Christchurch Boys’ High School

Rowing

Handbook

2022 - 23 Season
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Welcome to the 2022-23 Christchurch Boys’ High Rowing Season
This rowing handbook is designed to provide an information overview for students and
parents for the upcoming season. Regular communication will also be sent via email and
Facebook to keep our rowing community as informed as possible.

We hope you enjoy yourselves and we look forward to seeing you at regattas, fundraising
events and gatherings during the year.

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Table of contents

3. CBHS Rowing Contacts & Committee

4. Meet the Coaches

6. General Information

7. Uniform Requirements

8. Regattas

9. Maadi Cup

10. Year 9 Programme

11. Annual fees

13. Fundraising

14. Parent Guidelines/House Parenting

15. Food & Nutrition Guidelines

20. Key Rowing Event Dates for the 2022 / 23 Season

21. Goals and Objectives

22. Policies

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CBHS Rowing Contacts & Committee
Administration Team

Manager Ricardo De Sousa Mobile: 0224166270

E: [email protected]

Chairperson: Simon Dennis Mobile: 021616991

E: [email protected]

Secretary: Rachel Allen Mobile: 0211706609

[email protected]

Treasurer: Mark Dawson Mobile: 0274345845

E: [email protected]

Parents committee
Simon Dennis, Sara Faulkner, Kiri Kamo, Maisie Scott, Josh Dolan, Mike Copland, Hugh
Galvan, Casey Blanken, Steve Arnold, Anthea Taylor, Tim Osmers, Ricardo de Sousa,
Rachel Allan

The rowing committee is elected at the July AGM and meets monthly from August until
April.

Coaching Team

Head Coach Tim Osmers

Assistant Coach Jordan Hicks

Assistant Coach Maysie Scott

Assistant Coach Josh Dolan

Assistant Coach Tom Cummack

Assistant Coach Tom Fraser

Assistant Coach Jack Sutton

Assistant Coach Scott Shackleton

Assistant Coach Matt White

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Meet the Coaches
Tim Osmers - Head Coach
I’m now in my 17th year with the sport, which has provided me with a lot of
awesome opportunities. I started rowing at school before joining the Avon Rowing
Club. In addition to competing for Avon, I competed for southern RPC, raced
internationally with the University of Otago, and have been fortunate to be a part
of the New Zealand Trans-Tasman team on multiple occasions.
I have also coached at Avon Rowing Club and Shirley Boys High School, before
joining Christchurch Boys High rowing in 2020. I am thoroughly looking forward to
another season with the squad and to achieving our goals both on and off the
water.

Thomas Cummack - U15 Lead Coach

After starting rowing at Wellington College in 2011, I then moved on to row
at Central RPC for two years, culminating in selection for the New Zealand
Junior Quad that earned a 5th place at the U19 World Champs. Since then I
have maintained my own rowing at Otago Uni while studying Medicine, and
also acting as the Head Coach of John McGlashan College Rowing Club for
the last two years. I am looking forward to starting a new challenge at
CBHS for the upcoming season.

Jack Sutton - Assistant Coach

Kia Ora! 2022/23 will be my 5th year coaching at CBHS. I previously rowed
at CBHS from 2014-2018, having the pleasure to have been in the squad
with Current Olympian and old boy Jack Lopas. I’ve had the role of
coaching the Novices and U16s, and I’m very excited for the season ahead.

Josh Dolan - Assistant Coach

This will be my second session coaching Christchurch Boys High Rowing. During
my rowing career, I have coxed and coached crews to medal-winning
performances at both regional and national levels. Starting rowing in 2012 at St
Bede's College where I did 4 seasons before leaving and coxing at the Avon rowing
club for 2, with one of my highlights being racing at Henley royal regatta in
England. One of the things that I strive for when I coach is to not only give the Boys
the tools to make fast boats but to bring what they learn from rowing into
everyday life. When I’m not coaching I’m a full-time electrician working in
residential and light commercial projects. I look forward to another great season
at Boys High.

Maysie Scott - U16 Lead Coach

I will be returning to coach the U16's this season. I am a trainee English teacher and
have been involved with rowing for 11 years. After deciding to step away from
rowing myself, I began coaching in early 2018 at Otago University where I coached
the Senior Women and female RPC trialists for the 2018 trials. In mid 2019 when I
moved to the UK to run the rowing programme at an English school (Bradford
Grammar School). When the COVID pandemic hit, I quickly packed my bags to
return to NZ, and following lockdown, began coaching at CBHS. I have thoroughly
enjoyed my time at CBHS and am looking forward to what this season brings.

