Crew Selection Policy

The policy outlines how coaches at RGS Rowing select crews for racing.

 By documenting and sharing this policy, the intent is to ensure that selection is as fair as is reasonably possible.

 All crew selections are made by the rowing coaches in conjunction with the Head of Rowing or the Club Manager, and can be escalated to the Director of Sport if necessary.

 RGS may enter multiple boats in an event in a class, it is at the coach's discretion based on the nature of the event, if these boats are matched (each of a similar speed) or ranked (an A, B, C boat). Matched boats are more likely to be selected for J14s in the early part of the season where there is less data about each rower.

 Assessment and competitions will be communicated in advance to ensure potential participants can take part.

 Assessments will be run in such a way as to give the most objective selection information.

 In order to select crews for boats, RGS coaches will use a combination of the following measurements about individuals and crews:

• Ergometer tests on rowing machines

• Time trials on the water

• Seat racing (for older crews)

• Attendance at training sessions (land and water)

• Consistency in performance (land and water)

• Coaches’ professional assessment of:

• Attitude to training and squad dynamic

• Technical ability

• Skillset of the individual athlete

• Fitness

• Performance under pressure

 For each event, this information is considered coupled with availability. Boys (via their parents) must indicate availability via SPOND early in each term. Once committed, boys will be expected to compete if they have indicated they can (exceptions such as injury, illness, or family emergency.)

 Athletes can expect feedback on selection and be given advice on how to improve. Boys are encouraged to be proactive and positive in their approach to selection and de-selection.

 Other factors will be considered:

• Crews need the opportunity to train together so the allocated or selected training sessions may be considered in boat make-up. Where this is a factor and a race is key in the annual timetable, boys will be invited to change training days to form “the best boat”.

• Boys participate in multiple sports at RGS, if boys decide to prioritise another sport in the coming term which may impact their opportunity to train, they should inform the coaches. This will not preclude them from being considered for a top boat in a subsequent term.

RGS operates a Squad system where all the boys in a year group are competing for a seat in the best boat, but sometimes the best way to identify the best crew is to try it out, so don't be surprised if we switch the boats around quite frequently at some points in the year.

 J14: additional selection factors

RGS Rowing wants to enter boys into races when they, either alone or as part of a crew, are capable and competent to manage the racing format and weather conditions e.g.

1. controlling a boat without a coach alongside

2.  following marshalling instructions

3.  if need be, attachment to a stakeboat

 At J14, entries may be made to enable the boys to gain competition experience over getting the fastest time.

 Coxes

Coxes are required for J14 and J15 coxed quads. The cox is a key member of the boat and the boy selected to cox should prepare themselves adequately for the role. 

In training the boys will take it in turn to cox, size allowing, however it is likely that a group of boys will be selected to cox in events more often.