Rowing Handbook
Loreto College Ballarat Rowing Club 2014
WELCOME TO THE LORETO COLLEGE BALLARAT ROWING CLUB AND THE 2014-15 ROWING SEASON. The Loreto College Ballarat Rowing Club (LCBRC) was established in 2007 to provide students the opportunity to compete at the inaugural Head of the Lake regatta. Since its inception, LCBRC has grown and strengthened from using borrowed boats and no boat shed to having our own fleet of boats with some of the latest rowing technology in our very own boat shed. Every aspect of the LCBRC is directed at providing students with the greatest opportunity to grow and develop as strong, confident young women. Every effort is made to ensure that all students derive enjoyment, satisfaction, fulfilment and success from participating in this sport. Students are constantly challenged and pushed to their limits. It is hoped that through this process, the students will learn about themselves and their capabilities, working with others and, most importantly, setting goals and striving to achieve them. All staff and coaches in the LCBRC are passionate about rowing. We have all been privileged to be involved in rowing; the ‘ultimate’ team sport, and look to extend the same experience. All of the coaching staff hope that students have a magnificent experience in the rowing program each season. There are many challenges to face, as well as riding the highs and lows of a competitive sport. We hope that, regardless of the results at the end of each season, our students feel a strong sense of achievement and pride from the commitment they have made. I am confident that your daughter will take away many lasting memories from their rowing involvement this season. Indeed as well as enjoying the benefits of being physically active, girls develop many other traits such as school spirit, selfdiscipline, self-esteem, sportsmanship and resilience. These are but some of the positive outcomes developed within our sport and I am confident that the lessons learned in rowing translate into success in other areas in the lives of our girls. Finally, I would like to wish Loreto College Ballarat Rowing Club the best of luck for the season ahead and encourage all parents to get along and support their daughters from the sidelines during the 2014/2015 season.
Mr Nathan Sims Rowing Coordinator
Club Information Loreto College Rowing is a school organized activity led by the Rowing Coordinator. The rowing support group comprising of parents is called “Loreto Gold Rowing” which exists to assist the girls with support through fundraising, organisation of social events, assistance through boat race officiating, and camp support. It is anticipated that all families involved within the rowing program can contribute in some aspect towards Loreto Gold Rowing. The Rowing Coordinator works closely with Loreto Gold Rowing throughout the season. POSITION Rowing Coordinator
NAME Nathan Sims
Year 10 Support Coordinator
Teagan Boadle
Year 9 Coordinator
Gabi Howard
Mobile:0437 519 346 Email: gabbi.howard@live.com.au
Head Coach
David Coutts
Email: david.coutts@birdlife.org.au
POSITION
NAME
President
CONTACT DETAILS Mobile: 0438 342 082 Email: nsims@loreto.vic.edu.au Mobile:0407 435 728 Email: tboadle@loreto.vic.edu.au
Mark O’Dowd
CONTACT NUMBER 0417 450 198
Vice President Treasurer
Jill Broadbent Tony Rosenow
0407 356 484
linda.foote@bigpond.com
Secretary Communication
Frank Hay Frank/Jill
Parent Rep
Anne Fay
0407 868 536
annefay@bigpond.com
markod35@bigpond.com
General Committee Members Year 9 Parents Rep Year 10 Parents Rep Open Parents Rep
John Barbetti Heather McErvale Kim Taylor Bernie Fradd
All Parents are welcome to attend committee meetings throughout the year. These meetings occur on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at The Lakeview Hotel commencing at 7:30pm.
Coaches Given the huge growth in schoolgirl rowing over the last few years and the increased demand for coaches, Loreto College Ballarat Rowing Club is justly proud of our fine group of coaches. Our coaches are a key part of the team. They attend regular meetings, training days and professional development sessions. Please go out of your way to make them feel welcome and appreciated. YEAR 9 COACHES Narelle Burnside Ella Pipkorn Gabi Howard Penny Compton Kelli Dunn
YEAR 10 COACHES Brendan Bennett Teagan Boadle Stet Seeary Taylah Seeary Nathan Sims
OPEN COACHES David Coutts Barry Halsall Taylah Blake Claudia Griffin John Marshall Tilly Coutts
Please refer any concerns relating to coaches to the Rowing Coordinator, rather than taking issue with the coach concerned.
