WELCOME TO THE 41st ANNUAL
HEAD OF THE SCHUYLKILL REGATTA!!
In the interest of conducting a safe and fair regatta for everyone, we expect every competitor and coach to read, fully understand and follow all our rules and procedures. Please read them carefully.
HOSR RULES OF RACING PREVIEW OF IMPORTANT
SCHEDULE ADDITIONS AND RULES CHANGES
- DAY 1 (SATURDAY OCTOBER 29): All COLLEGE events; some OPEN heavyweight events; all OPEN lightweight events; the OPEN CLUB eights; and the MASTERS/VETERANS doubles and eights. There will also be a special section of COMMUNITY races, as well as full-course head races for ADAPTIVE DOUBLES and OPEN/MASTERS ROUGH-WATER SINGLES.
- DAY 2 (SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30): All HIGH SCHOOL events including the redefined HIGH SCHOOL TRAINER SINGLES; and a new mid-morning OPEN/MASTERS "VIKING VENTURE" for fearless and gritty rough-water singles rowers (nordic seafaring costumes encouraged); all remaining OPEN events; and all remaining MASTERS/VETERANS events including new Mens and Womens VETERANS FOURS categories.
- Competitors in all categories (High School, College, Open, Rough-Water, Masters and Veterans) may enter any combination of events, sweep or sculls, for which they are eligible. For detailed eligibility criteria, see Section 13, ELIGIBILITY AND LINE-UP RULES, below.
- LIGHTWEIGHT ROWERS, please see Rule 14.8 and 14.9 for changes and clarifications to the rules governing your classification and weighing-in procedures. In particular, we have made the Men's Lightweight rules consistent with the recent changes approved by USRowing.
- Last year we introduced a new COURSE LAYOUT and new procedures for rowing up to the start line and back to your launching point after racing. See Section 2 below to review the details.
Attention all rowers and coaches: it is our intention to start all boats,
in every event, on time and in strict bow-number order. We request your help
and cooperation in achieving this.
1. EVENT OVERVIEW
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta is hosted in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Department of Parks and Recreation, and with the help of valued sponsors and exhibitors, whom we welcome along with all competitors, coaches, friends, families and spectators. Our goal is to provide the best possible regatta experience for all participants. The 2011 Thomas Eakins Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will be rowed over a course of approximately 2.5 miles on the Schuylkill River in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, PA. The 2011 regatta will take place Saturday and Sunday, October 29 and 30.
2. ON THE RIVER: THE COURSE, LAUNCHING SITES, AND TRAFFIC PATTERNS
2.1. The racing course, separated from the east bank (Kelly Drive) side of the Schuylkill River by a single, continuous line of buoys from start to finish, will be rowed DOWNRIVER (SOUTHWARDS) IN THE CENTER. The start will be at the 2000-meter mark below the Twin Bridges and the finish will be about 300 meters below Girard Bridge.
2.2. The racing course will pass through a designated arch at each bridge. These arches will be prominently marked on each side by large buoys. Failure to pass through any designated arch will incur a significant time penalty. Periodic large buoys will also mark the outer limits of the WEST side of the racing course. Rowing outside of these buoys will also incur a time penalty. Additionally, marker buoys will be placed ahead of Peters' Island and any other fixed obstacles that may be present on or close to the west side of the course, to warn boats to steer inside of them.
2.3. Launching Sites. The major launching site for out-of-town boats arriving by trailer will be on the east bank of the Schuylkill River at the Three Angels Statues, below Columbia Avenue Railroad Bridge. The site is accessed southbound on Kelly Drive. Regatta headquarters, vending, food concessions. hospitality and award ceremonies will all be located in this area. You may also launch from the Canoe Club area, but due to the continued closure and fencing-off of the Canoe Club building, we strongly recommend against your use of that site. HOSR regatta competitor and spectator services at the Canoe Club will be limited to careful management of access and available parking, and the provision of some temporary toilet facilities. There will be no marshals at the dock to assist with launching or retrieval of boats, and the HOSR will take no additional responsibility for the area.
2.4. The row up to the start for ALL BOATS is upstream along the EAST (Kelly Drive) bank, keeping to the EAST of the single, continuous buoy line all the way. DO NOT STRAY ONTO THE RACE COURSE or you will be automatically disqualified.
2.5. The row back for Boathouse Row starters is straight back to the boathouses from the finish. The row back for the Three Angels Statues and Canoe Club starters is upstream along the EAST BANK.
