 2021 HEAD OF THE LAKE & ACT JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS BULLETIN 1  Welcome to our first bulletin for the 2021 Head of the Lake & ACT Junior Championships Regatta! Below is all the information regarding the upcoming 2021 Head of the Lake and ACT Junior Championships Regatta for both local and visiting schools. Competition Information Regatta Entries are now open! Head to Rowing Manager to enter. Entries close Monday the 22nd of February at 12pm. Entry fees are $12 per rower with coxes excluded. The events list is available on the Rowing ACT website, which can be found at http://rowingact.org.au A reminder when entering to check the rules of racing and RACT by-laws to ensure you are acting in accordance with the rules. The ACT Junior Championships will begin immediately after the conclusion of the Head of the Lake. The regatta site will be open from 12pm Friday. If schools need earlier access they should contact the Executive Officer, Sally Clark at eo@rowingact.org.au Points for School Boy and School Girl trophies will be allocated to all finals and division races (heats excluded) Points will be allocated from 7 to 1. If a race has less than 7 crews, points will be awarded from 7 down. Regatta Guidelines   Schools will be emailed the full regatta guidelines and rules regarding entries and age categories. An overview of the rules can be found below: All rowers are able to row up one (1) age group but can only nominate to row in one year level. Year 8, 9 and 10 rowers may be entered into a maximum of ONE event and senior students may be entered into a maximum of TWO events. The U17 Eights and Schoolboy and Schoolgirl eights will not be included in these caps. Schools may enter as many crews as they like in coxed quad sculls, fours and eights Competitors must be an eligible student and a registered member of their respective state or territory association. Entry limits for single sculls in ACT Junior Championship Events are set at three per school. However, schools will be able to submit additional entries to create a waiting list. The waiting list will be monitored by the Chief BRO. COVID Safety Rowing ACT has been granted a permit by the ACT Government to host the 2021 Head of the Lake/ACT Junior Championships. Rowing ACT will operate under its COVIDSAFE Plan for the regattas. Rowing ACT has a restriction on the number of people able to be present at the regatta site in Weston Park. Spectators will not be allowed on the regatta site, but are able to watch from other areas around the course and must follow ACT Government COVIDSAFE guidelines. Coaches, competitors and support staff are asked to maintain social distancing at all times and following COVIDSAFE protocols. There will be a COVID Marshall on site at Weston Park, but schools should also take responsibility for maintaining protocols. Schools are asked to register for an allocated space at Weston Park. Numbers and names of competitors, coaches and support staff will need to be reigstered. Furthermore, COVID declarations for school groups will need to be completed, and it is up to schools to monitor the number of people within their allocated spaces. Rowing ACT is complying by ACT government regulations and schools are asked to monitor the ACT government website to ensure they are compliant with regulations and travel restrictions. Weston Park and Regatta Safety The pontoons at Weston Park will be designated as entry and exit’s, with marshalls around to ensure that directions are followed accordingly. During the regatta, the reverse traffic flow will be in effect. A diagram is included in this bulletin below. Please make sure that all rowers are wearing shoes around the regatta site, including on and off the pontoons. Boat Trailers should be kept in each schools allocated area for boat storage. Spectator and Staff Support vehicles should be parked in the car parks provided.  General Safety Competitors, coaches and support staff should stay hydrated throughout the day wear hats sunscreen, sunglasses and stay in the shade where possible. Schools are responsible for ensuring that all boats meet the minimum on-water safety requirements, including but not limited to bow balls being properly fitted, heel ties and quick release straps on all shoes. The Boat Race Officials may inspect boats on the day. First Aid for the regatta will be located at Weston Park, next to the Rowing ACT tent. Other Information A live stream of the Regatta will be available on the Rowing ACT’s Youtube page. If you would like to watch the regatta from the banks, remember only officials and Rowing ACT volunteers, competitors, coaches and school support staff are allowed on the Rowing ACT regatta site. Other viewing points are available around the course In the event of poor weather conditions Boat Race Officials and Rowing ACT reserve the right to review and adjust entries in the best interests of all competitors and in the spirit of equitable competition. A Rowing ACT Photographer will be onsite across the weekend, and photos will be posted on the Rowing ACT Facebook page after the conclusion of the regatta. For any other enquires, please don’t hesitate to contact the Rowing ACT Executive Officer, Sally Clark at eo@rowingact.org.au        Contact:Sally (Executive Officer) Email: eo@rowingact.org.au Phone: 0406 376 666 Sarah (High Performance Program Coordinator) Email: hp@rowingact.org.au Phone: 0478 622 342 Want to change how you receive these emails? 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Please find here a Notice of Meeting for the Rowing ACT AGM to be held on Monday 21 September, 2020. An Agenda for this meeting is included in the notice.
