ROWING HANDBOOK
2012/2013
CONTENTS
PAGE
•
Regatta Program 2012 – 2013
4
•
Message from the Rowing Master in Charge
5
•
Message from Chairperson of Parent Support Group Committee
6
•
The Rowing Club Structure
7
•
Rowers’ Code of Conduct
10
•
History of Rowing at SAC
11
•
General Information
–
Rowing Season
14
–
Training
15
–
Crew selection
15
–
Equipment
16
–
Rowing Terminology
18
–
Rowing Club Costs
19
–
Regattas
•
•
•
•
Items to bring to regattas
The Regattas
Rowers’ dress
1st 8 Privileges & Traditions
20
21
26
27
2
CONTENTS Cont’d
PAGE
•
Understanding the Regatta Program
28
•
The Sport of Rowing
29
•
Rowing Websites
31
•
Information for the Boys
32
•
Rowing and Academics
35
•
Anti -Doping Policy
37
•
Information for the Parents
38
•
Appendices
–
Appendix I
SAC Rowing Club Parents Support Group Terms of Reference
39
3
REGATTA PROGRAM 2012/2013
•
•
August Camp
Settler’s Dam, Grahamstown
28 Aug -3 Sept 2012
- Open Squad, U16 Squad
•
•
ELBA Heads Regatta
Buffalo River, East London
8 September 2012
- All age groups
•
•
Interhouse Rowing Regatta
Settler’s Dam, Grahamstown
•
•
SA Indoor Rowing Championships
6 October 2012
East London
- All age groups – selected rowers
•
•
ZRC / Grey Regatta
Zwartkops,PE
- All age groups
•
•
Knysna Halfway Regatta
Belverdere, Knysna
20-21 October 2012
- Opens, U16’s, U15’s
•
•
Eastern Cape Championships
Buffalo River, East London
27 October 2012
- All age groups
•
•
•
•
•
Pre Schools Boatrace Camp
Venue TBC
- 1st 8
SA Schools Boatrace
Kowie River, Port Alfred
- 1st 8
•
•
January Camp
Settler’s Dam, Grahamstown
10-15 January 2013( 1st 8 : 9-15 January 2013)
- All age groups
•
•
Eastern Cape Indoor Rowing Championships 19 January 2013
SAC Rowing Centre, Grahamstown - All age groups
•
•
EC Sprints Regatta
Venue TBC- All Age Groups
26 January 2013
•
•
Grey U14 Regatta
Zwartkops River, Port Elizabeth - U14’s
2 February 2013
•
•
River Vaal Regatta
Vaal River, Gauteng
•
•
Selborne Sprint Regatta & Buffalo Regatta
14-16 February 2013
Buffalo River, East London
- All age groups except U14’s
•
•
SA Schools Championships
Roodeplaat Dam, Pretoria
9 September 2012
13 October 2012
29 November to 5 December 2012
7-8 December 2012
(2-3 February 2013)
- 1st 8 (Optional -to be confirmed)
1-3 March 2013
- All age groups
44
MESSAGES
From the Rowing Master in Charge
Gold for South Africa! What an unbelievable performance by the RSA Lightweight Four.
Congratulations to our Old Andrean rower James Thompson who is now an Olympic Champion!
Congratulations too, to coaches Paul Jackson and Roger Barrow, also Old Andreans, for steering the
crew in the right direction. This should be an inspiration for our rowers going forward!
The 2012/2013 season awaits us all! We have so much to look forward to! Club numbers are up, and
continue to rise, as more and more boys are taking to the sport of rowing. And why not? We now
have one of the best rowing centres in the country, some of the best rowing water close to home and
excellent rowing equipment waiting patiently in the boathouse in anticipation for the season ahead.
All we need now is firm commitment and dedication from the boys and we are bound to have a
fantastic year. Last season was a good building block . The boys all did plenty of rowing and
developed well . Perhaps it will now pay dividends.
And to the new rowers, welcome and congratulations for making one of the best decisions you will
make in your years at St Andrew’s College. There is so much to learn, and benefit from the sport.
Rowing is not a game, it is a discipline. Those that commit to the sport are not players, but athletes.
This is what you will no doubt become but it will be hard work and trying at times. Always remember
that the sport is not about you, but rather, the crew!
We hope you enjoy the season and all the thrills and spills that go hand in hand with our phenomenal
sport.
See you at the waters edge!
Donovan Cech
5
James Thompson (far right) and his winning crew
MESSAGES
From the Chairperson of the Parent Support Group Committee
Welcome to the St Andrews College Rowing Club 2012/13 season, and especially to our new parents
and oarsmen. The Club has a proud history spanning over 55 years with an impressive national and
international record. It provides a superb opportunity for our boys to participate in a sport that
encourages physical fitness, teamwork and organised competition at the highest level.
Rowing is a unique sport in several ways. While teamwork plays an important role in many sports, it is
absolutely critical in rowing. A boat’s success, is dependent on all rowers putting in 100% effort, in
perfect coordination. Rowing is as much mental as it is physical and success requires total
concentration.
Our rowers practice and compete off campus. Practice schedules can be severe and time consuming.
With such a rigorous practice schedule and off campus competition programme, our boys learn to
balance both academic and athletic goals. The lessons of time management, concentration, endurance,
dedication and camaraderie are lifelong and invaluable.
Regattas are all day, outdoor enjoyable affairs with many races in several categories. This is not
something where your rower turns up a few minutes before your event and goes home immediately
afterwards. Because of the considerable equipment involved, it takes all rowers to unload and rig the
boats, and then de-rig and load. All rowers should arrive and stay for all races. This is what will build a
unified club, which will become a successful club. Parents should encourage participation in this regard.
This handbook contains information to help rowers and their families understand this exciting sport and
the policies and procedures that govern the day-to-day activities of the rowing at St Andrews College. I
encourage rowers and their families to read and understand this handbook so that they can be
prepared for a successful season and rowing experience.
The primary role of the Parents Support Group remains fund raising for equipment and other needs of
the club, when requested by the Rowing Master in Charge. The Rowing Club is continuously grateful to
all parents for their numerous ways of contributing to the Rowing Club, which makes it thrive. Our club
is well equipped and this is the result of fund raising by past generations of parents, supporters and old
boys adding to funds provided by the school. Without parents, the Club would be short of many
volunteers for all aspects of the Club. There are many areas in which parents can contribute to the Club,
as well as contribute to the success of their child. Your involvement is encouraged whenever
requested.
To the Boys “ The cherries are lining up on the slot machine”, state of the art new boats and equipment,
new Ergo Room, refurbished Clubhouse, full dam, club numbers up, the list goes on, but unfortunately
winning in rowing and being successful, is not as easy as winning on a slot machine, you have to make it
happen. Have pride in how hard you and your team-mates work. Develop intensity - it can be
contagious; Push yourself. Only you can make yourself work harder. The coaches can guide and help
you, but ultimately you control the level of your intensity; Make every stroke a quality one, regardless
of whether it is during a time trial or rowing in to the jetty, but most of all make sure you enjoy what
you are doing, and when you win it becomes even more enjoyable.
Once again, the Rowing Club is very appreciative of all that a parent can do to contribute to the success
of rowers and the Rowing Club. All the best for a fun, exciting and rewarding season ahead.
John Bennett
66
CLUB STRUCTURE
•
•
All parents, rowing staff and rowers are members of the rowing club : the parents provide support
in terms of fundraising, help at regattas etc.