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Tom Fraser - Assistant Coach
I’m currently studying physiotherapy at the University of Otago. I am very excited
to be joining the CBHS coaching team this year as I am an old boy of the school.
After my final year rowing at CBHS I was a volunteer coach. My last year rowing
at CBHS was 2019, of which I raced the U18 pair, U18 four and U18 eight up in
Karapiro. I like to think we had a solid year and can’t wait to continue the success
at CBHS. I am about to start my sixth season of rowing. I am currently rowing at
Otago University and am a member of the NZ Trans-Tasman rowing team. In my
spare time I also enjoy surfing, skating and bouldering.

Scott Shackleton - Assistant Coach

I am currently a 20 year old full time athlete (rowing) training for olympic trials
later in the year. Next year I will attend Otago University to study a double
degree in International Business and software engineering. I rowed for
Christchurch Boys’ for 2 years and was a part of the 2019 Maadi Cup winning
crew, along with the highly successful 2020 senior squad. Last year I had the
privilege of coming back as an old boy of the school and coaching the senior
group. Once again, this year I’ll be working with the seniors and I look forward to
seeing what we can accomplish!

Jordan Hicks - Assistant Coach

This will be my first season coaching at Christchurch Boys High School. I started
rowing in 2014 where I rowed for Marlborough Boys’ College up until my U18
season in 2018. I was then fortunate enough to row for Central RPC for a year
until I started University. I studied a Bachelor of Science where I majored in
Exercise & Sports Science which has helped me develop and learn skills to
become a more effective coach. I am looking forward to the upcoming season
and helping CBHS continue its success.

Matthew White - Assistant Coach

I'm thrilled to be returning to CBHS, where it all began for me seven seasons ago,
to coach. I am a former student who graduated in 2018 and went on to study
Environmental management at Lincoln University on a sports scholarship. During
my time at school, I won 9 Maadi medals, including three golds, I also managed
to row for the South Island and gain a junior trial. After school, I spent the
majority of my time in the high performance system, spending a year at
Southern RPC before it was removed and then moving on to two New Zealand
teams. Last winter, I trained for the World University Rowing Team. This season, I
received a U23 trial but ended up rowing for the Trans-Tasman University team
against Australia in Brisbane. This will be my first year as a coach, and I can't wait
to show you everything this sport has to offer and have some fun along the way!

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General Information
Training
The on-water rowing training for the boys is held on the Avon River at Kerrs Reach. Erg
training will predominantly be at the school Gym.
We use the Canterbury Rowing Club (CRC) facility (belonging to CRC) which is shared with
CRC itself, Christchurch Girls’ High School, Cashmere and Avonside Girls’ High School.
All our boys are affiliated to CRC who are one of the oldest sporting clubs in New Zealand
and recently had their 150th year celebrations. This is an Old Boys link for CBHS rowers.
Boats
The following boats are owned and rowed by CBHS. We have 17 boats, worth in excess of
$400,000
3 x Singles (1x), 4 x Doubles (2x)/Pairs (2-), 5 x Fours (4+)/Quads (4x+), 5 x Eights 5 x (8+).
The boats are stored in the CRC owned boat shed at Kerrs Reach.
Training
All training programmes are developed by the coaches. The boys will train both early
morning and after school depending on individual timetables. The coaches and Rowing
Manager will take into consideration each student’s academic endeavours, particularly at
exam time.
The boys are required to bike to rowing training at Kerrs Reach. It is 8 km from CBHS to
Kerrs Reach. Yellow Fluorescent safety vests and lights are compulsory and will be
enforced.
Ages
Age is taken as at the first of January e.g. if you are 14 at first of January then you will
race as under 15 for the season. As our objective is to find the best crews some boys may
end up racing some events above their age grade.
All races are held over a distance of 2,000 metres.

Captain of Rowing
The rowing captain will be named after our pre-season camp in the term 3 holidays.

