LANGLEY CREW

LANGLEY CREW

PARENT’S GUIDE

Langley Crew Parent’s Guide

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Welcome to Langley Crew!

We’re excited to have you and your student join the 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018

and 2019 Virginia State Champion Langley Crew Team! Langley Crew has a strong and growing

track record of developing strong athletes who not only regularly achieve stellar results on the

water, but also develop bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime.

The program is physically demanding, and requires a certain amount of dedication and time,

but for those who are committed to the sport, our team is one of the greatest things your

student will do during their time at Langley. We regularly develop top rowers, top boats, and

championships galore. More importantly, though, our rowers graduate from our program as

stronger individuals who regularly make lifetime friends while rowing for the Saxons.

A Typical Year:

Fall: Fall Rowing Days at the Occoquan, Orientation Meeting in early October

Winter: Winter Training begins in early November and concludes in late February

Spring: On the Water training begins in late February, Regattas are held between late March

and the end of May

Summer: Many of our rowers join nearby clubs or rowing programs to further develop their

skills.

Crew is not a “drop off” sport. It takes a lot of parent help, which means you have an excuse to

hang out, stay involved, meet your kid's friends, and generally be a bigger part of their life.

Regattas are run entirely on volunteer power. The Langley Crew Team is supported by a strong

cadre of parent-volunteers who run the Langley Crew Boosters Club. Becoming a LCBC

volunteer is a great way to learn more about this great sport and gives you the opportunity to

support your student-athlete in a meaningful way.

Please let us know how we can support you as a new Crew parent!

Langley Crew Boosters Club


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Table of Contents Forms, Memberships, and Expenses ............................................................................................................ 1

FCPS ........................................................................................................................................................... 1

Virginia High School League ...................................................................................................................... 1

USRowing Waiver ...................................................................................................................................... 1

Swim Test .................................................................................................................................................. 2

Expenses ................................................................................................................................................... 2

Events ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Boat Dinners.............................................................................................................................................. 3

End of Season Banquet ............................................................................................................................. 3

Erg-a-Thon ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Erg Sprints ................................................................................................................................................. 3

Learn to Row ............................................................................................................................................. 3

Novice Dinner ............................................................................................................................................ 3

Parents’ Post-Season Garden Party .......................................................................................................... 4

Parents Learn to Erg .................................................................................................................................. 4

Rise Against Hunger .................................................................................................................................. 4

Tag Day ...................................................................................................................................................... 4

Winter/Spring Season Kickoff Meeting ..................................................................................................... 4

Practices ........................................................................................................................................................ 5

Winter Conditioning .................................................................................................................................. 5

Spring Practice/Water Training ................................................................................................................. 5

Transportation .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Spring Practice Buses .................................................................................................................................... 6

Chaperones ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Great Falls Chaperones ......................................................................................................................... 6

Chaperone Duties ..................................................................................................................................... 6

Spring Break Training .................................................................................................................................... 8

Regattas ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

Times ......................................................................................................................................................... 9

Arrival ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

Rowers .................................................................................................................................................. 9

Parents .................................................................................................................................................. 9


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Parking and Shuttles ................................................................................................................................. 9

Volunteering ............................................................................................................................................... 10

VASRA ...................................................................................................................................................... 10

Booster Club ............................................................................................................................................ 10

What to Bring .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Rowers ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Parents ................................................................................................................................................ 10

Regatta Parking & Shuttles ......................................................................................................................... 11

Parking .................................................................................................................................................... 11

Athletes, Coaches, Staff and VASRA Volunteers ................................................................................. 11

Parents ................................................................................................................................................ 11

Pickup and Dropoff ................................................................................................................................. 11

Shuttles ................................................................................................................................................... 12

South County Shuttle .......................................................................................................................... 12

Grandstand Van .................................................................................................................................. 12

Timing...................................................................................................................................................... 12

South County Shuttle .......................................................................................................................... 12

Grandstand Van .................................................................................................................................. 12

Grandstand Trail.................................................................................................................................. 12

Booster Club Volunteer Opportunities ....................................................................................................... 13

Mandatory Volunteer Requirements ...................................................................................................... 13

Volunteer Opportunities ......................................................................................................................... 13

Booster Club Board ............................................................................................................................. 13

Events ...................................................................................................................................................... 14

End of Season Banquet ....................................................................................................................... 14

Erg-a-Thon ........................................................................................................................................... 14

Land the Launches .............................................................................................................................. 14

Launch Setup ....................................................................................................................................... 14

Open House ......................................................................................................................................... 14

Rise Against Hunger ............................................................................................................................ 14

Spring Training Bus Chaperone ........................................................................................................... 15

Tag Day ................................................................................................................................................ 15

Winter/Spring Season Kickoff Meeting ............................................................................................... 15


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Regattas .................................................................................................................................................. 15

Hospitality Tent ................................................................................................................................... 15

