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| FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS - GLOSSARY OF TERMS Crew is the sport of rowing. In crew, an oarsman propels a shell across a defined distance, using only an oar for propulsion. You do not have to be big to do crew. The training emphasis is on building strength, endurance, and flexibility for all sizes and shapes. There are, of course, big kids who are very good at rowing, but there are also smaller kids who excel. In addition, coxswains tend to be on the smaller side. First and foremost, coaches look for commitment. Rowing is a demanding sport, and like most sports, demands a day-in, day-out commitment to practice and improvement. Second, coaches look for physical ability. It is important to note that, with regular practice and conditioning, virtually every student can develop his or her physical ability to the point where they can row competitively. Finally, coaches look for a positive attitude toward the program, the sport, and toward their fellow rowers. Crew is a team sport, where successful boats succeed as a result of each rower playing his or her role. Mutual support and encouragement is vital to a team’s success. Any body type will do, although taller rowers tend to have an easier time managing the oars and are able to use more leverage. A coxswain is responsible for steering the boat, incorporating the race strategy agreed upon in practice, and motivating the rowers. He or she is also the person in charge of the shell while it is on the water. They execute the practice and race regimens as decided upon by the coach and crew. They also are responsible for ensuring the shells are carried back to the boathouse, cleaned, and stored properly. Generally, coxswains are the smallest and lightest of the team members,and coaches will help guide appropriate athletes in that direction Can crew help my son/daughter get into college? Possibly, but students should participate in crew because they enjoy it, not as a guaranteed passport to college. Colleges view crew as an extremely important high-school activity, given the level of commitment and fitness it requires. Further, many colleges have crew teams of their own, and they are looking for good rowers to be in their boats. The boats (or shells) are basically of two types and reflect the two forms of rowing--- sweep rowing and sculling. In sweep rowing each rower handles a single oar (about 12.5 ft or 3.9 m long). In sculling, a rower uses two oars, or sculls, (each about 9.5 ft or 3 m long). The word shell is often used in reference to the boats used because the hull is only about 1/8" to 1/4" thick to make it as light as possible. These shells are also rather long and racing shells are as narrow as possible while recreational ones can be rather wide. Most shells today are made of composite materials such as carbon fiber, fiberglass, or Kevlar. A few manufacturers still build wooden boats. Each rower has his back to the direction the shell is moving and power is generated using a blended sequence of the rower's legs, back and arms. The rower sits on a sliding seat with wheels on a track called the slide. Each oar is held in a U-shaped swivel (oarlock) mounted on a metal pin at the end of a rigger. The rigger is an assembly of tubes that is tightly bolted to the body of the shell. The exception to this are some European recreational boats called "inriggers" which have the oarlock attached directly on the gunwale. The subtypes of rowing shells are classified according to the number of rowers in the shell. In sweep boats, each rower has one oar. These shells can have a coxswain---a person who steers the shell (using a rudder) and urges the rowers on. The symbol used for each subtype is included within the parentheses. Coxed Pair (2+): Two sweep rowers with a coxswain. Coxless Pair (2-): Two sweep rowers without a coxswain.Coxed Four (4+): Four sweep rowers with a coxswain. Straight (or Coxless) Four (4): Four sweep rowers without a coxswain.Steering is usually accomplished via a rudder that is attached to a cable that is connected to one of the rower's foot stretchers (this an adjustable bracket to which the rower's feet are secured). The coxless pair has a similar type of rudder setup. Eight (8+/8o): Eight sweep rowers with a coxswain. Eights are 60+ ft long and weigh about 250 pounds. Sculling boats are boats where each rower has two oars. Only in rare cases do these boats have a coxswain. Steering is generally accomplished by applying more power or pressure to the oar(s) on one side of the shell. The hands overlap (usually left over right in the US ) during part of the rowing cycle, or are always left in front of right. Single (1X): One rower or sculler. Singles are about 26 ft long and less than a foot wide. Racing singles can weigh as little as 30 pounds. There are heavier (~45 to 50 pounds), shorter, and wider versions often referred to as recreational singles. Double (2X): Two scullers. Most racing doubles can be also used as a pair with a different set of riggers designed for sweep oars. When used as a pair a rudder is usually added. There are also recreational versions of sculling doubles. Quadruple (4X): Four scullers. Often referred to as a `quad' and usually has a rudder attached to one of the sculler's foot stretchers as in the straight four. Most quads can also be rigged as a straight four using a different set of riggers. Octuple (8X): Eight scullers. This is rarely seen, though is used in the UK , at least, in junior competition where sweep rowing is not allowed. What are the weight classifications in crew? There are generally two weight classes for rowers---heavyweight (HWT) and lightweight (LWT). Men (M): For team LWT boats, there is a 160 lbs individual maximum, and the boat must average no more than 155 lbs. Women (W): The individual maximum for team LWT boats is 130 lbs, and the boat must average no more than 125 lbs. In the US, the women have an individual max only; no average. In some regattas in the US (usually head races late in the season) these limits are increased by 5 lbs. A rowing shell is usually built with a particular weight class of rower in mind. Until just recently the Olympics effectively had only HWT classifications. What is the format of a typical regatta? During the spring season, regattas generally have 2 or more boats per heat, with each boat racing side-by-side down a 1500 meter course. Heats will generally have boats of similar experience and gender racing against each other. Most parents find that the area around the finish line provides the best vantage point. In addition, most parents find that bringing a chair and a pair of binoculars increases their enjoyment of the regatta. Depending on the layout of the race, some parents find watching the race from a bridge that may cross the race course to be a welcome change of viewing venue. F-M Crew is a club under the umbrella of Fayetteville-Manlius High School. Coaches are hired by the school district. The F-M crew program uses boats belonging to the Syracuse Chargers through a negotiated arrangement with the school district. The fee per season is $250. Occasionally, we have more rowers than seats in our boats. In that case, the coach will make a determination of who will row, with those not rowing often being asked to attend the regatta as a “spare” in case another rower becomes ill or does not show. For practices, ”land workouts” can supplement the water workout. Coaches make the determination as to who rows in a regatta based on a number of factors. This year we had the right number of people interested, so that after attrition, cuts were not required. In then event of more students than seats, the coaches will make a determination, based on a variety of factors, on which rowers will row in the regattas . The best way to talk to a coach about your child’s performance is to schedule a time that is convenient for both of you. Typically, coaches are very busy prior to, during, and after practices, and the same holds true with regattas. Coaches frequently have “day” jobs, and their availability can be limited during the season. The e-mail addresses of the coaches are available in the “Coaches” section of the website. The current team members vote . F-M races an 8+ sweep boat. There are two variables in assigning seats: which side a rower sweeps (some prefer the left, and some the right), and where, relative to the front of the boat, a rower sits. Typically, the stronger rowers sit in the middle, and the rowers with strong sense of timing and/or form sit on the ends. Seats are numbered, with the “bow” seat nearest the bow, and the “stroke” seat nearest the coxswain. Seats between the bow and the stoke seats are numbered. Many different factors including Erg score, rowing technique, attitude, and overall athleticism. The first boat represents the coach’s best team of rowers. Many factors go into assembling a boat, and a boat’s composition can change over the course of a season. . The 2 nd boat would be comprised of athletes 9-16 on the team. Both boats are important to the over all competitiveness of the team. What is the difference between the left and right sides of the boats? There is no real difference, except that some rowers become accustomed to one or the other. Blades: The wide flat section of the oar at the head of the shaft, also known as the spoon. This term is often used when referring to the entire oar. Bow: The forward end of the shell. Also used as the name of the person sitting nearest to the bow. Bucket rigging: The rigging of an eight or a four so that riggers 2 and 3 are on the same side. Button (or collar): A plastic or metal fitting tightened on the oar to keep