COMPETITION CHANGES TO BE TRIALLED

COMPETITION CHANGES TO BE TRIALLED

The Rowing Victoria Board is pleased to announce that a trial will occur this season for a new model of Grade racing.

These trialled changes are being implemented to address the steady decline in participation numbers and a significant imbalance in rower distribution across the Grades because of the Rowing Score (RS) parameters and the resultant distribution of athletes into respective Grades.

The trial will (at this stage) be limited to the 2021-22 season and include:

• A reduction of 4 Grades to 3,
• New 2000m ‘Club' racing category,
• 1000m Grades A-C,
• Up to 1000m beginner's category,
• Changes to rowing scores to equalise numbers in each Grade,
• Selected Masters events in grade regattas (coxed quads and fours), and
• New regatta programs to be tested with a variety of options for all rowers.

To gauge the effect, the trialled changes will be consistently measured and tested. For example, looking at retention of entries through the season, entry numbers and depths of fields by Grade, entry numbers by day and distance and community feedback, and the impact of placing full distance 2000m Grade races on the same day as the new 1,000m Grade events.

We encourage clubs to take advantage of these racing opportunities to support our athletes to race in more boats, more often. The new regatta programs will provide racing across three brackets. These changes will come into effect from the upcoming Carrum regatta.

Consultation sessions are being scheduled and will include a mix of online, face to face and written feedback opportunities. The Board will consider feedback from the community, and advice from CEO and the Competition Commission in making its decision regarding any formal rule changes for the following season (2022-23).

Through the season, RV also will be exploring other changes to improve competition, retention and fun and will seek the input from the Community in developing these new opportunities.

A series of Q&A's will be released shortly that will be progressively added to throughout this season. Details of the trialled rule changes can be found HERE

The Board would like to thank the Competition Commission for their efforts in developing these proposed changes and the community for their overall engagement through the process.

Please direct any questions to Ian Jickell; ian@rowingvictoria.asn.au

We look forward to seeing you at many events this season. Stay safe, stay rowing!