Stotesbury Regatta.............................................................................................................................. 16

VASRA Volunteer Opportunities ................................................................................................................. 17

Pre-Season and Post-Season Activities ................................................................................................... 17

Course Set-Up ..................................................................................................................................... 17

Course Take-Down .............................................................................................................................. 17

Regatta Day Volunteer Activities ............................................................................................................ 17

Awards Assistant and Trophy Assistant .............................................................................................. 17

Concessions ......................................................................................................................................... 17

Dockmaster Assistant (Launch and Recovery) .................................................................................... 18

Finish Line Timer Helper ..................................................................................................................... 18

Launch Drivers..................................................................................................................................... 18

Regatta Headquarters Coordinator .................................................................................................... 18

Set-Up Helper (Water) ........................................................................................................................ 19

Stakeboat Holder ................................................................................................................................ 19

Take-Down Helper (Water) ................................................................................................................. 19

Van Money Collector .......................................................................................................................... 19

Glossary ....................................................................................................................................................... 20

Common Terminology ............................................................................................................................ 20

Coxswain Terms ...................................................................................................................................... 21

Boat Terminology .................................................................................................................................... 21

Parts of a Boat/Equipment ..................................................................................................................... 24


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Forms, Memberships, and Expenses

FCPS • Emergency Care Form: Provided to the coaches for use in emergency situations.

• FCPS Medication Form: Authorizes athletes to take medication on trips.

• COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate: Effective November 8, 2021, all students must provide a copy of their vaccination certificate to participate in high school sports.

• FCPS Athlete Registration: Every athlete must register with FCPS to participate. This registration is good for one school year, so you must re-register your child each school year they intend to participate in any school sport.

Virginia High School League All VHSL items MUST be turned in to Beth Longo in the Langley Activities Office ([email protected]) before an athlete can start Winter Conditioning. There are NO exceptions! These are required once PER SCHOOL YEAR, applicable to all sports. If you completed it for another sport, you should already be listed as "Complete" with the Activities Office. If completing after Winter Conditioning starts, see Beth Longo to obtain a Pink Athletic Pass. You must present this pass to a coach BEFORE you can start practice. • VHSL Physical Form:

• The CVS Minute Clinic or other care clinics have qualified health professionals who can perform health physicals.

• Many doctor's offices will complete the Health Form for a nominal fee if you've had an office visit after May 1 of the current year.

• Concussion Training: Both athlete and a parent/guardian must carefully read and sign the form. • Lightweight Physical Form: if an athlete chooses to compete as a lightweight, a doctor’s certification

is required.

USRowing Waiver Required to participate in all regattas, and must be completed annually. • Go to the USRowing membership portal and select "Individual / Join." • Enter club name: "Langley Crew Boosters" and club code: "BH9VS." • Enroll in/renew membership (there is a nominal fee for Basic Membership). • Sign the waiver for the academic year (confirmation will be sent directly to Langley Crew).

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Langley%20Crew

mailto:[email protected]

https://langleysports.org/main/filesLinks/

https://langleysports.org/main/filesLinks/

https://membership.usrowing.org/


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Swim Test Must be completed before the start of spring practice on the water. • All Novice and new-to-Langley Crew rowers are required to pass a one-time swim test. If you had a

swim test as part of Learn to Row, you are all set. • For more information see our Swim Test Guidelines and Form. • If you missed the organized swim test, you can arrange an independent swim test with a certified

lifeguard. Upon completion, have the lifeguard and an adult (other than the athlete’s parent) sign off on the Swim Test Form.

• If you have any questions about the swim test, please email [email protected].

Expenses • Crew team registration – fees change each year, but have generally been around $1,650

• Virginia High School League Physical – fee set by doctor performing physical

• US Rowing Individual Membership – minimal fee for Basic membership

• Uniform – approximately $150

• Other Langley Crew logo gear (optional but good to have) – $50-$250+

• Championship regattas – additional fee for participating rowers

• Spring Break training – dependent upon planned activity

http://www.langleycrew.com/uploads/3/1/9/7/31977369/2016_swim_test_guidelines-rev9.28.16.doc

https://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0136/8717/SWIM_TEST_Guidelines_2017.pdf

http://www.langleycrew.com/uploads/3/1/9/7/31977369/2016_swim_test_guidelines-rev9.28.16.doc

https://assets.ngin.com/attachments/document/0136/8717/SWIM_TEST_Guidelines_2017.pdf

mailto:[email protected]


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Events Boat Dinners The night before a regatta, team members racing in the same boat will gather for dinner, often one

heavy in carbs.

End of Season Banquet Crew athletes, coaches, and parents get together to wrap up the year by celebrating the team’s

accomplishments, recognize outstanding efforts, and honor the Seniors.

Erg-a-Thon Each year, Langley participates in an erg competition with West Springfield. The schools take turns

hosting—Langley hosts in odd years, and WS hosts in even years.