2.6. With the exception of adaptive boats launching from the tugboat house on Martin Luther King Drive just below Columbia Bridge, NO BOATS whatsoever will row upstream on the WEST SIDE of the river, on pain of automatic disqualification. Race referees in launches will monitor and escort adaptive boats on their way to the start line and returning to their launching site.
2.7. In the interest of SAFETY on the water, the above traffic patterns will be in force for ALL boats, whether rowed, sculled or paddled, and including launches, from 12:00 NOON on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 through the end of racing on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30. CAREFULLY REVIEW THE COURSE MAP on this website. The map also will be available at registration and in our program book.
2.8. Overtaking. All boats are expected to use every effort to avoid interference when overtaking other boats, or being overtaken. In the adjudication of alleged or observed incidents of clashing, obstruction, or overly aggressive overtaking, the following USRowing Customary Head-Racing rule regarding right of way will apply:
"A crew is deemed to be overtaking another crew when it has moved to within one length of open water of the crew ahead. On those portions of the course that are straight, a crew being overtaken shall move to the right (i.e., to port) and allow the overtaking crew to pass. Where the course turns, a crew being overtaken shall move to the outside of the turn and allow the overtaking crew to pass along the shorter path. Nevertheless, passing is not allowed, nor is the crew being overtaken required to yield, in cases where the overtaking crew's position clearly prevents safe passage or where there is insufficient room to yield."
3. ORDER OF EVENTS
DAY 1: All COLLEGE events; some OPEN heavyweight events; all OPEN lightweight events; the OPEN CLUB eights; and the MASTERS/VETERANS doubles and eights. There will also be a special section of COMMUNITY races, as well as full-course head races for ADAPTIVE DOUBLES and OPEN/MASTERS ROUGH-WATER SINGLES.
DAY 2: All HIGH SCHOOL events including the redefined HIGH SCHOOL TRAINER SINGLES; and a new mid-morning OPEN/MASTERS "VIKING VENTURE" for rough-water singles rowers; all remaining OPEN events; and all remaining MASTERS/VETERANS events including new Mens and Womens VETERANS FOURS categories. The Masters and Veterans divisions have age categories of 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59 (no handicap) and 60+ (with handicap) in the relevant events. Undersubscribed events may be combined.
4. LAUNCHING, MARSHALING AND STARTING
4.1. To enhance spectator enjoyment and competitor challenge, we intend to start the boats in each race TWO AT A TIME in bow number order, at approximate 10-second intervals.
4.2. Unless otherwise officially informed by the chief referee or regatta control, all boats should assume that the regatta is running on time and in accordance with the pre-published schedule of events. Ignore all rumors to the contrary!
4.3. All boats, from whatever launching site, must launch in time to report to the marshals above the start line, and to be marshaled by them, no later than 10 minutes before the scheduled start time for their event. We recommend launching no later than 40 minutes from start time if you launch from Boathouse Row, 30 minutes if launching from Angels and 20 minutes from the Canoe Club. If you start within your event but out of order, you will be at risk of incurring up to a 30-second penalty.
4.4. To help achieve the desired goal, all boats leaving the Angels Docks for each race shall launch in bow number order. So if you are standing in line at the dock to launch with a higher bow number than a boat behind you, please let it pass.
4.5. Starting immediately above Strawberry Mansion Bridge and up to a point below Twin Bridges, marshals will hold boats with higher bow numbers to let boats with lower bow numbers go up-river. Please cooperate with the marshals to achieve numerical order in your event, acting promptly as and when requested. Our goal is that by the time boats for each race turn and enter the down-river starting chute they will be in correct racing order.
4.6. Once an event has started (e.g. Event 04A-B, Men's/Women's Open Fours w/cox) no boats from previous events (e.g. Event 03A-D, Men's/Women's Open Heavy and Light Singles) that are late to the start line will be permitted to start, and they will not be timed down the course. Moreover, they will have to wait at the top of the river until they are told by a marshal or referee that it is safe to proceed down the entire racecourse prior to returning to their launching dock.
5. SAFETY
In addition to adherence by all boats to the on-water traffic pattern (see Rule 2.7) we have two requirements to enhance race day safety. First, if a boat capsizes, the crew will be given a medical examination and will not race in that race. Second, all high school boats, and all freshman and/or novice boats must be under the supervision of a responsible adult who will sign a form at registration warranting that the athletes concerned have appropriate boat-handling and racing skills for participating in a major regatta.