See SAC Rowing Club Parents’ Support Group Terms of Reference : Appendix I
SAC Rowing Staff :
•
Rowing MIC
•
Rowing Staff
•
Director of Sport
:
:
:
Donovan Cech
083 561 7841
Harold Hobson
Simon Kroon
Mickey Paterson
071 876 3910
082 449 7043
083 412 8122
Pete Andrew
083 301 1098
Coaches :
•
1st VIII coach :
Donovan Cech
083 561 7841
•
2nd VIII coach
Harold Hobson
071 876 3910
•
U16 coaches :
Graham Allin
083 555 6295
•
U15 coach
Courtney De Barros
082 879 4492
•
U14 coach
Julia Lindop
084 299 5935
7
CLUB STRUCTURE
School Office Bearers
•
Captain :
Michael Bennett
079 695 7912
•
Vice captain :
Chris Brown
082 520 1201
•
•
•
Boatman :
Fraser Muskett
082 303 3368
Secretary :
Matthew Kroon
072 365 5876
Election of the School Office Holders
•
•
•
Elections for the new Office Bearers are done within 30 days after SA Champs.
All boys who have rowed for at least one full season are entitled to vote once per office title.
No boy may hold more than one title in any given season cycle.
Captain and Vice- Captain Job Description
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The Captain and Vice- Captain should do their best to ensure the following:
That all rowers uphold the Rowers Code of Conduct.
That transgressors of this Code are reported to the Rowing MIC or a SAC Rowing Staff Member.
That all rowers understand and respect that the Coaches requests and instructions overrule any
crew instructions or intentions.
That along with the Boatman, they should be the first to arrive and last to leave regattas,
ensuring that the rowers have completed all their necessary tasks.
That they consider any request from a rower for permission to leave a regatta with balance,
considering the rowers obligations to both the club and their personal commitments.
That they attend all prize givings after regattas.
That all boys receiving awards are present at regatta prize givings.
Assist any rower in understanding any duty or commitment that the rower may be unsure
about.
Follow up on any rower who is absent from any duty, be it training, boat loading, and report the
reason for absence to the Director of Rowing.
8
CLUB STRUCTURE
SAC Rowing Club Parent Support Group Committee 2012/2013:
•
•
Chairperson :
Vice Chairperson :
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Committee Members :
John Bennett
Oscar Brown
Dale Cunningham
Mark Moses
Nigel Brunette
Sally Price-Smith
Ian Hunter
Lindsay Hunting
(Open, Gauteng
)
(Open, Eastern Cape)
082 461 5017
082 780 5404
(U15, Eastern Cape)
(Open, Gauteng)
(U16, Eastern Cape)
(U16, Eastern Cape)
(u15, Western Cape)
(U16, Western Cape)
083 655 5597
083 454 6888
046 684 8901
072 505 1621
083 261 3122
021 865 2123
9
ROWERS’ CODE OF CONDUCT
As a member of the St Andrew’s College Rowing Club I shall, at all times, endeavour to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Uphold the name of St Andrew’s College.
Commit to my crew for a full season ie October to March so as to not let my team down half way through a
season.
Set the benchmark for sportsmanship, both on and off the water.
Follow instructions given by coaches, captains and rowers my senior, to the best of my ability.
Show consideration and respect to opponents, team mates, umpires and spectators.
Show consideration and respect to fellow club members especially those my senior.
Remember that I am rowing as part of a team and put the interests of my fellow rowers and my school
before self-glorification.
Be loyal to the team and not let my team mates down by being absent from practices and regattas without a
legitimate excuse.
Be punctual for practices and regattas.
Ensure that I do not litter at any rowing venue, particularly Settlers Dam, which is a Nature Reserve.
Not leave a regatta venue without having permission from the Captain or Vice Captain to do so, whether
during or after a regatta. If they are not available I will ask my coach or the Rowing MIC for permission to
leave.
Excuse myself in person, from my coach or the Rowing MIC, as soon / early as possible, when I am ill or
injured. Asking crew mates to pass in information for you is not acceptable.
Dress correctly for regattas or for travel thereto. ( see ROWERS’ DRESS)
Thank all officials, coaches, teachers and parents after regattas, coaching sessions and tours.
Treat all rowing equipment in my use with the utmost care and respect.
Clean and pack away ( in the correct place) any equipment my crew or I may have used.
Report any damage to my coach or the Rowing MIC, that my crew or I may do to any equipment or object
whilst on the water, or in taking the equipment to or from the water, whether it belongs to SAC Rowing Club
or not.
Not be in the possession of any rowing equipment outside of the rowing venues eg. in my boarding house
cubicle, unless given permission by my coach or The Rowing MIC.
Consider the safety of my crew, other crews or other people when on the water or anywhere within a regatta
venue.
Not allow any non SAC Rowing club member access into the Ergo Centre without first obtaining permission
from a Rowing Staff member.
Use the Ergo Centre and other Rowing Club facilities with respect and pride and contribute towards
maintaining these facilities in the best condition possible.
SIGNED:
DATE:
10
HISTORY OF SAC ROWING
Extracts from : M. 2008. The Boy in You: a biography of St Andrew’s College, 1855-2005.
Simon’s Town: Fernwood Press. Pg. 407-410
Fifty years after the establishment of the St Andrew’s Rowing Club the school has a reputation as one of
the finest rowing schools in the country. But there have been some moments of keen alarm and despair:
moments when the existence of the club has hung in the balance and Council has held a sword over it. In
both 1966 and 1977 Council felt it had no option but to declare the club “closed”.
The miracle of its rescue and subsequent rise to fame was encapsulated in the moment when the College
crew took to the water at the Henley Royal Regatta in England in 2004.
“In the past no South African schools’ crew has finished higher than the top sixteen at Henley, so finishing
in the top four was a sterling achievement for the St Andrew’s crew.”
It was not only a moment of triumph for John Gearing, the Springbok rower and gifted coach of the St
Andrew’s squad, it was a moment to salute the perseverance and bulldog-tenacity of Axel Ohlsson, who,
despite the appalling odds in the early days, had ensured that rowing at St Andrew’s would not die.
Tribute must also be paid to Martin Kennard, whose dedicated and skilled contribution elevated the
standard of rowing to new levels, from which the success at Henley was made possible.
The first competition in which a College rowing team participated was the Annual Buffalo Regatta in
1959. Through the generosity of the Buffalo Rowing Club the College IV was lent a boat and blades for
the occasion. “They were not very successful,” commented the apologetic headmaster.
Nothing daunted, a second IV took to the water in 1959 and, within a year, the rowers had taken part in
four regattas and won the School Coxed IVs in Bloemfontein. The first equipment was “White Rigger”, an
old boat borrowed from Rhodes until St Andrew’s was able to buy its own “Chumph”, in 1959.
Training camps at the Kowie became an annual pattern and, in 1964, 18 boys attended a four-day
training session. Subsequently, the First VIII came first in the Border Junior VIIIs – a great fillip to their
confidence. During their university vacations two former College rowing captains, David Wylde (1962)
and Hugh Duncan Brown (1962), gave great assistance to captain Hugh Crail (1965) in preparing the team
for competition, especially for the Buffalo Regatta – an event at which parents with homes at the Kowie
or Kariega or in East London, provide hungry rowers with lunches, dinners and offers of
warm beds.
Today, it is evident that a successful rowing coach has time for very little else but training his crews,
servicing his boats and organizing events. Hours, days and weeks are spent away from the school and it is
a particularly taxing sport for a housemaster. In 1973 Axel handed over the Rowing Club to Chris
“Megaphone” Morton (1964), a memorable senior student officer and an inspirational coach, and
College crews took part in the Wemmer Pan Sprint Regatta and the Junior Tridents Provincial Eights at
the South African Games. “Nevertheless, Axel continued to take a very active interest. The club had
begun with a single crew of five and, by the time he retired, it had grown to 35, with a shadow
membership of many more and a brand new boat from Australia.