Objectives The aim of the program is to provide rowers and coxswains with a range of experiences that complement the College’s values and standards. In particular, the program places a strong emphasis on:
The promotion of team work, Opportunities to learn and exercise leadership and responsibility, The encouragement of participation for fitness and enjoyment, The enhancement of school spirit through occasions to represent the College in a competitive sport, Providing opportunities to experience success through competition at all levels of schools’ rowing, The development of rowing skills and technique.
Code of Conduct The purpose of this code of conduct is to clearly express the behavior which 1. Key Principles The Rowing Club will operate in an environment where students, coaches and parents show respect for each other and the personal property of one another. The Rowing Club will operate in an environment which is free from any kind of harassment, being physical, verbal or emotional. This includes any social networking media. The Rowing Club will operate in a non-discriminatory environment. Every rower and coxswain will be given an equal opportunity and will receive an unbiased evaluation in accordance with the published crew selection policy.
is expected of Loreto College, rowers, coaches and all members of the club. 2. Key Elements All students who wish to row will be bound by this code to: Represent Loreto College Ballarat in a positive manner while involved in the rowing program. Treat people involved in rowing and the club (e.g. Coaches, support staff and parents) courtesy and respect. Treat other people’s property with respect. Treat the rowing equipment with respect and with consideration of its value. Respect and uphold the rules and regulations of the rowing club and College. Respect and uphold all the rules and regulations of rowing, as set out by Rowing Victoria and Ballarat Associated Schools. Respect and uphold all the Colleges sports policies. Make every attempt to support other crews within the club. Show good sportsmanship at all times to other competitors and judges.
Rowing Levy The fees cover many aspects of the rowing program such as Rowing Victoria membership, logistical costs and equipment maintenance. To maintain a high quality rowing program the following fee structure is proposed for the students selected in crews: $280 is added to the Term 4 2014 school fees: this covers all aspects of the rowing program throughout Term 4. $410 is added to the Term 1 2015 fees to cover all aspects of the rowing program throughout Term 1, including the annual rowing camp held in January prior to school returning for 2014. Where families have more than one daughter participating in the rowing program each other daughter need only cover the regatta costs and not the camp. Please contact the finance department at Loreto to discuss alternate payment options. Additional costs would include a rowing suit and hat, however please note that no fee is applied for participating in Term 3 2014.
Timetable/ Schedule Term 3, 2013 Monday Am 7:00am – 8:00am Pm 3:45pm – 5:00pm
Tuesday
Wednesday
Senior Fitness Session Seniors Year 9 (Year 10 & (Current 8) 11)
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Friday
Saturday
Senior Fitness Session Year 10 (Current 9)
Year 9 (Current 8)
Wednesday
Thursday
Term 4, 2013 Monday Am 7:00am – 8:00am
Tuesday Senior Fitness Session
Pm 3:45pm – 5:30pm
Year 10 (Current 9)
Pm 4:45pm – 6:30pm
Seniors
Year 9 (Current 8)
Year 10 (Current 9)
Senior Fitness Session
Seniors 6:30am – 8:30am
Year 9 (Current 8)
Year 10 (Current 9) 8:30am – 10:30am
Seniors
Term 1, 2014 Monday Am 7:00am – 8:00am Pm 3:45pm – 5:30pm Pm 4:45pm – 6:30pm
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday Senior Circuit
Year 10
Year 9
Year 10
Seniors
Seniors
Seniors
Year 9
Friday
Saturday Regatta Or Training Seniors 6:30am – 8:30am Year 10 8:30am – 10:30am
Flexibility of the Timetable Loreto Ballarat Rowing Club is able to cater for a number of students because we operate a complicated boat sharing system. Regulation boats are used by three different crews. The boats used by the Year 9 and Year 10 crews are used at every one of the ten weekly sessions. This means that, once the timetable is set, it is very difficult to change. During Term 4 it is important for selection that each year level group trains together as much as possible. Students who have conflicting commitments should discuss this with the coordinator in charge. Where possible, adjustments are made to the timetable, but both students and parents must realize that the heavy use of boats often prevents this.
