibrant Rowing program holding its own remarkably well in the dominant Australian schoolgirl rowing competition.
Shelford Rowing now boasts over 70 rowers in 15 crews, a panel of coaches from a variety of successful rowing programs and an outstanding fleet of boats and associated rowing and training equipment. Complementing our training base on Albert Park Lake where our Junior and Intermediate crews train, Shelford recently entered into an exciting partnership with Banks Rowing Club on the Yarra. Banks Rowing Club is one of the oldest and most successful clubs in Australian rowing and is now home to our senior Thecrews.past five years have seen a marked improvement in the performance of Shelford crews at all regattas. Shelford has appeared in the A Final of the Head of the Schoolgirls (HOSG) Regatta in a number of divisions including the Open 1st crews, achieved Silver and Bronze medals at the Victorian Senior State Championships, as well as Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the Junior State Championships. In 2014, Shelford
• set a positive example as a representative of the School and the Shelford Rowing.
Those who commit to rowing are expected to attend all training
• be responsible
• be correctly attired
Commitments and expectations
• have the respect of their peers, and the ability to delegate and motivate
Captains of Boats are elected representatives from the senior squad. Their leadership roles involve:
• be a positive influence at the Shelford Rowing, School and regattas.
The old adage ‘If you want a job done, give it to a busy person!’ reflects the academic work ethic and outcomes of our rowers in their VCE studies. It is no accident that the 2019 Dux of Shelford (99.30) and the Proxime Accessit (99.15) both rowed during the last four years of their school career, nor that 11 of the highest performing students in the school with scores above 90 were also senior rowers. The average ATAR achieved by the 1st crew was 97.93, an outstanding result from a group of dedicated and hard-working students. This trend continues year in and year out.
• be well organised
Elections for Captains of Boats will take place in the final week of Term 3. The Captains will be elected through a vote by senior rowers and coaches.
Crew selection policy
• the athlete’s ranking and relative improvement in ergometer training and testing
• liaising with the school regarding rowing activities, helping to organise events/functions and setting an example for all rowers to follow.
• ability to steer effectively in training and racing
• use training routines as a model for time organisation in other activities
• coach-ability (i.e. the ability of the athlete to make changes)
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Senior rowers and their parents reflect that the key to this success has been the discipline of the sport and the focus on time management skills. Add to this an increased expectation on rowers, in terms of the level of responsibility each individual must exhibit in order for the crew to function successfully, and you have a foundation for academic and career success.
• coach-ability (i.e. the ability of the cox to make changes)
commitment of rowing is boat loading before each regatta and subsequent boat unloading after each regatta. Loading for regattas will take place during the crews’ last session before their regattas. Unloading will take place on the first training session back in town. All rowers are expected to come to both loading and Ifunloading.arowercannot attend either a training session, or a boat loading/ unloading session, they must let their
• the magnitude of the athlete’s impact on the boat’s speed, and on the crew’s motivation and performance – measured through seat racing and selection panel evaluation
Rowing is a generally referred to as the ultimate team sport. If one member of a crew does not come to training, then the crew cannot train. In rowing you are only as strong as your weakest link.
A Captain of Boats should:
• attitude and commitment to training and racing (i.e. the ability to work effectively within a crew)
Partsessions.ofthe
• best fit for a specific seat
• be involved with all areas of the program
Coach, Coordinator and/or the Director of Rowing know in advance of the Rowersevent. should:
• be able to recognise and applaud good performance, especially from our competition
Crew selection will be based on a comprehensive analysis of all factors impacting the average speed of a boat over typical race distances, with the aim of each Shelford Rowing crew achieving their best possible result at HOSG. The factors considered when selecting athletes for each crew are:
• be supportive of all other Shelford Rowing members
Captains of Boats
• work hard at maintaining academic studies and other sporting commitments
• availability and attendance
• the magnitude of the coxswain’s impact on the boat’s speed, and on the crew’s motivation and performance (assessed by the selection panel evaluation)
There has been a perception that rowing will interfere with your studies. The reverse is true. For many years at Shelford, the School has achieved outstanding VCE results. Along with other rowing schools, it has been documented that senior rowers regularly outperform the general school population. Shelford rowers are no different to their counterparts and achieve at impressive levels in their final year.
• ensure all equipment is treated with care and respect
• developing a link between the junior and senior squads
• injury and illness issues.
