NORTHVILLE ROWING CLUB

Transcription

1 NORTHVILLE ROWING CLUB ATHLETE AND PARENT ROWING MANUAL MISSION STATEMENT Northville High School Rowing strives to: Engrain every student- athlete with a strong sense of self- worth as well as a sense of responsibility to the team s quest for academic and athletic achievement. Proudly represent Northville by displaying sportsmanship in competition and respect for institutions and individuals in the community and the classroom. Graduate student athletes who have attained academic and athletic achievements through their dedication to self- discipline and hard work.

2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Mission Statement... 1 What is Northville High School Rowing?... 3 Board... 3 Budget and Dues... 3 Fundraising... 4 Community Work... 4 Rowing and Academics... 4 FALL VS. SPRING SEASON RACING... 5 Practice... 7 Practice Location... 7 Practice Transportation and Saftey... 7 Location change... 7 Rowing Safety... 8 Team Rules and Expectations at Practice... 9 Attitude/Team Dynamics... 9 Practice Agenda Traveling Regattas/racing Varsity Letters Captains Captain Leadership Duties of a Captain Grievance Policy More information... 13

3 WHAT IS NORTHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL ROWING? The Northville High School (NHS) Rowing Team is a club sport for both girls and boys of high school age (9 th through 12 th grades) enrolled at Northville Public Schools. It is run by a board of directors which is comprised of parents, coaches, alumni, and team captains. The Club follows the NHS athletic policies and athletes are covered under the school's insurance plan. BOARD Because Northville High School Rowing Club is a club sport and is not operated directly under the auspices of the Northville Athletic Department, the club has to have a governing Board of Directors. Board Positions President Vice President Treasurer Secretary Membership Coordinator Equipment Maintenance Fundraising Coordinator Communications Head Coach northvillerowing@gmail.com vp.northvillerowing@gmail.com treasurer.northvillerowing@gmail.com secretary.northvillerowing@gmail.com membership.northvillerowing@gmail.com equip.northvillerowing@gmail.com funds.northvillerowing@gmail.com communication.northvillerowing@gmail.com headcoach.northvillerowing@gmail.com Please check out the Northville High School Rowing Club website for a list of current board members and more information at BUDGET AND DUES All monies received and paid go through the NRC Treasurer. Deposits of monies into the club come from fees, fundraising events, and donations.

4 Expenditures go toward purchasing equipment, coaches salaries & expenses (mileage), fuel expenses, regatta fees, association fees, insurance, and repair & maintenance of equipment. Dues are per season and go towards paying for the coaches salaries, operating expenses, and purchasing additional boats and equipment. Preferably, the fees are paid at the New and Returning rower meeting at the start of each season. However, fees are officially due before the first day of practice outlined on the website. lease note: Purchases or expenses cannot be applied to rower's fees. Extra Expenses: If the club engages in an activity that incurs extra costs it is expected rower and family pay the agreed upon expense. If there is a failure to pay, the unpaid amount will be added to following season dues. FUNDRAISING Fundraising is a must. To keep rowing affordable for all, each rower and their families are expected to participate in fundraising activities. Funds from these events go toward paying for new equipment (oars, ergs, tools, etc.) and boats. Two major fundraising events: Wine Tasting Row- a- Thon Please let us know if you have any other ideas! COMMUNITY WORK Rowers are expected to volunteer 4 hours of rowing community work at the rowing practice location and/or team events as designated. At the end of each season an all team clean- up of the practice location will take place. The captains are responsible to track the hours of the rower s time. If a rower does not attend the clean- up they are responsible for making up the hours in. They will not be able to participate in the next season until they have done so. ROWING AND ACADEMICS Rowers will be expected to maintain academic eligibility as determined by the Athletic Department.

5 If a rower is ineligible, then they will not race until they have regained eligibility. However, the rower is still expected to practice with the rest of the team as normal. FALL VS. SPRING SEASON RACING Spring The spring season is the traditional season in high-school rowing, with dual races and smaller regattas in March and April giving way to local, regional and national championships in May and early June. If a school establishes a one-season per academic year rowing program, spring is the season it would offer the sport. Winter For most programs, the winter season is the indoor conditioning component for the school-year. Athletes typically train on rowing ergometers and perform various strength training exercises to improve fitness for the upcoming spring season. It is often said that spring races are won in December, January and February, as training during the winter provides valuable conditioning to prepare for spring races. Despite frozen rivers and lakes, athletes still have the opportunity to race, as organizations all over the country host indoor erg races in January and February that typically attract a large contingent of high school rowers. Fall The fall season provides an excellent opportunity for teams to vastly improve their rowing technique, as coaches can focus on developing their athletes for the long term without having to worry about the sprint races that occur each weekend during the busy spring season. With more of an emphasis on teaching rather than preparing to race, athletes will emerge from a wellstructured fall season with much better rowing fundamentals. Longer distance head races (3 miles) take place in the fall to give teams a chance to whet their competitive appetite before heading indoors for the winter.