the oar from slipping through the oarlock. Catch: The point of the rowing cycle at which the blade enters the water at the end of the recovery and is accomplished by an upward motion of the arms and hands only. The blade of the oar must be fully squared at the catch. Check: Any abrupt deceleration of the shell caused by some uncontrolled motion within the shell; an interruption in the forward motion of the shell. The coxswain is probably the most acutely aware of this abrupt deceleration and it has been known to cause whiplash in some extreme cases. Coxswain: The person who steers the shell and urges the rowers on during practices and in a race. A knowledgeable coxswain can also serve as a coach for the rowers and can be the difference between winning and losing a race. Crab: A problem encountered by a rower when his or her oar gets `stuck' in the water, usually right after the catch or just before the release, and is caused by improper squaring or feathering. The momentum of the shell can overcome the rower's control of the oar. In more extreme cases the rower can actually be ejected from the shell by the oar. Drive: That part of the rowing cycle when the rower applies power to the oar. This is a more (or less) blended sequence of applying power primarily with a leg drive, then the back and finally the arms. Feathering: The act of turning the oar blade from a position perpendicular to the surface of the water to a position parallel to the water. This is done in conjunction with the release. Finish: The last part of the drive before the release where the power is mainly coming from the back and arms. Foot Stretcher (or bootstretchers): An adjustable bracket in a shell to which the rower's feet are secured in some sort of shoe or clog. Frig rigging: See Tandem Rigging Gunwale (or gunnel, saxboard): Top section on the sides of a shell which runs along the sides of the crew section where the rowers are located. The riggers are secured to the gunwale with bolts. German rigging: The rigging of an eight so that riggers 4 and 5 are on the same side while the others alternate. Hatchets (a.k.a. big blades or choppers or cleavers): A relatively new design of oar blades (although the idea has been around for some time). These were introduced by Concept II (Spring 1992) and are what the names indicate---oar blades that have a bigger surface area than the `standard' (Macon) blades and have a hatchet or meat cleaver shape. The hatchets are a bit shorter (by about 7 cm) than the standard blades. Italian rigging: The rigging of an eight so that bow and stroke riggers are on the same side, with the others alternating in pairs. Jumping the slide: Another problem encountered by a rower when the seat becomes derailed from the track during the rowing cycle. Keel: Technically, the structual member running the length of the boat at the bottom of the hull. Today, some shells are built without this member so the term often refers to the center line of the shell. Layback: The amount of backward lean of the rower's body at the end of the finish. Now we start again with the release and ... Missing water: The rower starts the drive before the catch has been completed (or even started in some cases). This is also referred to as rowing into the catch. Oarlock (or rowlock): A U-shaped swivel which holds the oar in place. It's mounted at the end of the rigger and rotates around a metal pin. A gate closes across the top to keep the oar in. Pitch: The angle between the blade (on the drive when the blade is `squared') and a line perpendicular to the water's surface. Port: The left side of the boat when facing the bow (stroke side in the UK and Ireland). Rating: The number of strokes per minute. Also known as stroke rating. Ratio: The ratio of the recovery time to the drive time. The recovery time should alway be longer than the drive time (how much longer I won't say ... as someone wrote, the idea is to `move the boat on the pull through (or drive) and take a ride (i.e. relax) on the recovery without sacrificing the very speed that they have generated'). Recovery: Part of the rowing cycle from the release up to and including where the oar blade enters the water. Release: A sharp downward (and away) motion of the hand which serves to remove the oar blade from the water and start the rowing cycle. Rigger (or outrigger): The device that connects the oarlock to the shell and is bolted to the body of the shell. On sweep boats, riggers are typically alternating from side to the other on adjacent seats, but it is not uncommon to see two adjacent riggers on the same side. This is referred to as "tandem rigging". Variaties include "bucket rigging", "German Rigging" and "Italian Rigging". Rigging: The adjustment and alteration of accessories (riggers, foot-stretchers, oar, etc.) in and on the shell. Examples of rigging adjustments that can be