His tasks include the following:

1. Supervision of junior rowers when at regattas

2. Coordinating boat trailer loading
3. Liaison with the Rowing Manager
4. Collation of rowing results for assemblies and also for inclusion in newsletters and the
school magazine
5. Writing reports on rowing for monthly committee meetings and for the school
magazine/Facebook page
6. Attendance at Rowing Committee meetings
7. A leadership role at fundraising events
8. Recruitment of potential new rowers

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Uniform Requirements
Only CBHS sports clothing may be worn at regattas.

Compulsory & Specific Rowing Uniform (To be ordered through CBHS Uniform Shop)
CBHS race suit
CBHS Long-sleeve travel T shirt (displaying Sponsor logo) - Please do not purchase this
from the uniform shop, the committee will source this for your son.
CBHS Short sleeve T shirt
CBHS rowing cap

Other school Items: (Purchased separately if not already owned)

CBHS Jacket
CBHS rugby shorts

General Gear List

Bike with lights
High visibility vest
Puncture repair kit
First aid kit
Sunscreen
Sunglasses (If preferred)
Lip balm
Drink Bottle

**10mm spanner** (COMPULSORY – Needed to Rig and De-rig boats at regattas &
training)
In cold weather at regattas crews may decide to wear thermals for racing and/or warm up
to the start. If wearing thermals during a race only black may be worn under the racing
suit.

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Regattas
Regattas are run regularly throughout the season between October and March starting
with small local events and working up to larger events. The ‘boat park’ can be a frantic
area of activity. Before a race, the athletes need to focus on their own performance and
coach input only. After a race, the crews need space to debrief. We respectfully request
that parents stay out of the boat park at all times unless asked in by the Rowing Manager
or Coaches. The boys will meet with their parents from time to time at the parents’ tent – in
particular to eat, relax and support other crews when they have time between their own
races.

Lake Hood Regattas

Lake Hood hosts several regattas each year. These can be one or two day events that we
drive to each day. Rowers are expected to be transported by their parents or carpool with
other rowers. The Club will provide 2 vans for these events, but they will be on a first come,
first served basis and incur a user pays fee. These would leave in the morning and head
back to Christchurch at the end of each day.

Twizel Regattas
During the Twizel Regattas and at Maadi Cup the parents’ tent is always beside the lake.
Tea and coffee is provided but we ask those who are not ‘house parents’ to bring a plate
of food to be shared during the day (e.g. Bacon and egg pie, quiches, cold chickens,
sandwiches, muffins). It is also suggested you bring a chair, sunblock, warm clothing,
binoculars and your camera. The tent provides a great place for parents to get together.

● Departure by bus and school vans is from school on the Friday afternoon (generally
lunchtime during term time) and return on Sunday evening approximately 7pm.
Parents who are house parents are given the first option of driving a minivan,
otherwise they need to provide their own transport.

● Racing starts early, approximately 7am and the boys will be advised Friday evening
of their race times so will be able to advise parents.

● The boys eat dinner together with house parents and management.

South Island Secondary Schools (SISS)

This is one of our main events. ALL boys will attend this regatta which is a great way to top
off the season. Over the last two years we have finished as one of the top schools in the
South Islands. Boys of all abilities are able to add to the overall tally for the school, so it’s
an exciting event with a real full squad spirit behind it.

South Island Secondary Schools is seen as the most significant event for the full squad and
is the end of the normal season. Some boys however, will be selected to continue onto NZ
Secondary Schools - Maadi Cup, which is approximately 2 weeks after SISS.

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Maadi Cup Regatta
Maadi Cup is the NZ Secondary Schools rowing national championships. This is held during
summer tournament week, which is usually the last week in March. In 2023 it will be held at
Lake Karapiro, Cambridge. Every alternate year it is held at Lake Ruataniwha, Twizel.

Boys must be selected separately to attend Maadi Cup

The rowing season finishes for the full squad at the South Island Secondary School. Boys
selected for Maadi will continue for another 2- 3 weeks.

Maadi Cup Medallists 2022

BRONZE
Boys U18 Coxless Pair
Boys U18 Coaxed Four
Boys U18 Coxed Eight

SILVER
Boys U16 Coxed Four
Boys U17 Coxless Pair

**There was NO U15 events this year at Maadi Cup due to Covid Restrictions**

End of season awards 2021/22

John Hunter Trophy for Senior Oarsman Tom Penberthy

S.H Francis Cup for Junior Oarsman Jacob Yule

Timmy Heritage Trophy for Senior Coxswain Sebastian Kuhn

Simon Brigg Trophy for most promising Coxswain Liam Macpherson

Margaret Forbes Cup for Captain of Rowing Fred Calder

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Communication Lines
All relevant information will be communicated through the closed Facebook group
specifically for boys, and by email, an open Facebook page and the school website for
parents. A full contact list will be issued to all parents at the start of the season.