6 Excerpt from: Head races (FALL SEASON) Head races are run over a course an average distance of 3 miles. Instead of being a distance race, it s raced against the clock, with the goal being to have the fastest overall time with as few penalties as possible. Crews are started seconds apart, allowing for faster crews to overtake slower ones along the course. Due to the length of the race, the cadence is much lower when compared to a sprint race. Head races are aptly nicknamed the coxswain s race due to the winding turns along that river. Navigating these turns as efficiently as possible aids the crew in achieving a fast overall time. In comparison to the spring season, the fall season is usually shorter in duration crews might only do two to four races starting in late September and ending in early November. Sprint races (SPRING SEASON) In college races, rowers cover a course of 2000m whereas in most high school races, rowers cover 1500m. They re rowed somewhere between six and eight minutes and at a much higher stroke rate than their head racing counterparts. The goal of the race is to cross the finish line first, similar to a track and field race. Anywhere from 4-8 boats are lined up at the starting line, either through a floating start or on stake boats, after which the starting marshal will utilize one of the various starting calls followed by Attention, GO to begin the race. The end of the race ( m) is an all- out sprint. The season itself lasts from early April until the beginning of June, and crews will typically race in seven to ten races during that period. The training is much more intense and unlike fall racing, begins a few months before the actual season starts, a period classified as winter training also known as a rower s and coxswain s least favorite time of year. Coxswains employ a different strategy with these races compared to the longer ones because there is less distance to cover, which translates to the amount of time you have to make move running out very quickly. It is imperative for coxswain s to have good control over the steering of the shell to ensure it travels the straightest line possible. If he/she is [zig zagging] down the course, it can cost their crew a win. The intensity of the race overall is also intensified its pure adrenaline from start to finish, which is an experience you can t really comprehend until you experience it. Excerpt from: races- vs- head- races/ Edited for language.

7 PRACTICE PRACTICE LOCATION Ford Lake is located in Ypsilanti, MI and is the current site of practices. See website for directions to the site. Practices are typically after school from 4:30pm until 6:30pm. PRACTICE TRANSPORTATION AND SAFTEY Transporting students to Ford Lake is the responsibility of the parents. Car Pools are organized by the parent transportation coordinator. Safety is the number one concern when driving to and from the lake! 1.) Transportation paperwork must be completed. 2.) Parent drivers are sometimes necessary as all students are not able to drive or be driven by other students. 3.) Students may drive or transport other students if allowed by the parents of the driver and rider 4.) These safety rules must be followed at all times: USE HEADLIGHTS NO PASSING WEAR SEATBELTS OBEY SPEED LIMITS NO CELL PHONE OR TEXTING WHILE DRIVING 5.) Driving privileges can be revoked if the above is not maintained. LOCATION CHANGE 1. Rowers are expected to view the USRowing safety video at minimum 1 time a calendar year.

8 2. If there is less than a 20:1 Rower/Coaching ratio, practice will commence either on land or in the erg room. 3. In the case of unrowable conditions on the water, rowers and parents will be notified of a location change at least 3 hours before practice. Captains will be responsible for making sure that all rowers are aware of the location change. Please note: maintaining a 3 hour notification is not ALWAYS guaranteed, but the head coach will make sure to give advance notice as early as possible. a. Assume that practice will be on the ergs at the High School, unless otherwise notified. b. If the weather is questionable, it is the rower s responsibility to stay informed of the practice situation. Keep in mind that practice may end up being a land- based workout, but still at the lake. ROWING SAFETY Rowers must pass a swim test and watch a video before being allowed to participate in practices on the water. The swim test will be valid for the remainder of the rowers time in the program. The safety video must be watched each year to stay eligible for participation in water practices. 1. Know how to swim, but stay with the boat if it capsizes or swamps. Shells will float, even if filled with water. Get out of the shell. Remove the oars from the oarlocks. Hold onto the gunnel. DO NOT SEPARATE. Watch- out for each other. Oars can serve as flotation devices. Don t panic. Think! Call and signal for help. 1. Coxswains and scullers should stay close to the shore, and a launch close to the shell (s) [within 100 yards when air temperature is below 40 degrees F or water below 50 degrees F]. 2. Dangers in cold weather Hypothermia and Exposure Wear several thin layers of clothing, a windbreaker outside and bring warm clothes for after practice. Wool insulates even when wet, cotton and down don t. If you are in the water, keep your head above water. A wet head causes rapid cooling. Get out of the water as quickly as possible. Know how to treat hypothermia and seek medical help. 3. Dangers in hot weather Heat Exhaustion and Dehydration Maintain a high fluid level before and after practice. Keep a water bottle in the shell, if possible. Plan workouts for times other than the hottest part of the day. (11:00 3:00) Wear a hat.

