JUNIOR LEADERS JUNIOR OFFICIALS HANDBOOK Attention...Attention...GO!GO! An Introduction to Racing

Amateur Rowing Association 6 Lower Mall, Hammersmith, London W6 9DJ T. 0870 060 7100 F. 0870 060 7101 E. [email protected] www.ara-rowing.org JUNIOR ROWING LEADERS JUNIOR ROWING LEADERS JUNIOR OFFICIALS HANDBOOK JUNIOR OFFICIALS HANDBOOK

WORLD CUP MAY 2005

COUPE DE LA JEUNESSE JULY 2005

Copyright© The Amateur Rowing Association 2005 Author: Judith Packer - Thames Region Multi Lane Umpire Photographs: Chris Parry (www chrisparryphotography.com), Liz Wray, Rod Murray, Sean Farrelly, Wige Data (start and finish line captures). Images were taken during Junior Official Training Days 2004/5, Rowing World Cup 2005 and 2005 at Eton Rowing Lake, Dorney. Contributors: Sarah Birch - ARA Coaching Development Officer, Richard Packer, Junior Officials 2005 Special Thanks to: Thames Regional Rowing Council, Numerous ARA and FISA Umpires, 2005 Rowing World Cup & 2006 World Rowing Championships Organising Committees, Coupe de la Jeunesse 2005, Trust. Published October 2005 JUNIOR ROWING LEADERS JUNIOR OFFICIALS HANDBOOK Contents

Page

1 Introduction 2

2 Preparing Yourself to Race 3 2.1 ARA Rules of Racing & Water Safety Code 3 2.2 Boat Safety Checks, Control Commission & Interface with Marshalling 4 2.3 Circulation Pattern / Navigation Rules 7 2.4 Marshalling / Getting onto the Start 9 2.5 Summary 11

3 Regatta Organisation and Management 12 3.1 Regatta Officials and Location 12 3.2 Registration, Race Control, Lane Numbers, Marshalling & Radio Communication 14 3.3 The Start, Aligning, Boat Positioning on Start Pontoons 18 3.4 Umpires, Flag Drill, Start Procedure 20 3.5 Timekeeping 26

4 Junior Officials Scheme 28 4.1 Background 28 4.2 Junior Rowing Officials Programme 28 4.3 Training Days and Core Skills 28 4.4 Junior Official Award – Level 1 30 4.5 Junior Official Assignments 30 4.6 Junior Official Award – Level 2 31

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Rowing competitions such as winter Officials who helped out at this major Having been coached on how to row 2.1 ARA Rules of Racing & head races and summer regattas offer international event as well as the Coupe faster than your opposition, it would be Water Safety Code competitors and spectators the most de la Jeunesse July 2005. Following the a shame for some basic skills or lack of exciting experiences of our sport. World Championships in 2006, we knowledge to spoil your chances of ARA Rules of Racing Having spent hours, days, months and hope that we will host other regattas in winning when it finally comes to race. The majority of racing in is for some of us, years training for a the build up to the 2012 Olympics and We have selected a few aspects of held under the ARA Rules of Racing, particular race, we want everything to for this we need more volunteers than regatta and head racing that commonly the purpose of which are to: be perfect! This Junior Officials ever! let crews down together with some ● Provide a basis for safe, fair and Handbook explains some of the major explanation as to why they are The Junior Officials Scheme provides an equal racing aspects of how Multi-Lane Regattas are important. Try to integrate these skills opportunity for you as juniors to take an ● run, how you can get involved by into your everyday rowing whether Ensure that due notice is taken of active part in local, national or helping out and also gives you training or racing. the ARA Water Safety Code, the international regattas, irrespective of invaluable tips on how to better prepare provisions of which shall; take whether you are totally new to the sport These aspects are derived from the yourself when it is your turn to race. precedence at all times. or have just won your first race! Amateur Rowing Association (ARA) ● Provide a consistent framework for It was fantastic to be able to compete Rules of Racing and the ARA Water Have fun and good luck! the regulation and organisation of on the ‘home water’ of Eton Rowing Safety Code. As a competitor you are Regattas and other rowing events. Lake during the World Cup May 2005 GB Senior Rowing Team 2005 required to abide by them so it is also which attracted record numbers of useful if you understand why they are The Rules of Racing is a published spectators. On behalf of all the GB there and what you can do to ensure document that is reviewed annually for squad, thank you to all the Junior that you comply. Ask your coach or local any necessary updates. It is available on umpire to explain any of the rules in the ARA website www.ara-rowing.org more detail if you are not sure. and goes into quite some detail about all important aspects of racing, both The keys to success of any rowing event Summer Regattas and Winter Heads. It are: is not possible to cover everything in ● Safety this handbook and nor do we want to ● Fairness of Racing repeat information, however you do need to know what aspects it covers so ● Information Dissemination that you can use it for reference. Here ● Communication are the main sections: As a competitor, you can contribute to ● Definition of Terms eg what is an the success of a rowing event by ‘Official Warning’, Dead-weight? following the Instructions to Competitors ● Conduct of the Race and making sure that you, your crew and ● Competitors your boat are well prepared.

