Rowing Ireland, Ulster Talent Development Programme
2014 (revised)
1. Vision and Mission.
2. Staff
3. Eligibility and Selection
4. Training and Competition
5. Clubs
6. Fees
7. Equipment
8. Exit
9. Support
10.Protocols
Appendix.
1 Current programme athletes
2 Minimum Standards
3 Ergometer Performance Targets
1. Vision and Mission
Rowing Ireland wants to be podium competitive at Junior, U23, and Senior level on European,
World, Olympic and Paralympic stages.
Rowing Ireland, through the NI Talent Development Programme, will identify and develop athletes in
Ulster, who can become podium competitive at Junior, U23 and Senior level on an international
stage. RI will also build positive relationships through the Ulster Branch with Ulster clubs and Ulster
coaches to help them create a high performance environment in the region for identified athletes.
2. Staff.
The High Performance Director (HPD) has responsibility for the Talent Development programme.
The HPD will approve all athlete selections and athlete exits from the Programme, and with the TDC
and LC will review the programme annually
The Talent Development Coach (TDC) will lead the programme in Ulster. He will have responsibility
for the, coaching, training programme, performance monitoring, management of support services,
selection testing, and compiling performance reviews.
The Lead Coach (LC) will input into the programme where appropriate, or at request of HPD or TDC.
3. Athlete eligibility, Testing and Selection.
The Talent Development Programme aims to move athletes along a pathway to being competitive
on the international stage, by creating additional opportunity for athletes from the following groups.
1. Non-rowers to source a new and previously untapped group of athletes, by Talent Testing
2. Less experienced rowers, with less than 3 competitive seasons, by Talent Testing those who
meet basic ergometer standards. (see appendix)
3. Current rowers who demonstrate the required level of water performance
4. Current rowers who demonstrate an exceptional level of erg performance (see Appendix)
It is recognised that the Talent Development Programme is only one pathway towards International
success. It is further recognised that not all athletes who may be eligible to be offered a place on the
programme will either wish to, or be able to, make the level of commitment to training and
associated processes. Preference will be given to those who can fully engage in the programme.
Testing and selection opportunities will be held annually at appropriate times and communicated to
clubs and through Rowing Ireland media channels.
Non-rowing talent testing
This will be done with the Schwinn arm-leg bike and the Concept 2 Dyno. The testing protocol and
selection standards are at the discretion of the TDC, LC and HPD.
Less experienced rowers.
Less experienced rowers of age 15+ may apply for testing during an advertised testing window. They
must meet the basic ergometer standards in Appendix 2. (Beginners with no competitive experience
will be treated as non-rowers. They should meet the minimum height requirements.) Testing will be
done with the Schwinn arm-leg bike and the Concept 2 Dyno. The testing protocol and selection
standards are at the discretion of the TDC, LC and HPD.
Current Rowers water performance levels
Current rowers of more than 3 years’ experience, wishing to be selected for the programme must
be able to do 80% (Junior) or 85% (LW & HW Senior) of current GMT in single sculls over 2x1500m @
rate 28. This testing will be run by the TDC in a controlled environment at least bi-annually. The TDC
and LC will use their discretion in the event of difficult weather or compromised testing conditions.
Other exceptional performances at regattas may also be taken into account.
Current Rowers Ergometer Performance
Current rowers of more than 3 years’ experience, who submit an exceptional and verifiable
ergometer score may be invited onto the programme. An exceptional ergometer score would be
approaching the standards shown in appendix 3.
4. Training and Competition.
Training.
All Athletes on the programme are expected to commit fully to the training programme. A high level
of organisation, timekeeping and communication is expected.
All athletes on the programme will adhere to the individual training programme supplied to them by
or agreed by the Talent Coach. The programme will be individual, age and developmentally
appropriate.
Athletes invited onto the programme but because of geographical location, need to train in their
own clubs, are expected to train with the Talent Group in Belfast at least one weekend a month or
more frequently if possible. Their training programme should be agreed between their Club Coach
and the Talent Coach and all scheduled testing, monitoring carried out and communicated to the
Talent Coach promptly.
All athletes are expected to show continuous progress along a HP pathway. Performance reviews will
take place in February and August each year. Failure to demonstrate progress towards agreed goals,
without good reason may result in exit from the programme.
Competition.
Competition programme will be set by or agreed with the Talent Coach. Athletes are expected to
prioritise events on the Rowing Ireland HP pathway over domestic competition.
5. Clubs
Club representation
The talent programme is based at Belfast Boat Club. To be a part of the Talent programme it is not a
requirement to boat from, represent, or be a member of Belfast Boat Club (BBC), unless it is
necessary to access Belfast Boat Club to use program equipment.
It is expected that all athletes on the programme will represent the club where they have the
greatest affiliation, notwithstanding that many rowers are members of more than 1 club and all
rowers have a right to exercise their choice, within the rules of competitive rowing.
6. Fees
Those athletes on the programme, who either have no other club affiliation, or choose to represent
Belfast Boat Club, will pay a programme membership fee representative of Belfast Boat Clubs
membership fee.
Those athletes on the programme who need to access Belfast boat Club for use of equipment or
other training, but are paying full competitive membership of another club will not have to pay a
programme membership fee. Access to BBC will be provided within the agreement between RI and
BBC.