9 4. Know waterway traffic patterns and where you are going. Keep a good lookout at all times (fishing boats, buoys, docks and other hazards). 5. Don t row during lightening (rain is okay), or heavy wind/waves. Head toward shore. Get off the water. 6. If rowing after dusk have a white stern light and red/green bow light. 7. Know the lake/state regulation concerning personal flotation devises (PFDs). The US Coast Guard has stated that rowing shells provide their own flotation and PFDs are not required. However, some states legislatures have not made the necessary exemption in the state boating laws. Avoid a ticket and large fine by knowing the local regulations. Enough PFDs carried in a following motor boat is almost always acceptable and is a wise precaution. TEAM RULES AND EXPECTATIONS AT PRACTICE 1. All rowers must attend each practice. The athletes will attempt to schedule doctor appointments and other appointments during a non- practice time without compromising their education. (Practice is a privilege, not a right.) 2. If rowers do not attend school due to illness, rowers are not expected to attend practice. 3. If rowers are injured (depending on the injury), they are still expected to attend practice. If the injury persists for longer than a week, alternate arrangements will be made in lieu of practice 4. Absence from practice because you are preparing for a test or a paper is not acceptable. Time management is an important part of becoming an adult. 5. You are expected to be ON TIME and ready to practice every day. 6. Proper rowing attire is required Water is required at every practice. DO NOT LEAVE WATER BOTTLES AT PRACTICE. Jumpies will be assigned to the entire team if left behind. 8. Unexcused absence from practice will most assuredly consist of extra assigned land work- outs and/or unfavorable seating in the boat. a. Unexcused Absence consists of: i. Missing practice without notifying the Head Coach and relevant Lead Coaches at least 6 hours before practice starts. ii. Missing practice because of a prior obligation (if there is a scheduling conflict, the coaches must know AT LEAST a week ahead of time. Failure to inform coaches of a conflict will be dealt with by one or more of the above mentioned penalties. ATTITUDE/TEAM DYNAMICS

10 Rowing is the ultimate team sport. You are working in a team dynamic, we can only become a strong team if we work together and think of the team first. 1.) You must obey the Northville High School Athletic Policies. 2.) Poor sportsmanship will NOT BE TOLERATED by the coaching staff or your peers. Poor sportsmanship includes: Talking in the boat Coaching others in the boat during practice (excludes coxies) Unprofessional conduct while at practice or regatta Negative attitudes and comments 3.) Athletes who are dating are not to fraternize during practice or at regattas. The focus of a regatta is RACING. Fraternization of this sort is expected to take place outside of practice and regattas. Your team comes first. PRACTICE AGENDA 1. All needed equipment is ready before laying hands on the boat. (i.e.: Oars are placed near the dock, launches are in the water). 2. Once 90% of the team is assembled, the team will start a warm- up routine of the captain s choice. 3. The coach will talk to the team as they stretch and give them the goal of the work- out as well as explain how the drills are executed. 4. When hands on a boat (to and from the water) NO TALKING! Make sure to keep quiet so that the coxswain can be heard clearly. This is strictly a safety issue. 5. Once the rowers come in and put the boat away, all equipment (oars, launches, boats tied down) is placed back in its original place. 6. All trash from the site will be picked up and disposed of properly before any athlete leaves TRAVELING When staying overnight for a regatta or spring break trip, all rowers are expected to follow these guidelines: 1.) Rowers are expected to represent Northville Rowing with integrity. 2.) All rowers must be in their own rooms either one- hour after arrival or by 11 pm whichever is later. 3.) At no time will there be members of the opposite sex in a room. 4.) Running, excessive noise, or horse play will not be tolerated. 5.) Rowers are expected to be respectful and courteous to others who are also staying in that facility.