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● Classification of Events (eg points rowed in the boat, nor regatta officials. ’s Tips for senior classes, ages for Use the table on pages 5 and 6 to It is important that your life jacket or buoyancy aid fits Veterans, Lightweights) remind you to check your own boat with properly. If it is not fastened or is too big, it will just come off if ● Regatta Organisation the rest of your crew the next time you you are in the water or if you inflate the life jacket. go afloat. ● Heads and Other Processional Do you know the difference between a life jacket and A number of umpires are appointed to Races buoyancy aid? Control Commission at a competition ● Sponsorship and may request that YOU demonstrate If you are wearing a life jacket, is it manually or self-inflating? ● Appendix A – Essential Equipment that you have checked your boat. In Is the pull cord easily accessible? for Key Officials accordance with the Rules of Racing, Coxes of front ‘bow’ loading boats MUST only wear a manually inflatable life ARA Water Safety Code boats that do not meet the requirements of the ARA Water Safety Code are to jacket. The ARA Water Safety Code is be excluded from racing. referenced in the Rules of Racing and covers both training and racing. It is Duties of the Control Commission as applicable to EVERYONE and it is defined in the ARA Rules of Racing important that you, whether a rower, section 2-3-2: Boat Safety Checks helper or Junior Official, are familiar with The Control Commission shall Use the checklist below to remind yourself what checks need to be made to your boat the main aspects of it. “ supervise the crew boating areas and crew before you let it go out to row or race. to check that all relevant Rules The Water Safety Code itself is only CHECK HOW WHY FOUR pages and is easy to read and pertaining to crew composition and understand. The rest is supplementary equipment are being observed. Bow Ball Firmly attached. The bow of the boat is guidance notes and standard forms. ” Control Commission therefore includes: rather pointed! ● Boat Safety Checks Must not bend or deflect. 2.2 Boat Safety Checks, Good order – not torn or perished. The Bow Ball minimises ● Crew Composition (that those damage to others in the Control Commission & entered and registered are indeed Repair boat if the tip of the bows event of an impact with Interface with those going to race) have broken otherwise bow ball will the bows of the boat. Marshalling ● Coxswain’s Life Jacket / Buoyancy never provide the required Whenever you go out to row, whether Aid and Weight Certificate (inc any protection, will just deflect and for a normal training outing or are about Deadweight) perish quicker. to race, you should check that your boat ● Lightweight Rower/Sculler’s is safe. This is both for your benefit and Weight Certificate that of others on the water. YOU THE ● CREW are responsible for your boat, Post Racing Update of Racing not your coach, the previous crew that Licence

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CHECK HOW WHY CHECK HOW WHY

Heel Restraints Short enough to prevent the heel of So that your feet can Cox’s Weight Do NOT carry deadweight on your Unnecessary weight will the shoe from lifting above the escape in the event of a Certificate & person, in clothing or any place that reduce effectiveness of lowest fixed point. capsize or swamping. any Deadweight might impede your exit from the boat. your buoyancy aid or life jacket. Strong and robust – your legs are a Cox boxes count as part of the Minimum weights for lot stronger than your arms! BOAT and are not included in the coxes are defined in the cox’s weight. Rules of Racing. Independently tied to the foot stretcher. Race, Crew, Ensure any lane numbers / Boat ID Quick identification by Number / Lane are affixed to the boat. Try to avoid officials. Buoyancy Hatches and vent plugs in place and To provide maximum Number having two numbers on show if you Compartments fitting correctly. buoyancy in the event of are doubling up. Make sure you have a swamping. your number clearly visible - not hidden by additional top or long hair! Steering Check rudder, fin and lines can freely To enable steersman to Mechanism move (are not trapped). Check fin is safety manoeuvre the Racing Tips: 2.3 Circulation Pattern/ intact and that steering cord / wire is boat. Coxes should have their life jackets / not frayed. You do not want a failure Navigation Rules buoyancy aids properly fitted and all mid race! The Circulation Pattern (or Navigation ready to go before accompanying the Rules if you are on a river) is the crew with boat to get afloat. Cox’s Lifejacket Appropriate size and adjusted so So that it is effective if it equivalent of the Highway Code when / buoyancy Aid that it is a snug (but not is needed. Check your boat yourself in good time rowing. It exists for the safety of you as uncomfortable) fit. so that you can fix any problems. rowers as well as other water users to minimise the probability of collisions. Manual pull cord is accessible. Control Commission interfaces closely with both Registration and Course The circulation pattern at an event will be different during racing and training CO2 cylinder not discharged. Marshals. Remember your race time and crew number so it is quicker for them to times and all crews going afloat should check the circulation pattern for that Lifejacket annually inflated to check mark you off their list and easier for particular event. Some regattas declare for splits /leaks. them to respond to any queries from the Course Marshals. zones where firm pressure or starts are not allowed for safety reasons. A Coxes – You CAN be asked to have violation of the circulation pattern during your weight checked immediately an event, whether during racing or AFTER racing. training period could result in the crew receiving an Official Warning or indeed result in Disqualification.

