ORIENTATION MANUAL 2018 - lrc.com.au · Keep to the bow (left hand side of the boat/right hand side...
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Page 1 of 16 ORIENTATION MANUAL 2018 Welcome to Leichhardt Rowing Club. We hope that you enjoy your on and off the water experience with us. We love rowing and are always happy to share our passion and help others enjoy it too.
Transcript of ORIENTATION MANUAL 2018 - lrc.com.au · Keep to the bow (left hand side of the boat/right hand side...
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ORIENTATION MANUAL
2018
Welcome to Leichhardt Rowing Club.
We hope that you enjoy your on and off the water experience with us.
We love rowing and are always happy to share our passion and help others enjoy it too.
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Contents
1. Our club ..................................................................................................................... 3 LRC and Pymble Ladies College ......................................................................................................... 3 OUR COMMITTEE IN 2017–18……………………………………………………………………………………………..……….4 ACTIVE LIFE MEMBERS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
2. General membership information ............................................................................... 7 Membership ...................................................................................................................................... 7 Club fees ............................................................................................................................................ 7 What we offer you ............................................................................................................................ 7 What LRC expects from you .............................................................................................................. 8
3. Starting to row ........................................................................................................... 9 Safety on the water ........................................................................................................................... 9 Weather ............................................................................................................................................ 9 Boat bookings .................................................................................................................................... 9 Lights ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Pontoon protocols ........................................................................................................................... 10 On water traffic ............................................................................................................................... 10 Boat damage and repairs ................................................................................................................ 11 Tools ................................................................................................................................................ 12
4. Racing ...................................................................................................................... 12 Are you eligible to race? .................................................................................................................. 12 Club uniform ................................................................................................................................... 13 Away regattas .................................................................................................................................. 13 Regatta day ..................................................................................................................................... 13
5. Coaching and squads ................................................................................................ 14
6. The clubhouse .......................................................................................................... 14
7. Equipment ............................................................................................................... 15
8. LRC website ............................................................................................................. 16
9. Our key strategic objectives...................................................................................... 16 Performance .................................................................................................................................... 16 Participation .................................................................................................................................... 16 Business ........................................................................................................................................... 16 Health .............................................................................................................................................. 16
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1. Our club
Leichhardt Rowing Club was established in 1886, Sir Henry Parkes opened the first clubhouse in
1887. The club has been a part of rowing in Sydney since that time and has produced many
notable achievements including:
representation in the winning A.I.F. crew at the Royal Henley Peace Regatta, England in 1919.
From this crew’s efforts came the establishment of the King’s Cup, the trophy presented to
the winning men’s eight in the Interstate Championships, held each year as part of the
Australian National Championships
numerous representatives at Olympic and World Championships
Club of The Year 2002 – Achievement Award from Rowing Australia
winners, Rowing New South Wales Premiership, in 1988, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2014 & 2017
winning club at the Edward Trickett Regatta 2010.
Our clubhouse was built in 2001 in a unique partnership with Pymble Ladies College with which
we share the facilities. It’s position on the shores of Iron Cove is a relatively sheltered one,
enjoying ideal rowing conditions all year round.
Our club now has more than four hundred members in school, junior, intermediate, senior
and masters categories. Our members come from across metropolitan Sydney, and many are
students from schools in the local area who have become successful rowers with us at state and
national level.
LRC and Pymble Ladies College
The club shares the clubhouse, the pontoon, camaraderie and support with Pymble Ladies
College, and we do not normally share the rowing equipment such as boats and tinnies.
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Committee 2017 / 2018 Steven Duff
Vice President
Justin Milne
President
Geoff Rich
Secretary
Dean Patterson
Male Vice Captain
Matt Bourke
Captain
Anna Cicognani
Female Vice Captain
Alex Kempson
Assistant Treasurer
Simon Miller
Treasurer
Steven Duff
Membership Secretary
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Bob Kelsall
General boat Maintenance
David Cowlishaw
Building Maintenance
Regatta Secretary
Christine Seeliger
Lauren Rizzuto
Juniors Vice Captain
Annalisa Armitage
General Member
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Club Active Life Members
Bill Monoghan Barry Moynahan Steve Roll
Dave Bodell
Stephen Jaques
Tim Clare Ross Ullo Gill Campbell
Frank Thorn Sandy Rourke Kerry Thorn
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2. General membership information
We are a community-based club, and our success reflects our members’ participation in the
club, and support of the club, both on and off the water.