A clear boundary exists between the roles of the Coaching team and the parents group. All
decisions regarding crews, and regatta entries are made by the Coaching team. Issues
relating to student welfare and discipline will be the responsibility of the Team Manager, or
in his/her absence by the Head Coach in conjunction with the Chairman. The Team
Manager is also the liaison between the parents, the boys and the school.

Concerns relating to crews, regatta entries, student welfare and discipline are directed to
the Rowing Manager.

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Year 9 Programme (Rowers – Excluding Coxswains)
In recent years, we have run a separate year 9 program. We have found it very productive
and will offer a similar program again. The aims behind this are:
● To reduce the initial cost and lower barrier to entry for families so they can see if
their son likes/enjoys the sport before committing to full financial obligation of the
sport later in their school career. Hopefully more boys will then give the sport a go.
● More time for other things – boys can continue to be involved in other sports during
summer and develop more skills.
● Less able kids are given more time to develop and avoid pressure of performance
early on.
● More able kids are still given the opportunity to join a full programme and make the
most of their talent.
● They still have the opportunity to travel to events and be part of a wider team
● Being part of a programme where commitment, hard work and persistence is
valued and rewarded.
Our squad size has also nearly doubled in the last 3 or 4 years and so splitting the
program, but having a lower key first year allows us to better spread our resources.
Boys will train about 4 times per week throughout the season with 2–3 on-water sessions
and 1 land-based session.

Term 4 of 2022 - Year 9 rowers will train on the following days:

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday & Sunday afternoons at Kerrs Reach. This will be at 4pm
during the week and 3:30pm on Sunday.
Boys are not required to attend all 3 weekday sessions, we plan to split the group up so
only 2/3 of the Junior squad attend each day. On the Sunday session all boys are to
attend.
We are utilising Sunday so boys can still participate in other sports and also so hostel boys
can go home on the weekend. It also means we avoid the most congested training time on
the river which is Saturday morning.
We may also add in a morning session where the year 9s join the full squad for some
land-based training. This will likely be on Friday mornings from 7am.
All year 9 rowers will have the opportunity to row and compete through to South Island
Secondary Schools, all events up to here are included in the base fee.
Some rowers who stand out may be selected to attend Maadi Cup and may be invited to
join the fuller program. This would come with the additional Maadi Cup cost. Parents will be
contacted if their son is likely to make this selection. The coaches will endeavour to identify
boys capable of making this selection as early as possible.

Senior Rowing Programme

The senior program will run like it always has, boys will attend all regattas and events up to
SISS with some boys selected to represent the school at NZ Secondary Schools (Maadi
Cup Regatta)
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Absence From Training
Rowers must attend training when required to avoid letting themselves or other members
of their crew down. If you cannot attend training because of illness, injury, exams or other
reasons then you must advise the coach at the earliest possible opportunity by phone or
text message.

Annual fees
Our goal is to make rowing as affordable as possible for students at CBHS.

The annual fixed fee (including GST) for Senior Rowers is: $4,200.00
The annual fixed fee for Year 9 Rowers is: $3,000.00
The annual fixed fee for Coxswains is: $3,000.00

The fixed fees will be invoiced to your CBHS school account in monthly instalments, from
September until February. The fees will be charged on your school account at the
beginning of each month (except for September when it will be charged after the open
day) and are expected to be paid within 3 weeks. The instalments will be front loaded at
the beginning of the season so that this lines up with the school policy of payments around
sport and the participation in sport at CBHS.

These fees cover all coaching, regatta costs, travel, food and accommodation (for
seniors this includes about 26 days away), subscriptions and affiliation fees, boat
storage and general maintenance
Please note that this fee does not include:
1. Rowing clothing. This cost is dependent on what your son requires. We envisage a
cost of approximately $350 - $400. This rowing clothing will be available from the
beginning of Term 4.
2. Maadi Cup: The cost of Maadi Cup regatta and pre- Maadi cup training camp (for
those selected). This cost will be approximately $1,750 - $1,900 depending on the
level of funding received and location of the regatta. As there are many fixed costs
that need to be paid up front a 70% deposit is required.
3. Additional “selected” camps – any camp that requires selection to attend is charged
separately – such as the seniors who attend the Junior camp at the end of January
as well as the Maadi camp mentioned above.
4. There is also a charge for Maadi clothing, this is generally around $150 - $200.