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Here is the Training Circulation Pattern that was used for the Coupe de la Jeunesse 2005. the bank sides and the larger faster ALWAYS obey your cox or steersman crews overtake by using the inner lanes. who should be constantly observing the Note also the empty lane in the centre situation when marshalling. Here are to act as a buffer to minimise likelihood some skills for you to practice – choose of head on collisions. ALWAYS CHECK a safe stretch of water first though! BEFORE GOING AFLOAT. ● identify a landmark on the bank The Racing Circulation pattern used the and try to hold exactly the same return lane at Dorney Lake which was position relative to the bank for 2 used by crews warming up and being minutes. marshalled for the start. Crews cooling ● Identify a point on the water, spin down circulated around lane 1 between your crew within 2 boat lengths of the finish and 1000m mark. This is not it and then get stern pair to back possible at all multi-lane venues and all down onto it as if it was a events will give clear instructions as to stakeboat. Work out how you are where crews may warm up or cool down going to coordinate within your (ie which lanes to use and between crew to hold the boat up. which distance markers. ALWAYS ● Practice small rotations of the boat Note that the smaller and slower boats if crews crossover the central buffer check, keep well clear of racing crews or just the stern by stroke backing are in the INNER lanes, and the larger lane. The normal training circulation and NEVER cross the finishing line down (or stroke using one blade if faster boats are in the OUTSIDE lanes. pattern at Dorney, however, is almost when cooling down when a race is in in a boat). Bow should This is to minimise speed of any collision the opposite ie the slower crews are on the process of finishing – this causes great confusion! paddle ‘AT FRONT STOPS’ both using ‘SMALL STABBING STROKES’ (use opposite blade to 2.4 Marshalling / Getting stroke if sculling) whilst the rest of onto the Start the crew should balance the boat. Both Heads and Regattas will involve ● When attached at a start pontoon, you in holding your position despite or if you just want to move your prevailing wind and stream conditions. bows across if marshalling without Always have your crew number clearly moving forward, get bow to pass visible at all times and obey the their blade back to 2 so that little marshals’ instructions as they can see stabbing strokes can be made very the bigger picture and can anticipate close to the boat hull to rotate the problems. boat around the stern. Some crews call this ‘scratching’. This is The better you can manoeuvre your an EXTREMELY useful skill and boat, the more composed you will be one which ALL crews should when you get to race. Incorporate some practice before racing. manoeuvring skills into your training and

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Can you spot the Australia and GB blade since it was a particularly tricky 2.5 Summary Women’s VIIIs in the final at the World cross wind. During the alignment period, Remember the key factors mentioned above to ensure a successful rowing event? Cup 2005 maintaining their boat the coxes needed to overcompensate Here is a summary of your responsibilities as a competitor to help in achieving these position attached to the start by and then anticipate when the race was aims: ‘scratching’ their boats? In the going to be started so that they could Australian VIII, 3 has 2’s blade. In the set off straight, despite the conditions. Safety Check your boat before Obey Circulation Pattern, GB VIII, 5 has 4’s blade and 3 has 2’s each outing, not just before Navigation Rules, Marshalling races. Instructions. Read and understand them YOURSELF before going afloat.

Fairness of Arrive in good time to the Comply with the entry Racing start / marshalling area to requirements (age, status, avoid delaying others. club).

Note that you must be Advise any crew changes. attached and ready to race Coxes/lightweights – carry at least 2 minutes prior to your own weight certificate. the race time otherwise you risk an official warning. Two official warnings and you will be disqualified.

Information Check-in / register in good Report if your crew has Dissemination time. scratched.

Pick up your lane number at the times indicated by the event.

Communication Wear your crew number Know your race time and ‘visibly’ at all times when event. afloat. Report any boat/equipment Ensure your lane number is problems immediately to fitted. nearest official.