Erg Sprints Each year, Langley participates in a regional erg competition, competing with other schools in timed erg

workouts.

Learn to Row A Fall recruiting event during which potential team members and parents spend six weeks learning what

Crew is all about, with Crew coaches and team members teaching prospective novices rowing basics and

getting them out on the water.

Novice Dinner A dinner for novice athletes and parents held before the novices’ first regatta, where novice athletes

and parents hear from the coaches and team captains on what to expect and look for at their first

regatta.


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Parents’ Post-Season Garden Party Parents-only social event at the end of the season. No agenda, just a night of fun to celebrate all the

work the parents did to make the season a success.

Parents Learn to Erg Team members and coaches teach parents how to row on the ergs, to give them a sense of what their

kids do during winter conditioning and erg workouts.

Rise Against Hunger Each year, the Langley Pyramid participates in the Rise Against Hunger service event. For many years,

Langley Crew has participated by preparing and setting up supplies the day before the main event.

Students will earn service hours, and parents are needed to carpool from Langley to the event site and

to supervise them while they work.

Tag Day Tag Day is the year’s biggest fundraiser. On a Saturday in early February, Crew athletes will canvas the

neighborhoods in Great Falls and McLean, requesting donations for the Langley Crew program. Adults

drive two to four athletes to pre-arranged neighborhoods. Athletes will go door-to-door in pairs. Tags

are hung on doors where no one is home, giving the fundraiser its name. Volunteer drivers will be able

to choose a morning, afternoon, or full day shift. ALL ATHLETES ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE FOR

THE ENTIRE DAY.

Winter/Spring Season Kickoff Meeting The Langley Crew Booster Club kicks off the season with a meeting in late January to go over essential

information for the upcoming season. The meeting is mandatory for rowers and at least one

parent/guardian. Volunteers are needed to set up and clean up after.


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Practices Winter Conditioning

• Winter Conditioning begins in mid-November, and lasts until late February

• Varsity practices Monday through Saturday

• Novices practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

• The men’s team will generally practice at LHS from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on weekdays

• The women’s team will generally practice from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. on weekdays

• All Saturday practices are set by the coach, but are usually from 8:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

Spring Practice/Water Training • Spring practice begins in late February. The exact date is determined by FCPS

• Practices are held on the water at Sandy Run

• Varsity practices Monday through Saturday

• Novices practice Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday

• Weekday practices last until dusk at Sandy Run–exact end times will vary, but are usually around

7:00 p.m.

• Saturday practices are generally from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.

• Buses are provided for weekday training. The buses leave from Langley at 3:30 p.m. and return

to either Langley or Forestville Elementary in Great Falls

Transportation • Parents are responsible for transportation home from winter conditioning on weekdays

• Parents are responsible for transportation to and from winter conditioning on Saturdays

• Parents are responsible for transportation to and from spring practice at Sandy Run on

Saturdays

• Parents are responsible for transportation home from spring practice bus dropoff locations on

weekdays

• Parents are responsible for setting up carpools

o Parents interested in being contacted about carpools should authorize the Booster Club

to share their name, address, and contact information with other parents interested in

carpooling

o Parents should use the list of interested parents to approach others about forming a

carpool


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Spring Practice Buses To provide safe and efficient transportation to spring practices at Sandy Run, and to avoid multiple

carpools on workdays and during rush hour, the Booster Club hires buses to transport the team. The

buses have wifi, and the kids will often do their homework during the trip.

Two buses run on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Both buses leave from Langley HS, but

the McLean bus returns to Langley and the Great Falls bus returns to Forestville Elementary in Great

Falls. Because novices do not practice on Wednesdays, only one bus will run; it will depart from and

return to Langley.

Chaperones Because Fairfax County Public Schools considers Crew practice a field trip, an adult chaperone is

required on each bus. Because each chaperone will be alone with the students, chaperones must be

certified as volunteers with FCPS. You will need to fill out a form, have your photo taken, and agree to a

background check. The Booster Club will schedule a day for this to be done at the school, likely in early

February; it normally takes 15-30 minutes.

Without the chaperones, the buses cannot leave, and the kids cannot practice. Each family is required to

chaperone at least once for each Crew team member, and, given the number of trips to Sandy Run, we

will likely need some parents to chaperone more than once. A link to a Signup Genius will be sent in

February.

Great Falls Chaperones For Great Falls chaperones, the logistics are a bit tricky, as the bus will depart from LHS, but will return

to Forestville Elementary, on Utterback Store Rd. Chaperones are advised to park at Forestville and

arrange for a ride to Langley. Friends, family members, or fellow Crew parents, as well as ride-sharing

services, are options for getting to LHS in time to catch the bus.

Chaperone Duties • Arrive at LHS by 3:00 p.m.

