Shaker Rowing Association Handbook - 10-11

BOAT STRUCTURE

Program Structure:

Varsity Program:	1st Varsity - A Boat
	2nd Varsity - B Boat (Junior Varsity)
	3rd Varsity - C Boat (Junior Varsity)
Novice Program:	Less than one (1) year of rowing experience.
	Novice - mix of grades
	Freshmen - 8th & 9th grades only

COMPETITIVE PROGRAM

The A level boats represent our most competitive and 'fastest' boats. The 2nd and 3rd level Varsity boats will focus on training rowers who are interested in competing at the 1st Varsity level. The following applies to all Varsity athletes who have reached this level of rowing ability.

• Must possess the highest level of physical fitness (i.e., proven strength and endurance, ergometer score, etc.) , and possess the talent and dedication required to train and race at this high level of competition;
• Coaches will assess rower's attitude, consistency, racing experience & past performances, seat racing results, as well as a subjective analysis of boat moving ability;
• Attendance at daily practices is required;
• Follows all guidelines as outlined in Varsity Letter Criteria;
• Possess an understanding that maintaining a seat in a Varsity level boat will require ongoing seasonal performance and excellence;
• Rowers at this high level of competition will have the opportunity to participate in indoor rowing competitions usually held in January & February each year (i.e., Crash B's).

NOVICE PROGRAM -(1st year Rowers)

A Novice rower is defined by U.S. Rowing as any rower who has not yet completed one full year of rowing in competitions. Therefore, Spring Novice rowers can still be considered Novices when they row in the Fall of that same year. Usually, your first 2 scholastic seasons of competitive rowing will be as a Novice. 9th Grade Novice rowers may also be considered 'freshmen' rowers, and may be entered into particular race as such based on coaches discretion. Rowers who have not competed are still considered Novice until they compete in a race.

8th GRADE NOVICE PROGRAM - (8th Grade Rowers)

New for the Fall 2001 season, this program will allow for 8th grade Novice rowers to participate in a non-competitive way and begin the training process. One or two local races may be included in the program for experience only. Following U.S. Rowing rules, 8th graders are also allowed to race as a 'freshman' if race warrants that type of boat.

PROGRAM NOTES:

1) Coaches will be making boat selections during the first several weeks of water practices for each season, but is an on-going process throughout each season. On occasion, there may be novice rowers who are selected to participate in the Varsity level program based on their overall athletic ability. This is solely the discretion of the coaches.

2) Various competition races offer differing boat structures in which to compete. Our coaches will take every opportunity to allow for all rowers to participate and maximize the potential of Shaker Crew. This can sometimes be very confusing to parents. Please do not hesitate to ask if you are unsure why something is being done.