Return to Competition announcement
Published Thu 29 Oct 2020
29/10/2020
Rowing Victoria - Return to Competition announcement.
Rowing Victoria is excited to announce the release of the 2020-21 Competition Calendar up to the weekend of Dec 5 & 6 2020.
Following the Premier’s announcement regarding the latest releasing of COVID management restrictions, we are pleased to advise that, subject to the removal of Melbourne’s “ring of steel” on Nov 8 and relevant permits being granted, rowers throughout the state will be able to compete safely in Geelong, Ballarat, Carrum and on the Yarra.
The RV team has had the sole aim to get people back on the water, participating safely in events within the Return to Competition roadmap and restrictions. While we know that this upcoming period will look different from previous seasons, we’ve worked to create opportunities for all clubs and competitors, so their relevant objectives can be met.
The plans we’ve produced are flexible and can change with the further easing of restrictions.
I want to thank our members, clubs, hosts, board, umpiring and competition commissions for their ongoing support and the RV team for their diligence in ensuring the opportunities presented are available.
In formulating this new look calendar, we were conscious that with the cancellation of regattas at the end of the 2019-20 season, many Masters were not able to race. We are also aware that many of you, especially those in Metro Melbourne have only recently managed to get on to the water in crew boats this week, so fitness and skill measures may not be at your normal November levels. We ask you to take it easy and not rush back to where you believe your fitness/ skill levels should be!
It will also be important to acknowledge that the running of the regattas will be different to what’s been actioned previously as we’re wishing to keep you safe. That also enables a new style of event for Victoria to be launched, with Omniums scheduled for Ballarat.
Details are being finalised, but a Ballarat Omnium is in effect a series of time trials ranging from 250-2000m separated by recovery, non-stop rowing between each trial. The full length of the event will be around 7.5km. Aggregate time will determine the placegetters. No doubt competitive, but we feel extremely enjoyable!
In keeping with the COVIDSafe principle (and requirement) of social distancing and “get-in, race, return home”, we’ll also be looking at amending distances and decreasing the times between heats and finals. In effect, crews will likely remain on the water between races, returning to the start area at the completion of their previous race ready for their next.
RV are continuing to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all Regattas adhere to the ever changing COVIDSafe requirements. Specific venue and spectator requirements will be communicated closer to the relevant regatta.
Living COVIDSafe – everyone has a role in supporting COVID-Normal living and working
• As we take these steady steps towards reopening, the message remains the same: please, stay safe.
• Keep wearing a mask on land.
• Keep maintaining your distance.
• If you have symptoms, you must get tested immediately and stay home.
The initial 2020-21 Regatta calendar:
Please go to the Rowing Victoria Website for further details https://vic.rowingmanager.com/
The balance of the December regattas will be communicated shortly. At this stage, we envisage the 2021 Calendar to proceed as published.
Thank you for your support
We thank you in advance for your care, diligence, and support of the Regatta calendar and COVIDSafe measures that will be implemented. We are keen to be able to offer our rowing community as many opportunities to race this season. To do this successfully and to minimise the chances of any COVID-19 transmissions occurring at our events, we ask for your strong support in following the soon to be published guidelines and COVIDSafe measures.
Please brief all members of your club or school, who will be attending regattas (athletes, coaches and spectators), so that together, we can continue to enjoy our sport in as close to its normal format as possible, given the current COVID-19 situation.
We look forward to seeing you on the water!
The Rowing Victoria Team