• acting as another chain of communication between the rowers and coaches
• be punctual to training sessions, meetings and regattas
• assist with boat loading/unloading
Coxswains are an important and integral part of the crew. Their selection process is more subjective. The factors considered when selecting coxes for each crew are:
Rowing and schoolwork
• be able to work well with other athletes
Please note: All Senior rowers will stay in Geelong on Friday night, 20 January, as they will be competing in the Ballarat Regatta on Saturday 21 OurJanuary.January
Land training sessions (strength and conditioning, and Ergos) take place on campus at Shelford.
The cost for the 2022–2023 rowing season is $2,750 per student for program costs and a $200 family fee for our equipment levy.
foreseeable conditions, including rain, and should pack accordingly.
• organisational skills
Senior crews
There are a range of payment options outlined in the letter of acceptance that will be distributed to those girls joining the Shelford Rowing team in 2022–2023.
the School. Senior crews will receive specific details about their training and transport arrangements.
All Senior crews train on the Yarra from our base at the Banks Rowing Club, located on Boathouse Drive alongside the city boatsheds near Princes Bridge. These crews train later (5.30–7.30pm) after a supervised study session at
Training location
Camps are important for crew development and selection, and attendance is expected. If students cannot attend camps, the Director of Rowing must be informed.
The Shelford sports uniform is to be worn when students are competing and attending activities associated with the Rowing program. Runners should be brought to all sessions, and thongs are required when getting in and out of boats. When training, and at regattas, all girls must wear the Shelford Zoot suit and rowing cap. Junior and Intermediate crews should also have a plain white t-shirt.
For specific training details, please refer to the Training Schedule on page 4.
Uniform
Please note: Rowing uniform must not be worn at school for PE lessons.
• availability and attendance.
• understanding of the Shelford technical rowing model and ability to help the rowers develop their technique
A selection panel including the crew’s Coach, the Coordinator of Junior/Intermediate Rowing and the Director of Rowing makes all selection decisions. Rowers and their parents are reminded that crew selection is the domain of the coaching panel. These decisions are to be respected and are not open for discussion or debate. We do encourage athletes and coxes to seek feedback on their progress and ways to develop their skills, as well as final selection decisions.
Rowing famlies will receive an order form form and instructions for online purchaes of Shelford Zoot suits through Simply Oarsome.
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Junior and Intermediate crews
This cost is relatively low in comparison with most other schools within Victoria, and across the country, with charges from $3,500–$6,000 per season.
Senior rowers are required to have both a Shelford and Banks Zoot suit. Rowers and coxes should bear in mind that rowing will take place during hot and cold weather. They need to prepare their clothing to allow for
Rowing is an expensive sport, with a racing boat costing $30,000, and oars at $500 each. Costs to be covered each season include Shelford Rowing leases, maintenance and repairs, regatta entry fees and affiliations, rowing camps and HOSG weekend, transport, coaching etc. This fee covers all costs for the season with the exception of the Nationals (for selected Senior crews only).
• initiative and critical thinking skills
camp in Geelong sees all crews spending four days training on the Barwon River. This residential camp is a fantastic time for crews to bond, and is always a memorable experience. Upon their return from Geelong, all crews will continue training for the remainder of the week prior to the commencement of the school year, in preparation for their first regatta. The 2023 academic year commences on Monday 30 January 2023.
• communication skills with crew and coach
Water sessions for Junior and Intermediate crews take place at Albert Park South Melbourne Rowing Sheds situated at the north-east end of Albert Park Lake. The sheds are on Aughtie Drive at Albert Plant Reserve, opposite the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre. For weekly afternoon sessions, the girls are bussed to the sheds to commence training at 3.45pm and are picked up by parents after the session, at approximately 6pm. Saturday sessions are parent drop-off and pick-up. Please be aware that as we are limited to the times we can train, it is important we start each session on time. If you are dropping your daughter off, please try to arrive at the rowing sheds at least ten minutes before the start of each session.
• Tuesday 17–Friday 20 January 2023 (3 nights/4 days), Barwon River, Geelong
Fees
Rowing camp is an important part of the season. It gives students the opportunity to train intensively over a period of time, as well as enjoy the camaraderie of all crews within the Shelford Rowing. The dates and location are as follows:
Rowing camp
Albert Park 4–6pm Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus, Albert Park 7.30–9.30am
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Ergo session* on 7–8.10amcampus,
* Strength & Conditioning and Ergo sessions are to be confirmed.