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3.1 Regatta Officials and Location Race Umpire Responsible for the conduct of the race once the Starter has The next time you go to race, try and spot the various officials around the course. If started the race. At the end of the race, he indicates to the you are helping out as a Junior Official, use this section to help you understand who Finish Judges by raising a flag. does what and where around the course. Finish Judge Determines the order in which the crews crossed the finish line. DUTY NOTES Holds the result if the Race Umpire has raised the Red Flag until the issue has been clarified. Registration Crew Check-in, Coaches / crews advise any crew changes or scratchings. Releases the result if the Race Umpire has raised the White Flag.

Race Control Race timetable and lane allocation following first round in Timekeeping Located at the Start, 500m, 1000m, 1500m and Finish, conjunction with the Chief Umpire. Radio net organisation and operates timing system and records the time of all crews as the response to race related crew queries. pass that point.

Control Supervises crew boating areas to check that all relevant Rules Lane Numbers Issues lane numbers in accordance with the Draw, marking off Commission pertaining to crew composition and equipment are being who has picked up numbers. Collection of lane numbers from observed. returning crews so that the supply does not run out.

Marshal Organises the crews on the water, feeding them in race groups Safety Boats Located at strategic positions along the course, monitoring the to the start per the race order. Chases any missing crews and course and radio, ready to respond in the event of a crew notifies the Start of any changes from the draw. Warns crews getting into difficulty or capsize. who may drift onto the racing course during marshalling.

Starter Calls racing crews onto the start. Starts the race once the Aligner has indicated that the crews are level. Checks the course is clear and that an umpire is present to take the race.

Stakeboats / Holds onto the stern of the boats at the start. Adjusts the Start Pontoons position per the instructions of the Aligner.

Aligner / Judge Aligner – instructs the stakeboats to adjust the boats to achieve at the Start as perfect alignment of the bows as possible on the start line.

Judge at the Start – raises a White Flag or White Flag with red cross, to indicate he is satisfied that the boats on the start are aligned.

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3.2 Registration, Race Lane Numbers: Most Multi-lane events Marshalling Tips: Keep crews well Radio Communication Control, Lane Numbers, allocate lane numbers to crews shortly separated and take note of the All Race Officials must be effective in (20-30 minutes) before their race time. prevailing wind as you will be able to Marshalling & Radio communicating with each other. Over Lane Number check-out is useful to anticipate how crews might drift before long distances, the only efficient means Communication keep a track of which crews have they happen. Make sure that crews do is by Radio. The Thames Regional Registration: Racing crews ‘check-in’ actually reported to race. Crews should not drift onto the racing course, which Rowing Council Radios are pictured here and checks are made against entry check in for EACH of their races. Since can happen when conditions are windy. here with the basic instructions. forms, ARA racing licences and there is a limit on the number of sets of Keep your radio, megaphone, payment. Crews are given a number (if numbers a regatta has (10-20), it is binoculars, draw and pen handy at ALL There are three types of transmission: applicable). Confirmation of registration useful to have a couple of people to TIMES; you never know when you will ● General Information (be alert to or the withdrawal of any crew is passed pick up the lane numbers on returning receive a radio message either giving take note, keep the radio within to Race Control. Registration work crews. Some events use alternate you information or asking YOU for which earshot at all times!) colours eg Blue and Red; this makes it crews you have seen. It is also very closely with Control Commission to ● easier to distinguish crews in different handy to be familiar with the club Initiating a Transmission eg request ensure that Coxes / Lightweights are for Information weighed; random checks are also made heats of the same event. colours so that you can immediately recognise crews. ● Responding to a Transmission eg on crews actually boating! Marshalling: This is a key role in the in response to another official Race Control is the ‘hub’ for all racing, efficient running of any regatta and is 500m / 100m Marshals: For most this includes the issuing of any updates located near to the start. Correct crews multi-lane courses, there are two At the very start of a day’s racing at a to the Draw and what crews are racing, must presented to the start for each marshalling stations which have slightly Regatta or Head, or after an interval which lane and at what time. This race in turn, following the draw and different roles. The 500m Marshal filters such as lunch break or next division of a information is passed to the Race timetable. This means sorting out crews out crews for the next race and then head, the Starter, Chief Umpire or Chief Officials and Marshals at suitable times that have arrived out of sequence, sends ONLY those crews up to the Marshal will initiate a ‘Radio Check’. This and may be either by radio transmission chasing up any late crews and checking 100m Marshal. The 100m Marshal gives a positive assurance that all or paper updates. Some multi-lane if any missing crews have, in fact, interfaces directly with the Start, tries to officials are in place, that their radios are courses and larger events use computer scratched. It is useful to advise the Start get the crews in lane order and instructs working and that racing can commence. updates. if there are any updates to the published crews to move onto the start as soon as Be ready to acknowledge their call. draw for their information. the previous race has passed. With a tight timetable for racing, the Marshals Communication Links Between Key Officials can make the difference between racing running on time or not!

