PARENTS’ ROWING MANUAL 2017

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3 March 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians and Supporters,

To all of the new families and all of those returning I would like to welcome you all to the 2017 St Hilda’s School Rowing season.

In 2017 we aim to build on the success of last season and emulate the tremendous efforts of all our competitors. In 2016 we saw the most impressive results that St Hilda’s School Rowing has produced to date in both the BSRA ‘Head of the River’ and the School State Rowing Titles.

Together with the coaches, I aim to develop a safe and enjoyable environment for all whilst not losing sight of the reason why we are rowing and that is to develop the girls rowing skills, physical fitness and performance, giving our best effort to help all girls reach their upmost potential.

Although enjoyable, I acknowledge that rowing is certainly a very demanding sport which requires a great deal of commitment from all involved and I would like to thank all parents/guardians in advance for your time and efforts to take the girls to and from training this coming season.

I am looking forward to the challenge of the season ahead, building on the growing success of the St Hilda’s School Rowing Program which has come so far in the past few years. We endeavour to nourish the development of all competitors throughout the season from the Year 8s first ever stroke to the final race at the Head of the River as a Senior and every step in between.

Please feel free to contact me at any time with any questions you may have on Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0405239635 or approach me around the boat shed or at regattas.

Adam Harrison Head of Rowing

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CONTENTS

Training schedule ...... 4

Calendar of Events ...... 5

Contact Details and the Rowing Supporters Group ...... 6

Daily Training Structure ...... 7

Points to Remember ...... 8

Regatta Information ...... 9

BSRA Participating Schools ...... 10

Terminology ...... 11-12

Seating ...... 13

Community Code of Conduct ...... 14-15

Rowing Selection Guidelines ...... 16-18

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BSRA-St Hilda’s School Rowing Training Schedule 2017

Saturday Training Schedule Time Year 8 Year 9 & 10 Seniors 5.00am Boarders Bus Pick Up Boarders Bus Pick Up 5.15am Arrive at Boat Shed Arrive at Boat Shed 5.30am On Water On Water 7.15am Boarders Bus Pick Up 7.30am Arrive at Boat Shed Off Water 7.45am On Water Off Water 8.00am Breakfast Breakfast 8.15am X-Train X-Train 9.15am Finish Finish 9.30am Off Water Help Wash Boats Help Wash Boats 10.00am Finish Finish Finish Boarders Bus Drop Off Boarders Bus Drop Off Boarders Bus Drop Off

***IMPORTANT NOTE - YEAR 8 (Boarders & Day Girls) must have breakfast prior to arriving at the Boat Shed on Saturday morning. Breakfast will not be supplied for Years 8 due to commencement time on the water.

Rowing Training Schedule and X Training Sessions Year Level Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday and Times Yrs 9-12: 5am Yrs 8: 7.15am Year 8 AM Row Row Row/ Time: 5.00am Regatta – 7.30am Year 8 PM X-training Time: 3.30pm – 4.45pm Year 9 AM Row Row Row/ Time: 5.00am X-training/ – 7.30am Regatta Year 9 PM X-training Time: 3.30pm – 4.45pm

Year 10 AM Row Row Row/ Time: 5.00am X-training/ – 7.30am Regatta Year 10 AM X-training Time: 3.30pm – 4.45pm Seniors AM Row Row Row Row/ Time: 5.00am X-training/ – 7.30am Regatta Seniors PM Gym Ergos Gym Time: 3.30pm – 4.45pm

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ROWING MORNING SESSIONS are at the TSS Boat Shed at 5.15am. Boarders will be picked up at 5.00am. The School Bus will transport all girls back to school at 7.45am. All girls will have breakfast prior to catching the bus back to school.

X-TRAINING SESSIONS are held at St Hilda’s School in the Gym or on the Oval. X-Training finishes at 4.45pm.