It is school policy that the regular monthly fees for September, October and
November must be paid up before Christmas in order for your son to participate in the
January regattas and training camps.
Fee payments after this must also be current in order for your son to attend Maadi
Cup if selected.
Only under exceptional circumstances will this be wavered.
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Where do my fees go?

Note:
Your annual fees do not fully cover the cost of running the annual rowing programme. In
addition to the annual fixed fee the Rowing Committee and parents need to fundraise or
gain sponsorship of approximately $1,400 to $1,500 per boy.

Fundraising Events/Opportunities include but are not limited to the following:

Fundraising is very important, as our fleet of boats require regular upgrading.
We aim to purchase one new boat each year.
Individual Rower Sponsorship: Each rower needs to secure a personal sponsor for their
long-sleeved T shirt for $250+gst. Once procured, we will send out more information and
organise for the T shirts to be signwritten with the Sponsor’s company name. Boys are
encouraged to approach businesses/potential sponsors themselves either in person or by
email. A great way to get a company on board is to offer a few hours of work in return for
sponsorship.
Wine: 2022 Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc by Astrolabe Wines Ltd: ($99 per case of 6)
Quiz Night: Sept/Oct: A great opportunity to bring some friends along for some fun trivia
Cling wrap/Baking Paper/Tin foil: Available periodically

For some fundraising events, a sub-committee will be set up. All parents are encouraged to
belong to one of these sub-committees, which will be headed by a committee member
who will ensure that a verbal report is presented at the committee meeting.

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Parent Guidelines
Parents have a large and vital role in the smooth running of rowing.
Parents are welcome at all regattas and your son will benefit from your support.

Parent volunteers are required to help with transport, tent set up and pack-up, baking
etc at regattas, with a small number of parents required as house parents.

Rowing House Parenting

During all Twizel Regattas we will be staying at the High Country Lodge.
Our rowing group relies on all families being willing to undertake house parent duties at
Twizel. Being involved is an invaluable way to assist, meet other parents and become a
part of the extended ‘rowing family’.
We will have one accommodation block at the High Country Lodge, which sleeps up to 50
boys and has four rooms for house parents. There are motel rooms available for
additional parents. House parents have food and accommodation provided.
The Lodge house parents will be responsible for all of the boys along with preparation of
all meals. House parents will not be responsible for cleaning. The boys do not have to
provide their own linen.
Parents asked to act as House Parents will be notified early in the season as to which
weekend they will be involved. There will be a written roster produced outlining all parent
duties for all regattas.
Husbands/wives/partners are welcome to join in as a house parent. If you are not a house
parent and you require accommodation in Twizel, there are houses to rent, accessible via
the Twizel Promotions Centre, or alternatively motels. There are also Motel units available
for rent at the High Country Lodge.

House Parenting Duties include:

● Organising the Lodge food and supplies on arrival and restocking if necessary.
● Assist our Catering Manager/Cook with preparation of meals.
● Ensuring that the boys are awake and are fed breakfast in time for their individual
racing or training schedules
● Transporting boys to and from the lake (if a van driver). Crews will be picked up
from the Lodge and delivered to the lake by the bus or in minivans about 70 minutes
before their race so that they are all together for pre-race warm up. They are able
to return to the CBHS tent after their races for food, drinks etc. The big tent is also a
meeting place for parents and supporters each day.
● Washing and drying of the boys racing gear if required.
● Making sure that boys are resting, doing homework, at meals or in bed at the
appropriate time as requested by the Rowing Manager & Coaches.
● Ensuring that the boys are considerate of others within the lodge.
● Ensuring that each boy has everything they require for the day’s racing before they
leave the Lodge each day.

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 ● The usual school rules apply - no smoking, alcohol or drugs allowed by any of the
boys. Refer to the Rowing Manager if you have concerns. Anyone who breaks the
rules will be referred to the Rowing Manager. They may run the risk of being
prevented by the school from participating in future events.

Food
● Food for regattas and camps will be organised by a Catering Manager.

