2015
United States Dragon Boat Federation
Premier Women
Coach Hype Mattingly, Ph.D.
TeamUSAPremW@USDBF.org
USDBF TEAM USA 2015 TESTING AND SELECTION CRITERIA
For the World Championships, Welland Canada, August 19-23, 2015
USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Table of Contents:
Quick Reference for Athletes
Overview of Crew Selection Criteria
Selection Timeline and Training Plans
Instructions - Fitnes Test - 2000 m Row
Instructions - Fitness Test - Strength/Muscular Endurance
Paddling and Boat Speed Tests
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USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Instructions for Athletes Interested in Trying Out for Team
USA Premier Women:
1) Read this document – be aware of crew selection criteria (time trials,
erg and strength).
2) Fill out the Paddler Information Form and submit to
TeamUSAPremW@USDBF.org
3) Mark calendars for important dates – minicamps, camps, fitness
testing deadlines etc.
4) Contact Hype with any questions
5) Join us on FaceBook on the group,
“USA Premier Women Dragon Boat Team”
6) TRAIN!
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USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Overview of Crew Selection Criteria for Team USA Premier Women
General
Selection for Team USA Premier Women will begin in August-October of 2014 and will run
through May of 2015. Two minicamps are planned for 2014 (August and October). Selections
to a provisional roster will be made following each minicamp. By January 2015, the intent is to
have narrowed the field to approximately 30-35 candidates from which most of the team will be
selected. Selections for the provisional roster will be made by April 1. Final selections will be
made through May of 2015 and the roster finalized by June 1, 2015 (see Selection Timeline).
Team USA Premier Women’s selection process is most heavily based on OC1 time trials and/or
hull speed tests. Several opportunities for trial will be offered in 2014 in Philadelphia. Trials
may be held by other Team USA coaches at other locations. At the coach’s discretion, race
results from legitimate racing venues may be used or factored into selection decisions.
In addition to time trials, a number of other criteria are also important, the idea being to get an
all-around picture of every athlete’s personal profile and that athlete’s potential contribution to
Team USA. Three broad areas of selection criteria are Fitness Testing, Paddling/Boat Speed
Testing and TEAM attributes. Each of these broad areas is described below.
“On Land” - Fitness Tests
1. Cardiovascular performance 2000 m row – proctored / verified. Regular rowing erg,
Concept 2 only. See test instructions, this document.
2. Muscular Strength or Endurance – self-tests subject to verification. A list of acceptable
tests and test instructions is included in this document.
“On Water” - Paddling and Boat Speed Tests:
1. OC1 Time Trials – Approximate distance for initial trials, ~500 meters or, a course
designed to be completed in approximately 2-3 minutes of paddling. Athletes may be
asked to trial more than once and additional distances (e.g. “1000 meters”) may be
added in order to determine final rosters. See instructions for time trial details.
2. Paddle Technique – on water coach assessment in dragon boat. All Team USA
Premier Women hopefuls must have Team USA Coach assessment of their paddling
technique in a dragon boat. Candidates may attend designated practices in Philadelphia
or submit a ~2 min video of them paddling in a dragon boat. Coach’s Eye is the
preferred app for submitting video (www.coachseye.com) because it allows for coach
feedback and voice over.
3. Race Results - Time trials and race results from legitimate venues conducted under
professional conditions will also be factored into crew selection at coach discretion (e.g.
the US National and World Outrigger Sprint Championships and the US Canoe
Association’s racing schedule).
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USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Other Criteria – TEAM – Coach Assessed
Factors related to TEAM are also part of the selection criteria for the Premier Women. These
factors are coach-assessed and include – but are not limited to - the following:
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Timely and complete submission of application materials to Team USA Premier
Women’s Coach (application/information form, fitness test results, video).
Attendance at camps, minicamps and practices when required
Body size/weight good fit with crew
Positive, coachable, team player, responsive to communications
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USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Selection Timeline and Training Plans
Below is a tentative selection timeline for 2014 and 2015 running up to the World
Championships.
2014
March
August 8-10
September
October 10-12 (tentative)
October
October-November
December 6
Athlete registration and video submission to Premier Women's coach begins
Premier Women Minicamp and time trials, Philadelphia
Possible selections made for provisional roster following August minicamp
Premier Women, Minicamp II and time trials
Possible selections made for provisional roster following October minicamp
Baseline Fitness Testing
Baseline fitness testing deadline for submissions
2015
February-March
March 7
April 1
March or April
April - May
June 1
June-August
Final Fitness Testing
Final fitness testing deadline for submissions
Provisional roster submitted
Florida training camp for premier women
Final time trials and selection
Final roster submitted
2-3 minicamps, Philadelphia - Possible practice race for US Team
Training Plan
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Spring/Summer 2014 - Candidates independently hone outrigger/paddling skills for
initial time trials. Minicamp, August 2014 and Oct 2014 for technique.
Fall/Winter 2014 – Recovery cross training, weights, cardio, baseline fitness testing.
Early 2015 – Performance cross training, weights, final fitness testing.
Spring 2015 (March or April) – Training camp (Florida), race strategy, fitness paddling
and technique.
June-August 2015 – Minicamps – race strategies, team building, boat seating
Candidates will be sent more comprehensive training plans as the season progresses
which will specify what workouts to incorporate.
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USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Instructions - Fitness Test – 2000 m Row
TEST: Time to row 2000 meters. The Concept 2 is the ONLY accepted machine to be used for
the fitness testing (http://www.concept2.com). Baseline is SELF-TESTED; Final is proctored
or automated data recorded.
Accepted Protocol
Concept 2 – the only approved indoor rowing erg for this test.