• Identify which bus you will be on, Great Falls or McLean

• Check in with the bus driver, at the front of the school

• Confirm the drivers have directions to Sandy Run and confirm the drop-off location

• Confirm the captains have placed the Great Falls or McLean sign in the bus’s front window

• Sit up front near the driver in case there are any questions

• Captains will take attendance and should leave LHS no later than 3:30. Watch the time and try

to ensure an on-time departure

• Make sure the students do not come forward to throw anything away during the drive, so as not

to distract the driver


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• Once at Sandy Run, you are on your own—you can stay on the bus, walk around the park, or go

out on the launches with the coaches

• When practice is over, the captains will again take attendance

• About 15 minutes from school, the captains should shout out to the students to text their

parents. Make sure this happens and that everyone has heard.

• Once the students have left the bus, make sure nothing has been left behind. Check overhead

bins as well.

• Make sure the captains have removed the Great Falls/McLean sign from the front window

• You MUST stay at the school until all students have been picked up


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Spring Break Training The Crew team practices during Spring Break each year. This intensive period of training is integral to

Langley’s success, and has been a bonding experience for the team members and coaches.

Dates, times, and locations will be determined each year, and may include out-of-town rowing camps.

Attendance is mandatory for varsity team members. Novices are expected but not required to attend.


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Regattas Times The first races generally start at 9:00 a.m. and usually last into the afternoon. The length of each regatta

depends on the number of races. Up to six boats can race in each heat. If more than six boats are

entered in a category, there will be more than one heat for that category. The first regatta, the Polar

Bear, does not have Novice racers, so it usually lasts a relatively short time, while the state

championship regatta normally lasts a long time due to the number of teams attending.

Arrival Rowers

• It is absolutely critical that athletes BE ON TIME and dressed in their uniform. One late person

jeopardizes the entire boat!

• Coxswains and lightweight rowers are required to weigh in and then meet with the referees to

review regatta procedures, usually around 7:00 a.m.

• The race schedule is announced 24-48 hours prior to the regatta. Coaches will notify the team

members each week when to be at Sandy Run based on the race schedule.

• The Booster Club will send out a link to the schedule once it is posted; parents are encouraged

to download the schedule and print it.

• On regatta days, parents can drop their athlete off at the checkpoint at Parking Lot D.

Alternately, parents and athletes can take the South County HS Shuttle to the park.

Parents Only athletes, coaches, VASRA staff, and VASRA volunteers are allowed to park at Sandy Run. Parking for

these groups is free, in Lot D.

Parents can drop their athlete off in the morning and come back later in the day, but it will take longer

to get to the grandstand for the races as the regatta progresses, so allow ample time. If parents arrive

well in advance of their athlete’s required arrival time, they can both use the South County HS Shuttle.

Allow at least 45 minutes to get to the grandstand from the South County parking lot.

Parking and Shuttles There are two different shuttles for parking at Sandy Run on regatta days – one to Parking Lot C from

South County High School and one from Parking Lot C to the Grandstand. See Regatta Parking and

Shuttles for detailed information.


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Volunteering VASRA

• Volunteers filling VASRA positions MUST sign in at the volunteer tent at the boat house area.

Volunteering without signing in does not count towards meeting the volunteer requirements,

and Langley is fined for not fulfilling its volunteer obligation.

• Please sign in ONE HOUR in advance of your position start time.

• Children are not allowed to accompany parents at any assignment.

• See VASRA Volunteer Opportunities for details on the volunteer positions available.

Booster Club The Booster Club sets up the Langley canopy near the boathouse, providing nutritional support for the

rowers. A Signup Genius will be created for each regatta, with a list of food items needed.

What to Bring Rowers

• Sunscreen

• Blanket or sleeping bag for the early regattas when the boat house is cold (optional)

• Water bottle

• Tech shirt

• Jacket

Parents Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as it is often chilly in the mornings but warm in the

afternoons. DO NOT BRING PETS. SANDY RUN IS CASH ONLY.

• Sunscreen

• Blanket for the early regattas (optional)

• Water bottle

• Jacket

• Binoculars

• Hand sanitizer

• Snacks (concessions sometimes run out)

• Hat

• Padded seat or collapsible chair

• Small bills for concessions and grandstand shuttle – they are cash only


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Regatta Parking & Shuttles

Parking Athletes, Coaches, Staff and VASRA Volunteers Park in Parking Lot D, marked with a red X. There is no charge.

Parents Parents and any attendees who are not athletes, coaches, staff, or volunteers must park at South County

High School, 8501 Silverbrook Rd, Lorton, VA.

Pickup and Dropoff The Sandy Run pickup/dropoff point for both athletes and spectators is at Parking Lot D, marked by a

red X on the map. VASRA strongly recommends that most spectators be dropped off here, to lessen the

number of people parking at South County, which will shorten the wait times to get on a bus.


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Shuttles South County Shuttle VASRA runs buses to shuttle people from South County High School to Parking Lot C. The cost is $5 each

way, cash only. From Lot C, you can either walk the trail to the grandstand or take the Grandstand Van.