Time Commitment Rowing by nature is dependent on the commitment of each crew member. Therefore it is vital that the commitment required is fully understood. Once crews have been selected all training sessions are compulsory unless prior arrangements have been made. If your daughter is selected in the squad a letter will be sent for you and your daughter to complete and a section for any dates that you are aware of that your daughter will not be available so as arrangements can be made in advance to ensure that the coach and other members of the crew do not miss out on a training sessions
Health and Safety It is recommended for students that they see a sports physiotherapist before the season starts to ensure that they have no physical conditions which could be affected by participation in the rowing program. All students must wear shoes or thongs at all times when on land. Glass and other rubbish can be washed up around the lake, on a river or left around boat sheds. It is compulsory that all students take a pair of runners and thongs when training. All students must regularly apply the supplied sunscreen and wear hats. A drink bottle must also be carried at all times. Due to the location of the boat shed to the lake students are required to walk their boats and equipment across the road to the landing. Signs are placed out on the road and a stop sign is used. Under no circumstances are students to use the stop sign. This sign is to be used by coaches, coordinators or parents that have undertaken the necessary training. To minimize foot traffic back and forth from the boat shed to the landing students are to ensure they have everything that is needed e.g. Hat, sunglasses, drink bottles, etc. as once the boat is across the road students are not to cross back again.
Pick up and Drop off As stated above with having to carry boats and equipment across the road it is requested that at no point parents pick up and drop off students at the driveway at the large double gates in front of the boat shed. Please be aware that although the training finish times may state a particular time, that throughout the season it may be difficult to finish at this time due to boats needing to be washed and packed away with motor boats and other equipment. Coaches may also like to debrief with their crew and it is imperative that they complete stretching to prevent injuries.
Uniform Students must wear Loreto PE uniform (shorts or track suit pants, and school polo with rugby top or track suit jacket) and Loreto rowing suit when representing Loreto College at regattas. Students can wear PE uniform when training on the water. If it is raining it is advised that they not wear a coat as it can get caught in the sliding seat. Students can wear clothes that are comfortable to exercise in for any land based rowing training. Please note that no alternative rowing shorts or jumpers are to be worn when participating in sport or PE classes, correct Loreto PE uniform must be won at all times during these classes.
Rules of the Boatshed 1.
All Rowers and Coxwains must have shoes or thongs on at all times. Bare feet are not tolerated at the boatshed due to glass and other rubbish.
2.
A water bottle and hat is compulsory at each session.
3.
As soon as you arrive, immediately assist in launching coaches’ boats and getting oars ready.
4.
Rowers must take their oars for the boat they are using across to the launching area before commencing a warm up.
5.
Students are responsible for ensuring that motor boats are put on and off the water.
6.
Once a crew picks up a boat and goes across the road to the launching area they are not to cross back to the shed. This is to reduce foot traffic going across the road.
7.
Students are to be careful when putting boats onto water as fins can be bent on the landing. These are expensive and time consuming to replace.
8.
Students are to follow all traffic rules of the lake. These rules are posted in the boat shed and all students and coaches are to be aware of these rules.
9.
Coxes are responsible for the safe handling and use of the cox boxes.
10. Crews are responsible for washing down boat after every row. 11. Each boat has a designated spot on the racks. The tape on the boats show where they sit on the racks. The tape should be in line with the rack. 12. Each crew is responsible for putting away their oars. 13. Students must report any breakage, damage, or missing equipment to the Year Level Coordinator or the Rowing Coordinator immediately.
