Rowing Victoria - Return to Competition; Competitors & Supporters

3/11/2020

Rowing Victoria - Return to Competition; Competitors & Supporters

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 the sole aim to get people back on the water and to regattas, participating, coaching and officiating safely in events within the Return to Rowing Competition roadmap and restrictions.

Due to the collaborative efforts with the DHHS & Dept of Sport & Recreation, our community is in the extremely fortunate position that we are able to compete at this point of time.

What’s that mean for Competing and Regatta Participation?

The safety of our community is our greatest concern, so there will be changes in how regattas are staged over the next few weeks to ensure we are keeping everyone as safe as possible and providing as many racing opportunities as possible.

The “Ring of Steel” will be operation for the weekend of November 7/8. Therefore, the only crews permitted to race are those schools in Regional Victoria.

The key principle of participation at Victorian Regattas is “get in, compete, get out”. Working to that principle, all athletes will be limited to one event/ regatta. Unfortunately, at this point of time, we can’t be providing multiple opportunities across different boat classes.

Therefore, to ensure we are providing as many opportunities as possible to race and as safely as possible, crews competing in multi lane regattas will stay on the water between their heat and next race/ final. Simply, crews will complete their heat, then return to the start for their second race/ final before leaving the water. A round-robin race structure may be implemented to provide additional races/ crew. This will facilitate some agility and flexibility to how regattas have been managed historically. RV will work to optimise the race distances and scheduling. Eights will not be racing at these regattas.

For the Omniums and the Melbourne Head, competitors will arrive, enter the water, race and at completion of racing, return to launching staging/ pontoons/ boat shed, exit water, clean/ load/ store boats and return home. Eights will be able to race at these regattas.

These principles will also assist in any contact tracing requirements.

What will be implemented to keep us COVIDSafe?

Rowing Victoria will be implementing plans to manage your safety as per Gov’t guidelines, COVIDSafe principles and our COVIDSafe Return to Sport (Rowing) plan. We are also requesting each Club/ School to support us in keeping everyone safe. Practical applications are:

• On land, physical distancing and the wearing of masks will be required by all. This also means coaches on bikes following crews.
• Masks are to be worn by all crews on land and can be removed on water and should be stored in zip-lock, named bags. For safety, coxswains on water do not need to wear masks.

• Boat trailer parking areas and schools will be cordoned off from each other; minimizing mixing.
• A COVIDSafe marshal(s) will be in attendance to assist around the Boat park and with scheduling access to the launching pontoons/ landings.
• Physical distancing of 1.5m communicated with groups of no more than 10 to gather for race briefings.
• No sharing of drink bottles.
• If shared, boats are to be cleaned after each row with disinfectant wipes and oar handles washed with an alcohol-based cleaning solution
• No post-race presentations. No celebratory hugging!
• Access to Umpiring facilities (judges tower, commentary area) is prohibited.
• Density limits for the Regatta Secretary’s space to be acknowledged.
• Access to other boat clubs/ sheds is prohibited. These clubs need to manage access and density limits.
• Signage will be placed around venues to reinforce COVIDSafe Principles
• Records will be kept of entries supporting any requirement for contact tracing.

Can my parents, friends or family spectate?

Unfortunately, current Gov’t guidelines for Sport outline that spectators are not permitted; only those necessary to enable participation. One parent, guardian or carer is permitted to attend if they are supporting rowers with additional needs. If it is deemed essential, spectators are to wear masks and socially distance to 1.5m, while maintaining the gathering limits of up to 10 people.

Therefore, School and Club supporter marquees are prohibited at regattas.

What if I feel unwell on the morning of Regatta day?

• Please relax, stay at home and let your School or Club know.
• Even if you have the mildest of COVID symptoms, please get tested.
• If you do test positive, please let Ian Jickell (RV CEO) know in confidence.
• Your health and safety, and that of our rowing community is our major priority.

RV are continuing to work in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to ensure that all Regattas adhere to the ever changing COVIDSafe requirements. We can only manage what we know. These guidelines and competition restrictions may change and if so, will be communicated with any implications asap.

Thank you for your support

I acknowledge that this year is like no other. The RV team, competitors and myself thank you in advance for your care, diligence, and support of the Regatta calendar and COVIDSafe measures that need to be implemented.

As you’ve seen, we are keen to be able to offer our rowing community as many opportunities to race safely this season. To do this successfully and enjoyably plus to also minimise the chances of any COVID-19 transmissions occurring at our events, we ask for your continued collaboration, adaptability and strong support.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to reach out

We look forward to seeing you on the water!

Ian Jickell & The Rowing Victoria Team.