11
HISTORY OF SAC ROWING
In 1966 the rowing club had been rescued by a few determined Johannesburg parents. In 1977 the Council
again voted for the closure of the club. This would have been tragic in view of the enormous successes
during Morton’s era, including the gathering of six major trophies in1975, in the year Stuart Rennie, the St
Andrew’s cox, was voted the best at the South African Rowing Championships and College became the first
junior crew in South Africa to break the 5-minute barrier for the 1 500 metres with a time of 4 minutes 53.3
seconds. But with expenses mounting it seemed there was no choice, despite the success of both the First
VIII and the U15 squad, both of which made it into the finals of the South African Rowing Championships in
1976.”
When Council concluded in 1977 that the club would have to be closed, it did not count on the passion of
Old Andreans Rodney Still and Peter Searle, nor did it anticipate their generosity and commitment to
keeping the boat afloat. Two minibuses were provided to help transport the boats, funds were forthcoming,
and John Penberthy, that splendid swimmer, Springbok diver and all-round sportsman, took over the
coaching for a short while. In his year as coach, five of the school rowers were selected for Border schools
and the U15 VIII were unbeaten and won the national championships in Pretoria in 1978.
On the departure of John Penberthy in 1979, Axel Ohlsson once again took over as master-in-charge of
rowing. Although his interest and commitment did not flag and he remained the guiding spirit, his enforced
absences from Grahamstown on liaison work interfered with the cohesion of the club. His sudden death in
1986 left the Rowing Club rudderless. Dusty Kenyon kept it functioning during the Trinity Term of 1986 until
Martin Kennard, who had successfully stroked for Oxford (1966-1968) and for Britain (1967), arrived at
College and took the sport into realms of achievement which have been in the ascendant ever since.
Kennard’s arrival gave a depth to rowing coaching which established St Andrew’s as a major force in the
sport in South Africa. Within a year he had introduced inter-house sculling and, by 1989, there was a third
Rowing VIII for the first time in the history of the club.
The club went from strength to strength. Mark Bilbe and Barry Worthington were the champion rowing pair
in South Africa in 1992 and the first College boys since the inception of the competition to win this title. In
the same year Bilbe and Halvar Mathiesen represented South Africa as members of the Junior squad which
competed in Norway.
At the end of 1992 Kennard’s son, James went from College for a sixth-form year at Radley in England. He
captained the Radley first VIII and was selected as a member of the British VIII to compete in Switzerland.
The crew won two golds. It was the start of a wonderful career in the sport for James Kennard and it was a
devastating blow both for his family and for St Andrew’s when he was killed on his way to a regatta in 1997.
Martin Kennard’s last year at College, 1994, was a vintage season for rowing. Grant Lapping and Richard
Steel-Gray, son of Bruce (1966), a future chairman of Council, were selected to row as juniors for South
Africa in Belgium and Norway and were rated among the top 18 pairs in the West. That year the Senior VIII
won the Selborne Regatta for the first time since its inception in 1962.
In the years between Kennard’s departure and John Gearing’s arrival Brendan Doolan and Mike Fennell
took charge of rowing, with the help of various coaches. In 1995 St Andrew’s First VIII, which had had a
successful tour to Poland, won the South African Championships for the first time in 20 years and was
invited to Henley. The oarsmen were all awarded Honours for their achievement.
In 1998 the First IV won at the South African championships but the First VIII came third, thus ending a
three-year domination of the sport at school level.
Just as gentle Chris Rheeder had inspired a generation of rugby players in the 1920s, modest, self-effacing
John Gearing has had a profound influence at St Andrew’s during the years that he coached rowing. As with
Rheeder, his men would follow wherever he led. Never a raised voice, never a domineering word. His
integrity was inspirational and his skill had earned him his Springbok colours as an oarsman. It is no wonder
that Radley, that distinguished English public school with a strong rowing tradition, should have offered him
the post of senior coach in 2007, but it was a huge loss for College.
Rowing became the prince of sports at College.
12
HISTORY OF SAC ROWING
In 2001 St Andrew’s First VIII won the inaugural South African Schools Boat Race. In the next year five
boys competed in the Junior World Championships in Lithuania, while the First IV gathered the laurels at
the South African Junior Championships. In 2003 the senior crew went to the world championships in
Greece, where they won bronze. When the oarsmen were all presented with their Honours awards at
school, the whole of College spontaneously stood in homage.
Six of the rowers were selected in 2004 to row for South Africa at the World Rowing Championships in
Spain. They came fourth. Back home, they won the South African Schools Boat Race for the third time
and the IV came first in the South African Championships. In the Jubilee year the VIII was triumphant in
the South African Schools Boat Race and retained their South African Junior title. At Henley they
competed against Abingdon and lost – but not without honour.
The bunting and the tradition, the elegant state-of-the art boats, the pedigree of the clubs, the oarsmen
and the sleek skimming craft: this was a far cry form old “Chumph” wading up the river at Kariega with
Axel roaring from the bank and Eric Tasmer cooking up eggs and bacon in Geoff Palmer’s cottage for the
ravenous crews when they came back from a hot, salty, sunburned row up the river. How Axel would
have rejoiced, remembering his own days in “boats” at Cambridge.
Axel Ohlsson with his 1974 crew
1111
THE ROWING SEASON
•
Rowing, a major summer sport at SAC, takes place during the third term and the first half of the
first term.
•
The first Regatta will be the Buffalo Heads Regatta in East London, which will be followed by the
Knysna Regatta and Eastern Cape Championships which will end off the calendar year for most
club members, except for the 1st Eight who train on for the SA Schools Boat Race.
•
The SA Schools’ Boat Race (a 6km heads race) is held on the Kowie River in Port Alfred , normally
over the second weekend of the December holidays. This is a national event for 1st VIII crews.
•
The second half of the season starts with Rowing Camp for the whole club at Settler’s Dam,
normally held in the last week of the Christmas holidays (early to mid January. This year the EC
Sprints Regatta is first up, followed by the Selborne Sprints and Buffalo Regatta in East London in
February and finally the SA Champs in Gauteng, in early March.
•
The SAC 1st VIII may participate in River Vaal Regatta (RVR) in Gauteng prior to the Buffalo Regatta
•
SAC rowers may attend the SA Senior Champs as well, normally end April , after which they may
continue to SA Junior National Selection trials and if good enough may be chosen to represent SA at
the Junior World Championships
14
TRAINING
•
Training takes place either:
1.
2.
3.
On the school premises (SAC Rowing Centre )
At Settler’s Dam in the Thomas Baines Nature Reserve, and
At Port Alfred on the Kowie River.
•
U14 and U15 boys are taught to scull (2 blades per rower) and may row singles, doubles, quads and
octuples.
•
U16 and open boys may continue to scull ,but in addition they are taught to row with one blade
(sweep oar rowing), stroke side (right) or bow (left).
•
Training times are set by the age group coach, in collaboration with the Director, a week in advance
and boys may not miss training except for medical reasons. The coach must be informed as far in
advance of the training session as possible, in order for him /her to be able to organize a substitute
rower for the boat.
CREW SELECTION
Crews will be selected to compete in regattas by the Age Group Coaches in collaboration with the
MIC of Rowing.
There are a number of factors taken into account in selecting a crew:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Ergo Trial Times – show raw strength, endurance, determination and power to weight ratio.