Rowing Camps Camps provide the opportunity for intensive training to improve rowing technique, strength and fitness and also focus on teamwork. Loreto Ballarat Row ing runs the following camps: Geelong Camp: This camp is for students who are trying out for a seat in the top three open crews. As these crews compete over 2000m as opposed to all other crews competing over 1000m, the time spend on the Barwon River in Geelong holds them in good stead to be competitive over the 2000m. January Camp: All rowers must attend this training camp. The camp is held in Ballarat and students stay on the
Dates are: Year 9 and 10: Friday 17th January 2015 to Monday 20th Jan 2015 Opens: Tuesday 21st January 2015 to Saturday 25th January 2015
The physical demands of these camps are extremely high and rowers must train over the Christmas break in preparation. A summer training program will be sent home for students to follow.
More information regarding times, permission forms and what is required at the camp will be sent home closer to the date. Please remember that these camps require a lot of work from all people involved in the rowing program. Your assistance to Loreto Gold to help during these camps would be greatly appreciated. Please speak to a member of Loreto Gold to see where you can assist.
Captain and Vice-Captain of Boats Rowers in Year 11 nominate and elect a Captain and Vice-Captain to represent the students of Loreto College Ballarat Rowing Club.
The skills and personal characteristics of a Captain and Vice-Captain of boats include:
Being well organized, motivated and willing to take time to carry out the role, Willing to be involved with junior rowers, The respect of peers and ability to motivate and delegate, An ability to work closely with students, An ability to set an example to fellow rowers as an athlete and also a leader. She should embody the spirit of the club and lead by example.
Tasks 1. Act as a role Model Demonstrate enthusiasm, motivation, dedication and reliability both as an athlete and as a leader, Promote an atmosphere of friendship between all levels of the rowing club, Display correct uniform, especially wearing caps, sunscreen, footwear, racing and training uniform, Ensure cleanliness in the change rooms, boat shed and canteen after a morning training session, Assist with boat loading or unloading, Take care of Loreto College Rowing equipment. 2. Voice of Athletes The Captain and Vice-Captain of Boats are the voice of the student boat club and should have the character and confidence to represent them in feedback (positive, negative and suggestive) to the Rowing Coordinator. 3. Speeches Make a speech at the presentation dinner. Address the Boat Club at appropriate times. Speak to members of the rowing community at regattas. Be interviewed by media.
Crew Selection Policy Training begins in Term 3 and students undergo the selection process throughout this term. Year 8 students will be taught how to row. Year 9 Students undergo further technical training along with some assessments, while the Open (Year 10 and 11) Students undergo fitness training and technical refinement. Squads are selected at the end of Term 3 to continue on in Term 4. Crew combinations will be selected during Term 4 and please note that crews may undergo minimal changes and it may be necessary to change the hierarchy of the crews if one improves more than the other. Please refer to the Selection Policy document for further details regarding crew selections.
Regatta Procedures If the regatta is not in Ballarat, boats are loaded on the trailer on the Thursday afternoon. Students are rostered to attend either; boat loading on Thursday night; boat loading after the regatta concludes at the venue; or boat unloading back at Loreto Boat Shed later that afternoon. All students will be required at least one of these times for every regatta. Rosters will be posted the Monday before the weekend’s regatta for student s to put their name on. It is a requirement of the club that students attend these sessions. Regatta timetables and draws are usually available from the Rowing Victoria website (www.rowingvictoria.asn.au) the Thursday prior to each event. Year 9 and 10 girls row in either a morning or afternoon timeslot. Typically the morning session starts at 8:00am and finishes around 12:00pm, with the afternoon session commencing after this and concluding by 5:00pm. Year 9 and 10 girls will typically alternate between morning and afternoon each week; however, this is at the discretion of Rowing Victoria. Students must arrive at the regatta venue at least one and a half hours before their first race. Students who arrange to travel with people not from their crew must make sure that their ride will get them there on time. Races are easily lost when one person is late, everybody becomes worried, and nobody has time to warm up. Parents are requested not to go into the boating area. The girls need time to debrief with their coaches after a race and often excited parents can be a distraction. Similarly, when preparing for a race the crew must be focused solely on their race plan. The girls will return to the parent’s tent when they have finished with their coach.