1. Set the Concept 2 to the athlete’s desired damper setting or drag factor
2. Set the PM for 2000 meters (no “Just Rowing” up to 2000 m, no rolling starts from
intervals)
3. Row the 2000 meters and record the time to the nearest 0.1 seconds.
Baseline test may be SELF-TESTED and reported to the coach.
Final test must be proctored or data log recorded – Acceptable proctors are Team USA
Coach, Regional coach or other approved proctor. Indoor rowing regatta results from legitimate
venues are also acceptable (e.g. Center City Slam, Phila, C.RA.S.H. Bs etc.).
Note: The easiest way to have the 2k recorded is via the data log using the ErgData App or
DataCard. An athlete can record the piece using one of these tools, upload the result to the
concept II website and “Rank” the piece for verification. Results recorded in this way do not
need additional verification. To use this option, athletes will need to create an account on the
Concept 2 website and download the ergdata app from itunes.
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USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Instructions - Fitness Test – Strength/Muscular Endurance
TEST: Strength or muscular endurance over 3 broad muscle groups. Baseline is self-tested.
The final is self-tested and subject to coach verification.
Accepted Protocol
For each of 3 broad muscle groups – upper body, lower body and core – pick one exercise from
the list below in each area and use as a self-test. Perform the self-tests and report the required
parameter (e.g. 1 Rep Max or Low Rep Max, etc.). You must use the same self-tests for both
baseline and final, making sure that the self-tests are conducted the same way each time.
Note – this is a total of 3 different self-tests – one from each muscle group. Some movements,
as indicated below, use more than one muscle group. If you pick one of these compound
movements, you can use it for whichever muscle group you are trying to target.
Also – if reporting a “Low Rep Max” – the number of reps must be 5 or less. If you can do more
than 5 reps, increase the weight.
Muscle Group
Muscular Strength or Endurance Test
What to Report
Reported Example
Report the exact type of pull-up performed
and number of consecutive reps performed
Pull-ups (strict, kip, with or without band correctly until failure and without letting go
assist or with or without added weights,
of the bar. If using Gravitron, also report
from bar or rings or using Gravitron etc.)
counter weight balance.
"Kip Pull-ups from bar, 16 reps"
Upper Body (pick
Push-ups (military or on knees/steps or
"Strict Hand-Stand push-ups,
any ONE)
hand-release, wide or narrow. From ball,
head on abmat, 12 reps in 2
floor, TRX, hand-stand etc.)
Report max reps in 2 min using good form
min"
Presses: strict, push- or bench. Dumbell or Report exercise done and 1 Rep Max or Low "Strict bar press, Low Rep Max bar.
Rep Max
4 Reps @ #85"
Rows: bent over, single point or seated . Report exercise done and 1 Rep Max or Low "Seated Rows, both sides at
Pull over. Lat Pull-down.
Rep Max
once, #45 each, 4 Reps"
Dead Lift, Leg Extensions, Leg Curls, Leg
Report exercise done and 1 Rep Max or Low
Lower Body (pick
Press
Rep Max
"Standard Dead Lift, 1 RM #250"
Squats: Back Squat, Front Squat, Bulgarian
Report max reps until failure and weight
"Back Squat, Low Rep Max, 3
any ONE)
Split Squat
used (if any)
reps @ #185"
Core (Pick any
ONE)
Toes to Bar or Knees to Elbows from Hang
Sit-ups (butterfly or strict, on stability or mat
etc.) or Crunches.
Back squat, Front Squat, Overhead Squat
(can be used for core or lower body)
Crunches using machine e.g. cybex
OPTIONAL - Full
Body (ONE of
these will sub for
ANY of the
others)
Clean, Clean n Jerk, Snatch
Max reps in 2 min
"22 ttb"
Max reps in 2 min
"100 butterfly sit-ups in 2 min"
Report, 1 Rep Max (or Low Rep Max and # of
Reps)
"Overhead Squat, 2 reps #75"
Report exercise done, machine used,
weight and 1 Rep Max or Low Rep Max
"Cybex crunch, #85, 5 reps"
Lift accomplished and 1 Rep Max (or Low
Rep Max and # of Reps Performed)
"Snatch 2 rep max, #110"
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USDBF Team USA 2015 Testing and Selection Criteria
Paddling and Boat Speed Tests
Technique Assessments
TEST: Demonstrate solid paddling technique in a dragon boat. Coach assessed.
Key Technique Points
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Timing
Core rotation dominant with some flexion at the waist
Open body – open hips and chest
Mega Leg drive with hip loading
Positive angle of entry with good tip pressure
Upper hand AWAY from head (nearly straight)
Karate kid recovery; cradle baby bird on the exit
Explosive power
Aggressive posture – greedily and aggressively grabbing water at the catch
Solid application of force over the length of the stroke
How to be assessed by Team USA Coach:
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Attend practices in Philadelphia (email Hype Mattingly for times/days)
Attend camps or minicamp
Submit a ~2 min video to Hype Mattingly (TeamUSAPremW@USDBF.org) for
assessment. The preferred video format is Coach’s Eye since this app allows the coach
to provide the athlete with voice-over and detailed feedback. (Get the app on itunes).
More information at http://www.coachseye.com.
Boat Speed Assessment - Time Trials
TEST: Time it takes the athlete to paddle a designated distance (e.g. 500 meters) in an OC1.
Timed/Coach Assessed.
Key Points:
 Must paddle same side for the entire distance (no huts)
 Must use a dragon boat paddle
 Ideally, boat will be ama-rigged on the side tested – or all paddlers who are compared
will have the ama rigged on the same side.
 Athlete begins from a full stop.
 “Sit Ready. Attention. GO” Starts the timing
 The timing stops when the bow of the boat crosses the designated finish
 Tester records the time of the trial along with the time of day (or the order the paddler
trialed), wind/weather/current conditions and any special circumstances or events.
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