Dear Coaches,

I have been asked by our officials to please remind you to work with your
coxswains in regards to starting line procedures (kind of late but better
late then never). Many of our races are delayed because the coxswains
and their crew do not know what to do at the start (yes, even V8 coxies).
This causes delays and unnecessary stress at the start which can be
stressful enough without alignment problems or a high degree of cluelessness.

Spend a few minutes on the water showing your coxies how to have their
rowers "scull" in order to hold their point.

Make sure they know how to back into a stake boat. The correct stake
boat (lane number) for the correct race.

Review with them what to do in case there are equipment issues.

Make sure they know the differences between the various starts that can
be used (polled vs. countdown) and what their options are at the start
through the first 100 meter breakage zone.

Let them know that dropping “F” bombs (either happy or sad ones) will get
them disqualified.

By reviewing many of these points we may be able (in theory) to get the
races off in time which in turn makes all of us have a better race day.

Sincerely,










Dr. Tom Morgan Jr. Ph.D.
The Florida State University School
3000 School House Road
Tallahassee, FL 32311-7855
(850)245-3764 w
(850)321-0739 c