Grandstand Van VASRA runs vans to shuttle people from Parking Lot C to the grandstand. The cost is $3 each way, cash

only.

Timing South County Shuttle The shuttle runs from 1 hour before the first race until 1 hour after the last race. The ride from South

County to Parking Lot C will take about 15 minutes, with about 5 minutes each for boarding and

unloading.

Grandstand Van The vans run continuously, and take about 10 minutes, including loading and unloading, each trip.

Grandstand Trail It’s a 15- to 20-minute walk along the trail between Parking Lot C and the grandstand. The path is

wooded and relatively cool, but hilly. Those with difficulty hiking should consider the grandstand van.

Allow for a minimum of 45 minutes to get from the grandstand from parking at South County High

School, not counting waiting in line to get on to the buses:

South County to Parking Lot C 25 minutes

Grandstand Trail 20 minutes

Total 45 minutes

South County to Parking Lot C 25 minutes

Grandstand Van 10 minutes

Total 35 minutes


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Booster Club Volunteer Opportunities Mandatory Volunteer Requirements Each family is required to fill four volunteer roles:

• One turn as a Spring Training Bus Chaperone during water training

• One turn as a VASRA volunteer

• Two “elective” volunteer activities. This could be an additional turn as a bus chaperone or

VASRA volunteer, as well as volunteering at an event.

Volunteering to provide food at an event does not count toward the four volunteer requirements

Volunteer Opportunities Booster Club Board The Langley Crew Booster Club Board has a number of volunteer opportunities. There are two persons

in each position, both to ensure knowledge continuity as kids graduate and to make sure no one role is

overwhelming. Check the newsletters for any open positions:

• President

• Training/Logistics/Coach Liaison

• Recruitment

• Treasurer

• Secretary/Membership

• Ways and Means

• Equipment

• Volunteer Coordinator

• Communications

• Events

• Website

• Membership

• Bus Transportation

• VASRA Contact

• Apparel

• Launch Driver Operations

• Videographer

• Photographer


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Events End of Season Banquet Late May/early June. Volunteers are needed for setup and decoration, cleanup, and serving.

Erg-a-Thon Mid-February. Each year, Langley participates in an erg competition with West Springfield. The schools

take turns hosting—Langley hosts in odd years, and WS hosts in even years. Volunteer opportunities

include:

Concession/Snack Table Monitors – the host school runs a concession stand for non-athletes, with

snacks and drinks for sale. The visiting school provides a table with free snacks and drinks for the

athletes.

Erg Reset/Score Log Sheets – write down the results from each of the ergs on the score sheets and

reset the ergs for the next race, then give the score sheets to the score table.

Score Table – enter information from the score sheets at the end of each heat. Basic Excel

knowledge is required.

Land the Launches Late May. Prep and store the launches for winter, including removing the motors. Must be able to move

heavy items.

Launch Setup Mid-February. Install motors and put the launches in the water. Must be able to move heavy items.

Open House Early September. Each fall, the Booster Club hosts an open house at Sandy Run for everyone interested

in learning more about the Crew team. Volunteers are needed to set up for the event, clean up

afterwards, and greet guests and answer their questions about crew.

Rise Against Hunger Early February. Each year, the Langley pyramid participates in the Rise Against Hunger service event. For

many years, Langley Crew has participated by preparing and setting up supplies the day before the main

event. Students will earn service hours, and parents are needed to carpool from Langley to the event

site and to supervise them while they work.


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Spring Training Bus Chaperone Late February-late May. Each family is required to be a bus chaperone at least once during the season.

Training on the water begins in late February. Varsity trains Monday thru Saturday; novices have

Wednesday off. Two buses take the students to the reservoir from Langley and return to either Langley

or Forestville Elementary in Great Falls for weekday practices. Parents are responsible for getting

students to practice on Saturdays.

Because FCPS considers this a field trip, each bus must have an adult chaperone. Most days, two

chaperones are required—one for the McLean bus and one for the Great Falls bus. On Wednesdays,

when only varsity practices, only one bus is run, so only one chaperone is needed. The buses have wi-fi,

and chaperones can stay on the bus during practice. Chaperones have two jobs—be physically present

on the bus, and wait at either Langley or Forestville until all the students have been picked up.

Great Falls chaperones catch the bus at Langley, but get dropped off at Forestville. It works best to leave

your car at Forestville and figure out a way to get to Langley to catch the bus. Uber, Lyft, taxis, and other

parents have all been used to get to Langley in previous years. See the Spring Training Bus Chaperone

page for more details.