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So how do you make your radio Do you know the International messages clear and brief and that the ICOM F12 RADIO Phonetic Alphabet? person you want to contact is alerted by Basic Instructions A Alpha your transmission? ● Always keep radio in “earshot” in B Bravo THINK plan exactly what you are Switch On: Rotate the left knob case someone needs to contact going to say clockwise – This turns the power on you. C Charlie LISTEN make sure no one else is and adjusts the received audio level. ● Check which operating channel D Delta transmitting to use – if you are As you switch on the radio you will E Echo on the wrong SPEAK slowly and clearly. Keep the hear a two second burst of tone. A channel no one will F Foxtrot message precise. low battery is indicated by red LED. The faster it flashes the lower the hear you. G Golf Example: ● battery. Switch radio off H Hotel 100m “Start, Start this is 100m before you put the Channel selection: Marshal Over” Rotate the knob radio in a charger I India in centre to the channel number as ● J Juliet Start “Start here, Over” … or instructed – fully anticlockwise is Keep the radio “Start receiving, SEND” channel 1. dry…..and it DOES K Kilo 100m “Race 32, lane 4 Weybridge NOT FLOAT! DO NOT USE CHANNELS 15 & 16 L Lima has scratched, Over” Notes M Mike Start “Received, Out” To send a message: Listen first to make sure no one is speaking. When A fully charged battery N November Notes: the channel is busy the LED is green. should give you O Oscar ● Always your radio is switched “On” an operating Hold radio about 15cm from mouth, and which channel you are on. time of about P Papa press and hold the large Push To Talk eight hours. ● Never use “Over and Out” – this is Q Quebec (PTT) button on the side. Wait for 1-2 Flat batteries meaningless. R Romeo seconds before speaking. Talk at will take about ● “ROGER” – means “Received and normal speaking level. DO NOT 90 minutes to S Sierra Understood”. SHOUT. charge. T Tango ● “WILCO” – means “Will Comply”. The LED will be red while transmitting. Do not leave U Uniform ● Use “Affirmative” for “Yes” and Remember you must release the PTT radios or “Negative” for “No”. V Victor button when finished and to allow batteries in W RADIOS DO NOT FLOAT AND ARE others to then transmit. chargers for Whisky NOT WATERPROOF! days on end – X X-ray Do’s & Don’ts: it reduces the Y Yankee RADIOS COST ~£200 EACH…. SO ● Always use the radio in the soft life of the LOOK AFTER THEM AND ALWAYS case. battery. Z Zulu RETURN TO THE ORGANISER

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orderly for the competitors so that they ● Don’t try to stop the boat with your 3.3 The Start, Aligning, Boat See how important it is to try and hold can concentrate on getting ready for hands. If the boat is approaching the boat steady, despite crews making Positioning on Start their race. Here are a few tips if you are too fast, LET GO to avoid getting adjustments; here are pictures of the Pontoons on stakeboat duty: injured. alignment of crews exactly as the All Regattas have slightly different start ● Ensure your buoyancy aid fits ● Do not push the boat away on Starter said ‘GO!’ locations and layouts. River courses properly and you are suitably ‘GO’, just release, even if the could have either ‘stakeboat’ starts dressed. Try to avoid wearing red. aligner is still trying to make small (where a person holds the stern of the ● adjustments. boat) or ‘free’ starts where the boats Know which lane you are! ● If a crew becomes detached, stay either drift or are held in alignment by ● Check you can hear the Aligner in position until they return to the crews themselves. ● As soon as the Starter has called within your reach. on the next race, look out for the At the multi-lane regatta course at ● crew in your lane. If you cannot hear the Aligner, sit Dorney we have 8 special start up after the race has gone and put ● pontoons. The boats are held by a Be ready BEFORE they start to your hand up; someone will come stakeboat person who also makes any back down and track their stern as over to you to try and sort out any fine adjustments as instructed by the it approaches problem. Aligner. Larger adjustments, such as for ● Hold the boat on both sides about ● After a race has gone wait until different boat classes, are made by 20 to 30 cm from the end and crews have passed at least 100m ‘walking’ the start pontoons (fingers) in NOT around the steering before you sit up to avoid or out. mechanism distracting the crews or getting in The Start is the most important area of ● Make adjustments as instructed by the way of any photographers. the Regatta Course. Although a lot is the Aligner Then relax so that you can going on, it should remain calm and concentrate again when the next race is due.