Membership
Our membership categories are designed to fit the needs of all members, and vary according to
degrees of commitment, age and rowing experience.
Membership at LRC is subject to the discretion of the committee. All new members join as
probationary members for at least 12 months after which time they may become a full member.
Full membership categories include Life, Competitor – Senior Member or Competitor – Full-time
Student, Recreational, Supporter and Guest (see clause 2, LRC Constitution, LRC website, for
more detail).
Club fees
The rowing year can run from June to May, and the annual fees are due on the 1 July each year.
The fees vary according to the category of membership. Most race entry fees are included in the
competing membership fees. In some circumstances, members are required to pay their own
racing fees, for example when racing in non-premiership regatta events such as the Head of the
Yarra or the Australian Masters Rowing Championships. More details are on the website.
What we offer you
LRC membership categories cover the following rowing and coaching entitlements.
Probationary Competitor Full-time Student (under 25): includes a competitive training
program in a squad with a coach, racing and achievement ambitions are supported.
Probationary Competitor Senior: includes membership of a squad, coaching and access to
some of the better quality boats in the fleet, and support for racing.
Recreational: includes rowing in large boats, mostly on the weekends, and includes some
coaching which is often arranged by the rowers themselves. Those who demonstrate their
commitment and capability to the Captain’s satisfaction may also row during the week.
Racing options are limited and are at the Captain’s discretion.
Most of our coaches are volunteers. Volunteers by their very nature are a sometimes scarce
resource, so the coaching program focuses on the junior members and novices until they reach a
minimum degree of proficiency. It is through the sterling efforts of our volunteer coaches that
we can usually allot a coach to all squads. New volunteer coaches are always welcome (you will
be surprised how much coaching a novice crew or squad can improve your own rowing).
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What LRC expects from you
All members are expected to:
contribute to the club, and are strongly encouraged to attend the club events, celebrations
and fund-raising activities
attend our regular (usually quarterly) boat maintenance and club clean-up days
help keep all areas clean and tidy
help prepare the hall when it is hired out (clearing the hall, tidying the kitchen and
bathrooms and putting the gym away). The gym is not available for use by members when
the upstairs area has been hired.
Volunteer roster: Each member is expected to contribute to the running of the club. Our
Volunteer Roster contains the many and varied tasks that need to be done to enable the club to
run smoothly. The roster is flexible so you can choose how you contribute your time.
Club policies: We expect all members to be aware of their rights and responsibilities as set out in
the constitution and the rules of the club. All these documents are on our website. If you have
any questions or are unsure about any policies, please ask.
Club policies cover the following topics:
annual awards
boat usage
code of conduct
committee roles and responsibilities
competition
private boat storage
race protests
regatta entry
safety and care
syndicate boat acquisition.
These policies are updated from time to time, see ‘Rules of the Club’ on the members area of
the website.
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3. Starting to row
This is a general overview of the practical information you need to know when you start rowing
at LRC. For more detailed information, please refer to the website (www.lrc.com.au). Our aim is
to ensure you, our other club members and the club’s equipment are looked after. We welcome
your questions, so if you have any doubt please ask your committee members or your coach.
Safety on the water
Safety is important, and everyone is expected to follow safe practices for their own safety, the
safety of other club members, and taking good care of the fleet and other equipment. Members
are responsible for keeping themselves safe and the equipment safe.
Dress appropriately when rowing. For example in warmer weather, make sure you are hydrated,
bring a water bottle, and wear sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. In cooler weather it’s best to
wear layers so you can still feel comfortable as you warm up, even on a cold morning.
Weather
Rowing is dependent on the weather. Under certain conditions boats are not permitted to leave
the shed. These are:
winds over 20 knots – if there are any white caps on the bay then don’t go out
lightning in the area – stay off the water during lightning storms: if you are on the water
come in, and if you are off the water don’t go out. Stay away from the trailer and tent poles
fog – if you can’t see the Iron Cove Bridge then don’t go out.