made are the height of the rigger, location of the foot-stretchers, location and height of the oarlocks, location of the button (or collar) on the oar and the pitch of the blade of the oar. Rowing cycle: The process of a complete stroke, from release to feather, to recovery, to square, to catch, to drive, to finish and the layback. The cycle starts with the rower at `rest' and legs fully extended with the oar blades immersed in the water perpendicular to the water's surface. Rudder: Steering device at the stern. The rudder in turn is connected to some cables (tiller ropes) that the coxswain can use to steer the shell. Older shells have short wooden handles (knockers) on the tiller ropes. These knockers are used by the coxswain not only to steer the shell, but also to rap out the cadence of the stroke rate on the gunwale. Scull: This term is used interchangebly when referring to one of the oars used in a sculling shell, the shell itself or to the act of rowing a sculling shell. Seat: The sliding seat that the rower sits on. The term "seat" also refers to the rowers place in the boat; the convention is to number the seats from bow to stern, i.e. the rower closest to the front of the boat is "1-seat" the next, "2-seat", et c. The 1-seat is also commonly referred to as "bowseat" or just "bow" while the sternmost (rear) seat is referred to as "stroke seat" or just "stroke". Set (set of a boat): The definition that I think comes closest to what rowers mean by the set of a boat is `form or carriage of the body or of its parts'. In this case the `body' consists of the shell and the rowers. Items that can affect the set of the boat are the rower's posture, hand levels, rigging (the favorite culprit ... especially with the more advanced rowers), timing at the catch and release, and outside conditions such as the wind. It is not unusual for rowers within a shell not to agree on what needs to be done to establish a `good' set, i.e. a level, stable shell that will provide the basis for that symphony of motion. Slide (or track): The track on which the seat moves. Skeg (or Fin): A small fin located along the stern section of the hull. This helps to stabilize the shell in holding a true course when rowing. All racing shells have a skeg. The skeg should not be confused with the rudder. Skying: The fault of carrying the hands too low during the recovery especially when a rower dips his or her hands just prior to the catch (i.e. a sort of winding up). This usually results in the blade being too high off the water's surface. Slings (or boat slings, or trestles): Collapsible/portable frames with straps upon which a shell can be placed temporarily. Squaring: A gradual rolling of the oar blade from a position parallel to the water to a position (almost) perpendicular to the surface of the water. This is accomplished during the recovery portion of the rowing cycle and is done in preparation for the catch. Starboard: The right side of the shell when facing the bow (bow side in the UK and Ireland). Stern: The rear end of the shell. Stroke: The rower sitting nearest the stern (and the coxswain, if there is one). The stroke is responsible for setting the stroke length and cadence (with the coxswain's gentle advice). Tandem rigging: Variations of rigging of sweep boats with adjacent riggers being on the same side of the boat. Also known as Frig rigging (UK). See below (the rigging terms below are the subject of debate as to exactly what configuration they refer to, and they are often used interchangeably). Washing out: The fault of rowing the oar out of the water, i.e. the blade comes out of the water before the drive is finished.
ROWING AS A SPORT Rowing is an exciting competitive sport involving skill, teamwork, strength and stamina. There are teams for men and women, organized by skill, and in some cases age and weight. Crews are identified by the number of rowers in a shell, or boat. F-M generally rows 8-person shells, led by the coxswain. They race against each other on measured 1,500-meter courses. Yes – if conducted in a way consistent with coaching and official direction. As with all sports, injuries and accidents can occur. Our experience is that the risk for injury or accident is reduced significantly if rowers train properly, if they follow boat and oar handling directions, and if they remain attentive to the river, to boats around them, and to their fellow rowers. Rowers are required to pass a swimming test, and are instructed in the proper safety steps to take in the unlikely event a shell capsizes. Rowers do not wear life jackets on the water. Each seat in a boat has a specific role and responsibility. During winter training and the spring season, coaches look for different combinations of power, technique and teamwork to put together the group of 8 rowers who work best together. With proper training and