US Rowing is now producing a magazine online.
The web site has a link to this as well:
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/69ef3a62

If you haven't already, please take a look. The purpose of this is to
provide feature focused stories, not necessarily news or results. We see
this as an opportunity to tell stories about athletes, teams and rowing
programs.

Obviously the distribution by email is somewhat problematic as emails
change, spam filters create issues and not everyone is  tech literate.
But
as we link to the site as well, we expect this to catch on beyond the
members only and provide a larger viewership.

As High School Coaches and those involved in junior programs, I'm
interested in your comments on how the final product turned out.  We
will produce 8 issues this year. Six on a bi-monthly basis and two
special editions.

Tom Feaster

_______________________________________________

• 1st 8+
• 2nd 8+
• 3rd 8+
• Open 8+
• Open 4+

All,


Attached is an example of the 30 second ad slot USRowing will run on
ESPN
when they show the San Diego Crew Classic. I will try to update you on
the
date/time once we are told.

Thanks go to Martha Shumaker, CEO of SDCC, for donating the ad slot to
USRowing. Also to Willie Black for producing the video on short
turnabout.

It is my understanding that the USRA site will create a front page link
for people watching this to click through to learn more about the sport
during that time period.

Yours for better Rowing,

Tom Feaster
SE Representative, USRA Board

_______________________________________________
Directors mailing list
Directors@...
http://usra-board.org/mailman/listinfo/directors_usra-board.org

Coaches,

As discussed before, please make sure your blades colors/designs are matching
sets on any given boat including sculling blades. At recent regattas I see this
is still an issue. As a reminder of rowing rules, your boats can receive
warnings for mismatched blades and uniforms, and for uniforms not properly worn.
This starts with your approach to the launching docks. I would really hate to
see a boat excluded without the opportunity to race down the course at FSRA
State Championship. But if your crew picks up 2 warnings, they are out. It is
the State Championship so make sure you have reviewed racing rules with your
team even if you already have done it earlier.

Here is a link to the 2009 Rules of Rowing:
http://www.usrowing.org/uploads/docs/2009ROR_3R21MF.pdf

3-201 Uniforms
(a) Subject to subsection (b), all competitors in a crew shall wear identical
clothing. Such clothing shall cover the torso of the body and may include
sweatgear. The Chief Referee may grant exceptions to this rule on account of
unusual weather conditions.
(b) Individual competitors in a crew may choose whether or not to wear a hat or
other headgear, which may be of the individual competitor’s own choosing and
need not be identical with those worn by other crew members.
(c) No competitor may wear the uniform of the U.S. National Team while
participating as a member of a crew without the express approval of USRowing.

3-203 Oars
Oars, whether sweep or scull, must be uniform throughout the crew, except that
each rower in a composite crew may use the colors of his or her own club. Only
the national or club colors may appear on oar blades. Unpainted oars are also
permitted for all boats, whether composite or otherwise, if all rowers use such
oars. Use of National Team colors without the express approval of USRowing is
specifically prohibited.

Thanks,
Brice

First please accept my apologies for any unfairness anyone perceives with our
new ranking effort. We have seemed to have hit a nerve, so I think some
explanations are due. As with any new effort, there is a learning curve. I will
start with a history lesson.

For several years we have seeded FSRA state championship entries by polling
coaches. This annual once-a-year effort had mixed results mostly because coaches
were not up to speed to provide a quick reply using a once-a-year process. So to
overcome these short comings, my 'brilliant' idea last April was to resurrect
rankings for this season. Our previous ranking effort, which ended about 6 years
ago, was solely based on regatta results that were made available. It was a time
consuming effort especially to get those regatta results in time for a weekly
ranking. And it did not include any polling of coaches. This time the rankings
were based almost solely on coaches input with 2 exceptions. 1) The pre-season
ranking used a handful of head race results (Hooch, First Coast, Indian Creek,
etc.), and 2) this last ranking cycle included the results from OARS.

Keep in mind the goal was to improve seeding efforts for state championships.
Hopefully the ranking process provides some helpful information along the way.
Here is how rankings are currently done. For each polling cycle (every 2 weeks),
I average all the inputs submitted from the coaches for that cycle plus include
the previous cycle’s ranking (this helps average out changes). The pros for
this method is it is fairly easy to do; the cons is it be very susceptible to
errors if there is a lack of participation or if a coach ranks a team low out of
spite instead of based on performance. Also, each polling form includes the
option to not include their team in an event rank.

There have been about 10 coaches participating each time ranking one or more
events and mostly from different coaches each polling cycle. With an average of
about 1.5 head coaches per FSRA team, we should have about 55 polls submitted.
So currently rankings are made by less than 20% of the coaches. This week I also
included the OARS regatta results since it was such a large event and therefore
would help average out rankings with actual results. It should be noted that for
the teams that have complained about their rankings, their coaches have not yet
participated. This lack of participation should not make a difference with the
laws of averaging but everyone needs to realize these ranking are not gospel.

Next season (using the learning curve method), I plan to time ranking cycles
with the major regattas (Miami, OARS, etc.) and combine coach’s poll with all
available actual results. I could do this poll every week but I think
participation would drop off and not provide much more benefit. And most of us
have real jobs to do in addition to our rowing efforts. My one concern using
this method is it may give a weighted advantage to winners of small events or
those who race more often.  However with good participation from coaches, this
advantage should be offset.

A note about FSRA championship seedings: It will be a separate effort similar to
past years. After the season’s last poll (sent April 10/posted by April 17), I
will send out a similar form for seeding that will only include those teams
entered in each event.