Those athletes on the programme who are not paying a programme membership fee, but are using a
programme boat on a full time training and competition basis will pay a boat rental fee equivalent to
half the programme membership fee.
Fees will be reviewed annually.
7. Equipment.
The Talent programme has sufficient equipment available to support athletes through early
development stage within the sport. The programme has limited equipment to support athletes
further along the HP pathway. Athletes may be required to source through their club, or through
loan, rental, or purchase, equipment appropriate to their requirements .
All equipment loaned to an athlete remains the property of Rowing Ireland and the athlete is
responsible for the safe return of that equipment.
8. Exit
Programme Exit
Athletes will leave the programme if and when:
• They can no longer demonstrate adequate progression following performance reviews
• If they request to leave
• If they are not committed to the training and associated processes
• If they exhibit behaviour that brings the sport of rowing, Rowing Ireland or its partners into
disrepute
If an athlete is exiting the programme, because it has been agreed that the athlete is not on a
pathway to international representation, but the athlete wishes to continue in the sport the TDC
support t their move into club rowing on a suitable programme.
9. Support
Support services
Athletes who show adequate progression may be able to access additional services from the Sports
Institute Northern Ireland, where such services are available and can be shown to add value to the
athletes’ progression.
Such services may include S&C, Physiotherapy, Nutrition, Physiology, Performance analysis,
Psychology, Performance skills, Sports Medicine
Access to such support will be managed by the Talent Development Coach.
Athletes will be given advice and support on how to manage training with academic demands.
Programmes will accommodate all relevant classes/school days and allow time for homework etc. If
an athlete is unable to manage both well with this support then this will lead to exclusion from the
talent development programme. Athletes are expected to complete/attend/perform in studies.
10. Protocols
All athletes will be required to sign the Talent Programme Athlete agreement.
All athletes are required to commit to the Rowing Ireland HP Pathway
Athletes under 18: Parents will copied on all relevant communications and will be expected to have
a high degree of involvement in the development process.
Appendix 1: Current programme athletes/ NI athletes
2014-15
Name
Club
Category
Olivia Blundell
Belfast BC
U23, Hwt, W
Kirstie Turner
Belfast BC
U23, Lwt, W
Aidan Murray
Belfast BC
Jun 18, M
Sam McKeown
QUBBC/ Portadown
BC
U23, Hwt, M
Christopher Beck
QUBBC
Sen, Lwt, M
Roisin Maguire
QUBBC
Sen, Hwt, W
Dylan Mitchell
Bann RC/ Belfast BC
U23, Hwt, M
Reece Turner
Belfast BC
Tim Lyons
RBAI/Belfast BC
Barney Rix
Portora
Philip Doyle
QUBBC
Tiernan Oliver
QUBBC
NI Athletes:
USA Athletes:
Phoebe Mulligan
Bridget Jacques
Revised 2nd March 2016
Club Coach
Appendix 2: Minimum standards:
Minimum standards expected for existing rowers (<3 yrs competitive
experience)to apply for testing on Dyno/Scwinn Bike
2k free rate erg
2k free rate erg
score
Female
score
Lwt
Height Height
Lwt
Height Height
(<76kg) (Hwt)
(Lwt)
(<63kg) (Hwt)
(Lwt)
Age next season Hwt
Age next season Hwt
J16
06:50
?
J16
08:00
?
J18
06:40
186
178 J18
07:50
175
U21
06:30
06:40
186
178 U21
07:40
07:50
175
163
U23
06:15
06:25
186
178 U23
07:30
07:40
175
163
Senior
06:10
06:20
186
178 Senior
07:20
07:30
175
163
Male
Notes: Athletes will be considered at age 15 (J16 next season) or above. In exceptional circumstances a J15
athlete that shows exceptional erg performance may be considered. There is no minimum height indicated for J16
as it is impossible to predict when the adolescent growth spurt has/will occur. Making these targets means that
the athlete qualifies for testing on the Dyno and Schwinn bike tests. Only those who achieve the highest levels of
performance on these tests will be invited to the programme. The number of athletes invited onto the
programme in any testing period will be determined by the number of athletes achieving the highest level of
performance in testing and the number of places available on the programme at that time. Athletes invited onto
the programme must be able to demonstrate the committment to the training and processes involved. Athletes
will be expected to show continuous progression towards age appropriate International targets on the erg and on
the water at each 6 month performance review. An athlete demonstrating and exceptional level of erg
performance, or on water performance, may be invited onto the programme without further testing, at the
discretion of the Performance Director and Talent Development Coach.
Appendix 3: Erg Performance targets.
Male
Level
Age Weight
World Class
23+
Heavyweight 5:55
23+
Lightweight
21
Heavyweight 6:05
21
Lightweight
Elite/U23
Pre Elite/U21 19
19
2k Ergometer
6:10
6:15
Heavyweight 6:10
Lightweight
6:20
Junior 18
18
6:20
Junior 16
16
6:35
Female World Class
Elite/U23
23+
Heavyweight 6:45
23+
Lightweight
21
Heavyweight 6:55
21
Lightweight
Pre Elite/U21 19
19
7:07
7:15
Heavyweight 7:05
Lightweight
7:20
Junior 18
18
7:15
Junior 16
16
7:35