Boat bookings
We like to take good care of our fleet and all members contribute to this.
The fleet is organised into two colour-coded categories, green and black, and these show who
may row the boats. Everyone can row green boats; only experienced and competitive members
can row the black boats. Competing members may apply to the Captain to row the black boats.
More information on these categories is in the Boat Usage Policy on our website.
The boat booking system is designed to give all members access to their preferred boats when
possible, and to keep the racing fleet in racing condition. The boat booking system is a two-step
process: 1) book your request online and 2) see the allocations in an Excel file on the website
(Boat and tinny bookings) or on a hard copy on the club notice board. For additional information
please speak to your coach or the Captain.
Lights
NSW Maritime regulations mandate two lights on rowing boats: one on the bow and one on the
stern. These lights must be visible from 1km away in clear weather and, as a general rule, must
be operating while the street lights are on. Dim lights are not acceptable – if your batteries are
nearly flat, buy new ones. The club does not accept responsibility for any fines imposed on you
by NSW Maritime for breaches of the law.
No lights … no row.
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There is a bucket full of new batteries in the outer office. The price to members is 3 for $1. It is
an honour system to put the coins in the bucket.
Pontoon protocols
The pontoon can be a very busy place: take care and share.
Pontoon rules:
the 2 metre rule: to maintain free movement around the entrances to the shed, all boats on
the pontoon must be a minimum of two meters from the roller doors.
boating off the pontoon: crews push off in the direction of the bridge and
landing on the pontoon: approach from the UTS/Haberfield end.
take care when landing: prevent mishaps and damage.
Po
nto
on
pro
toco
ls Be courteous Be considerate
Tie tinnies to pontoon boards. Cleats on lower staging are for emergency use only
Big boats load and unload outside edge; small boats inside edge. No boats on ends
Keep the 2 metre rule Make room for other boats
Move quickly off water Wash and dry boats/oars after every use
Keep oars outside white tinny access lines. Inside the lines is reserved for tinny access
Last boat away in each bay brings in the tinnies and closes the roller door
On water traffic
Iron Cove is a shared waterway: other rowing clubs use the bay as do other water users. It is
very busy at times. Keep to the bow (left hand side of the boat/right hand side of the coxswain)
of the waterway (see map below).
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Faster crews have right of way and the better line is to be conceded to these boats. Use your
common sense – if you see or hear a boat coming towards you and you can’t get out of their
way – Call out! Loudly! Before they hit you! Coaches and crews (but not you?) often stop in the
traffic lanes – watch out for them.
Take care whenever and wherever you are on the water. Stay on the correct side of the bay,
always, keep a look out for what is beyond your bow and any oncoming traffic. For additional
information please refer to NSW Maritime website.
Boat damage and repairs
Be careful with the fleet and the equipment. If you don't know how to do something then please
ask someone to help you, and learn. The equipment is expensive and it can be inconvenient for
many other rowers if a boat is out of action.
Boat damage can occur at any time a boat is handled, picked up from the rack until it is put back
at the end of the session. Be especially aware when: getting the boat off and on the racks; lifting
the boats on and off the slings; navigating the bay; and landing on the pontoon. If the crew is
held responsible, the club may impose a penalty.
Accidents must be reported – firstly to the Captain who will let you know if you need to report
to NSW Maritime. Regardless of the severity of the accident you must let the Captain know. If
you need to complete the NSW Maritime paperwork the Captain can help you.
If you row the boat you are responsible for basic repairs to the boat. These can include replacing
worn wheels, slide guards or missing nuts and bolts, tightening the nuts on the foot chocks or
the screws on the blades. The club maintains an extensive inventory of spare parts for just this
purpose.
More involved repairs such as cracks or chips should be recorded on the whiteboard at the
bottom of the rear stairs.
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Tools
Everyone is expected to have a basic tool kit, with items labelled so you won’t lose them, and we
recommend that it include:
10mm spanner x2
Phillips head screwdriver
tape: either electrical or duct
a permanent marker.
4. Racing
Regattas can be very exciting and rewarding but the days can also be hectic and tiring.