11 6.) Rowers may not leave trash in the rooms. REGATTAS/RACING 1.) Practices will be extended for a half an hour the last practice before a regatta and the first practice after a regatta for rigging and de- rigging boats. Please note that all crews have to do this as it is a normal part of the sport. 2.) All rowers will be expected to be at the trailer and unloading boats at the announced time. If a rower is late, they may face the penalty of being replaced from their line- up or the boat being scratched from a race. 3.) Dock Support and trailer loading/unloading is MANDATORY (no exceptions!) by ALL athletes. Participation will be noted by captains and coaches. If it is deemed that a rowers is not supporting their team, the rower will face the same penalties as missing/being late for practice or a race. 4.) MANDATORY boat meetings will take place before and after a race. a. Before i. Rowers will be at the boat by the time that is determined by the coach. The coxswain is expected to make sure that the entire boat is on time. ii. The restroom must be taken care of before the boat meeting and warm- up. iii. Warm- up is expected to start 10 minutes prior to the boat meeting time. b. After i. DO NOT leave the boat until rowers have seen the coach (unless otherwise instructed) and have debriefed your race. The only exception to this is if there is a hot seat. The coach will tell the rower whether or not you will be hot seating. ii. You are expected to stretch as a boat after your boat meeting. 5.) DO NOT stay out in the sun for long periods of time before or between races!! This causes dehydration and unnecessary fatigue. 6.) There will be a team meeting after the last boat races. The timing of this meeting will vary depending on trailer loading and weather conditions. You are expected to stay and support your team for the entire time. Exceptions need to be discussed with the Head Coach before the end of the day. VARSITY LETTERS To be discussed later and refined by Seniors. CAPTAINS

12 Captains will be chosen by the coaching staff. Rowers will be able to voice their preference for a captain, but the final decision will be made by the coaches. Captains will be leaders of the team and have additional responsibilities to that of a rower. It is up to the discretion of the coaches to determine how many captains there will be during any given season. Just because you were captain last season, doesn t mean you are automatically guaranteed that position again. CAPTAIN LEADERSHIP The following are qualities we would like our Team Captains to possess: 1. Liaison between the whole team and coaches (also the board of directors). Be proactive about handling concerns expressed by rowers and coaches. The captain represents the entire team, not just a select group of rowers. 2. Lead by example, on and off the water (hard working, committed, dedicated, humble, dependable, unwavering convictions, and positive attitude). 3. Not be afraid to step out of the crowd; that is, to speak to teammates making poor or inappropriate choices 4. Good citizenship (respectful, loyal, cooperative, trustworthy, unselfish, honest, caring, and has a great deal of pride in the school and team). 5. Strong self- image (mature; positive, confident, and motivated). 6. Committed to being drug & alcohol free (social confidence and unwavering convictions). 7. Good school behavior (punctual, acceptable academic progress). 8. Athletic qualities (well- skilled, dedicated, committed to rowing, displays good sportsmanship, is hard working, and has good communication skills). 9. Assist teammates to stick to their values/responsibilities. Treat all team mates and opposition with respect. DUTIES OF A CAPTAIN On the Water Practice 1.) Crowd control until coaches arrive at practice. 2.) Takes Attendance 3.) Back up coaches by keeping the system moving to get everyone on the water as quickly and safely as possible. Before Practice 4.) Organize getting equipment out and in (launches, oars, gas cans, safety equipment) 5.) Ensure launches are tied up /sufficient fuel as appropriate 6.) Ensure blades out and appropriately and neatly placed 7.) Lead warm- up/stretching After Practice

13 8.) After session ensure blades back on correct racks neatly 9.) Ensure launches are properly locked 10.) Make sure trash is picked up 11.) Captain can assign team reprimands as needed for the entire team. Regattas 1.) Assemble the crew for any coaches briefings. 2.) Oversee no horseplay, set the tone for professional race day behavior. 3.) Team spirit: Be certain all crews cheer for one another. 4.) Crew Area Clean Up: Everything back in trailer. Trash picked up. All lost & found items in bin. Communication with team 5.) Changes to normal times/locations 6.) Messages for coaches from pupils, if pupils unable to contact coach direct Extra Duties Other duties may include but are not limited to: 1.) Leading communications to assemble groups, poll the team, or help with various tasks to keep the program running smoothly GRIEVANCE POLICY Step 1 Rower discuss their concern with the coaches (or captain if applicable). Step 2 Parents and/or rower discuss their concern with the coach and director of rowing. Step 3 Head coach/director can bring issue to the board if needed. Alternatively, if the parent is not satisfied with the result they can bring it to the board. Step 4 - Board listens and decides what the appropriate course of action is needed. MORE INFORMATION Northville

14 Scholastic/National Other