Shaker Rowing Association Handbook - 12-13

BOAT SELECTION

One strength of the Shaker Crew is our depth of talent. Each year coaches struggle with the difficult decisions of which athletes to put into which boats. Along with the information outlined in the Boat Structure section, the following also applies to this process.

Coaches are Expected to:

• Maintain a safe environment for practice and competition;
• Provide Spring Season athletes with a written assessment of skills and boat placement after three (3) weeks of practice on the water;
• Make fair assessments of fitness level, motivation, attendance, technical ability, etc. to achieve fastest lineups;
• Should athletes have questions concerning their boat placement, they should arrange to speak with the coach;
• Provide athletes with feedback throughout the rowing season so rowers know their individual strengths and weaknesses;
• Will attempt to provide Spring Schedule of races no later than mid-March for the Spring season;
• Will attempt provide Fall Schedule of races no later than mid-September for the Fall season;
• Coaches will provide lineups mid-week for any scheduled race; alternates will be notified as to their status for the race in a timely fashion.

Rowers are Expected to:

• Maintain safe conditions for themselves and fellow rowers;
• Attend all practices. Unexcused absences are not acceptable; Less than full attendance at all practices will jeopardize your seating and/or may affect your racing eligibility;
• Be supportive of team by accepting coaching decisions; be flexible;
• Treat all teammates, opponents, coaches, officers, and parents with respect;
• Insubordination by a rower to a coach, or disruptive behavior to the team, constitutes a discipline infraction and will be subject to discipline or removal from the program;
• Rowers are expected to begin practices as soon as they arrive at the water by securing oars, launch, etc. without waiting for coaches to give directions;
• Display good sportsmanship at ALL times;
• Help with development of all Shaker rowers no matter what level boat they participate in - foster TEAM spirit;
• Seek feedback - if you are unsure of your placement or progress, ASK.

Parents are Expected to:

• Respect the coaches as the final authorities on boat selection and rowing matters. Be courteous and respectful in discussions with coaches. Remember to treat them as you would want them to treat you. Abusive, harassing or confrontational behavior by a parent to a coach will be reported by the coach and will result in an immediate dismissal of the rower from the program;
• Recognize that one of the coaches goals is to create the fastest possible lineups. While these decisions may be subjective, they are not personal;
• If parents have questions or concerns involving safety or rower performance, they are asked to set arrange a time for discussion with the coach. This must not take place during practice times.
• Support your athlete by helping them understand the importance of eating balanced meals, getting the proper amount of sleep, the need for extra hydration, and is properly dressed for all weather conditions. Prepare the rower with water bottles and extra food for race days;
• Understand that when your rower is at practice or races, they are under the direction of their coach and should not leave until dismissed by coach;
• Make every effort to be timely with drop off/pick up. Coaches will never leave a rower alone, but please be courteous of their time.

Commitment is an integral part of Shaker Crew, and is required to withstand the physical demands of the sport, to raise the large amount of money needed to sustain the team, and to keep Shaker Crew on the forefront of visibility at Shaker High School. Shaker Crew exists not only because the athletes are committed to their sport, but also because the parents are committed to their rowers. All Crew families participate in fundraising, races, and other club activities throughout the year, and in so doing, establish a bond and share unique experiences - an often uncommon occurrence between teens and parents today !

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