Seniors Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus, Banks RC 5.30–7.30pmCity,
Intermediates Albert Park 4–6pm
Albert Park 4–6pm Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
Training schedule, Term 4 2022
Albert Park 7.30–9.30am
Banks RC 5.30–7.30pmCity, Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
Juniors Albert Park 4–6pm Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
• Junior crews will train on Thursday afternoons from 4–6pm during Term 1 2023, instead of Wednesday. This reflects the movement of the Junior rowers into Year 9. Senior and Intermediate training will remain unchanged.
Seniors Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus, Banks RC 5.30–7.30pmCity,
* Strength & Conditioning and Ergo sessions are to be confirmed.
Ergo session* on 7–8.10amcampus, Albert Park 7.30–9.30am
Ergo session* on 7–8.10amcampus, Albert Park 7.30–9.30am
Intermediates Albert Park 4–6pm
Training schedule, Term 1 2023
Ergo session* on campus, 7– 8.10am
Albert Park 4–6pm Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
Ergo session* on 7–8.10amcampus, Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
Juniors Albert Park 4–6pm Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus, Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
• The training schedule can be subject to change and parents will be notified of any changes ASAP.
Banks RC City, 6.30–9am
Please note:
Ergo session* on 7–8.10amcampus, Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
Banks RC 5.30–7.30pmCity, Strength Conditioning*& on 12.40–1.20pmcampus,
Please note:
Albert Park 4–6pm
• Most Saturdays involve competing in regattas. If no regatta is indicated, as per the 2022–2023 Rowing calendar, crews will train at the advertised time.
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Banks RC City, 6.30–9am
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
If your daughter is too sore to train, she needs to be assessed! This is not only for her own health, but to ensure that the training of the rest of her crew is not further disrupted.
Health, exercise and injury prevention
Female rowers, due to the high volume of training in combination with blood loss from their periods, may suffer from iron deficiency. Iron is required to make a protein called haemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen around the body. A deficiency in iron results in the rower feeling tired, lethargic and weak often in association with reduced exercise performance. A diet high in iron, including red meat and, to a lesser extent, chicken and fish, certain cereals, wholemeal pasta, baked beans, spinach and iron fortified foods is important. Rowers who are vegetarian, or vegan, especially need to consider how best to structure their diets in order to achieve the required intake of iron. If parents/rowers suspect iron deficiency, please see your GP as well as discuss this with the Director of Rowing.
The actual rowing movement involves all major muscle groups, recruiting the largest and strongest groups first, then progressing through to smaller ones.
Rowing develops cardiovascular fitness and physical strength and, at the elite level, is amongst the most physically demanding of sports. Because the rowing action occurs on a horizontal plane, there is no vertical impact as with running for example, causing little or no stress to joints. Rowing is one of the few sports people can engage in later in life, with rowers often continuing into their eighties.
A balanced diet is important for a variety of reasons. It is essential that rowers, in addition to eating breakfast, also bring something for after morning sessions. Some fruit, bread, breakfast bars or yoghurt is a good snack between rowing and school. This enables students to not only recover more quickly and benefit from their sessions, but to concentrate and work more effectively in their morning classes. A dinner high in carbohydrate is ideal for the night before a particularly strenuous session, or before a regatta.
Coaches are qualified to manage the initial treatment of most minor injuries.
Nutrition and iron deficiency
The occurrence of injuries (and illness) can be minimised by sleeping eight hours a night, having a healthy and balanced diet, having good flexibility and by recovering appropriately from training.
Emphasis is placed on correct technique (including posture), gradual increments in training load, and flexibility gained predominantly from stretching and core stability. Some injuries may occur if the girls do not follow the proper instruction.
However, if an injury occurs it is recommended the athlete seek attention from a sports medicine physician and inform their Coach, Coordinator and Director of Rowing about the nature and severity of the injury, of their progress, and time to full recovery. It is also the rowers’ responsibility to ensure they bring all necessary items to each session to avoid aggravating a recurring injury or Ifillness.arower
Rowing training can be very physically demanding, especially during the racing season, and it is important for rowers to be properly prepared for each session.
Iron deficiency
Suggested physiotherapists and medical practitioners Physiotherapists • Renew Physiotherapy: 9818 3373 (Andrew Fooks – Former Australian Rowing Team Physio, VIS Team Physio) • Spring Physio: 9822 4002 (Fiona Milne – Former World Champion rower) Sports Medicine Physicians • Lakeside Sports Medicine: 9682 6029 • Olympic Park Sports Medicine: 1300 859 887
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is forced to miss more than one session in a given week due to soreness or injury, it is essential they see a physiotherapist or sports physician to diagnose the issue and provide a guide to activity and training intensity for future planning. Coaches work with medical professionals to provide alternative training plans and ensure a faster return to rowing.