Tag Day Early February. Tag Day is the year’s biggest fundraiser. On a Saturday in early February, Crew athletes

will canvas the neighborhoods in Great Falls and McLean, requesting donations for the Langley Crew

Program. Adults drive two to four athletes to pre-arranged neighborhoods. Athletes will go door-to-door

in pairs. Tags are hung on doors where no one is home, giving the fundraiser its name. Volunteer drivers

will be able to choose a morning, afternoon, or full day shift. ALL ATHLETES ARE EXPECTED TO

PARTICIPATE FOR THE ENTIRE DAY.

Winter/Spring Season Kickoff Meeting Late January. The Booster Club kicks off the season with a meeting in late January to go over essential

information for the upcoming season. The meeting is mandatory for rowers and at least one

parent/guardian. Volunteers are needed to set up and clean up after.

Regattas Hospitality Tent March-May. At each regatta, the Booster Club hosts a hospitality tent for the athletes by the boathouse,

where the kids can gather, hang out, and get something to eat and drink. Snacks are provided by parent

volunteers. As parents are not allowed in the boathouse area during regattas, volunteers arrive early to

set up the tent, put up the tables, and set out the food and drinks. After the regatta, athletes put away

the tent and tables, take out the trash, and bring any leftovers to the Event Coordinators.


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Stotesbury Regatta Langley attends the regional Stotesbury Regatta in Philadelphia. Volunteers are needed for:

• Hospitality Tent set up, serving, and cleanup

• Chaperoning


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VASRA Volunteer Opportunities

Parents are responsible for transportation to all volunteer activities.

Pre-Season and Post-Season Activities Course Set-Up Late February/early March. Pre-season activities prepare the racecourse for regattas.

Land - Tasks include cleaning and rearranging the equipment in the storage shed, checking cables

and buoys, and any other jobs assigned by the full-time course coordinator. May require heavy

lifting.

Water – Tasks include installing anchors, buoy lines, and spreader cables, and positioning the

starting tower and starting platform near the starting line.

Course Take-Down Late May. Land and water end-of-season activities to store the regatta equipment over the winter. Tasks

include removing the buoy lines, cables, and anchors, and repositioning the starting tower and starting

platform near regatta headquarters. May require heavy lifting.

Regatta Day Volunteer Activities Regattas take place early March through late May.

Awards Assistant and Trophy Assistant Obtain results of specific races, organize labeled award ribbons by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places for

presentation, and record the distribution of awards. Pass results to the results poster and prepare for

awards to be picked up by coaches.

Concessions Morning-shift volunteers – Four people set up the boathouse concession and four set up the

grandstand concession. Set up supplies and prepare and sell food, t-shirts, or programs as assigned

by the concession manager. Set up tables and grill, start the coffee, and place all supplies on the

tables to be sold. Set out the menu board.

Regular-shift volunteers – Eight or nine volunteers run the concession stands. One person will cook

hot dogs and hamburgers and one person will wrap the food as it is cooked. One person will be in

charge of the cash boxes. There will be separate cash boxes for food and t-shirts; keep the money

from the food separate from other purchases.


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Afternoon-shift volunteers – Sell lunch foods, t-shirts and programs. At the end of the regatta, clean

up the area and put away tables, grills, coffeepots, and any other equipment.

Dockmaster Assistant (Launch and Recovery)

Help the dockmaster make sure crews are checked in, launched, and retrieved safely and at the correct

times. Keep docks clear of unnecessary gear, help wash the docks prior to the start of the regatta, and

take messages to HQ for the dockmaster.

Finish Line Timer Helper Help determine shell timing and placement at the finish line. The Finish Line Judge makes all lane

assignments. Ability to operate a stopwatch effectively to time the split time for the shell in the assigned

lane is required.

Launch Drivers Dam: Patrol the lower reservoir near the dam to ensure the safety of the rowers and to prevent the

shells from venturing too near the dam. The launch must be in place before the first shell arrives at

the start.

Marshal: Drive a Regatta Marshal. Launch drivers should be experienced and comfortable following

shells down the racecourse. Regatta Marshal will most likely use hand signals to direct the launch.

Referee: Driver will be assigned to a Regatta Judge/Referee. Launch drivers should be experienced

and comfortable following shells down the racecourse. Regatta Judge/Referee will most likely use

hand signals to direct the launch.

Safety: Keep a keen eye on the course and attempt to keep powerboats, sailboats, kayaks, canoes,

etc. out of the way of the race. Driver may need to pick up large pieces of flotsam and jetsam in the

shells’ way. Keep a particularly keen eye on rowers warming up upstream and for any shells that

may have capsized.

Takedown: Drive a launch at the conclusion of the regatta to collect and help store the regatta

course equipment, motors, launches, lane markers, and whatever is needed to secure the regatta

site. Some heavy lifting may be involved.

Regatta Headquarters Coordinator This person functions as the principal liaison and managerial support to the Regatta Director, Assistant

Regatta Director, and Head Judge/Referee. They should also ensure that the HQ is kept reasonably clean

and orderly to allow easy access to needed equipment, and that there is sufficient room for all its uses,

including food and beverage storage.