Calendar of Events BSRA-ST HILDA’S SCHOOL ROWING CALENDAR 2017

DATE EVENT TIME VENUE 27 Mar – 2 National Championships TBC Penrith, NSW Apr 31 March END TERM 1

19 April COMMENCE TERM 2

Seniors (Yr 11 & 12) Training 19 April 5.15am & 3.30pm starts TSS Boat Shed Commences 24 April Year 9’s Training Commences 5.15am & 3.30pm starts TSS Boat Shed

20 April Year 8’s & 10’s Training Commences 5.15am & 3.30pm starts TSS Boat Shed

23 May BSRA - Indoor Rowing Championships 5.00pm-8.30pm St Peters Murwillumbah 10 June Senior Rowing Trials 5.30am-11.30am Rowing Club 15 June END TERM 2 St Hilda’s St Hilda’s Rowing Camp 5am 16/6 Boarding, TSS 16 – 18 June (Season Launch held on Sunday the 18th) 12.30pm 18/6 Boat Shed Schedule TBC 5am 1st 8 departs nd Senior Rowing Camp 7am 2 8 departs 7 - 10 July rd (Murwillumbah ) (Fri 7 – Mon 10 July) 9am 3 8 departs Schedule TBC 11 July COMMENCE TERM 3

22 July BSRA - BGGS / Stuartholme Regatta 8.00am Wyaralong Dam 29 July BSRA - St Hilda’s / Lourdes Hill Regatta 8.00am Wyaralong Dam BSRA - All Hallows / Somerville House 5 August 8.00am Wyaralong Dam Regatta 12 August BSRA - SPLC / BSHS Regatta 8.00am Wyaralong Dam BSRA - St Aidan’s / St Margaret’s 19 August 8.00am Wyaralong Dam Regatta 26 August BSRA - Head of the River Regatta 8.00am Wyaralong Dam 26 August Ammonite Dinner 6.00pm St Hilda’s School 14 Sep END TERM 3

16 - 18 Queensland State School Championships TBC Rockhampton September Queensland State Championships (5-6 5 December TBA TBA Dec) Please note that it is expected that girls will travel on buses to Regattas at Wyaralong Dam.

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CONTACT DETAILS

Position Name Contact Details

Head of Rowing Mr Adam Harrison 0405 239 635 [email protected]

Head of Sport Mrs Jill Moore 0404 053 076 [email protected]

Rowing Administration Mrs Shelby Stewart 07 55 777 175 [email protected]

Absentee Email Sport [email protected]

Rowing Supporters’ Group Mr Simon Gray [email protected] President Community Liaison Officer Mrs Simone Crowther 07 55 777 261 or 0417 111 533 [email protected]

ROWING SUPPORTERS’ GROUP

The Rowing Supporters Group is comprised of parents who support St Hilda’s Rowers in three main areas:

 Support of the girls at early morning training sessions and in making trips to Beaudesert and beyond for regattas  Fundraising to purchase equipment  Offering parents and friends the chance to develop friendships while at regattas or attending one of the social functions. Our annual Ammonite Dinner is held on Saturday 26 August 2017, St Hilda’s School in the Jennifer Reeves Cafeteria.

Parent support on a daily basis during the rowing training and regatta season is instrumental to the success of our Rowing Program. Each year our Mega Raffle supports the program’s breakfasts which fuels our girls for training sessions and at regattas. If you would like to support with volunteering, donating, sponsoring for the upcoming 2017 season please make contact via the RSG email address [email protected].

Your support and assistance is welcome – however, please note that it mandatory for the safeguarding of our students that all volunteers complete and submit the Volunteer Forms on Page 14, prior to volunteering. Thank you.

ROWING SUPPORTERS’ GROUP MEETINGS

Second Tuesday of each month, starting at 6.30pm James Administration Meeting Rooms 1 and 2 2017 Meeting Dates: 9 May, 13 June, 11 July, 8 August, 12 September.

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DAILY TRAINING STRUCTURE

Morning Training Schedule

Place bags in the area provided Pull scull racks out of the shed Put coach’s boat on the water – tie it up to the jetty Carry oars down to water’s edge Warm up/Stretch Make sure each crew has adequate lighting (two lights on Quads/Fours/Eights, one light on Singles and Doubles) Check boat is in good working order and all nuts are tight Put your boat on the water with your crew (under instruction from stroke) After leaving the ramp, adjust your foot stretcher and await coxswain’s instructions Wait for coach before rowing away (to the South)

Post-Training Schedule

Approach the ramp from the correct direction (from the North) On Coxswain’s instruction, get out of boat Remove oars and place them at the water’s edge On stroke’s instruction, lift boat from the water and place on trestles Wash boat with soapy water and sponges Wash oars Place all equipment back on storage racks Put coach’s boat away Pack away any remaining equipment (trestles, coil hoses)

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POINTS TO REMEMBER

Single Sculls are to be carried by two people. Quads/Fours are to be carried by four people standing at either end of the gunnels, plus the coxswain at the stern directing. Eights are to be carried by eight people positioned opposite their rigger, plus the coxswain at the stern directing.

