Officially Awarded Rowing Standards (OARS)

For Clubs

OARS provides Victorian rowing clubs with a step-by-step guide for the delivery of outstanding service to members. Clubs that meet the OARS standard of excellence in service delivery will be awarded best practice status and receive public endorsement in each of the categories listed below, for which the club has nominated:

Welcome to Club*
Learn to Row/Beginner
Social Rowing (non-competitive)
Competitive Developing
Competitive Advanced

Each of these will then be incorporated into a club’s membership demographic(s) of choice:

Masters Rowing
Diversity Rowing
School-Age Rowing
Open Rowing

To be awarded OARS in a nominated category, within a specified demographic, clubs will gather and submit evidence stipulated at the time of OARS registration.

Over a period not exceeding ONE year, clubs will gather existing evidence or produce new evidence (written, pictorial, graphical, audio or video) to meet the OARS criteria. Assisted by specific-to-purpose OARS resources and/or third party resources, clubs will supplement existing evidence or develop new evidence in a variety of formats to satisfy the OARS standard of excellence.

OARS awarded in each demographic, qualifies the club to deliver high quality, uniquely targetted, service within the Victorian rowing community.

All clubs that are registered with RV will be encouraged and eligible to apply for the awarding of OARS in one or more nominated OARS category in a specified demographic.

OARS will be awarded for a three-year-period. Renewal will be awarded after club and RV review.

* OARS Welcome to Club is an entry level pre-requisite to seeking the awarding of OARS in each category.

The following is a synopsis for each OARS including the broad standards to be met:

1. Welcome to Club

The promotion of the club’s brand and services through external marketing to encourage public enquiry. Subsequently, providing information that permits a structured, introductory relationship between the club and the person enquiring. Inclusive of this will be proven adherrance to all mandated or recommended Government (Federal,State and Local), National and State Sporting Association (RA and RV) laws/rules/policies/guidelines/documents This will lead to safe and structured engagement with demographic specific club activities.

2. Learn to Row / Beginner

The provision of a safe environment, instruction and equipment for each designated demographic. Individuals wishing to be introduced for the first time, to the sport of rowing. This will be run by an accredited, experienced coach(es) implementing a formal instruction process with key performance indicators. The courses will cover many different aspects of rowing including rowing on the water, using rowing machines (ergos) and learning how to handle boats and rowing equipment. Participants are expected to source club membership upon completion.

Learn to Row will operate over a designated period of time not less than four weeks.

3. Social (non-competitve)

The provision of a safe environment and equipment for individuals wishing to row on a casual basis for exercise and enjoyment. Participants are expected to have completed a Learn to Row / Beginner Program or be returning to the sport without the intention of competing. This is to be overseen by the Club Captain (or their designated representative) with the provision of coaching on an ad-hoc basis according to availability (or user payment).

4. Competitive Developing

The provision of a safe environment, instruction and equipment for individuals. The club will appoint a formal coordinator of this program who will implement and oversee the provision of season’s goals, selection processes, training schedules, competition dates, coaching staff and off-water fitness. Crews will be selected from coach feedback, testing and trialing. All participants will develop a high level of fitness and expect a training schedule that will impact upon their social life and external activities for the duration of their competitive season involvement.

5. Competitive Advanced

The provision of a safe environment, advanced instruction and competitively advanced equipment coordinated by a club specialist. This highly qualified club specialist will oversee for the benefit of highly skilled and physically advanced athletes the implementation of macro and micro training plans that compliment and work in cooperation with the Rowing Australia High Performance Pathway. Participants are likely to seek State and/or National selection. Rowing preparation and competition will be a commitment that will regularly take priority over work and social commitments.