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3.4 Umpires, Flag Drill, Start Flag Drill The Starter uses a Red Flag to Procedure Umpires use flags to communicate start the race. instructions both to crews racing and to The prime role of the Umpire is to A white cross may be added to the their fellow umpires. ensure that racing is SAFE for all river Starter's Red Flag to aid visibility users. Whilst SAFETY is everyone’s Here are a few of the important ones Other Race Officials will only use responsibility, during a race, the Umpire that you will come across and may have plain Flags. takes on particular responsibility for the already seen for yourself; look out for conduct of the race. them when you go to your next regatta. See Rule 2-4-4 “Start Procedure”. Here is a summary of when they are Things can happen during a race that used and what they mean. can create an unsafe situation or make racing conditions unfair or unequal for the competitors. The Race Umpire uses his/her judgement to restore fair and equal chance to the competitors in each race as guided by the ARA Rules of Racing. A false start

In the event of a False Start (ie Starting a race the bows of one or more crews crosses the start line before the The Judge at the Start works with Starter has called "Go"), then the Aligner and the stakeboat any of the Key Race Officials at personnel to ensure that the crews the start (Starter, Aligner, Race are level before raising the White Umpire) may call a False Start Flag. using the following procedure (in The raised White Flag signals to this order). the Starter and Race Umpire that ● Ring the bell the race can commence. ● Wave the Red Flag in a Sometimes a White Flag is difficult vertical semi-circular arc to see so it has a red cross on it to from shoulder to shoulder make it clearer. The crews may also be See Rule 2-4-2 “Alignment”. instructed to stop racing 1 2 See Rule 2-4-6 “False Start”.

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If a crew is judged to have caused the False Start, it will normally be awarded an Stopping a race Official Warning. Any crew that collects two Official Warnings in one race is disqualified. Official Warnings for false starts are generally not carried forward from If the Race Umpire needs to race to race but other warnings may be. A False Start marker is raised at the stop the whole race, then the offending lane. This is usually a traffic cone or a coloured disk. same procedure is used as for a If the False Start was not judged to have been caused by any of the crews (eg the False Start, ie: boat may have slipped out of the stakeboat boy's grip) then no Official Warnings will ● Ring the bell be awarded and it will be classified as a “faulty start”. ● Wave the Red Flag in a vertical semi-circular arc from shoulder to shoulder During the race ● Verbally instruct the crews 2 to stop racing The race umpire CREW NAME

The White Flag is used by the Race Umpire during the race to warn crews 1 3 for their steering. 1 2

The Race Umpire raises the White Flag vertically at first, shouts the crew name and 3 STOP then points to the direction the crew should move. Stopping the race is normally a last resort. It will generally only be used if there is a serious problem, which may not be immediately obvious to the crews (eg the course If two crews are converging together in ahead of the race has become blocked) or following a foul (clash). If instructed to stop neutral water, he will shout “both crews move rowing, the crews involved must respond immediately to the instruction. apart” and the flag will be kept in the verticle position. See Rules 2-5-3 “Steering” and 2-5-4 “Umpires Instructions”.

If the Race Umpire needs to stop individual crews without stopping the whole race, he will also use the White Flag and clearly instruct that particular crew to STOP.

See Rules 2-5-3 “Steering” and 2-5-4 “Umpires Instructions”.

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The end of the race Race Umpire signals to the Finish that the At the end of the race, the Race Umpire UMPIRE WATCHES THE race was clean and they can release the result. will take a moment to check that none of CREWS AS THEY FINISH THE the crews wish to raise a protest, and RACE! will show either the White Flag or the Red Flag to the Finish Judge.

The White Flag indicates that the Finish Judges can release the result of the race.

The Start Procedure NOTE: If you are a Stakeboat ARA Rules of Racing Rule 2-4-4 Holder, it is your job to make sure a warning marker is The Starter calls the competitors onto erected in your lane. Then, the start by first naming the crew, then remember to remove it after their station / lane. that race has started. Note that competitors should be ● The Starter announces the The Red Flag indicates that there was attached and ready to race two following: some problem with the race and that the minutes before race time. – Race number Rule 2-4-3 “Crew Preparation”. Finish Judges should wait for the Race – Event Umpire to resolve the problem before ● The Starter announces any – Outcome (unless obvious eg declaring the result. "Official Warnings". Apart from Final!) The Race Umpire will inform the Finish resulting from a false start, a crew ● eg "Race 47, Heat of Men's Senior Judge when the problem is resolved, could receive an Official Warning 3 coxed fours, winner to Final, and what the outcome was (eg a for such offences such as second and third to repechage" protest, if upheld, could – but won't disobeying the course circulation (for a multi-lane race), or simply always – result in a disqualification). pattern / safety rules. Any crews "Race 47, Heat of Men's Senior 3 affected should indicate their coxed fours" for a straightforward See Rule 2-6 “The Finish”. acknowledgement of the Official knockout race between two crews. Warning.