Also available are Election Nomination and AGM Proxy forms. Nominations for the vacant Director positions are due to be received by Monday 14 September.
For more information, please refer to the documents.
Rowing ACT is pleased to announce that the Veterans and Families Indoor Rowing Program will be starting in September 2020. This program will bring together veterans and their family members to learn to row on indoor rowing machines, while improving physical and mental health outcomes for participants. Any current service person or veteran can participate, and we encourage them to bring along family members to join in and participate together. Adjustments can be made for any physical injuries, please just let us know ahead of time so that we can plan ahead.
Indoor rowing is a growing sport, which has many opportunities in which participants can take part going into the future. It is one of the officially recognised Invictus Games sports, as well as having its own Australian and World Championships.
Through the program, participants will have the opportunity to develop their indoor rowing skills, and find out more about the sport of rowing as a whole.
The program will consist of 4 sessions, starting on 5 September and running each Saturday for the remainder of the month. It is free to participate, and all of the equipment will be provided.
If you are interested in participating, please fill in the form below. All information will be kept private, however if you have any questions or concerns, or would like to inform us about any personal circumstances, please email hp@rowingact.org.au or call 0478 622 342.
Expression of Interest Form
TRAINING groups of 20 and crewed boats will return to Canberra this weekend after announcement from the ACT Government this week.
The number of people who can train as part of a group goes up to 20 plus a coach as of 11.59pm, Friday 29 May 2020. Further to this, the ACT Government has advised that coxless 2- and 4-seat crewed boats (pairs, doubles, fours and quads) are permissible within a risk-assessment approach. This return to crewed boats is at the discretion of individual clubs and schools as part of their “Return to Play in a COVID-Safe Environment” plans.
A copy of the updated Rowing ACT “Return to Play in a COVID-Safe Environment” plan, along with updated advice from ACT Sport & Recreation, can be found on our COVID-19 Information page.
Yesterday the Federal Government announced new restrictions on social gatherings in Australia, with gyms and indoor sporting venues closed down from midday Monday 23 March. The ACT Government also announced on Sunday they would be temporarily closing down all non-essential activities and businesses in line with the Federal Government advice. Rowing ACT has also sought further advice on closures from ACT Government Sport & Recreation.
Tonight Rowing Australia has strongly advised all rowing clubs in Australia to suspend operations and that members of our rowing community seek alternative ways of training that comply with Government restrictions.
Following on from these decisions Rowing ACT strongly advises that local rowing clubs and schools cease operations immediately.
This has been an extremely difficult decision, made with reference to the duty of care Rowing ACT has towards local rowers and their health and well-being while out on the water. In line with Federal and ACT Government directions there is also a duty of care to reduce possible transmissions to the wider community.
To this end, the on-water component of the Rowing ACT/ACTAS High Performance Program has also been shut down, with athletes to train from home from Tuesday 24 March. Rowing ACT administrative staff have been working from home for the last week and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Separate to this, the ACT Government has advised Rowing ACT that the only potential form of rowing allowed at present would be single sculls. This cannot be an organised club activity.