DOWNLOAD OUR SAFETY PLAN PDF HERE.
6. EQUIPMENT
6.1. All boats racing in our regatta must have their assigned bow marker firmly fixed to the bow so that the entire marker is clearly visible on both sides.
6.2. All boats must also be equipped with a fixed protective bow ball.
6.3. If a boat is fitted with shoes, it must have, in working order, a device on each shoe that facilitates the quick release of the athlete's foot in an emergency.
6.4. A boat in which the body of the coxswain is enclosed or partially enclosed within the hull of the boat shall conform to the following requirements: The opening through which the coxswain enters and exits shall be at least 2.30 feet (70 cm.) long when measured along the longitudinal axis of the boat. For a length of at least 1.64 feet (50 cm.), the opening shall be as wide as the inner hull of the boat itself. The inner surface within which the coxswain's body rests shall be smooth and free of any obstacles, devices, or other structures that would hinder quick exit.
7. CLASSIFICATION OF ROUGH-WATER AND TRAINER SHELLS
7.1. Class 1 boats are 19 ft. 0 in. maximum length, 40 lbs. Minimum weight. Example: Alden Ocean Shell.
7.2. Class 2 boats are 22 ft. 0 in. maximum length, 38 lbs. Minimum weights. Examples: Maas Aero, Martin Trainer, Alden Star.
7.3. Class 3 boats are 25 ft. 2 in. maximum length, 38 lbs. Minimum weight. Examples: Maas 24, Vespoli Comp.
7.4. A one-person shell that is longer than 25 ft. 2 in. or that weighs less than 38 lbs. will be considered to be a conventional racing single.
7.5. Length is measured bow to stern, along the deck, excluding the bow ball, if fitted. Weight is measured on a dry, fully rigged boat, excluding oars, electronics, safety and personal gear.
8. HOW TO ENTER
We accept all entries on a first-come, first-served basis. You must enter online via www.roninracing.com. Entries made online with Ronin Racing will be treated as conditional until Ronin Racing confirms that you have paid all applicable entry fees in US dollars online by credit card or by check. Remember, Ronin must receive your complete entry and your payment before our strict entry deadline.
8.1. Our entry deadline is at 12:00 midnight, Monday October 10, 2011. Events fill quickly, so please apply right away. After October 10, 2011 and through 12:00 midnight on Monday, October 24, waitlist registrations may be accepted at double the registration fee based upon availability.
8.2. All entries must be submitted through www.roninracing.com. All athletes are required to sign the HOSR waiver prior to competing. No boats will be scheduled unless the online or paper waivers have been received by www.rowingwaiver.com by Thursday, October 13, 2011. Do you need to arrange to send a paper waiver to us? Please contact the registrar directly at registrar@hosr.org to receive requirements on how to submit these forms.
8.3. Select the event(s) you wish to enter (see the ORDER OF EVENTS published on the HOSR web site, www.hosr.org.)
8.4. Racing in more than one event. To the extent possible, the HOSR order of events has been organized to enable all rowers and coxswains to compete in multiple events in the category or categories for which they are eligible. Please refer to Sections 13 (Eligibility and Line-up Rules) and 14 (Classification Rules) for important further details.
9. ENTRY FEES
Singles: $50.00 Doubles and Pairs: $80.00 Fours and Quads: $120.00 Eights: $180.00 Fees must be paid in U.S. dollars. If you do not send proof of insurance coverage at the time of your entry via email (a copy of your certificate of insurance will do) the regatta will provide insurance coverage at a charge of $5.00 per seat.
10. ENTRY RULES
10.1. The first five finishers in each of last year's events will be comparably seeded in the event IF each finisher submits a complete and accurate entry form on time. This provision applies to organizations and single rowers only, not to composite crews.
10.2. At the entry closing date, we will fill each event in the order described above. We reserve the right to limit the number of boats that we accept in any event to a number we feel we can safely and prudently handle on the course. In events with subcategories that are oversubscribed, we will determine the number of boats in each subcategory in proportion to the total entries received. We will return the entry fee of any entry we are unable to accept because of oversubscription.