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Once the crews are aligned and reference. If you are not sure, talk to As you might anticipate, crews are straight, the start proceeds as follows: your coach about it. usually closer at the 500m point which ● makes this timing point quite a The Starter will go through the Note: Some multi-lane courses use challenge! ‘Roll Call’, naming each crew in traffic lights instead of flags. Make sure turn you do not obscure these lights when Note: Use the Umpire’s launch ● Pause sitting on the start pontoons. following the race to help you check that all crews have crossed your timing line ● The Starter will call "Attention" 3.5 Timekeeping for a particular race – but be aware, ● Then slowly raise the Red Flag there may be a slow crew someway running vertically in front of the cabin, ● Coaches and athletes are always very behind so keep a good look out. Those Pause lined up with the mark on the opposite interested in seeing their split times, and at the 1500m point should be aware ● The Starter says "Go" side) and shouts out the lane number as those of their opponents! Making sure that there may be crews warming down simultaneously dropping the Red each crew’s bow ball passes the line accurate and reliable timing information that are NOT part of a race. Even Flag smartly to one side whilst simultaneously pressing the is captured is therefore very important. though they should keep well clear of timing button. The other writes down the ● In the event of a false start, the Most regattas are short of enough any races, keep alert! order of the crews on the record sheet Starter, Race Umpire and Judge at people to undertake this crucial role so that their respective times can be the Start / Aligner should all follow which from experience, is much better The Finish can be particularly exciting matched up once all the crews for that the Flag Drill for ‘False Start’ as suited to juniors who invariably have and the difference between finishing race has passed. If a master computer explained in Rule 2-4-6. nimble fingers and good eyesight. Those positions can be as little as half a bow doing timing have the added benefit of a system is not in use, you might have to ball. Here is a close finish – remember If the start has to be aborted for any close-up view of the actual racing! radio the times to Timing how close we were trying to get the reason after the Starter has raised the Control or be ready crews aligned at the start? Red Flag, then the Starter will say "As There are timing points at the Start, to hand the you were", and slowly lower the Red 500m, 1000m, 1500m and Finish. sheets over Flag out of sight. This could happen if Although there are a couple of to a runner. the course has unexpectedly become different systems in use in the UK obstructed or if a crew has become at the moment, all require a detached. synchronised clock system and manual activation as crews start When the Starter is ready to proceed, and cross intermediate timing the start will resume from "Attention" (ie points. It is always worth the Roll Call will not normally be checking the exact system repeated). requirements on the day.

When you are at your next regatta, go Usually at least two people are and watch what happens at the start for needed to man each intermediate several races. Make a note of anything timing point. One carefully A special display was installed at the Finish for interesting in this handbook for your watches the timing line (the wire Finals Day; how close were the 2nd and 3rd crews?

