Rowing Handbook 2013 - The Friends' School

When a student chooses to do both School and Club rowing, his/her priority will be to the School. In previous years we
have had a good working relationship with a number of clubs who understand this requirement. Early and effective
communication between all parties is the key. This year, Friends’ Rowing is pleased to promote all rowers to row Club
events for The Friends’ School.
If you are interested in Club Rowing, please contact the Head of Rowing or the Operations Manager who will be able to
refer you to Club contacts.
Nominated Events on the Rowing Calendar
The rowing calendar of events commences usually in November and then runs through to Easter. Attendance at State
Pennant Regattas conducted by Rowing Tasmania is the choice of coaches, crews, squads and individuals
(predominantly rowers in Open squads). These events are not sanctioned events of the School rowing program.
It is however the policy of Friends’ Rowing that all junior students will compete at the following regattas:
• Southern and Northern Junior Sculling Regattas
• Southern Schools Regatta (Franklin)
• North West Schools Regatta (Lake Barrington)
• Launceston Regatta or Launceston Henley Regatta (usually for underage crews) (Tamar River, Launceston) –
one day event only at option of crews/coaches/parents
• Royal Hobart Regatta (usually for Open crews – Hobart)
• State School Championships (Lake Barrington)
• SATIS Head of the River (Lake Barrington)
Dates for these regattas are provided in the Rowing Calendar following, and we ask that all students and parents mark
their calendars in advance. Regular attendance and competition at regattas has its rewards.
Length of Races
For regattas conducted at the Lake Barrington and Franklin courses:
Open
The first division of all races are predominantly over the full 2000m course, with second division held over 1500m.
Under 16
First division races over 1500m, with some second division races over 1000m.
Under 15, Under 14 and Under 13
All races over 1000m (except 500m for U13 single scull at Junior Regattas).
For regattas conducted at other venues (Launceston, Devonport, Royal Hobart), the length of the course varies. The
Launceston course is usually over 1200m, and Under 13 sculling races will be over 600m.
Pathways in Rowing
School rowing aims to introduce the sport of rowing to our students at a level where they can safely learn skills in a
controlled, educationally sound environment. Many Friends’ students have taken their love of rowing beyond school
involvement, representing clubs in State Pennant Regattas and the Nationals, representing the State at Interstate events
and representing Australia at international events, including the Olympics.
Our program has even drawn the attention of talent scouts from Ivy League Universities in the United States who have
offered rowing scholarships to our athletes.
Water Safety
Rowing is an outdoor sport that is subject to variations in the weather. It is also an aquatic activity with a number of
potential hazards. Accordingly, Friends’ rowing is very aware of the need to maintain aquatic safety standards at all
times.
All training done from the Friends’ Boat Sheds must be conducted under supervision. The navigation rules imposed by
MAST must be followed, as must the safety rules outlined in this handbook. If training is conducted early in the
morning before sunrise, in the failing light at dusk or in the dark (to be avoided), then navigation lights must be shown
on all rowing boats, and on the accompanying coaches boat.
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