Rowing Technical Ability
Seat Boat Racing Ability – boys may race a series of races in different combinations.
Personality – team harmony is important, but all boys should be encouraged to work
together towards common goals.
Commitment and Training Ethos
15
EQUIPMENT
ST ANDREWS COLLEGE ROWING CLUB
INVENTORY
LISTING
Jun-12
ITEM
BOAT BOAT NAME
BOAT MAKE MODEL COMMENTS
1
8+
PERSEUS
FILIPPI
2
8+
MORRIGAN
FILIPPI
2ND 8 BOAT (U16A RACING BOAT IF NO EVENT CLASH)
3
8+
PARKIN
JOHN WAUGH
U16 BOAT
4
8+
PEGASUS
JOHN WAUGH 1 PIECE ANY CREW
5
8X
ISIS
JOHN WAUGH
6
4+ / 4X OPTIMUS
FILIPPI
7
4+
ATHENA
JOHN WAUGH
1ST / 2ND / U16A 4+
8
4+
TRAKAI
JOHN WAUGH
2ND / 3RD / U16A / U16B 4+
9
4+/4X POSEIDON
JOHN WAUGH
U15 A / U15B 4X
10
4X
JOHN WAUGH
U15B / U14A 4X
11
4X / 4+ AFRICUS
JOHN WAUGH
U14 A/U14B 4X
12
2- / 2X ARO
FILLIPPI
2ND / 3RD / U16A /U15A 2- (X)
13
2-
SPIRIT OF DAVE TRIP FILLIPPI
1ST 2- / (U16A 2- at BUFF and SA Champs Race only)
14
2-/2X
GOWRIE
JOHN WAUGH
U16 A /U16B /U15A / U15B / U14A / U14B 2- (X)
15
2-/2X
VASCO
JOHN WAUGH
U16 A /U16B /U15A / U15B / U14A / U14B 2- (X)
16
2-/2X
MAVERICK
JOHN WAUGH
U14 - TRAINING BOAT
17
1X
SMILEY
JOHN WAUGH
18
1X
YELLOW
JOHN WAUGH
19
1X
SPIRIT OF MACKAY
JOHN WAUGH
20
1X
PRAYING MENTIS
JOHN WAUGH
1ST/ 2ND/ U16A/ U15A (U14A at SA Champs only)
1ST / 2ND/ 3RD / 4TH/ U16 A /U16B /U15A / U15B / U14A /
U14B
1ST / 2ND/ 3RD / 4TH/ U16 A /U16B /U15A / U15B / U14A /
U14B
1ST / 2ND/ 3RD / 4TH/ U16 A /U16B /U15A / U15B / U14A /
U14B
QUO VADIS
F09
1ST 8 BOAT
U14 / U15
F34
RACING BOAT ONLY (EXCEPT 1ST 4+ TRAINING)
16
EQUIPMENT USE
BOAT USE
•
Crews are assigned boats as per the equipment listing on page 15
•
Deviation from this listing must be approved by the SAC Rowing MIC prior to use and approval is
made at the MIC’s sole discretion, bearing the following in mind:
1.
The approved use does not negatively influence the performance of any other crew that
qualifies to row in that particular boat as per the listing.
The new crew rowing the boat has the necessary technical ability to perform in it.
The new crew rowing the boat has the necessary skills so as to not damage the boat whilst
getting on and off, as well as whilst on the water itself.
2.
3.
•
Boys are responsible for the equipment they use. Damage must be reported to the MIC / coach
immediately, so that repairs can be arranged.
•
Boys have to keep their boats clean ; it is the crew’s responsibility to make sure that boats are
washed and packed, securely tied on trailers or racks when stored outdoors. The coach will check
that this has been done adequately.
•
At regattas it is the school office bearer’s responsibility (Capt, V-Capt & Boatman), supported by
the 1st VIII, to make sure that the crews have packed, loaded their equipment and that all are
secured on trailers etc.
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Crews pack their own boats : each crew reports for boat loading and unloading before and after all
regattas and camps in accordance with the boat loading schedules.
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The most important loading event of all is the unloading and cleaning of boats after the SA
Championships. ALL rowers and coxes must be prepared to spend a full afternoon in the week after
the SA Champs to fulfil this task. It would usually be the Wednesday afternoon or Sunday afternoon
following the regatta. Boys must notify the MIC, in person, by Tuesday 2pm latest, in that week, if
they cannot attend the unloading.
17
ROWING TERMINOLOGY
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Blade / spoon – the part of an oar which propels the boat.
Bow
– Front of the boat with a bowball on its tip for safety.
Bowman
– The rower in the bow of the boat. When the boat is coxless (ie. no coxwain) the
bowman issues the commands and steers the boat.
Bowside
– Right side looking from stern to bow (green colour on oars)
Catch
– The beginning of the stroke where the blade is inserted into the water
Coxwain
– The person who steers the boat. He either sits in the stern in an eight or lies in the bow
in a four.
Double
– A sculling boat with 2 rowers.
Drive
– the phase of the rowing stroke which propels the boat.
Eight
– A sweep oar boat with 8 rowers.
Feathering
– When the blade is turned horizontally during the recovery.
Finish
– When the oar is taken out of the water.
Footboard
– The device you strap your feet into.
Four
– A Sweep oar boat with 4 rowers.
Gunwale / Gunnel – The top edge of the side of a boat.
Gate
– The device that holds the oar and allows it to pivot around the rigger pin.
Pair
– A sweep oar boat for 2 rowers.
Pin
– The steel bar attached to a rigger which holds the gate in place.
Port / Stroke Side – Left side looking from stern to bow ( red colour on oars)
Quad
– A sculling boat for 4 rowers.
Recovery
– The slide forward from the finish to the catch of a stroke.
Rigger
– An aluminium / carbon extension attached to the boat which holds the pin and gate.
Sculling boat – A boat which has rowers with 2 oars each.
Shell
– The boat body.
Single
– A sculling boat for 1 person
Slide
– The seat that the rower sits on in the boat.
Squaring “up” – When the blade is turned from feathered (horizontal) to vertical.
Stern
– The rear of the boat.
Stroke
– The rower who is at the back of the boat ( but in front of the rest of the crew.) He sets
the crews pace.
Sweep
- A boat in which each rower has one oar.
18
ROWING CLUB COSTS
The following expenses are covered by school fees:
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Coaches wages and salaries
Equipment
Transport of boys and equipment to local training venues and regattas.
Motor boat petrol
Repairs and Maintenance of equipment.
ROWSA Club Affiliation
General Expenses
The following expenses are covered by parents:
These will typically get charged to your school account.
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Rowing kit (R 150/ tri-suit)
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Accommodation and flights (where applicable) for rowers and coaches at all regattas.
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Regatta fees
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ROWSA Rower membership (R120) and Settler’s Dam Boat Club Membership (R60).
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Camp meals /food (there may be meals debited to your account in term, to offset such expenses.)
One should estimate these expenses to total between R 7 000 and R 10 000 per annum all in, depending
on which crew / age group you son is in.
Revenue generated out of SAC Rowing Club activities
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One of the most important functions of the Parents Support Group is to raise funds for the rowing
club : the current annual target is R 200 000.
Funds are raised in many ways, e.g. golf days/ dinners / auctions / shows / sales of goods /
donations / requested voluntary annual fees – currently R1000 per rower.
All revenue realized from fund raising activities is to be paid into the SACRC account for the benefit
of the club and its activities. The committee shall have the discretion to do the following:
1.
Offer financial support to any SACRC rower representing a provincial or national team. If
the financial assistance is not used by the rower for the intended purpose, it must be
refunded to SACRC by the parent receiving the financial assistance.