Nutrition
Parent support
• Helping out at regattas – setting up tents, BBQs, bringing food, etc.
There has been a long-standing tradition at the Shelford boatsheds (as in most Rowing Clubs) that parents remain outside the sheds and clear of the boat bays and boat pontoons whilst waiting for their daughters to complete their training and postrowing activities. It is the rowers’ responsibility to manage themselves and their equipment and, indeed, this is a vital part of the rowing experience. This is critical at regattas.
• Encouraging your daughter to eat and sleep well, especially prior to regattas.
Rowing is a family affair, and there are many ways parents can help; transport, cooking, pastoral care and encouragement are all vital. The Shelford Rowing Parent Support Group meets monthly to discuss a variety of matters, including communication, fundraising and ways of supporting the Rowing program. We love to see parents at all regattas, and the more support we can have on race days, the Webetter.also love not only to see parents at regattas, but it is great when parents bring food for themselves and their daughters. That way, if everyone brings a plate of sandwiches, snacks, muffins or biscuits, then there will be a bit of a platter to share, which continues to build the community atmosphere at Waysregattas.parents can help:
Parent etiquette
• Ensuring your daughter arrives at training and regattas on time.
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• Ensuring all uniform is clearly named.
• Supporting fundraising activities.
Similarly, parents need to be aware that coaches require time with their crew for preparation prior to their race and debriefing on completion of their races whilst at regattas. These crew briefings will often be conducted near the Boat Trailers and parents are requested to avoid this area. Parents are advised to take this into consideration when planning their day. After these formalities, your daughter will be free to visit you at the spectator/parents’ tent Whilstarea.itis
important to share pertinent information relating to the health and wellbeing of their daughters, parents should refrain from discussing selection decisions with coaches as per the expectations of rowers and parents, as set out in the Rowers’ Contract.
Head of Schoolgirls’ (HOSG) Regatta
October 3 Start of Term 4 Full training schedule commences for all squads
February 4 Wendouree Ballarat Regatta Ballarat Yes
November 12 Loreto Regatta Barwon Training Yes Yes
January 28 Barwon Regatta Barwon Yes Training Training
February 4 Morongo Regatta Barwon Yes Yes
March 18 HOSG Barwon Yes Yes Yes
November 19 Melbourne Head Yarra Yes Training Training
February 18 Nagambie Regatta Nagambie Yes Training Training
December 3 Sacred RegattaHeart Barwon Yes Yes Yes
March 4 Junior ChampsState Barwon Yes Yes
Selected Senior crews only
Regattas
2023 Date Event Venue Senior Inter Junior
August 27 Junior and Inter commencestraining
ChampionshipsNational Lakes,ChampionWA
December 10 End of Term 4
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APSM Yes Yes
September 16 End of Term 3
2022–2023 Rowing calendar
On the Saturday night there is a parents’ dinner run by the Parents’ Support Group, and this is another great opportunity to share the experience with other rowing parents. The rowers have their own dinner arrangements and do not attend this dinner. Accommodation for parents wanting to attend HOSG is booked out well in advance, so any parents who wish to come down for the Saturday and Sunday will need to organise themselves well before Christmas.
April 28 Presentation night ClubRowingBanks
January 30 Start of Term 1
Regattas are where everything comes together and all the training culminates in qualifying for a berth in the finals. Regattas are fun, friendly and very enjoyable occasions – especially in ideal weather conditions. Supporting our crews also provides an excellent way of meeting new parents and family members – just look for the Shelford tents and flags. Rowers, parents and supporters can expect to be healthily fatigued at day’s end!
January 21 Ballarat Regatta Ballarat Yes
March 17 HOSG Barwon Yes Yes Yes
All rowers attend the HOSG Regatta on the Barwon River in Geelong. For schoolgirl rowing, the HOSG is the culmination of the rowing season and is the biggest school regatta in the southern hemisphere.
Shaded cells indicate crews that can enter these regattas. Please note that this does not necessarily mean that we will enter all of these regattas.
November 27 Training Training Training
All regatta information will be disseminated in the week prior to the regatta. Generally, race times are released on a Wednesday for Saturday racing. It is possible to check the Rowing Victoria website to access race times, locations and results. This can be found at rowingvictoria.asn.au.