All boats are to be placed on the water facing Surfers Paradise. Boats are to leave the ramp facing a southerly direction.

When returning to the shed, row to the north and approach the ramp in a southerly direction.

Inside the shed the only people talking should be the coach or the coxswain. It needs to be a quiet environment so lifting calls can be heard.

Please remember we are guests at TSS and we need to be mindful of noise as there are both boarding houses and residential houses in the near vicinity.

Always row on the right hand side of the river

Daily Maintenance checks

Boats should be checked by rowers and supervised by coaches prior to every training session.

Check that:

Rigger bolts are tight Gates open freely Foot stretchers move easily and are set at the correct length Seats move easily Rudder moves easily There is no obvious damage to the boat If there is a problem with the boat, bring it to the attention of your coach.

Never use equipment that is damaged and needs repair; it could be dangerous or do further damage to the equipment.

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REGATTA INFORMATION

St Hilda’s School competes in the Schoolgirls’ Rowing Association (BSRA) regattas. The BSRA regattas are hosted at Wyaralong Dam.

The results from BSRA regattas are posted on the website: www.bsra.org.au

All girls are required to attend boat washing and rigging at the boatshed at the conclusion of all regattas.

At the end of September, the Queensland Schools Championships are held in Rockhampton. St Hilda’s School will be taking a small squad to this regatta. Girls will be selected to attend this regatta during Term 3. There will be a cost to attend this regatta.

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BSRA PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS

All Hallows School

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Brisbane State High School

Lourdes Hill College

Somerville House

St Aidan’s Anglican Girl’s School

St Hilda’s School

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School

St Peter’s Lutheran College

Stuartholme School

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TERMINOLOGY

Blade Flattened or spoon-shaped end of the oar. Bow Forward end of boat. Bow ball Safety rubber ball fitted to sharp bow of racing boat. All rowers whose oars are in the water on the right hand side of the boat when Bow side viewed from the stern.

Plastic sheath on oar to prevent it from slipping through the gate; adjustable on modern Button oars.

The decked section at the bow of a boat. Canvas is a term used to describe Canvas distance margins between boats in a race. Catch The part of the stroke when the blade is put in the water. Person who steers the boat from the seat in the stern or a lying position in the Coxswain bow and gives commands to the rowers.

A problem encountered by a rower when she gets her oar ‘stuck’ in the water, usually right after the catch or just before the release, which can be caused by improper Crab squaring or feathering. The momentum of the boat can overcome the rower’s control of the oar. In extreme cases the rower can actually be ejected from the shell by the oar.

The part of the stroke between the catch and the finish that accelerates the boat through Drive the water. Ergometer A machine that replicates the rowing action for fitness training

To turn the blade from being perpendicular to the water (as is the case after the Feathering release) to being parallel to the water surface at the start of the recovery to reduce wind resistance.

Small flat plate perpendicular to the bottom of the boat to aid in steering a straight Fin course.

Finish (release) The end of the stroke as the blade is taken out of the water. Gate A fitting on the end of the rigger through which the oar passes. Gunwale Horizontal plank at the top of the hull running the length of the boat. The distance between the far end of the handle of an oar and the face of the button. Inboard The remainder is called the outboard.

A lever approximately 12 feet (360cm) long by which the rower pulls against the Oar gate to move the boat through the water.

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Puddles Whirls left in the water caused by the blade as the rower pulls.

Rating The rate of stroking, or the number of strokes per minute that a crew is rowing.

The part of the stroke cycle between the finish and the catch in which the oar is Recovery feathered and the seat is returned to the stern end of the slope.

The proportion of time occupied on the recovery to the time taken on the pull Rhythm through.