2.
Use the revenue received for the running of the SACRC activities and / or for equipment
purchases.
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No-one may benefit financially from the SACRC activities without the approval of the
committee. Any expenses incurred in raising the revenue must be paid by SACRC.
18
REGATTAS
Items to bring to Regattas (Parents)
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Binoculars
Camera
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Deck chair
Gazebo or beach umbrella. We have a few gazebos, some exclusively for the boys at regattas and 2
for parents at SA Champs. These 2 are stored by Greg and Judy Hunter who erect them on the
SACRC allocated “:spot” for SA Champs. They are usually supplemented with other gazebos to
provide maximum shade as it can be very hot
Hat
Wet weather gear when rain looms.
Supporters’ shirts, hats will be available for sale at regattas from Sally Price- Smith.
Regatta Draw and Program
We will endeavour to forward all parents the regatta program. However the Draw may change on
the last day or overnight before the regatta starts, so it is always good to download it from
www.regatta.co.za as late as possible to ensure there have been no changes to starting times.
Cooler boxes with refreshments of your choice are allowed at all regattas except the Selborne and
Buffalo Regattas.(a cash bar, tuck shop and take away meals are available)
20
REGATTAS
Regattas normally on the Buffalo River in East London :
1.
Buffalo Heads Regatta – (Mayors Plate)
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Hosted by Selborne and Clarendon, this is a one day regatta that normally falls on the last Saturday of
October, but will, this year, be our first.
The entire club departs and returns on the same day.
Crews race a number of long distance heads races with the Mayors Plate being the premier event in
Fours.
2.
Eastern Cape Championships
3.
Buffalo and Selborne Sprints Regatta
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The Buffalo Regatta began in 1881 and has been held every year since then except for some interruptions
during the war years. Two large silver trophies, valued at R1m and R1.5m respectively, are competed for :
the Silver Sculls (Men’s sculls) and the Grand Challenge (Men’s coxless fours). The Grand Challenge
Trophy stands 1.2 m tall.
Selborne Sprints are raced over 500m, the Buffalo regatta over the normal 2000m. The course is run
downstream and is affected by tides, currents and wind.
Parents’ Function :
There is normally a parents' dinner on the Friday evening of the Buffalo Regatta : this is just a social event
and a good time to meet new parents and catch up on SACRC activities. In the past this function has been
held at the Blue Lagoon Hotel or the Old Selbornians Club : details will be emailed to parents from the
chairman closer to the time.
21
REGATTAS
ZRC / Grey Regatta
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Directions
From Port Elizabeth
Follow the signs to Grahamstown until you get the offramp to Swartkops. Turn left at the first stop
on the bridge and *** right at the first traffic light. Take a left turn at the very next traffic light
into the road to Perseverence. You will pass a Salt Works on your left. You will come to a right turn
to Redhouse. Drive into Redhouse, the road will turn to the right and then left over the railway
track. Go left and follow the road keeping right until the road turns right onto the river front.
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From Grahamstown
Take the Swartkops offramp. This is the first turnoff once you have crossed the Swartkops River.
Turn right at the Stop and then follow instructions ***
Knysna Regatta
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This has now become a two day regatta, normally either the second last or last weekend of
October. It is held on the western side of the lagoon in Belvedere Village.
Normally only the 1st Eight and Under 16 Eight participate. The crews race sprints over 1 000
meters on the Saturday and the 1st Eight races a heads race early on the Sunday morning. The team
departs on the Friday morning and returns on the Sunday evening.
From George (N2)
Turn left at the Belvedere sign, (last turn off before the bridge over the Knysna river. ***Turn right
immediately under the bridge. Turn left into Belvedere and follow sign to Belvedere Manor. The
venue is below the Hotel on the lawns in front of the lagoon.
From Port Elizabeth
Drive through Knysna, along the lagoon. Drive over the Knysna River bridge and turn right
immediately. Follow instructions above ***
Parents usually have a get together on the Saturday night prior to the Sunday Heads Race.
22
REGATTAS
SA Schools Boatrace
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Hosted by SAC, this event is held in Port Alfred on the Kowie River on the Friday and Saturday of
the second weekend in December. This is an event for 1st Eights only (1st Quads for girls).
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Modeled on the Oxford / Cambridge boat race, crews race a heads race over 6km (4km for Girls).
Crews then race finals on the Sunday in a one on one format based on times attained, from the day
before. (1st vs 2nd in the “A” Final, 3rd vs 4th in the “B” Final)
January Rowing Camp
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This camp is normally held on Settlers Dam the week prior to the start of school in January and
involves the entire club as well as new boys who would like to attend, regardless of whether they
are going to do rowing as a summer sport or not. The 2013 camp will take place at St Andrew’s
College to take advantage of our on campus training facilities as well as the beautiful water which
we currently have at Settler’s Dam. It is normally six days in duration and boys are either collected
from the airport, or they can be dropped off in Grahamstown.
On the Saturday night there is usually a function for parents and the boys.
This camp is a great opportunity for new boys to make friends with their peers and meet some of
the older boys at the school. They learn a new skill which they can use as their “New skill learned”
in the Bronze Section of the President’s Award Program which many boys will get involved in once
school starts. Most of all they can make an informed decision about which summer sport to choose,
something that can become a life changing experience.
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REGATTAS
SA Junior Championships
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This regatta normally coincides with half term which means that the boys don’t have to be away for
an extra long weekend and so don’t miss even more school. The boys normally fly up on the
Wednesday and back to Grahamstown on Monday.
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The 1st VIII has a different program. This crew trains at altitude – either in Gauteng or at Hogsback –
for the week prior to SA Champs. They may fly separately and they may also stay in different
accommodation from the rest of the club . This varies from year to year.
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The regatta usually takes place at Roodeplaat Dam, North East of Pretoria . The event starts on
Friday with the heats and finals of all sculls and pairs. Saturday and Sunday usually have a mix of
boat classes culminating in the 1st Eights final which is the last event of the championships
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All boys stay together in their crews at the accommodation under the supervision of their coaches
and supporting teachers and they usually eat breakfast and supper there.
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Entrance tickets for SA Champs will be on sale at the Buffalo Regatta – from the chairman ;
otherwise they may be bought at the dam – there is usually a small discount for pre-purchased
tickets. There are a lot of B&B’s and self catering accommodation units available in the area. A list
of all the options , with contact details is available at www.dinokeng.net
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Accommodation in the Northern suburbs of Pretoria has also proven to be suitable for quick access
to the N1. These areas include Lynwood, Lynwood Glen, Lynwood Ridge, Silverton, Murrayfield,
Arcadia and Hatfield.
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Each school is allocated a ‘spot’ at the regatta and Judy and Greg Hunter erect the SACRC gazebos
on the SAC spot, so look out for it and join the party ! It’s a festive occasion : there is food and drink
on sale but you may wish to bring your own cooler box.
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Sleepouts are not allowed during regattas, i.e. if the regatta is held over a few days, boys must
sleep with the rest of the crew until the completion of the regatta. Boys may go out for meals with
their parents only if they have permission from their coach.
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REGATTAS
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Parents may take their boys on Sunday evening after the prize giving and after all the boats have
been loaded and are ready for departure. If it is half term the boys may decide not to travel back
with the rest of the rowing club and may arrange their return flights themselves : this must be
agreed with and communicated to the Rowing MIC and the boy’s coach.
25
ROWERS’ DRESS
Training Dress
January Camp
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January Camp is the only time that boys may wear civvies, primarily because many new boys do not
have school rowing kit yet, and some may not continue rowing either.
