Selections

The aim of selection is to create the fastest possible crews to compete at the Term 1 Secondary Schools regattas towards the end of the season and provide all rowers boats to race in at the South Island Secondary School Championship regatta. Athletes will be given feedback on how best they meet this aim, both in the lead up to selection and afterwards.

The coaching team will determine the selection of the crews to race at regattas. Each rower and coxswain will be selected to race in a minimum of two events at a regatta.

The coaching team will select crews in an impartial manner. The needs of parents/caregivers will not influence their decision in any way. Coaches will decide the races athletes will enter. Too few or too many races are detrimental to the athletes and the aims of the Club.

The initial selection period for Secondary Schools regattas will be held at the January Camp in Twizel. However, selection is based on form and is subject to change at any stage in the lead up to the major Secondary Schools regattas at the end of Term 1.

It is not guaranteed that all rowers will be selected for the National Secondary Schools (Maadi Cup) regatta. Rowers need to prove through the season and selection process that they can perform in a crew that will make an A-final at Maadi Cup before they can be selected for this regatta. Rowers taking up rowing in Year 9 going into Year 10 should not expect to attend Maadi Cup Regatta in their first season.

The Selection Process

Summer camp and February testing weekend will involve a 2000 metre ergometer test, followed by on-water races between 1000 and 2000 metres. Also taken into consideration is a combination of the attendance, commitment, and ability to work as a team, as well as the regatta schedule.

The selection process will be fair, transparent, and based on the following factors:

Coxswain Selection

Unlike rowers’ coxswains are able to race across all age groups regardless of their age. This can mean if it’s the right decision for the club, senior coxswains can cox junior crews and vice versa. Different crews often respond to different styles of coxing, and it is important coxswains are open to feedback from coaches on what the crews require. Off water performance is a key part of performing as a coxswain. Coxswains must be organised, lead by example and ensure the crews off water tasks are being completed. Coaches will work with coxswains on their steering, off and on water leadership, tone, effective language and delivery in training and racing. A coxswains performances during training and racing will determine what crews they are selected for.

Seat racing in crew boats

During the summer camp and February testing weekend in Twizel, all athletes will be asked to perform races between 1000 and/or 2000 metres. The coaching team will observe and collect results on each squad member’s ability to move the boat fast and work well with other team members.

Ergometer testing (2000 metres)

All athletes in all crews will be subject to some form of testing on the rowing ergometer. Testing is usually carried out over 2000 metres. Ergometers are a test of mental and physical strength and endurance. They are not a test of technique. Ergometer scores indicate a student’s strength and fitness, not always their ability to make a boat go fast.

Other factors

In all squads, an athlete must show commitment to rowing by attending training regularly and a willingness to co-operate with the coach, the Director of Rowing, and their teammates. The coaching team will observe this from the beginning of the season and make judgements in the selection meetings. Every session is an opportunity for rowers to put their hand up for selection.

On occasions, the regatta schedule can dictate which crews are established. This happens when the time between events makes it impossible to enter both events. This often happens to those athletes who compete at different age levels. The coaching team will consider the event schedules along with the above-mentioned process. The Director of Rowing will chair the selection meetings.

Athletes, parents and caregivers are welcome to enquire further about the selection process or gain feedback as to why their child was not selected for a particular crew. In the first instance, they should contact the Director of Rowing.

Go back