● House parents may be asked to assist our Cook/Catering Manager with preparation
of meals but he/she will coordinate all the ordering and logistics relating to this.

● We normally request that families provide baking or savouries/bacon & egg

pie/cheese rolls etc for regattas and camps. Parents will be emailed prior to the
regatta so they know whether to send baking or savoury goodies!

● The only other food we ask for is a plate/baking etc for the CBHS parent’s tent at
the lake.

Nutrition Recommendations
● Hydration and the correct Nutrition are vital for the health, safety and performance
of our rowers. (See the following posters for really useful Rowing NZ guidelines)
● Nutrition is often not a one size fits all, however, so during the season we will be
running a nutrition advice seminar with Sarah Zino, PHD Human Nutrition and
former rowing parent.

Health Issues
Boys must advise the Rowing Manager and Head Coach of any underlying health issues or
allergies that may affect him whilst rowing or away at camps or regattas.

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Key Dates

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Goals & Objectives:
● To make small self improvements every day
● Provide an environment that allows all boys to thrive in a competitive, nurturing and
positive environment
● To be the premier school at U18 level
● To assist and develop rowers to reach their potential and produce crews capable of
competing at the highest possible level
● To have as many boys as possible competing in ‘A’ finals and with crews covering all
age groups at all regattas
● To have a reputation as a school with high standards of presentation, sportsmanship
and behaviour
● To be consistently recognised as a strong rowing school based on results across all
age groups
● To promote and actively encourage participation in the sport of rowing
● Full squad to attend South Island Secondary Schools Event and retain the top points
bell

Success indicators
● Enjoyment
● Achievement of personal best times
● Improvements from one season to the next
● Increased rower numbers/retention of rowers
● Winning of medals at regattas
● Rowers chosen for higher honours

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POLICIES
SELECTION POLICY
Due to limited resources and the safety of boys not every boy that signs up will necessarily
be accepted into the rowing squad. Some boys may be encouraged to take a more
suitable role such as coxing until they are physically strong enough to competently and
safely participate in rowing.

However if boys are deemed suitable to row and are accepted into the rowing program
then they will all have a minimum of 2 races per regatta.

Objectives
To have a fair and transparent selection process resulting in the best possible crew
combinations rowing at key regattas, especially Maadi Cup.

Coach Reviews
Each coach will conduct an individual review with individual rowers twice over the course
of the season. This will cover the individual goals set by the boys, their areas of technique
to work on and a review of their performance so far.

Coaches will also provide a ranking of athletes to rowers regularly throughout the season
(at least twice) based on a wide range of measures. The purpose of this is to allow
transparency as to where all boys stand and to ensure rowers are aware of their position
in the squad and age group.

Guidelines
Different crew combinations will be trialled in the early part of the season in order to
establish the best possible crew per boat and age grade. All selections are based on
achieving the end goal of having potential medal winning crews racing at Maadi Cup.

Main Objective
The selection process has the ultimate goal of putting the most compatible rowers in boats
together in order to select the fastest possible crews.

Selection Process:
Seat Racing:
Seat racing is our main selection tool. This can be run a few different ways but ultimately
two or more boats are raced over a set distance multiple times and rowers are switched
from crew to crew to measure how the boat performs after a change. This is the only way
to ultimately find our most compatible combinations as it incorporates all the important
attributes of a fast rower, fitness, power to weight, technique, ability to “fit” in with the crew,
ability to race, mental toughness.

While not perfect it is the only way to test all the other objective land based data and see
how it translates into real boat speed.

Below is a list of variables and how we attempt to eliminate them in order to make the
process as fair as possible.
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 ● Other rowers “push” for their mates only – the changes are not known prior to
racing commencing, all boys must expect they could be changed next and hence
they would be seat raced against the previous result, if they slacked off in the
previous race to help a friend out then they may end up getting a poor ranking
themselves. Another method we use is the “Matrix” system where rather than
comparing individual races against each other the whole set of races are
aggregated for each rower, the rower with the overall lowest time would have the
highest ranking. This means every race for every rower has the same weighting on
their own result regardless of the crew changes at any moment
● Pushing harder on the last race: Rowers are not told how many races will be
conducted and are only told when it's over once they have completed the last race,
not before
● Fatigue: Equal rest for all boys is given between races. Though ultimately we are
testing their fitness and stamina so boys who fatigue less will do better than those
that fatigue more
● Outside motivation Coxswains are not allowed to speak during seat racing as they
could influence crews unfairly, no support is given from coaches on the bank either.
Races can be run in time trial format rather than side by side so boys can’t be
strategic with results and ease off if they think they’ve already won
● Boat Wash or Error by Rower Coach observes the whole races, if a major error is
made by one of the rowers or a boat is unfairly influenced by boat wash, a gust of
wind or another factor, then the race may be re-run

Below are other components of the selection process, which guide the decisions on who to
test and swap for seat racing, but by themselves do not indicate boat speed.