Rigger Outrigger that connects the gate to the shell and is bolted to the body of the shell.

Rudder Steering device attached vertically to the stern or under the hull of a shell.

Run (clearance) The distance a boat travels in one stroke. Tinny Motorised boat used by coaches.

Trestle A frame with a sling to support a boat on the land for washing or repair work.

A boat in which each rower uses two oars, one in each hand, as opposed to rowing Sculling where each rower holds only one oar in both hands. Slide Parallel rails in which the seat moves on wheels. Stern The rear or aft of the boat. The rower seated nearest the stern, this person sets the pace for the other crew Stroke members to follow.

All the rowers whose oars are in the water on the left hand side of the boat when Stroke side viewed from the stern.

A boat in which a rower uses only one oar held in both hands, as opposed to sculling Sweep Oar where each rower holds two oars, one in each hand.

A gradual rolling of the oar blade from a position parallel to the water to that of being perpendicular to the water. This is done during the recovery portion of the rowing Squaring cycle and is done in preparation for the catch. Occurs when the blade comes out of the water during the pull-through before the Washing out finish. Zoot Suit One-piece rowing suit.

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SEATING

The seats in a rowing boat are numbered from the bow end (front end crosses a finish line first).

The #1 seat is known as the bow seat.

In a Quad or Four the #4 seat is known as the stroke seat, while in an Eight the #8 seat is known as the stroke seat.

The Cox (Coxswain – the crew member who steers the boat and calls orders to the rowers) usually sits in the stern of the boat facing the Stroke seat rower. However, in some Fours the Cox is lying down in the Bow (front) of the boat.

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COMMUNITY CODE OF CONDUCT

The following comments are designed to give clarity to the School’s expectations of all involved in the Rowing Programme. There is greater detail in the St Hilda’s Community Code of Conduct Policy and the St Hilda’s Volunteers Code of Conduct, which can be accessed via the links below. St Hilda’s Community Code of Conduct Policy St Hilda’s Volunteers Code of Conduct

All volunteers must complete the form below before commencing any voluntary work with St Hilda’s Students – please complete and sign before emailing to Simone Crowther [email protected] Safeguarding Our Students Procedures for Coaches, Volunteers, Tutors and Visitors

An extract from this document is included below:

Policy Statement

The School is a place which promotes values that are in keeping with the School’s Mission. All students, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself. For the purpose of this Code of Conduct “School Community” comprises the Principal, staff, coaches, employees, parents, guardians, step-parents, relatives, friends, supporters, carers and invitees of the School, who attend at the School, or elsewhere, for the purposes of visiting, viewing, participating, supporting or being present for any official, sporting or social activity held by or for the benefit of the School and its students.

The School Community Code of Conduct sets clear standards of behaviour which are expected of members of the School Community. It specifies the consequences for any member of the School Community who does not comply with those standards of behaviour, whether those persons are on the School’s property, in transit or at another location for the purpose of any School-authorised events or activities.

Relationships assist in creating effective communities and also effective structures, programmes and outcomes. It is the intention of the School that wherever possible the relationship style that we seek to value will be based on effective team work and a capacity to resolve difficulties amicably and in a manner that maintains the core values of the school culture.

In addition, the following is specific to Rowing.

a) St Hilda’s School Rowing wishes to operate in an environment where people show respect for others and their property. Respect is defined as consideration for another’s physical and emotional wellbeing and possessions, to ensure no damage or deprivation is caused to either. This respect must extend to those who live in near proximity to the rowing shed and training areas in the way of minimizing all excess noise, particularly early in the mornings.

b) St Hilda’s School Rowing wishes to operate in an environment which is free from harassment. Harassment is defined as any action directed at any individual or group, which creates a hostile, intimidating or offensive environment.

c) St Hilda’s School Rowing wishes to operate in a non-discriminatory environment. By this we mean where everyone has an equal opportunity and receives a fair go in accordance with the law as well as St Hilda’s School standards and rules.

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All persons bound by this code shall:

a) Not act in a manner unbecoming, or contrary to the interests of St Hilda’s School.

b) Treat people involved in rowing with courtesy, respect and proper regard for their rights. This includes all kinds of harassment and discrimination.

c) Treat another person’s property with respect and due consideration of its value.

d) Not misuse rowing equipment.

e) Not have any other relationship other than an athlete/coach relationship with any of the coaching staff or support staff.