Rowing ACT advises that should individuals choose to row privately-owned & stored single sculls they do so at their own risk as we cannot guarantee their safety, and should:
- check the status of their personal insurance as they may not be covered by club insurance at this time;
- ensure that they have sufficient experience in a single scull given the cooler temperatures;
- do not row if you would be considered particularly at-risk or associate with people who are at-risk from the COVID-19;
- and in line with Rowing Australia advice consider rowing with another single, while maintaining sufficient social distancing both on and off water.
We recommend that all clubs confirm their insurance arrangements and their workplace health and safety responsibilities in determining if it is acceptable for people to boat privately-owned singles from their boatsheds.
We remain here to support our local rowing community and we will do what we can during this difficult time. We will continue to update the community as things change.
Should you have any questions about this then please don’t hesitate to contact Rowing ACT at eo@rowingact.org.au.
The Rowing ACT Board met this evening following a Rowing Australia meeting, where advice was provided by RA’s Chief Medical Officer to the states and the national sporting organisation.
Following this
meeting, Rowing ACT has come to the difficult decision to cancel the Head of
the Lake and ACT Championships regattas that were to be conducted on March
14-15.
This decision has
been very difficult to make in light of the rapidly changing events associated
with the coronavirus and the commitment that so many of our athletes have made
in preparation over many months.
The Rowing ACT Board
acknowledges our civic responsibility to enforce social distancing which,
together with hygiene practices, is the best way to tackle the transmission of
the virus. This decision was not made lightly, nor is this the position we expected
to be in today, but the health and safety of our community is paramount.
We would like to acknowledge
the efforts of our local schools and clubs in helping organising these two
regattas and to those volunteers who were willing to put in their spare time
towards making this event a success. We also appreciate the effort taken by interstate
schools who were due to attend and compete in these regattas – we look forward
to having you back down in Canberra for future Rowing ACT regattas.
We ask that schools
are mindful of using minimal people with regards to pack-up. We recommend that
coaches only are present in the boat park for loading of equipment.
Any athletes, coaches, support staff, spectators who have been in any of these countries (or any countries that become ‘higher risk countries’ during this period) are asked not to attend the regatta if they are outside the 14 day quarantine window.
Please note the Federal Government is regularly updating the ‘higher risk’ countries list, the link to the Health website is both below and on the RA website.
Useful links:
Federal Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
ACT Government information: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19
Rowing Australia website: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/rowing-australia-fact-sheet-on-coronavirus/
AIS: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19
Contact Us:
If you have any further queries please email eo@rowingact.org.au
Any athletes, coaches, support staff, spectators who have been in any of these countries (or any countries that become ‘higher risk countries’ during this period) are asked not to attend the regatta if they are outside the 14 day quarantine window.
Please note the Federal Government is regularly updating the ‘higher risk’ countries list, the link to the Health website is both below and on the RA website.
Useful links:
Federal Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
ACT Government information: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19
Rowing Australia website: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/rowing-australia-fact-sheet-on-coronavirus/
AIS: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19
Contact Us:
If you have any further queries please email eo@rowingact.org.au
The NOVEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) which originated from Hubei Province, China is causing worldwide concern with cases now occurring in many countries. Rowing ACT maintains a strong health and safety policy and is providing updated information for the rowing community, and specifically those competing in the Canberra Park Head of the Lake and ACT Championships over 13/15 March 2020.
Rowing ACT is keeping abreast of advice provided by the World Health Organisation, the Australian Government, the ACT Government, and Rowing Australia with regard to the conduct of events under these circumstances and will continue to monitor circumstances and update the rowing community when changes occur.
As the situation is changing on a daily basis, it is important that the community follows current Australian Government advice. Click here for further details. The website also contains general advice regarding COVID-19.
Of particular importance, the rowing community is asked to follow the Federal Government’s advice around travel restrictions. Please do not attend the regattas if you have been to an at-risk country since 29 February, 2020. At-risk countries as of 11 March 2020 are:
Mainland China, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.