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4.1 Background Championships August 2006, we hope To be most effective when assisting a Know where the rest of your team are, that more juniors can be involved. Marshal, Umpire or Administrator, it is what they have to do and how they rely Rowing, just like any sport, requires a useful to understand what their roles on you. vast array of volunteers to help in the To provide a legacy not only to those and responsibilities are. If in doubt ASK; organisation and effective running of fortunate enough to be involved in these it is not possible to cover everything in Observation competitions. If an event goes events but to others, we hope this these notes. Here are a few tips as smoothly, the officials and volunteers are handbook acts as a good starting point Familiarise yourself with how the course memory joggers: often not noticed but without them, for others around the country to get is laid out and watch the circulation there would be disaster! At both the more involved in helping at their local pattern of crews, umpire launches and Safety Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the regattas and heads, irrespective of their safety boats. Olympic Games held in Athens 2004, a own rowing prowess. All Events should provide a Safety Plan Be observant at all times, you never special mention was given to the that has been developed following a know what might be just about to multitude of host nation volunteers. The Junior Officials Awards are an Risk Assessment. acknowledgement of the skills learned happen and you might be the only one Inspired by this and coupled with the and contribution by the Juniors and are Who is the Safety Adviser? to call for help. desire to enable more young people and subject to ongoing development – Circulation Pattern / Course map: If in new surroundings, familiarise non-rowers to become involved with check out www.thames-rrc.org for the showing which sections of the river or yourself with where things are as soon helping out at both domestic and the latest update. However, this section course racing crews and other water as you get there. That way, if you get imminent international regattas, the gives the general standard expected users should use. Are there any asked, you can help. Junior Officials programme was devised. and an idea of the opportunities for restrictions eg No overtaking / no racing The idea was to make volunteering more progression in line with a junior’s own starts. Knowledge of Rules than a one-off event and more rowing and racing involvement over a integrated into a junior rower’s expected number of years. Where are the Ambulances, First Aid, Know the requirements and understand experience of the sport. On-Water Safety Boats? why they are there. This course is recognised by Sportsleaders UK as complementary to Instructions to Competitors? Know what to do if something goes 4.2 Junior Rowing Officials the Junior Sports Leader Award. The wrong. Programme award can also complement Citizenship Coordination aspects of other schoolwork. Etiquette To date, the Junior Rowing Officials Effective communication and Information Programme has been very focused on dissemination are keys to success. “How to behave”. preparing junior rowers to help out at 4.3 Training Days and Core the start for the Rowing World Cup Punctuality…if you are not in the right Calm, Polite…….. Skills place at the right time, you cannot help! which took place May 2005, the Coupe Remember that other people will be The Junior Officials Training Days are de la Jeunesse July 2005 which took noticing you and your actions. place at Dorney Lake, Eton. This intended to be very practical and fun by Teamwork trying out new equipment. The idea is to Athletes will be relying on your actions. handbook has been written based on Know your job and do it well. the experiences and observations practise some skills that will be useful Treat others how you would like to be gained from these events. As we when helping out at a rowing Who is in your team and who is the treated. prepare for the World Rowing competition. leader?

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Be Prepared training day) and note how each – Where do crews boat from? ● Following the JO Level 2 Training Bring any paperwork / instructions / ID item is addressed at your club. – Where is the course? Day, you will be expected to Badges with you so you know who to Include a note of your Safety – Are the start and finish clearly participate in at least 3 Regattas. report to. Adviser and if you are not sure, marked? Complete your log card at the end ask him/her to explain anything – Where can crews overtake, are of the Regatta season together Always have a pen / pencil and paper that is not clear. Show a there any restrictions eg with any notes. Keep a copy of handy. newcomer / other junior rower how bridges? one race programme for a Regatta to check their boat (boat safety that you attend and note down: Bring a small bottle of water so you – Where is the return or checks) and explain your local don’t get thirsty! navigation lane for regular ● Safety Plan navigation rules / circulation traffic if the river has not been ● pattern under the supervision of Circulation Pattern: What lanes Come dressed for any weather closed? condition (rain or shine…the rowing your Safety Adviser or Coach. Get can you warm up / cool down in? ● must go on!) either of them to sign your log Assessment Tests: Download one ● What are the local rules of racing? card. If special circulation patterns of the assessments from ● Was the course fair for all or designated areas for river www.thames-rrc.org and complete. 4.4 Junior Official Award – competitors and why? crossing are required, either make You may either do this on your ● Level 1 a sketch or get a copy to attach to own or as a group exercise but Who was the Regatta Safety ● Participate in a Junior Official your log card. you must complete and submit Adviser? your own if you wish to be ● Training Day ● Winter Head Racing: Attend a Did you report any incidents you considered for the JO Level 2 ● Help out at a number of regattas Head Race (ie time trials) either as saw? Training and Award. Use the and / or heads in your region and a competitor or helping out, make ● questions to remind you what you Did you shadow any officials’ get your log card signed off by sure you read and understand all learned in the JO Level 1 Training positions? If so, which stations one of the Organising Committee the instructions. Keep a copy and Day and at the events in which you and what did you learn? officials attach to your log card and think participated. ● Keep a note of the Official’s name; about: ● At the end of the season, submit they will be pleased to help you. your log card and feedback to your – Map of the Course and Marshalling Plan; where are the 4.6 Junior Official Award – local Coaching Development Junior Official Award – Level 3 Officer (CDO) for assessment in safety boats and ambulances? Level 2 Subject to development and demand. It conjunction with a local umpire. – Can you see any particular ● Submission of Assignment is envisaged that this would provide danger points on the course detailed above to your local CDO. eg blind bend / crossing additional training in leadership, regatta ● Subject to availability, you will be 4.5 Junior Official points, weir, fast stream, organisation and management skills for invited to a JO Level 2 Training Assignments moored boats? How are these those interested in pursuing this further. Day. This will comprise a half-day ● Safety at Your Club: Referring to hazards managed by the exercise to put a few skills to the the Water Safety Code, go organising committee? test as well as give you more through each of the items with a – Instructions to Competitors – opportunity to develop other skills. friend you normally row with (they are there any special do not need to have attended the instructions?

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Your notes:

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