Preparation before a regatta will help you enjoy the day more. You
Are you eligible to race?
The Regatta Secretary submits regatta entries to Rowing NSW on behalf of the club and in
compliance with the LRC Competition Policy. Coaches submit entries for their squads to the Race
Entry Coordinators who liaise with the Regatta Secretary, and members who do not have
coaches liaise directly with their Regatta Secretary (see the list in the foyer).
First check that your LRC membership category allows you to enter regattas. Not all membership
categories allow regatta participation and not all members are eligible to compete in all
regattas. If you have a coach, your coach will discuss with you when you are ready to race and
look after your race entries.
Competitive Senior and Junior rower’s membership classes include all racing fees other than
State and National Championships. Recreational Members membership class does not include
race fees. Currently they are $13 per seat per race which goes to Rowing NSW. These fees must
be pre-paid to LRC at least 10 days prior to race day through our Website. Ask your squad leader
or coach if unsure.
Novice rowers usually start competing in regattas on Iron Cove before competing in away
regattas such as those at SIRC (Sydney International Regatta Centre, Penrith). Juniors may also
compete in some school regattas.
The club encourages competing members to enter country regattas, particularly the Port
Macquarie and Taree regattas which are usually held over the third weekend of January, where
we traditionally have a club dinner.
The full regatta schedule is on the RNSW website.
Race entries: the Regatta Secretary places all regatta entries for the club. Your coach will discuss
with you when you are ready to race and look after your race entries. Rowing NSW membership:
RNSW rules mean that you must be a member to enter a regatta. Even if only one member of
your crew is not registered with RNSW your crew cannot be entered. To become a member of
RNSW for the first time go online to the RNSW website. Select GO ROWING, MEMBERSHIP, New
Membership Application, On Line Application and then pay the fee. Rowing NSW will send you a
reminder for future seasons without additional paperwork, and you can renew your RNSW
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membership annually online at RNSW website. Allow at least two weeks before a regatta to get
your RNSW membership up to date.
Club uniform
All rowers must wear the approved Leichhardt zootie when racing. LRC colours are white, blue
and red, with a double chevron in red and blue. If you do not wear a zootie when racing, or if
you cover it up when racing, you may be fined or disqualified by RNSW.
To order a Leichhardt zootie, and other club merchandise, please go to the shop on our website.
Away regattas
Everyone who competes at an away regatta is to attend boat loading and unloading. Boat
loading is usually the Friday morning before a weekend (Saturday) regatta, this is confirmed via
email each time and everyone is expected to help. You will need your own tool kit (see p. 11).
Boat unloading after a regatta is usually on the same day as the regatta, and therefore may be
late. The time is usually confirmed on the day.
Regatta day
We recommend that all competitors arrive at a regatta two hours before their first race so that
they can be sure that everything is ready. Make sure you allow enough time at an away regatta
to unload the boats, blades and riggers from the trailer and rig your boat. Competitors must
present at the start line five minutes before their scheduled start time and failing to do so can
result in disqualification.
For regattas on Iron Cove we boat from our pontoon. Many other clubs park their trailers near
the clubhouse and also use our pontoon on these race days. On these days we need to be aware
of pontoon traffic and boating and unloading quickly.
Most regattas run over the summer months so everyone needs to be aware of their fluid intake
and sun protection. We have sunscreen at the shed, but not at away regattas, so make sure you
have your own sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day, and wear a hat or visor.
Spectators are most welcome at all regattas and if you are competing on Iron Cove then
supporters are most welcome to come up and cheer from the balcony alongside all the club
members.
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5. Coaching and squads
The club has several groups for coaching and development.
Squad Coach/Coordinator/ Vice-Captain
Squad characteristics Comments
Juniors Geoff Rich
25 students
aged 14 to 20
Heavy coaching requirements, so we are always looking for volunteers to take on a junior squad
Advanced Juniors
TBC a small squad of dedicated rowers aiming for State and National Titles
Open Head coach:
TBC
large group.
males and females aged between 20 and 30
All experienced
Masters
Women Female Vice-Captain – Anna Cico.