conditioning, injuries are rare. Rowers are urged to listen carefully to the coaches’ instructions regarding exercise and fitness. With proper form, the sport of rowing is like any other sport: fun, healthy, and safe. Obviously, injuries can and do occur, and can typically be attributed to inadequate conditioning or to lack of attention. As a water sport, rowers are required to pass a swimming test, and are instructed in the proper steps to take in the unlikely event of a capsized shell. Calluses and sore arms and legs are common – especially at the outset of a season. Rowers that experience unusual soreness or pain are encouraged to consult their coach and physician. The coaches will give advice and instructions to the rowers on conditioning. A common piece of conditioning equipment is the Erg. Some athletes try to play other winter sports as a substitute, but there are very few programs that the crew coaches believe to be an acceptable substitute to "erging." While in season, the coaches will assign conditioning workouts that typically include stretching, running, weightlifting, and “erging.” When out of season, the best way to stay in shape is to row for a summer or fall club. Other then that, “erging” and running are always a good idea. An erg, or ergometer, is an indoor rowing machine designed to simulate the movements a rower makes on the water. They are used extensively for conditioning and also for gauging how the strength and fitness of each rower. That depends on the height, weight, age, and gender of the rower. From a physical standpoint we value coxswains most for what's in their head and how they use it. Ideally they are lightweight, which usually means much shorter than the rowers. Although the coxswain does steer and shout commands, the position is as important as a quarterback is in a football game. The ability to motivate, coach during a race, and to think fast is what makes a coxswain successful. Finally, the willingness of the coxswain to participate in physical training activities is critical in building the bonds between the rowers and the coxswain. The team practices every day except Sunday while in season, and the physical demands of the sport generally require that rowers stay in shape year-round. Rowers should be prepared to commit themselves to attending team practices and remaining in shape for the off-season through individual conditioning . Practices are held at Syracuse Chargers facility on Onondaga Lake. Detailed directions to the Boathouse are available on the crew website. In the event of inclement weather or unsafe water conditions, the coaches will make the decision to have a land practice. The coaches will allow enough notice to the rowers in such cases. An announcement will be made on the FMHS PA system.The team practices are held every day after school. Sometimes, but not all of the time. Everyone is on one team but, due to equipment and facilities constraints, may be divided to work out in shifts or on rotation basis. However, expect to spend 2 hours a day training from Monday thru Saturday. Bring a water bottle. Wear running shoes and be prepared to run on any given day. Dress for a strenuous workout; coxswains, dress for warmth according to the weather. Don't forget to apply sunscreen. If the weather calls for light rain & light wind, the team will generally practice at the boathouse, and the regime may include land-based elements, instead of boat work. Rowers should make every effort to attend each practice. Crew is a team sport, and the absence of a rower can materially disrupt a boat’s ability to develop the close-knit harmony and teamwork that is required for success. However, if a rower needs to miss a practice, they MUST contact the coach prior to the practice, to allow the coach time to adjust his/her practice regimen. Failure to notify a coach will influence the coach’s decision on which rowers sit in which seats and in which boats. Crew provides bus transportation from FM to and from the Boathouse. Winter training is a strength and conditioning program that is offered through the Chargers at Syracuse University. Winter conditioning is not required, but it is highly recommended for any rower who wants to be successful in thespring. Some athletes try to play other winter sports as a substitute, but there are very few programs that the crew coaches believe to be an acceptable substitute to "erging. There is a bus provided at FM for travel to and from the boathouse. Regattas generally take up the entire day on Saturdays in the Spring Season, which runs from March-May. Forboth away and home regattas, rowers usually do not return until late afternoon, as they wait until all the races are completed. Directions to and information about the regattas are posted on the crew website. Once at the regatta, most parents choose to sit near the finish line, although at some