ERG Testing:
Selection begins with erg testing. Boys will be subject to regular testing throughout the
season on a standardized Concept 2 Ergometer, the most common and meaningful test is
the 2000m test but rowers may be subject to other erg testing as well. Results from erg
testing create a “starting point” to select crews. The old saying “ergs don’t float” is very
true as they are simply a measure of fitness and strength. Testing results will help identify
boys who are fit and strong and the boys who are not. However, erg testing results do not
necessarily translate into boat speed. Seat racing ultimately allows us to test how a boy’s
erg score translates into boat speed.

Power to Weight Ratio:

As heavy boys have an advantage on the erg in terms of producing Watts and hence
getting better scores, a power to weight ratio is taken after erg testing results. This is a
simple ratio of average Watts produced/the rowers weight. It is a simple linear index
number which by itself is meaningless. But much like the raw erg test results it provides a
starting point to assess boys and to give some indication of how a heavier rower may
stack up against a lighter rower once on the water. This can only ultimately be tested
through seat racing, where a rower’s weight and power is put into a boat and trialed
against another rower’s power and weight.

Previous on Water Results

As well as erg testing previous on water results can help a coach estimate where a rower is
ranked. However this will also ultimately be tested through seat racing.

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Technique
Technique plays a vital part in rowing. There are many different “styles” of rowing but for
the best crews it is important all rowers row a similar style of stroke. It is possible for a
rower to be technically good in their own right but struggle to “fit” or be compatible with
certain crews. However, at CBHS we aim to teach the same style among all rowers so that
this factor is minimized as much as possible. However, as everyone is different there will
ultimately be little quirks to each individual’s stroke. How these come together to blend as
a crew is also tested through seat racing.

Attitude/Behaviour/School:
While our ultimate goal is to make fast boats we still reserve the right to omit someone
from selection due to behavioral/attitude issues or failure to meet their obligations in the
classroom. Boys must show willingness to learn, cooperate with the team and uphold the
school’s values.

The Coach will keep records of Erg testing and seat racing along with attendance at
training.

Both the Erg results and ranking of rowers from seat racing are communicated to the
rowers after each test or session.

If there are two rowers whose rankings are very close then it becomes the coach’s
decision as to who in their opinion is the most compatible person for the crew. Form
and fitness are not necessarily constant from year to year or even week to week and any
significant changes here will have an influence on crew selections.

The selection standard for Maadi Cup is for each rower to be in multiple crews capable
of making A finals.

Dated August 2022 Next review August 2023

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Host Responsibility Policy
Purpose:
● To define the responsibilities of CBHS Rowing parents/members, supporters and
coaches with regard to events or gatherings outside the school premises
● To ensure the safety of all persons while on school trips through promoting safe and
responsible behaviour

Guidelines: One person must be appointed as ‘Host’ at each event.

Host Responsibilities:
The appointed Host has the following responsibilities:
● Ensure where more than one glass of alcohol per person is likely to be consumed,
food is provided continuously throughout the event
● Ensure where alcohol is served, low alcohol and alcohol free beverages are
available throughout the event
● Ensure any person leaving the premises does not drive in an intoxicated state. In
such an event the Host has the responsibility to call a taxi or arrange alternative
means for the person to reach their destination. The Host has the authority to
remove the person’s keys if necessary.
● Ensure any intoxicated person is not served further alcohol.
● Any person engaging in reckless behaviour must be asked to leave.