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Training must, however be done in clothing that is both appropriate for sporting activity and
acceptable considering that the boys are in the public eye.
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Boys should ensure they have a haircut BEFORE they arrive on camp, as the club will not tolerate
hairstyles that are not neat or suitable. Once again this is because we will be training in the public
eye.
Normal Afternoon Training
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Boys should wear SACRC tri-suits only with a white SAC t-shirt whilst training.
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Boys must also commute to training in their school tracksuits, unless it is hot and they have
permission from the Director of Rowing or Supporting Teacher or coach, in which case they may
wear their white SAC t shirts, SAC Rowing Club golf shirt and SAC shorts.
Regatta Dress
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When boys travel to regattas, they must wear the same dress : either all tracksuits or all in chinos
etc : this will be communicated by the Director of Rowing.
At regattas boys must wear appropriate sports uniform. Civvies may be worn only when away from
the regatta and when not travelling as a team / school.
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Tri-Suits:
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The first team has a different tri-suit from the rest of the club.
The 2nd VIII wears the same tri suit as the rest of the club with a big college badge on the chest.
The rest of the club rows in the official SACRC tri-suit.
26
ROWERS DRESS
1st Eight privileges :
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Training- A 1st Eight rower may wear any tri-suit, but it must be both respectable and in a
respectable condition. They may also wear any training shirt, as long as it is either plain blue, white,
black or red.
The 1st Eight requires more clothing than any other team, both for training (they train more than
any other crew) and wearing before and during regattas.
SAC 1st Team tracksuit – (same as other sports’1st team tracksuit)
White shorts with light blue and navy stripes down the one side, the rowing badge on the other
side, and the sponsor on the left back.
Light blue vest [Mullins house colour] with rowing badge on the chest screen printed in
navy.[training]
Old school shirt: grandpa vest : White t-shirt with buttons down front done in light blue and navy,
also the same light blue and navy trimmings around neck and arms and rowing club badge on left
breast.
Old Khaki t-shirts (plain white short-sleeved t-shirt from Cape Union Mart) with rowing club badge
(SAC badge with crossed oars) and “ST ANDREW”S COLLEGE” across the top of the badge and “1st
VIII” underneath the badge.
Short sleeve white utility shirt – tight fitting.
Long sleeve white utility shirt – tight fitting
Sleeveless wind breaker / sports jacket.
Tog bag same as rugby team
Cap
The 1st Eight kit may be sponsored ; the sponsor’s logo will then be embroidered on the back of the
neck and on the tog bag.
Traditions
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At SA Champs and Boat race the 1st VIII is piped onto the water, and off if they win (sometimes
even if they just do jolly well) ; the piper plays “Highland Cathedral”.
Also at SA Champs the 1st VIII, IV and / or pair receive any awards they might have won dressed in
kilts, shirts, school tie and blazers, long socks and black shoes. It is up to the boys, coach and
parents of the 1st VIII to make sure that the boys have kilts and that a piper is available. (See
Appendix III for Piper Contacts).
The boys in the 1st VIII traditionally shave their heads for SA Champs.
If a 1st team (VIII, IV, pair) wins a race they may carry their oars from the winner’s jetty held
vertically.
27
UNDERSTANDING A REGATTA PROGRAM
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A - The number of the Event
B - JM or MJnr or B for boys
B - JW or W Jnr or G for girls
B - This is followed by the age group:
B - Either U14, U15, U16 or 1st(OP or U19) age groups.
B - A, B, C or D is the category division. For the Open / U19 age group the divisions
would be listed as 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc.
B - Boat Class
B - 1, 2, 4 or 8 indicates the number of rowers / boat size participating in the
event.
B - X - is for Sculling Events (2 oars per boy)
B - Mainly done in the U14 and U15 age groups.
B - 1x is a single scull
One boy with 2 oars
B - 2x is a double scull Two boys with 2 oars
B - 4x is a quad
Four boys with 2 oars
B - 8x is an octuple
Eight boys with 2 oars
B - + or - is for Sweep Oar Events (1 oar per boy)
B - Only U16 and Open age groups
B - 2- is a Pair
Two boys with 1 oar each
B - 4+ is a Four
Four boys with 1 oar each
B - 8+ is an Eight
Eight boys with 1 oar each
B - The “+”or “-” describes the presence or absence of a coxswain in the boat.
B - 4+ is a Coxed Four, 4- is a Coxless four
C - Describes the event as either H = heat, S = semi-final or F = final
D - Race Starting Time
E - The Race distances of 500m, 1 000m or 2 000m
28
F - The school / club with the name of the stroke underneath.
THE SPORT OF ROWING
Rowing is not just a sport, its a discipline. Just like flyfishermen spend their whole lives perfecting the
cast, so the rower continually strives for that perfect stroke, the stroke which leaves the boat
perfectly balanced, with a maximum possible speed for his effort.
But then there’s another dynamic in that the rower is often not alone. There is a crew of rowers, all
working together, synergising their efforts to make the boat go faster.
A crew of individuals who may be very different in terms of personality, motivation, emotion, skill
and experience and yet they have a common goal that they all must achieve through commitment,
perseverance and most importantly mutual tolerance and respect for each other.
Some say that “a crew is only as good as it’s weakest rower” and so the stronger rowers must focus
on improving their team mates abilities, as this may prove more important than just focusing on their
own. Encouraging, motivating through positive re-inforcement, whilst still having attention to detail,
will be some of the challenges that they face, should they wish to achieve. And that weakest rower
will know that he cannot give up, and let down his team mates who have trained as hard, if not
harder than himself. Persevere, never give up!
As a rower, you are going to learn the hard way. Its physically demanding , to say the least. Only cross
country skiing can compete with rowing in terms of the energy to time exercised. In the last 500
meters of a race you are going to be asking yourself the question: Why do I do this?..... It’s
excruciating! All the energy is gone. The muscles are burning. The body is well into oxygen debt......
You could easily just throw in the towel but you cannot. You must persevere! Your crew is depending
on your performance. One “soft” stroke could be the difference on the line!
And that is why you do this! To endure! To learn that every tough challenge has a finish line, and you
need to cross that line, to realise your potential as both an individual and as a crew. The pain will go
away, but knowing you did not do your best lasts a lot longer!
So its not just about winning and beating other people. Its about beating yourself. Its about
overcoming your doubts through dogged determination , self -belief and belief in your crew.
And this takes time, time in the boat, time on the ergo, time in the gym and even just time
communicating and bonding with your team mates. And the training on the water must be seen as a
blessing. How many sports are there which present such dynamics, within such beautiful
surroundings, in any weather conditions, day after day, all year round?
Your life will never be the same . You will become haunted by water. You will come across stretches
of water that will call on you to explore and conquer. Not only the water, not even your technique
but more likely yourself! The sound of your heart drumming in your head, to the rythym of each and
every stroke as the water boils off the boats bow.
2929
THE SPORT OF ROWING
Rowing goes back some 2 or so centuries, to times when man discovered that an oar could be more
effective when worked against a fulcrum. For the first time boats started “ going backwards”. Most
of the rowing was done under duress in moving large “warships” in the midst of battle.
The first known competitive regatta was held in Venice, Italy, in 1315. It was initially popular in the
Mediterranean, but soon spread throughout Europe.
The first regatta in Britain was held at Gravesend Town in 1698. Throughout the next century boats
grew from pairs to fours , sixes and eventually eights, which were first raced in London in 1778.
Arguably the most famous race for eights is the Oxford vs Cambridge Boatrace which first took
place in 1829 and continues annually to this day, with the challenge always taking place on the
Thames, in London on the first Sunday in April. Here the crews have a head to head battle over a
course distance of 6,3km.