races, there are nice vantage points from the bridges the rowers pass under. At most regattas, FM will have a tent where both parents and rowers will congregate . The races have separate divisions---Men's (M), Women's (W), heavyweight (HWT) or open, lightweight (LWT) etc., then divided up into 8+'s, 4+'s, 1x's, 2x's and so on. So for a typical regatta you might see separate races scheduled for M8+, W8+, M4+, W4+ down (or up--- depends on your cup of tea) to W1x and M1x. There may be separate heavyweight and lightweight divisions that would require a weigh-in for the lightweights some time before the start of the regatta. You may also see divisions according to experience (novice, varsity), age (junior and masters) ,and skill level (senior A, B, Elite, etc.) NOTE: FM does not have lightweight or heavyweight boats. The standard international racing distance is 2000 meters (preferably straight) and the course usually has six shells racing against each other in their separate designated lanes, which may or may not be marked by buoys. These races can take anywhere from 5 1/2 to 8 1/2 minutes depending on boat class, weather conditions, water current and the physical condition and experience of the rowers. Are there other distances for high school students? Other racing distances are 1000 meters for the older men and women (Masters) and 1500 meters for the Junior age division (high school). A description of the starting procedures is in a separate following section. Also, there is a match style (i.e. races with two boats head to head in a single elimination format for each division) racing at some regattas. Crews are expected to be at their starting stations two minutes before the scheduled time of the race. Once the boats are locked on, the judge at start will supervise the alignment process. When all crews are level, the Starter will then poll the crews by calling their name. When all crews have been polled, the Starter raises a red flag, and says; "Attention!" After a clear pause the starter shall give the start by dropping the red flag quickly to one side and simultaneously saying: "GO". In windy conditions, the Starter may dispense with polling the crews and use a "quick start". Here, the starter says "Attention!" and if no crew responds, immediately raises the red flag and gives the starting commands. In the US, the procedure of last resort is the `countdown start.' The Starter dispenses with further polling, and counts down "5-4-3-2-1 Attention! GO!" Once the countdown starts, hands are not recognized, and the crews should use the five second countdown to point their boats. Crews can be assessed a warning for a false start, for being late to the start, or for traffic rules violation. A crew that receives two warnings in the same race is excluded from the event. If a crew breaks equipment in the first 100 meters of the race, it should stop rowing and signal to the umpire, who will then stop the race. Once the race has begun, the Referee follows in a launch. He/she will instruct a crew only to avoid a foul or safety hazard. If a crew is about to interfere with another crew, the umpire will raise a white flag, call the crew's name, and drop the flag in the direction where the crew should move. If a crew is about to hit a known obstruction (such as a bridge abutment) the umpire will raise a white flag, call the crew, and yell "Obstacle!" or simply "Stop!" If the umpire needs to stop the entire race, he will ring a bell or sound a horn, wave a red flag, and call out "Stop!" if necessary. A crew that wishes to protest the race must raise a hand after it crosses the finish line and lodge the protest with the umpire. These races, which are generally held in the fall (US) or early spring (Europe) are about 2.5-3 miles long and the boats are started in their respective divisions separately at 10 second intervals. These things are usually conducted on a river with an assortment of bridges and turns that can make passing quite interesting. We compete against nearly all the schools in the Onondaga County that have a crew program. In addition, at statewide regattas, we compete against many of the top teams in the state. On average, there are about five regattas per year, from March through May. Rowers normally travel by charter bus to out-of-town regattas. Arrangements for these regattas are typically finalized a month or so prior to the regatta. Please check with your rower or the crew website for updated information. Only one or two events per season are local regattas. The rest involve travel. As a general rule, no. There may be an occasional out-of-town regatta that will require a brief absence from school, and the program typically works with FM administration to permit these absences to be excused, and for any missed work to be completed without penalty.
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