Rowing ACT replaced its former status rules with Rower Scores into local regattas to provide fairer racing for all participants for 2006. This was a big experiment that eliminated School and most masters events in an attempt to get bigger fields and better racing for all concerned. The ACT gained fuller fields using most of the lanes on our course, and consequently shorter regattas, and therefore more efficient use of our BROs’ time. The Victorians who pioneered the scheme reported increased participation following on from adopting Rower Scores.
However in the ACT Rower Score had shortcomings: good Masters women scullers progressed to B grade, and were forced to race 1800m, rowing school masters were not interested in rower score progression, but in separating Year groups to share equipment, some masters (veteran) rowers resented competing against students, and parents were upset that their children competed against adults. All of these issues reflect the smaller rower numbers in the ACT. RACT is unusual in that Schools and Clubs compete in the same events at regattas. I believe that this provides us with a viable, if somewhat unique, program, and is important for best use of our limited resources.
How was Rowing ACT supposed to run its Rowers Scores?
Individual scores for rower scores were supposedly updated after every regatta. Rowers scores, and crew scores could go up or down, depending on results
Group A: 0.00 – 1.50 (1800m) Elite rower, National representative
Group B: 1.51 – 2.50 (1800m) Experienced rower, eg competed at Nationals, 1st 8+
Group C: 2.51 – 3.00 (1500m) Intermediate rower, experienced masters, good school rowers with competition experience
Group D: 3.01 – 3.50 (1000m) Amateur rower, eg less experienced masters
Group E: 3.51 – 4.00 (1000m) Novice rower, usually in first season of racing, or recreational rower with limited competition experience
The Rower Score is a representation of your rowing ability so rowers compete at their appropriate level. It operates similar to a golf handicap – the more talented you are, the closer your score will go to 0. Inexperienced or novice rowers will have a high Rower Score (closer to 4).

Proposal for discussion at Regatta sub-committee:

The RACT committee is looking to adopt a new set of status rules.
These would reflect the current regatta status categories, and reflect de facto usage.
Elite (1800m). International Representatives, AIS athletes, those aspiring to represent, those who wish to compete against the best.
Senior (1800m) Experienced rowers, ACT and Inter-state Champions, School first crews.
Intermediate 1500. Rowers with several seasons experience, Year 10 Rowers at school, experienced and competitive masters rowers.
Intermediate 1000. Rowers who have progressed from beyond their first season.
Introductory: Those in their first season of rowing.
All clubs should discuss this proposal prior to the regatta sub-committee on 29th May 2012.