The biggest club regatta in the world is undoubtedly the Henley Royal Regatta, which takes place in
Henley on Thames, England, annually, in the first week of July. It has been in existence since 1839
and continues to attract crews from all continents.
FISA ( Federatione Internationale societe d’Aviron) is the international rowing body which was first
established in 1892, four years prior to rowing’s first appearance at the Olympic Games which took
place in Athens, Greece, in 1896 (men only, with women only admitted at the 1976 Olympics in
Montreal.
Competitive rowing in South Africa dates back to 1861 when a challenge between The South
African Rowing Club and Union Rowing Club took place in 6 oared boats over a distance of 4 and a
quarter miles in the Western Cape.
Alfred Rowing Club, now located at Zeekoeivlei, Cape Town, is not only the oldest Rowing club in
South Africa, it is indeed, the oldest surviving sporting club as well.
The Buffalo Grand Challenge Race, for Coxless Fours, held at the Buffalo Regatta in East London in
February, is South Africa’s oldest race, first rowed in 1888. It is the most prestigious race for senior
rowers in South Africa with a trophy which is reputed as being one of the biggest and most valuable
silver trophies in the world.
South Africa has a strong history of international rowing, done under our national federation
ROWSA ( Rowing South Africa). Our first Olympic oarsman was Henry De Kock, who competed at
the 1928 Olympics. Our first Olympic Medalilist crew was the combination of Donovan Cech and
Ramon Di Clemente, who won a Bronze medal at the Athens Olympics in 2004 in the pairs event.
The very recent win by our Lightweight Mens Coxless Four at the 2012 London Olympic Games
highlights the ascent of South African rowing to the very highest level and is a sign of the excellence
to come into the future, in which the St Andrew’s College Rowing Club will no doubt play its part in
developing future champions.
3030
ROWING WEBSITES
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www.standrewsrowing.co.za
Our very own web site. Look for the latest pics, news and info here.
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www.regatta.co.za
Regatta dates, draws and results are available from this website.
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www.rowsa.co.za
SA National Rowing Website for local rowing news and notices.
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www.worldrowing.com
International Federation rowing website, containing international regatta
notices, results, athlete profiles etc.
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www.hrr.co.uk
Henley Royal Regatta Website
31
INFORMATION FOR THE BOYS
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With a little assistance from parents, rowers need to learn to take responsibility for both their team
and themselves.
Packing a bag for a One Day Regatta
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Sunblock,
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Cap,
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2 tri-suits,
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2 SAC –T- shirts or Rowing Club Golf Shirts,
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2 pairs of white socks,
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slops,
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SAC tracksuits or SAC Jacket,
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Plastic bag for wet kit,
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a water bottle (with water or energy drink)
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a pillow
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A towel and shower gel
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Rowing tools ( a #10 and #13 spanner, headlight)
On Hot Sunny Days
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Stay out of the sun for as long as possible
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Drink cold fluids as often as possible, staying hydrated.
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Wear a cap
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Wear sunglasses
On Cold, Rainy Days
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Stay warm, paying particular attention to warming up properly before your first race.
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Stay as dry as possible, change after your race if you are wet or cold.
Avoid Disappointment
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Get together as a crew one hour before your race.
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Check your boat thoroughly.
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Ensure your coxswain (if you have one) has weighed in and your bow number is on your boat.
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Ensure the entire crew is wearing the same kit.
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Get on the water timeously, having been prepared for any delays.
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Have water with you.
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Have the time on you so you arrive at the start before your Race Start time!
32
INFORMATION FOR THE BOYS
For Emergencies
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2.
3.
4.
All boys in the same age group must store the following cell phone numbers in their phones:
Everyone in their age group and / or team.
Their coach
The Director of Rowing and:
Any teacher managing their age group.
What to eat at regattas
BIG NO’s –
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No sweets, fizzy drinks, dairy products or acidic foods.
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Eating junk food prior to a regatta can be a problem as these foods are usually high in sugar and
low in carbohydrates.
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Eating out can be a problem. Boys pick up gastrointestinal bugs from public places and this can be
disastrous for any crew. If you do, follow strict hygiene, wash hands regularly with a suitable hand
sanitiser.
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For the same reasons as above, do not drink tap water. Take enough water with you to regattas.
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Do not share the same water bottles, where you can pick up other peoples germs.
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Do not eat a big meal within 3 hours of a race!
BIG YES’s –
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Bottled still water, Energade and Powerade.
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Bread rolls with chicken / tuna.
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Bananas
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Energy bars
33
INFORMATION FOR THE BOYS
TAKING SUPPLEMENTS
The Golden Rule:
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Never take a supplement without notifying your coach.
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The reason for this is simple, they can contain banned or restricted substances, prohibited under
Anti Doping rules.
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Even beyond the possibility of this, it is often a bad idea to try new supplements before
competition, without having tried them before. They may not sit well in your stomach under the
stresses of competition and exertion, which may result in vomiting or nausea before or after
competition.
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This will cost a rower more than any benefit that could possibly have been derived from taking the
supplement in the first place, due to dehydration which would result from loss of fluids.
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It is perfectly logical that if you eat well, and get adequate rest, you do not need any supplements.
Most supplements are a waste of money, and invariably end up as money literally going down the
toilet!
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If you are training excessively, and life is very busy, a multivitamin supplement would generally
suffice, along with a protein supplement, such as whey powder, to ensure your muscles are getting
enough protein.
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Consult a dietician or your coach if you think you need to go beyond this.
34
ROWING AND ACADEMICS
Approach your academics in a practical way.
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Right from the beginning of term, inform all your teachers about the dates you will be away from
school for rowing. For most boys this will be the Thursday and Friday of the Buffalo Regatta. This
will help teachers to plan their lessons accordingly and hopefully not schedule any tests around this
regatta weekend.
Ask for details of any written assignments due over this period so that you can work on, complete
and hand them in well in advance of the Buffalo Regatta.
Buffalo Regatta is only 1 ½ weeks before half term and the parent / teachers meeting when your
teacher will need marks for your term orders. Make sure that by the time Buffalo comes along, the
pressure for term order points is “off” and not “on”. Doing it that way, you will ensure that your
term order will be a true reflection of your academic effort and ability.
During the last lesson (for each subject) before you leave for Buffalo, you need to ask your teacher
what work they want you to do before Monday. Don’t rely on classmates to tell you on the Sunday
evening!
Feeling tired in class
•
Some teams train really hard from time to time, having sessions before school in the early morning
and again in the afternoon. You might find yourself feeling tired, weak or even just hungry during
the day. When you feel like this and you can’t focus or concentrate in class, despite eating all your
food at breakfast and taking enough vitamins, (and drinking enough water!) then perhaps you need
to go to the SAN where one of the Sisters can assist you in sourcing a suitable food / vitamin
supplement.
How do you get the best possible academic results whilst committing fully to rowing?
•
•
William Cahill ,Andrew Craig, Kieran Robertson, Brian Malcomess, Finn McQuaid, Craig Henderson ,
Daniel Still, and many other past 1st 8 rowers did it brilliantly, getting 8,6,5 and 4 A’s in matric!
What do they say is the key?
Finn McQuaid and Brian Malcomess (2004) – “ Rowing at St Andrew’s College offers a myriad of
opportunities to make close friends and explore different places. One of the nicest aspects of
rowing, especially at a boarding school, is the fact that it allows (and actually requires) boys to get
away from the daily stresses of school life.”