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Set-Up Helper (Water) Help the set-up launch driver perform his/her duties. Much of the shift will be on the water in the

launch, and may require some heavy lifting.

Stakeboat Holder At the starting platform, help align the shells to be in proper position for the start. Help prevent damage

to the shells when they back up to the lane. Remain on the starting platform throughout the shift.

Before the start of each race, lie down on the plank that extends out from the platform and catch the

stern of the shell coming into the lane. Align the shell by pulling it back or pushing it out slightly, as

directed by an official at the side of the racecourse. Let go of the shell immediately upon the start.

Take-Down Helper (Water) At the end of the regatta, you will help store the regatta equipment, motors, launches, and lane

markers, and whatever is needed to secure the regatta site. Some heavy lifting may be involved. The

take-down helper will be working in a launch part of the time.

Van Money Collector Collect money from customers riding the VASRA shuttle van between the Grandstand and Lot C.


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Glossary Common Terminology Booster Club The Langley Crew Booster Club, or LCBC, supports the Crew team, financially and through volunteer and

fundraising activities. All Crew parents are members of the LCBC and are encouraged to actively

participate.

Erg Short for ergometer, an indoor rowing machine that simulates the rowing motion.

Grandstand Van The van, run by VASRA, that runs between Lot C at Sandy Run to the Grandstand.

Hospitality/Food Tent At each regatta, the Booster Club hosts a hospitality tent by the boathouse, where the athletes can

gather, hang out, and get something to eat and drink.

Launch Small outboard motorboat used by coaches to monitor water training and during regattas to monitor

water activity.

Lightweight Female rowers weighing under 130 pounds or male rowers weighing under 150 pounds are eligible to

compete in lightweight boats, in which all participants are registered as lightweights. VASRA, US Rowing

and Fairfax County monitor the lightweight program to ensure participants are naturally lightweight. See

the coaches for more information if your child wants to row as a lightweight.

Regatta Rowing competition.

Sandy Run Sandy Run Regional Park, on the Occoquan Reservoir, where the regattas and water training are held.

Signup Genius A website that allows volunteers to sign up for specific tasks identified for each event. The Volunteer

Coordinator will create and email signups for each event requiring assistance.

Stotes Slang for the Stotesbury Cup Regatta, held on the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia in mid-May.

The Quan Slang for Sandy Run Regional Park, on the Occoquan Reservoir.


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VASRA Virginia Scholastic Rowing Association, which sponsors and conducts scholastic rowing competitions in

Virginia.

Coxswain Terms Backing A backward stroke used to turn a boat or back a boat into starting blocks. Coxswain will call for picking,

touching, or any length of backward strokes.

Check it A command sometimes used to get all oars on starboard or port to hold water, causing the boat to turn.

Count down The command the coxswain uses to confirm with each rower that they are ready to row. From bow to

stern, each rower calls their number when ready.

Hold water The command used to stop the boat quickly. Each rower squares their blade in the water, creating drag.

Like putting on the brakes. Also known as “Kill the Run.”

Let it run The command used to have a crew stop rowing. Crews keep their blades in the air and let the boat coast

to a stop.

Pick drill A rapid stroke where rowers use only their arms and use minimal pressure. An effective and impressive

way to turn a boat when done right.

Swing it A command used when carrying a boat to start turning either bow or stern.

Touch it/Touching A stroke where rowers use only their arms and back. Used mostly for warm-up or to turn a boat.

Boat Terminology Body Angle Amount of forward lean of rower’s body from hips at the catch.

Bow Loader A shell with four rowers, each using one sweep oar, and a cox laying down in the bow.

Bowman The rower seated closest to the bow of the boat.


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Catch The point in the stroke cycle at which the blade enters the water.

Check Describes an undesirable bobbing motion of the rowing shell at the catch or finish that interrupts the

boat’s momentum.

Coxed pair A shell with two rowers, each using one sweep oar, and a cox. Rare in North America.

Coxswain (Cox) Member of the crew who sits stationary in the boat facing the bow. While the coxswain’s main job is to

steer the shell with a tiny rudder, he or she also calls the race strategy and helps motivate the crew.

Crab An accident where a rower loses control of his or her oar. The blade gets trapped in the water by the

momentum of the boat and the oar handle flies backwards either over the rower’s head or striking the

rower’s chest. In extreme cases, the rower can be thrown from the boat.

Double A boat with two rowers where each uses two sculling oars (sculls).

Eights A shell with eight rowers, each using one sweep oar, and a cox.

Feathering The turning of the oar after the blade is extracted, making it parallel to the water.

Finish The last part of the drive in the stroke cycle. The point when the rower pulls the oar to the body with the

arms and then extracts the blade from the water.

FISA Abbreviation for Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d’Aviron, the international governing body for

rowing established in 1892.

Layback Amount of backward lean of a rower’s body at the finish of the drive. Optimally 15 degrees.