Parent/Member/Supporter/Coach Responsibility
All members have the following responsibilities:
● Where alcohol is served to employ moderation. Practises which encourage
intoxication are not acceptable and anyone who becomes intoxicated will not be
served further alcohol
● Behave in a safe manner and promote the safety of others
● Do not use any club equipment while under the influence of alcohol
● Do not drive while intoxicated
● Notify the Host of any person who is acting irresponsibly or is intoxicated
● Assist the Host where possible

Dated August 2022

Next review August 2023

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Health and Safety Policy
Purpose
The school’s rowing organisation is required to make a risk assessment with respect to all
matters arising from their activities associated with rowing. The areas that affect us most
are the safety of the boys biking to and from Kerrs Reach and in particular the training at
Kerrs Reach. Regattas are the responsibility of the organisers of the events.
As long as we take all the necessary precautions there should be no problem with liability.
This does not remove the responsibility of each individual involved in rowing to ensure that
they have read the regulations with regard to the three above areas.
All boys and parents are asked to read the following and to sign that they have done this
on the registration form which will be returned to the Rowing Manager. Failure to sign will
mean that the student will not be able to participate in rowing.

Guidelines: Cycling to and from Kerrs Reach:

● Helmets and reflective high visibility vests must be worn at all times
● When biking, front and rear lights must be fitted and turned on, and boys must wear
suitable reflective and highly visible clothing
● All boys will abide by the road rules and in particular keep left, ride only two abreast
and not ‘run the red lights’
● It is the responsibility of the parents and student to ensure the bike is roadworthy. All
bikes should be checked and maintained on a regular basis

Training at Kerrs Reach and Regattas.

● All boys are able to swim 50m in light clothing and shoes. There will be an annual
swim test for this
● All boys must inform the Rowing Manager, Coach or person responsible for the boat
if they have any health problems that may mean that they may be at risk if a boat
capsizes or they are thrown in the water
● It is the responsibility of the Coach to ensure that the rowers have the correct
clothing in relation to the weather conditions. It is the responsibility of the rowers to
ensure that they bring clothing that is appropriate for the conditions
● All crews must abide by the instructions of the person in charge of the boat at all
times. That person will be the cox in the case of coxed crews and the stroke in
non-coxed crews unless the coach appoints another person to be in charge of the
boat
● If a boat capsizes it will not sink. The crew must stay with the boat then push the
boat to shore whilst keeping everyone talking
● The coxswain must wear a life jacket and buoyancy aids are carried in the boat by
all crewmembers
● A single sculler must not row alone. Another boat or coach must be in close
proximity in case of a problem

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 ● Due care must be taken at all times to ensure the safety of people when transferring
boats from shed to water and return
● The coxswain is responsible for ensuring that there are no collisions on the water
● All boys are responsible for their own protection from the sun, ensuring they are
hydrated and have a small first aid kit including band-aids
● Dated August 2022 Next review August 2023

Injuries
Muscular Injuries
There are risks associated with unaccustomed physical activity. Inadequate strength and
flexibility can lead to overuse injuries once the rowing training commences. It is therefore
necessary to build up and maintain fitness levels during off-season.
The coach will monitor the rate of progression of training, once rowing begins, to minimise
injury to both new and more experienced rowers. The more experienced rowers should be
aware of possible limitations of new rowers and encourage awareness of possible overuse
of muscles.
Each rower adapts to training differently. The original state of fitness and the goal fitness
are integral elements to the rower’s participation and enjoyment.
Rowing is a physical sport, and like others, the possibility of dehydration can occur. Each
rower must carry a drink bottle on board while rowing.
Possible minor injuries to thumbs or hands may occur during rowing due to hitting hands
while learning to row correctly. The coaches have access to a First Aid kit at the Kerrs
Reach boat shed and during the regattas.

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Complaints Policy and Procedure
Rationale
Our objective is to provide support and fellowship to boys and parents. We pride ourselves
in recognising and respecting the needs and rights of all individuals, and if these
requirements are not being met, then amending the situation as soon as possible.

Objectives
Deal with the matter as soon as practically possible and advise the person(s) involved
what action is likely to be taken when it cannot be dealt with immediately.

Guidelines
It is recommended that the complainant attempt to resolve the issue/problem directly with
the person(s) involved.
Any matters unable to be resolved by the persons should be raised to the Rowing
Manager.
The Rowing Manager will advise the Rowing Club Chairperson of any outcomes or may
ask for assistance from the Director Of Sport
The Rowing Manager will bring any matters relating to employment or with financial
ramifications to the attention of the Director of Sport.
Date of Policy: September 2019 Next review August 2023

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