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ROWING AND ACADEMICS
•
“Rowing provides boys with superior fitness and this goes a long way to upholding the old adage
that a healthy body promotes a healthy mind, as the self discipline required by rowers often
translates into their studies.”
•
“ In order to succeed in the sport of rowing you require (and thus learn) a certain level of
commitment, perseverance and self- discipline, not to mention the social skills required to
successfully interact in what becomes a very close- knit team environment.”
•
“ The lessons learnt from rowing carry through in every aspect of College life. The only real advice
which can be offered to young oarsmen is that if you want to succeed and enjoy rowing you must
commit to it whole heartedly. No one said this sport of ours was easy, but always remember:
everything you give to rowing will be returned to you ten-fold.”
•
•
Andrew Craig (2001)
“ Rowing has long had a reputation as a sport that affects the academic success of school pupils. It
is certainly true that rowing is time consuming, although this does not have to affect your school
work. Many hours of training and travelling are required to compete at the top level. However,
there is still more than enough time in any pupils day to fit in studies.”
•
“All that is required is good time management – a skill that boys should acquire sooner rather than
later in their College careers.”
“ A serious oarsman will develop a very disciplined approach to life – disciplined in training and
also in anything else in which he intends to succeed. This strong ethic is easily applied to school
work and has resulted in many successful academics from the rowing club. Just looking back over
the past eight years, there has been at least one, and often more, “A” aggregates achieved by
matric candidates from the 1st Eight.”
•
•
Set yourself clearly formulated goals, both long term goals as well as short term goals.
3636
ANTI-DOPING POLICY
•
•
•
St Andrew’s College is committed to creating a school ethos of zero tolerance to any use of
Substances banned under Anti Doping Rules. The school now reserves the right to test or search
any boy or items in his possession for doping.
Anti-Doping testing is very rare at a junior rowing level, in particular at a school club level. Testing
does, however, occur at the South African Schools Championships and it is likely to be low key and
candidates are likely to be selected on a totally random basis.
•
•
Please be aware that if your son is on ANY CHRONIC MEDICATION, you / he should notify the crew
coach and / or the Rowing MIC , so that the school can take appropriate steps where necessary, to
notify Rowing South Africa, so that a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) form may be completed,
and lodged, which indemnifies your son from punishment for that particular drug, should it be on
any banned substance listing.
Even boys with Asthma must submit TUE forms.
Mrs. Scheepers at the SAC SAN can assist in the sourcing and filling in of the TUE forms
•
Anti Doping Agencies are there to PROTECT your rights as a rower.
•
At the end of the day they should be welcomed with open arms, as they ensure that competitions
are fair, so never feel that they are an inconvenience.
•
The procedure for a basic urine test under anti doping protocol is simple, but must be followed and
applied under strict conditions and protocol, if the results of such testing are to be valid.
•
All rowers should be aware of their rights under such testing, but these should be made very clear
to you by the officer testing you.
•
These are a few pointers of what to expect:
1)
Once you present yourself to the testing officer and start the test, you may not leave until the
test is completed.
2)
You are entitled to have someone, be it your coach, friend, parent or other accompany you
for the duration of the test.
•
If you fail to present yourself to a testing officer, after having been notified to do so, you could
possibly be deemed to have failed such a drug test.
37
INFORMATION FOR PARENTS
MEALS
•
•
1.
2.
3.
Parents are often involved, at some stage, in preparing meals, be it lunch or supper, for rowers. The
important thing to remember is that rowers need a balance of carbohydrates, protein and even fat,
which is one of the best energy sources.
There are a few golden rules:
Rowers should avoid dairy products within 3 hours of racing.
Rowers should avoid too much beef / meat as it is difficult to digest.
Carbohydrates like potato and rice are even better than pasta( a refined carbohydrate.)
•
The following is a list of possible meals that could be prepared, that would give the boys what they
need to perform!
•
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Supper
Chicken A La King – Chicken and rice, with any veggies (eg broccoli / butternut.
Cottage /Shepherd’s Pie – Mince, mashed potato, with any veggies.
Roast Chicken with rice / potato, with any veggies.
Beef Stroganoff – Beef, mushroom, cream and rice, with any veggies.
Lasagne – Beef or chicken, with veggies
LAUNDRY
•
It is often a lifesaver for the boys, particularly on tour, to get their laundry done, as kit so often gets
reused towards the end of a tour, which can not only look shabby, but is also not very hygienic. So if
you are able to do some laundry for them, it will help.
FIRST AID
•
Boys often need plaster (the plaster that is purchased in rolls) to protect their hands from blisters.
The trick to avoid blisters is for the boys to tape their hands and fingers from day 1 of camp. If you
leave hands unprotected for even one day, the blisters will arrive!
REGATTA OFFICIAL ASSISTANCE
•
The Eastern Cape is desperate for parents to become involved in assisting with the running of our
local regattas. The Eastern Cape Rowing Association has requested that each school provides at least
one person who is prepared to do duty at a regatta, once a year. It is very simple to qualify as a local
official and is both an enjoyable and social experience.
•
Please contact the Director of Rowing if you are interested.
38
APPENDIX I
Terms of Reference of the Parents’ Support Group of the St Andrew’s College Rowing Club
Introduction :
The primary role of the parents’ support group is fund raising for equipment and other needs of the club. They may
also help, at the request of the Rowing MIC or the coaches, at regattas, camps etc. Whilst all parents are required to
participate in these support activities, a committee is formed to lead and co-ordinate these activities and to align and
communicate with the master-in-charge of rowing, the director of sport, the headmaster and the rowing club parents.
Role and Focus of Parents’ Support Group :
Fund raising for equipment and other identified needs
In support of this to conduct events and activities, with the necessary communication and within school policy and
guidelines
To help the Rowing MIC, when requested
The Committee :
The committee will consist of a chairperson and several other members representative of the U14, U15, U16 and Open
age groups : it is desirable to have representation from each of the 3 main provinces from which the majority of boys
come, in order to facilitate fund raising.
The tenure of the chairman and the committee members is one year but they may serve for more than 1 year if
appropriate e.g. if no other parents make themselves available
The committee will be ‘reformed’ each year, after SA Champs and before the beginning of the new season in October.
A Chairman will be elected at that meeting. (Traditionally the Chairman has been a parent of the incoming captain.)
The committee will formally meet 4 times a year when it is desirable for all committee members or a ‘proxy’ to be
available e.g. k-day weekend, (June), Balloon week (October), new boys rowing camp (January), SA champs (March).
Accounts and Funds Management :
All funds raised by and on behalf of the Rowing Parents Support Group will be managed by the Finance Section of St
Andrew’s College. All monies will be deposited into the St Andrew’s College bank account and records of all
transactions will be kept within the range of accounts held by the Finance Section. These accounts are audited on an
annual basis. All payments from this account will need to be authorised by a member of the Parents Support Group
and would be subject to the normal authorisation required by the Finance Section. Payment requests should, wherever
possible, be accompanied by supporting documentation. Income and expenditure statements for this account will be
available on request.
Committee’s roles and responsibilities :
The Chairman :
Formal communication with the Rowing MIC, Director of Sport or the Headmaster
Management of the funds
Calling and chairing of meetings, setting of agendas and report back to parents
Developing a fundraising strategy and operational plans (with help of the committee and other interested parents)
consultation with the master-in-charge of rowing on the short and long term equipment needs of the club
Committee members :
Lead and co-ordinate fund raising activities in each of the provinces working with interested parents
One member will assist the chairman with communication
One member, working with the master-in-charge of rowing and the coaches, will provide marketing and public
relations support to profile the club.
39