Leg drive Power applied to the stroke, at the catch, by the force of driving the legs down. Often heard being yelled

from the coach boat.

Pair A shell with two rowers, each using one sweep oar. Steered with a rudder attached to a rower’s foot.


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Puddles “Footprints” in the water made by the oars. Little whirlpools.

Quad A shell with four rowers each with two sculling oars (sculls).

Rate Number of strokes per minute being rowed by the crew. This usually varies from 36 to 42 on the start,

32 to 38 during the body and 34 to 40 at the finish. Smaller shells do not rate as high as eights and the

quads.

Recovery The phase of the stroke cycle from release to catch when the rower is moving towards the stern of the

shell in preparation for the next stroke.

Release Part of the stroke cycle when the blade is extracted from the water.

Repechage The “second chance” race given to those crews which fail to qualify for the finals from an opening heat.

“Rep” qualifiers move onto semifinals or finals, depending on the number of entries. Used in

international racing.

Rigger An attachment to the gunwale to hold the oar in place as it rotates through the stroke. Modern shells

use out-riggers that hold the oar away from the gunwale (upper edge of the side of the boat) and

provide greater leverage than one would have in a fishing boat.

Rudder Steering device at the stern of the shell controlled through cables and ropes.

Run The distance the shell moves during one stroke. Measured by looking for the distance between puddles

made by the same oar.

Rushing the Slide When a crew or rower moves too quickly towards the catch after a rushed finish. A bad yet very

common technique that causes check in the boat.

Scullers/Sculling Rowers who row with two oars each.

Single A shell with one rower using two sculling oars (sculls).


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Skying Term used to describe a blade that is too high off the surface of the water during the recovery. The

rower’s hands are too low, causing an upset to the balance of the boat (the “set”).

Straight four A boat with four rowers where each uses one sweep oar. One of the rowers steers the boat with a

rudder connected to their foot stretchers with cables.

Stroke/Stroke seat The rower sitting closest to the stern. The stroke sets the rhythm for the rest of the crew to follow.

Sweep Boats in which the rowers each use a single sweep oar. A sweep oar is longer than a sculling oar and has

a bigger blade.

Swing That hard-to-define feeling when perfect synchronization of motion occurs thus enhancing

performance. When a crew “gels.”

Washing out When the blade comes out of the water early, causing the blade to miss water. The blade should remain

in the water from catch to release.

Parts of a Boat/Equipment Blade The end of the oar, often painted in a club’s or country’s colors. This part of the oar should be just

beneath the surface when the rower is pulling the oar through the water.

Bow The front of the boat, which is behind the rowers while sitting in the boat. The bow crosses the finish

line first.

Bowball A small white rubber ball attached to the bow designed to protect a rower in the event of a collision.

Collar/Button A wide plastic ring placed around the sleeve of an oar. The button stops the oar from slipping through

the oarlock.

Coxbox A speaker system with a microphone that runs through the boat, so the coxswain does not have to yell.

The coxbox also displays the crew’s stroke rate, which is measured by a magnet under the stroke seat.


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Ergometer An indoor rowing machine that simulates the rowing motion. The most common tool used for dry-land

training is the Concept II, which uses a flywheel and digital readout showing strokes per minute, power

output, speed, and distance “travelled.”

Footstretcher The shoe assembly in a shell into which each rower laces his or her feet.

Hatchet A style of oar blade with a bigger surface area than the classic spoon-shaped blade. The blade extends

downwards from the shaft at an angle level with the water. Its shape resembles a hatchet. Also called

cleaver or big blade.

Inboard The length of the oar shaft measured from the button to the handle.

Keel Center Line of the shell running along the hull from bow to stern, which helps the shell run a straight course and

increases stability.

Macon The classic style of oar blade, which is shaped like a spoon.

Oarlock The “U”-shaped swivel holding the oar in the rigger. It is mounted on the rigger “sill,” rotates on an

upright pin, and has a “gate” at the top to secure the oar.

Outboard The length of the oar shaft, measured from the button to the tip of the blade.

Port The right-hand side of the shell while sitting in the boat. Port-side riggers and oars are indicated by red

paint or tape.

Rigger An attachment to the gunwale to hold the oar in place as it rotates through the stroke. Modern shells

use out-riggers that hold the oar away from the gunwale (upper edge of the side of the boat) and

provide greater leverage than one would have in a fishing boat.

Rudder Steering device at the stern of the shell controlled through cables and ropes.

Scull Smaller oars used in sculling boats.


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Shell The correct term for a rowing boat.

Starboard The left-hand side of the shell while sitting in the boat. Starboard riggers and oars are indicated by green

paint or tape.

Stake boat A structure at the starting line of the race. The shell is “backed” into the starting gate. Once in the gates,

a mechanism, or person lying on the starting gate, holds the stern of the shell.

Stern The rear of the shell. While in the boat, rowers face the stern.

LANGLEY CREW

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