11. RELEASE AND WAIVER FORMS
11.1. Every competitor must execute an official Head of the Schuylkill Rowing Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement (the "Waiver") in order to row in our regatta. Please note this is NOT the same document as the USRowing standard waiver. Among other things, the Waiver releases the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta from all liability claims, damages and losses. Individual and Team waivers can be completed at www.rowingwaiver.com.
11.2. At registration, if not already submitted to Ronin Racing, the regatta committee must receive an executed Waiver Form from www.rowingwaiver.com for each participating competitor in every entered boat. We will not accept "blanket" waivers intended to cover one or multiple entries.
11.3. Please also note that all competitors who are minors (under 18) must have their Waiver executed by their parent and/or legal guardian. No exceptions.
12. SCRATCHES, SWITCHES, SUBSTITUTIONS AND NO-SHOWS
12.1. We will refund the entry fee, less any refund charges, of any entry scratched in writing before the entry-closing deadline of 12 midnight on Monday October 10, 2011. We will not refund the entry fee for any entry withdrawn after this date.
12.2. After the Initial Entry Deadline (October 10, 2011), no boat will be allowed to switch its event or subcategory.
12.3. No substitution whatsoever is allowed for singles boats. No substitution exceeding fifty percent (50%) of the rowers is permitted for any other boats. The names of all substitute rowers, accompanied by Waiver Forms and the reasons for substitution must be submitted in writing to registration (when open) or to regatta headquarters at the Three Angels launching site prior to racing.
12.4. Excepting coxswains, no person may compete for more than one organization, or as "unaffiliated" in the regatta. All boats that contain individuals from more than one organization will be designated as COMPOSITE crews. Composite crews are welcome in any category for which they are qualified and will be eligible to win medals; but their performance will not be counted in the tabulation of points trophies.
12.5. Entrants who do not show up on race day may be prohibited from participating in our regatta the following year.
13. ELIGIBILITY AND LINE-UP RULES
13.1. High-School Eligibility. To protect their future collegiate athletic eligibility, rowers and coxswains representing a high school or equivalent entity (as defined in Section 14.1 below) may only participate in high school events. High school events are closed to all other athletes.
13.2. General Eligibility. All non-high school athletes are eligible for any event for which they are otherwise qualified. In particular, COLLEGE athletes are eligible to row in OPEN events.
13.3. Masters, Veterans and Singles entries must identify the boat captain (stroke and coxswain) on the registration form. No substitutions may be made in Masters or Veterans events after the entry deadline of October 11, 2010. No substitutions may be made in Singles events at any time.
13.4. Except for Masters, Veterans and Singles events, the line-up of individual crewmembers need not be identified on an entry form when it is originally submitted, but it must be confirmed at registration. All athletes must complete their waivers via www.rowingwaiver.com.
14. CLASSIFICATION RULES
14.1. High School Athlete Definition. A high school rower, sculler or coxswain is one who in the current calendar year is and has been enrolled in secondary school as a full-time student seeking a diploma.
14.2. High School Age Classification. In several high school races, the Head of the Schuylkill now offers two age classifications, Under 17 and Under 19. The Under 17 classification is for high school athletes who through December 31 of the current calendar year will not have attained the age of 17. The Under 19 classification is for athletes who through December 31 of the current calendar year will not have attained the age of 19. Notwithstanding these age classifications, it is possible for athletes who fit the Under 17 classification to compete in Under 19 races if they and/or their coaches so elect. However, it is not possible for an athlete who is over 17 to compete in an Under 17 race, even if the average age of the boat in question computes to Under 17.
14.3. High School Coxswains. While coxswains competing in Head of the Schuylkill high school events must comply with Rule 14.1 above, the age of such coxswains shall not be included in the computation of the age of their crew.
14.4. College Freshman/Novice. A college freshman rower is one who is enrolled full time in his/her first year of undergraduate study at a college or university. A college novice rower is one who is enrolled full time in undergraduate study at a college or university and who, on regatta day, has not been rowing competitively for more than 12 months.
14.5. Club. The club category is limited to persons (including coxswains) who in any sculling or sweep-oared event (master and veteran events excepted) meet the following criteria. Did not finish high enough to earn a medal in the preceding year's Head of the Schuylkill Regatta. During the current calendar year did not compete beyond the quarter finals of the Henley Royal Regatta. Did not finish among the top six places in the San Diego Crew Classic, Dad Vail, EARC or EAWRC Sprints, Pacific Coast Rowing Championships, NCAA Championships, IRA, or Canadian Henley. Did not finish among the top six places in any major international regatta such as Lucerne-Rotsee, any national, international or world championships or any national team selection trials.