The ACT Government provides updates specifically for the ACT and the rowing community is encouraged to review this advice. Click here for further details.
Rowing Australia has provided rowing-specific advice. Click here for further details.
Rowing ACT is asking participating clubs and schools to complete the form at http://rowingact.org.au/club-school-coronavirus-undertaking/. This precautionary approach will assist with managing the possible spread of COVID-19 at the Canberra Park Head of the Lake and ACT Championship regattas.
Below we have listed important advice for all athletes,
coaches, support staff, workforce and spectators with regards to preventative
measures to assist with remaining healthy. This list is a guide and is by no
means exhaustive of all preventative measures. Readers should keep abreast of
the most up to date information via the Federal Government and ACT Health websites
listed above. Importantly the ACT Government and ACT Health have not issues any
advice around conduct and attendance of sporting events at the time of this
update.
Hand Hygiene
Everyone must practise good hygiene, as this is critical to help protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:
• washing your hands often with soap and water, for 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand rub;
• using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. This should include using your elbow to cover your mouth if coughing or sneezing;
• avoiding close contact with others including personal greetings, such as touching, handshakes, kisses, and hugs. Fist bumps are appropriate; however handshakes are discouraged.
RACT will ensure the venue is well stocked with sanitiser and hand soap. We also advise individuals, clubs and schools to have their own anti-bacterial wipes for wiping down communal surfaces after use.
Athletes, Coaches, Support Staff and spectators are strongly recommended to bring their own personal hand sanitiser for use throughout the weekend. Each club and school is also encouraged to provide hand sanitiser at their boatsheds and at the Weston Park regatta site.
Bathrooms
It is important to remember you must wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after going to the bathroom and maintain good hygiene practices throughout the weekend when using the toilets.
Cleaning of Ergos
Anti-bacterial wipes and sprays must be used every time an individual concludes their session on an ergo. We strongly advise schools and clubs to bring their own cleaning products for their ergos.
Cleaning of Oars and Boats
We know that oars and boats are shared by many schools and clubs throughout the regatta. It is important that all oars and boats are thoroughly washed with appropriate soap and water (not just water) where possible, or wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes, to ensure hygiene standards are maintained.
Food Consumption and food preparation
We know that athletes, coaches and spectators will be preparing and consuming food and drink throughout the weekend. It is extremely important to maintain strong hygiene standards both when preparing and consuming food.
This includes, but is not limited to, sanitising hands prior
to and after preparing food, wearing gloves (on sanitised hands) when preparing
food for others’ consumption, ensuring hands and surfaces are all well
sanitised prior to preparation and consumption, as well as post consumption and
preparation. Water bottles should be cleaned daily with hot, soapy water.
Athletes should not be sharing water bottles, i.e. one bottle per athlete.
Spectators
Spectators are asked not to attend the regatta if they have recently visited any high or moderate risk countries, since Saturday 29 February (14 days prior to the commencement of the regatta – as listed below or on the Health website) or are feeling unwell.
High risk countries as of 11 March 2020:
- Mainland China
- Iran
- Italy
- Republic of Korea
Moderate risk countries as of 11 March 2020:
- Cambodia
- Hong Kong
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Singapore
- Thailand
Any athletes, coaches, support staff, spectators who have been in any of these countries (or any countries that become ‘higher risk countries’ during this period) are asked not to attend the regatta if they are outside the 14 day quarantine window.
Please note the Federal Government is regularly updating the ‘higher risk’ countries list, the link to the Health website is both below and on the RA website.
Useful links:
Federal Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
ACT Government information: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19
Rowing Australia website: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/rowing-australia-fact-sheet-on-coronavirus/
AIS: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19
Contact Us:
If you have any further queries please email eo@rowingact.org.au
Capital Lakes Rowing Club is running a school holiday rowing program from January 13-24, 2020. Click here for more program information and click here to complete the registration form.