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2017 ST HILDA’S SCHOOL ROWING SELECTION GUIDELINES

AIM: The aim of these guidelines is to ensure that Rowers and Coxswains are selected into appropriate crews of similar ability within each year group.

1.1 GENERAL

1.1.1 The St Hilda’s School Rowing program is based on the progressive development of rowing skills. The key features of the program are:

Year 8 Aim: Introduction to rowing and safety procedures Skills: Basic movement patterns, posture and grip Boats: Quad sculls and introduction to single sculls Commitment: Two mornings, one afternoon and Saturday, plus Camp Competition: Six regattas in Term 3

Year 9 Aim: Development of sculling skill and refined crew aspects Skills: Sequencing, rhythm and blade work Boats: Single sculls and Quad sculls Commitment: Two mornings, one afternoon and Saturday, plus Camp Competition: Six regattas in Term 3

Year 10 Aim: Development of power in sculling skills and finesse in quad sculls Skills: Blade acceleration, technique synchronization and crew harmony Boats: Single sculls and Quad sculls Commitment: Two mornings, one afternoon and Saturday, plus Camp Competition: Six regattas in Term 3

Seniors Aim: Transition to sweep rowing Skills: From 2 scull blades to one sweep oar Boats: Eights, four and single sculls Commitment: Three mornings, two afternoons and Saturday plus Camp Competition: Six regattas in Term 3

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1.2 CONDITION OF SELECTION OF CREWS

1.2.1 PROTOCOL

All members of the St Hilda’s School Rowing team will:

a) Travel with the team at times required by St Hilda’s School Rowing.

b) Wear and row in St Hilda’s attire as required by St Hilda’s School Rowing.

c) Make themselves available for St Hilda’s School Rowing activities as required by St Hilda’s School Rowing. All athletes must contact their coach if unable to attend a training session.

d) Obey all reasonable instructions by St Hilda’s School Rowing and the coaching staff and conduct themselves in a manner befitting a St Hilda’s School rower and student and in accordance with the Code of Conduct.

e) Follow the training program set by Head Coach and crew coach.

f) Recognize the right of St Hilda’s School Rowing to deal with inappropriate behaviour as outlined in the Code of Conduct by means of disciplinary actions from St Hilda’s School and/or the removal from your crew at the discretion of the Head Coach.

g) Advise your crew/squad coach, Head Coach of any illness or injury incurred during the rowing season.

h) Treat all team members and others dealing with the team with respect.

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1.3 SELECTION

1.3.1 SELECTION OF ROWERS

SELECTION CAN BE BASED ON A BALANCED CONSIDERATION OF THE FOLLOWING SELECTION MEDIUMS

 Competition boat  Small boat  Ergometer  Availability

The weighting of each test will vary for each age group; however, they will be informed of this weighting before testing.

Although we strive to create an enjoyable environment amongst the rowing community, we do aim to boat the most competitive crews possible at each level.

The following criteria will be used in conjunction with the testing procedure:  Rowing technique and general boatmanship  Physical fitness  Attitude, which includes willingness to be part of an effective crew and a team based Boat Club  Efforts to improve technique  Performance in racing  The relations within the crew matters (in terms of team selection), as does the relationship between athletes and the coach.

NOTE: Initial crews will be established by 31 May; however, no boat position will be secure until one week before the first BSRA regatta. Changes may be made after this date if a drastic situation is to arise. If after initial crew selections coaches believe that a rower is suitable for a higher ranked crew, further testing may be undertaken in the form of seat racing or scull offs.

If rowers are moved amongst crews, it must be in accordance with selection policy. Selection decisions (notwithstanding the need for emergency changes) will be made at coaches’ meetings. Each rower will be spoken to about the move and every effort will be made to help them understand why it is occurring. Disputes between parents about selection can adversely influence team focus, training and capacity. Parents are required to be supportive of all team selections and changes. Parents unable to abide by the Code of Practice may be asked to step away from the rowing programme. In extreme circumstances, girls will be counselled into another sporting programme.

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