January 17–20 Rowing Camp Barwon Yes Yes Yes
The 2023 HOSG will be held on Friday 17–Sunday 19 March. The rowers leave school on Friday 17 March, and the three days of training and racing are some of the most rewarding experiences of the season for everyone involved. The Regatta commences with heats on Friday afternoon, further heats and repechages on Saturday and semifinals and finals on Sunday.
2022 Date Event Venue Senior Inter Junior
February 11 Firbank Regatta Barwon Training Yes Yes
All crews and families
March 19 HOSG Barwon Yes Yes Yes
March 11 Long weekend Training Training Training
February 25 Senior ChampsState Nagambie Yes
March–April 28–3
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Nagambie
The best place to view the races is from the Spit and all Club tents are placed here. However, due to the shape of the Lake and the many trees that provide shade, many spectators choose to set up a chair or picnic rug further around the lake roughly near the 1900m mark. Local rowing clubs and schools will generally provide venues to purchase food and there is always a coffee van (or two!) in attendance. The Ballarat Rowing Association often provides a large screen so that spectators can see first-hand how the races are unfolding.
• Camera
• Picnic food
Please note that animals are not allowed at regattas.
The trip will take about 1 hour from ParkingShelford.is not available at the Rowing sheds but can usually be found in surrounding streets, on the left of the shed enclosure or on the other side of the Parentsriver.will find the Shelford tent on the riverbank to the right of the bridge which separates the boatshed area from the Rowing course.
When you arrive in Ballarat, continue through the town centre until you reach the western end of Lake Wendouree. Turn right down any side street for Parentsparking.will find the boat trailers parked near the end of the Rowing course near the finish line. The Shelford tent will be located on the Spit near the finish line.
Google Maps reference
Google Maps reference
Ballarat
Allow approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to travel from Shelford to Nagambie.
Lake Wendouree 3350
What to bring to regattas
• Money (for coffees, merchandise, etc.)
Barwon Rowing Club 2 Barwon Terrace, South Geelong 3220
• Umbrella
•••Desirable:••••Important:HatSunglassesSunscreenWarmjacketOutdoorchairBinocularsRugtositonor keep rowers warm between races
Directions to regatta venues
The trip will take you about 1 hour and 20 minutes from Shelford.
Nagambie Lakes Regatta Centre 66 Loddings Lane, Nagambie 3608
Google Maps reference
Barwon River
Parts of a boat
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Feathering: Turning the oar blade flat during the recovery to lessen wind resistance.
Bow coxed boat: A shell in which the coxswain is near the bow instead of the stern. It’s hard to see the coxswain in this type of boat, because only her head is visible. Having the coxswain virtually lying down in the bow reduces wind resistance, and the weight distribution is better.
Stroke: The rower who sits closest to the stern. The stroke sets the rhythm or cadence for the boat – others behind her must follow her cadence.
Blade: The oar, also the end of the oar which is placed in the water.
Drive: The part of the rowing cycle where the rower applies power to the buried blade.
by the movement of the oar, particularly at the end of the stroke.
Cox box: Now a generic name for a small battery powered amplifier that allows the coxswain to communicate with the crew and also gives the coxswain stroke rate information.
Gunnels: Or gunwales. The top edges of the shell. The riggers are bolted into them.
Slide: The set of runners for the wheels of each seat in the boat.
Four: A boat with four sweep rowers.
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Double: A shell with two scullers. Sometimes designated as a 2-.
Finish: The oar blade leaving the water at the end of a stroke.
Foot stretcher: An adjustable plate to which a rower’s feet are secured.
These are a few terms that you will hear from your young rower. Once you attend a few regattas and listen to your daughter and their rowing friends, you will become familiar with most of these definitions.
4+/4X+: Coxed Four/Coxed Quad Scull Lightweight: Refers to the rowers, not the boats; there is a maximum weight for each rower in a lightweight event as well as a boat average.
Ergo(meter): Rowers call it an ‘ergo’. It is a rowing machine that closely approximates the actual rowing motion. The rowers’ choice is the Concept II, which utilises a flywheel and digital readout so the rower can measure strokes per minute and the distance covered. Used for training and testing.
Sculls: One of the two disciplines of rowing where scullers use two oars or sculls.
Bowball: A rubber ball that protects the boat against damage in case of a collision.
Button: Or collar. A plastic ring that keeps the oar from slipping through the oarlock.
Boathouse: A building used for storing boats.