Thanks for your understanding,
Brice Crossley
FSRA Corresponding Secretary
FSRA Webmaster
FSRA State Championship Registration, etc.

VIP parking is obtained at the same parking entrance as regular parking. When you arrive at the off-site parking entrance (3^rd traffic circle around-about on N. Cattlemen Road heading south from University Parkway (I-75 exit 213)), the attendant will ask (or you can ask) about VIP parking. Depending on which you chose and what is available, you will pay the corresponding fee and will  be directed to the respective parking locations. Please note VIP parking space is limited to 100 vehicles so it is first come - first served. You will get a parking receipt (pass), so you can come early each day to reserve your spot and then return later with family and friends.

Team Volunteers: The number of volunteers required is determined by the positions the team chooses to cover. As stated in the introduction of the volunteer form, each team must cover at least one (1) credit. The credits earned are listed at the end of each description. Example for finish line: 2 adults must work the finish line for ½ day to get one team credit (they don’t have to work the same shift). Or 1 adult works a full day (Saturday) to get one team credit. Example for stake boats: 6 people must work 1 shift (2 hours) to get one team credit. Or 3 people work 2 shifts (4 hours) to get one team credit. Again they don’t have to all work the same shift. However, most find it more enjoyable to work at the same time as others from their teams.

Flexibility was built into this volunteer system especially to allow smaller teams to contribute. It is most helpful if teams (especially the larger teams) are available to work more than just the bare minimums. Please ask if you have any questions.

Thanks,

Brice Crossley

FSRA Corresponding Secretary

As lineups are finalized and entries are submitted for tonight’s deadline (late entry deadline is Wednesday), please take note of a few key updates:

Insurance: we will be accepting US Rowing waivers.  If you are sending waivers ahead of time, you may send them via snail mail, fax or email:

South Orlando Rowing Association
Post Office Box 568782
Orlando, FL 32856-8783

Fax: Attn. Candi Mellow 407-423-7331

Email: katiehd327@...

Regatta Timeline: The timeline will be finalized tonight, but our goal is to have the coaches/coxswains meeting at 7:30 and plan to have races done by 2:30 p.m. at the latest.

As we all know, coaches run VERY efficient regattas!!!  Because of the modified-henley format, as soon as the prior race enters the canal and we deem it safe, the next race will start.  Again, coaches are encouraged but not required to follow their race.  We’re encouraging coaches to follow their race simply because it’s a great opportunity to really see how your kids perform in a race.  If you are unable to follow and unable to send someone in your place the Hood Cup committee will have an official or qualified regatta volunteer ride in your place.

Also, thank you to those who have emailed me about doubling.  We will do everything we can to accommodate doubling and hotseating and it helps to know of those situations ahead of time.  

Please feel free to email me directly if you have any regatta questions/concerns/clarifications.

Thank you,

Katie Davis

Katiehd327@...

Please find the 2009 regatta entry package and volunteer form attached. Deadline
for entries and volunteer lists is Monday, April 13. Please don't be late as I'm
not interested in creative excuses.

Please check the FSRA website for updates: recent additions are area dining
guides.

http://www.floridarowing.org/fsraschd.html

Thanks, Brice.

Coaches, Team Managers and Club Presidents,

I wanted to let you know about an exciting new scholarship program at Nova
Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale announced just this week.

If you have a student rowing for you that is eligible for 100% Bright Futures
(Florida Academic Scholars Award) that student is now eligible for a 100%
Tuition Scholarship at Nova Southeastern University.  The scholarship is
renewable for 4 years in an undergraduate program of that students choosing. 
Additionally this scholarship can be combined with our dual admissions program
in to our medical, law or business schools.

If you have a female rower that wants to row in college and is 100% bright
futures eligible please let me know.  Send me an email with their contact
information so I can get in touch with them and forward the application
materials.  I am also happy to forward the application materials to any parent
or rowing program administrator that emails me. This is a great move by our
administration especially at a time when everyone is looking everywhere for
education dollars.

Also, if you have a male rower interested in this program I am happy to help
although we do not have a men program (varsity or club) at Nova Southeastern at
this time.

The scholarship application deadline is April 30th for Fall 2009.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I will be happy to get you the
information that you need.

Good luck with your spring season!!

John Gartin
Head Coach, Women's Rowing

Nova Southeastern University
3301 College Ave
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314-7796
Toll Free: 800-338-4723 x8273
Office: 954-262-8273
Fax: 954-262-3926
web: http://nsuathletics.nova.edu

Coaches, LOC, etc.

Please make sure to post your results at row2k.com, regattacentral.com, or send
them to me to be posted on floridarowing.org. Where ever they are posted, I can
link to them.

Thanks, Brice.

Entries, waivers & payment: Friday, March 6th

Coaches,


I've received a number of inquiries concerning the high school/junior
events.  Please note that there are events for each of the following
categories Varsity, JV and Novices.

Entry deadline is March 7th and can be done on RegattaCentral
www.regattacentral.com

If you have any questions, please contact Rosanna Gramuglia, Regatta
Secretary at gramugliar@...


Regards
The Stewards Foundation

• Kirsten Anderson (OARS)
• David Drake (SCC)
• Phil McMican (P10)
• Travis Raker (Lake Brantley)

• Boone
• Edgewater
• Lake Brantley
• Lyman
• Melbourne
• OARS
• Power Ten
• Space Coast
• Winter Park