Head of the Lake
The Head of Schoolgirls
This regatta is one of the biggest regattas on the calendar. With all Ballarat schools working towards being Head of the Lake victors. It is a great regatta to showcase all the hard work and dedication of all involved in the rowing program.
The Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta is a highlight of the rowing regatta for all involved with Loreto Rowing. As the regatta is the biggest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere there is plenty of high quality racing to be enjoyed with a race every three minutes. The Barwon River swells with rowers, supporters and thousands of families and friends taking in the atmosphere and cheering on their daughters, sisters and friends.
Due to the regatta being over two days students will not be bussed down to Geelong and it is requested that parents bring their own daughter to the regatta or crew member’s car pool together. Students need to be at the boat racking area one and a half hours before their first race of the day.
Australian Rowing Championships This year’s Australian Rowing Championships will be held in Penrith, NSW. Only our Open First crew has the opportunity to attend this regatta. More information will be made available towards the end of Term 4 and early Term 1 in regards to entries for this event.
Regatta Venues BALLARAT The location of boats and parents tent may change depending on size of regatta. BARWON Melways Map 228 Ref B7 or 451 K8 The boats are stored near the boat sheds off Barwon Terrace. Parking is available along Barwon Terrace. The parent’s tent will be set up on the north side of the river upstream from the Moorabool St Bridge. There is usually plenty of food for sale at Barwon but spectators should still come prepared for any type of weather. NAGAMBIE Melways Map 510 N3 or 521 H9 The boats are stored adjacent to the Nagambie Lakes. If you take the Shepparton turn off from the Hume Highway you will come into Nagambie. Turn left at the BP petrol station before you get into town. There is no shelter at Nagambie for either competitors or spectators so come prepared.
Communication - Website The Loreto College Ballarat Rowing Club has its own website www.loretogoldrowing.com.au The webpage is a great source of information on the rowing club with training times, tips, regatta information, parent support group information, pictures, and results. The webpage is updated regularly during the season and should be checked frequently by parents and students. We also have a smartphone app that you can download. This app gives live results on race days, photos, event reminders, news, merchandise and more. Please see attached flyer.
Frequently Asked Questions My daughter has one of the best ergo scores, why is she not in a higher crew? The ergo represents power, strength and endurance. These are important considerations in selection; however they must be combined with technique. Making boats go fast requires technique as well as strength. A fast ergo score does not translate directly to boat speed. Why do crews change personnel? Crews can change for a number of reasons. Some are; performances during training on and off the water, failure to attend organised sessions without sufficient or satisfactory notice, performance on ergometers, athletes recovering from injury or illness, individuals improve. Do the girls still go to training if storms or extreme heat are forecast? We ask that the girls always come to training and camp days. Given the changeable nature of the weather in Ballarat forecast conditions do not always eventuate. We are able to undertake alternative activities, such as indoor ergo and circuit training if the conditions are not suitable for rowing. When will crews be finalised? No set time is given to when crews will be finalised however we try and aim for the following guidelines of selection. Squads are selected at the conclusion of Term 3. Crew combinations will be selected at the January rowing camp. Injury and illness cannot be predicted and therefore would require crew changes. Do the girls have to attend rowing camps? All rowing camps are compulsorily. Selection is undertaken at camps, along with intensive fitness and technical work. In certain circumstances girls may be exempt from camp (overseas trip for example) but this is only by consultation with the Rowing Coordinator As a new parent to rowing, knowing nothing about the sport, can I get involved? Absolutely! We need all the help we can get to run events and raise funds to buy boats. Please contact the Parent Support Group President of Rowing Coordinator.