14.6. Masters and Veterans. Age as of December 31, 2011, rounded down to the highest contained integer, governs, as applicable, both the age-group category and the time adjustment of a given boat in our Veterans events. All Masters competitors must be at least 30 years old and Veterans Singles scullers (events 21B and 22D) must be at least 60. In crews, however, the average age of the rowers will determine the crew's maximum age-group classification and, for Veterans, its time adjustment in relation to other crews. A Masters or Veterans single sculler or crew may compete in a lower (younger) age category. No Masters single sculler or crew may compete in a higher (older) age category.
14.7. Time Adjustment(or "Handicap"). Only Veterans events are time-adjusted. A table showing the time adjustments for any given age is available on our website (click here).
14.8. Definition of Lightweight. A men's lightweight boat, including a single scull, shall contain no rower who weighs more than 160 lb. A women's lightweight boat, including a single scull, shall contain no rower who weighs more than 130 lb.
14.9. Lightweight Weigh-In Locations and Times. Lightweight rowers may weigh in the evening before, or the morning of, their first race. Weigh-in is located at registration, at the places and hours set forth in Rule 15.2 below. For lightweight rowers entered in more than one event, it is not necessary to weigh in more than once per day of racing. Rowers shall be weighed in racing uniform (minimally shorts and a T-shirt or a unitard) without shoes or other footgear.
14.10. Coxswains. The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta does not require coxswains to weigh in
15. ON-SITE REGISTRATION
15.1. You must register and obtain the correct bow marker(s) for your boat(s) no later than two hours before the published start time of your event(s).
15.2. Scullers and crew representatives may pick-up registration packets at the following hours and locations: HOURS: Friday, October 28, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at LLOYD HALL (corner of Kelly and Waterworks Drives) or Saturday, October 29, 6:00 - 9:30 a.m. at Lloyd Hall or Saturday, October 29, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at UNIVERSITY BARGE CLUB (#7 Boathouse Row) or Sunday, October 30, 6:00 – 9:30 a.m. at University Barge Club.
15.3. Late registration and/or weigh-in will be available at Regatta Headquarters at the Three Angels Statues launching site on Saturday and Sunday, October 29 and 30, from 10:30 a.m. onwards. A late registration/weigh-in fee of $25.00 will be charged.
15.4. Traffic and Parking. For your safety and protection, all participants must observe the traffic and parking regulations instituted by the Philadelphia Police and the regatta organizing committee on the day before, and the day of, the regatta, including at registration and weigh in. Please do not park in locations marked as NO PARKING.
16. REGATTA CANCELLATION
The HOSR will make every prudent effort to hold all advertised races as closely as possible to the published schedule, provided that prevailing conditions, even if challenging, still allow for safety and fairness for all involved. However, we regret that in the event the regatta has to be cancelled, whether in whole or in part, there will be NO REFUNDS and no credits toward future HOSR Regattas.
17. RESULTS AND AWARDS
17.1. For gold, silver and bronze medals to be awarded, a minimum of three entries is required for each event or subcategory. The regatta committee may combine or cancel events of sub categories of events at its sole discretion.
17.2. As soon as possible after each event we will post its provisional results at the Angels launching site. The results of each event will become official for the purpose of the award of medals (see Rule 17.3. below) as soon as all reported related infractions and disputes have been investigated and resolved.
17.3. There will be scheduled awards ceremonies throughout the two days of racing. All awards ceremonies will take place at the Three Angels Statues festival area, unless otherwise indicated. Check the HOSR web site (www.hosr.org) for details.
17.4. The HOSR offers four points trophy competitions, for the High School, College, Open and Masters divisions and sub categories of the regatta. Within each competition, there are trophies for the highest-scoring organization overall, as well as in the men's and women's events.
17.5. The points trophy scoring formula is three points per winning boat, two points per second-place boat, and one point per third-place boat. In the event of a dead heat for first, second or third place in any race, the available point(s) will be divided equally between the tying boats.
17.6. The performance of composite boats (those that contain members of more than one organization) will not be included in the computation of the points trophies; nor will the performance of "unaffiliated" single scullers.
17.7. Following the regatta, all results will be rechecked for accuracy before being declared final. Final results will be posted on our web site and via roninracing.com.