FISA: Federation Internationale des Societes d’Aviron. The international governing body for the sport of rowing in the world, established in 1892.
Pair: A boat with two sweep rowers. Puddle: The effect in the water caused
Rigger: The triangular shaped metal device that is bolted onto the side of the boat and holds the oars.
Run: The run is the distance the shell moves during one stroke. You can calculate it by looking for the distance between the puddles made by the same oar.
Glossary of Rowing terms
Bow: The forward section of the boat. The first part of the boat to cross the finish line. The person in the seat closest to the bow, who crosses the finish line first.
This term is from the claim that ‘a crab grabbed the blade and wouldn’t let go.’ Crab is also used to describe when a rower’s blade jams in the water and he/ she finds it impossible to get the oar out of the water at the end of the pullthrough.
Stern: The rear of the boat – the direction the rowers are facing.
Stroke rate, or rate: The number of strokes per minute. In a race, usually between 34 and 38 strokes per minute.
Coxswain: Person who steers the shell and is the on-the-water coach for the crew.
Sweep: The second discipline of rowing where rowers use only one oar. Pairs, Fours and Eights are sweep boats. Pairs and Fours may or may not have a coxswain. Eights always have a coxswain.
Recovery: The time between drives, when the blade of the oar is traveling through the air.
Rig: The art/science of setting up a boat for an individual.
Bow seat: The number 1 seat in the bow.
Stretcher or foot stretcher: Where the rower’s feet go. The stretcher consists of two inclined footrests that hold the rower’s shoes. The rower’s shoes are bolted into the footrests.
Squaring: Term describing the turning of the oar from horizontal (feathered) to vertical (squared) blade position.
Crab: A stroke that goes bad. The oar blade slices the water at an angle and gets caught under the surface. The blade is not fully feathered before leaving the water. This results in the blade being stuck in the water, severely slowing the boat down and throwing off the set.
Eight: A shell with eight rowers and a coxswain. Symbol is 8+.
Rudder: The device used to steer the shell.
Gate: The bar across the oarlock that keeps the oar in place.
Catch: The moment the blade first enters the water
Quad scull: A racing boat containing four scullers – one of the fastest boat classes.
Collar: Or button. A plastic ring that keeps the oar from slipping through the oarlock.
Split: The time a crew takes to complete a 500 metre segment of a race.
Full pressure: The top level of exertion of which a rower is capable.
• Wear the required uniform. I further understand that while I am in the Shelford Rowing uniform, I am a representative of both the School and Shelford Rowing and will behave in an appropriate manner.
• Advise the Director of Rowing and/or the Coordinator of Junior and Intermediate Rowing as soon as possible if unable to attend any session for specific reasons.
• Respect instructions from all coaches, coordinators and Shelford support staff.
• Ensure that all equipment is treated with care.
I have read and understood the information outlined in the Shelford Rowing – Rowers’ Contract and have discussed this with my I/weparents/guardian.acceptandagree to abide by the conditions set out and will honour the commitment expected of me.
It is with this in mind that this contract has been created, so everyone who is involved in Shelford Rowing understands what is involved in being a Shelford Rower. Upon receipt of a signed copy of the Rower’s Contract, your daughter will be able to commence training as a member of Shelford Rowing.
Please retain intact in Handbook for your reference as to what has been signed.
Rowing is considered to be the ultimate team sport. If one member of a crew is away, the crew cannot row. Due to the unique nature of rowing, the demands on athletes and their families are quite different to those required by most other sports. Not everyone finds that they can meet these commitments and, therefore, careful consideration must be given before choosing to join Shelford Rowing.
I, , understand that I am expected to:
• Treat with respect the venues at which I train and compete.
Signed:
All rowers will have completed this on Operoo during the sign-up process.
11 | Shelford Rowing Handbook 2022–2023
• Be punctual. Rowers who are continually late, or absent, will jeopardise their position in their crew and the squad.
• Be aware that crews can change from week to week, to ensure all combinations of rowers and positions are trialled, and that final selection for HOSG will be made in the week preceding HOSG Regatta.
• Complete the full rowing season.
• Attend all training sessions, regattas, camps and boat loading/unloading sessions.
• Along with my parents, respect and abide by all selection decisions and that these decisions are final.
DateParent/sStudent
Shelford Rowing – Rowers’ Contract
CRICOS Code 00339F
Shelford Girls’ Grammar 3 Hood Crescent, Caulfield 3161 shelford.vic.edu.au