Several coaches and squad coordinators
Aged 27 and up
Men Male Vice-Captain – Dean Patterson
Several coaches and squad coordinators
Aged 27 and up
Young Adult Development
Coordinator – Steve Jaques
Aged 20 to 35
Less competitive but working on basics to get to competition level
Recreational Coordinator – Trevor Sills
Supported by Senior Active members on rotating roster to provide some coaching development
Weekend mornings only
6. The clubhouse
All members have the use of a functional and comfortable that includes the boat shed
downstairs and the upstairs area with change rooms, gym, kitchen and a large hall. The upstairs
area is available to the public for hire, and at reduced rates for members.
Only current club members are authorised to use the club and its facilities. Visitors and guests
are welcome under appropriate arrangements.
Front door: The front door has a code and the club is alarmed. The door code is changed
annually at membership renewal time. Members are asked not to give the code to non-
members, and probationary members are given the door code only.
Closing procedure: Close all roller doors, windows, balcony doors and exits. Hoses left under the
roller doors will set off the alarm. The last person out is responsible to make sure nothing is left
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on the pontoon, switch off the lights and set the alarm: select ARM on the control panel and
leave the building.
Equipment map: Every item of equipment has a labelled place: see the map on the wall.
Clean shed: Everyone is to comply with the ‘nothing on the floor’ policy.
7. Equipment
1. Boats
a. Green and Black Boats – all club boats have a coloured dot on their bow and their
rack label.
b. Racking – all boats must be returned the correct way – bow/stern to their rack
c. In and out of the shed – how to carry
d. On and off the water – how to lift for beginners and experienced
e. Washing procedure – inside and outside
f. Spare parts – common spare parts kit is kept on the work bench
g. Basic maintenance – members are responsible to carry out basic maintenance
2. Tinnies
a. Safety kit – life jackets, bucket, torch, anchor and paddle
b. Lights & battery – all tinnies have built in lights. The battery charges off the motor
c. Fuel – stored in the fuel cupboard. 200ml oil to 20 litres of premium fuel
d. Outboards
i. Securing to tinny – safety cord, battery, fuel, kill switch
ii. Starting
iii. Flushing
iv. Storage
e. Mooring – not in the transit area
3. Oars
a. Storage – blades facing in. Every oar has its own labelled slot.
b. Rigging – don’t change unless approved. See your coach or the club Captain.
4. Riggers
a. Storage – every rigger has its own labelled rack
b. Pitching – by approved members only
c. Spare parts – in spare parts kit or office
5. Repairs
a. Reporting procedure
b. Only authorised people to engage contractors
c. Minor repairs to be carried out by crew and coaches
i. Slides
ii. Wheels
iii. Shoes
iv. Riggers
v. Bolts
vi. Bow Ball
6. Trailer
a. Tires, lights and safety
b. Loading – coordinated by the Vice-Captains
c. Authorised towers – as approved by the Vice-Captains
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7. Maintenance days
a. Club expectations – everyone to attend to work on the boats you use
b. Teaching process – method for understanding how to prolong the life of our
equipment and keep it in good racing order
8. LRC website
1. Members area
a. Boat booking
b. Boat allocations
c. Weekly email
d. Committee reports
2. The Shop
a. Membership
b. Uniforms
c. Sundry purchases
d. Race Fees
9. Our key strategic objectives
Performance
Allow members to perform to the best of their abilities by providing excellent coaching,
equipment and an enjoyable rowing environment.
Participation
Provide a well-run club for competing and non-competing members that can be enjoyed by
rowers, parents and ex-rowers of all ages. Offer different types of membership, which recognise
the contribution to the club that different groups can make. Require all members to participate
in the operation of the club.
Business
Produce a cash surplus each year after providing for running costs by generating revenue
through memberships, donations, sponsorships, functions, learn-to-row and other events such
as the Corporate Challenge. Retain a corpus for the capital needs of the club.
Health
Improve the health of members by providing modern safe equipment and a happy environment,
which encourages members to perform to the best of their abilities. Have particular regard to
members’ safety and wellbeing by complying with all relevant regulations & standards, and
noting and mitigating the risks inherent in a rowing club.
Issued 23/4/2018 sd
