RegattaCentral

WELCOME TO ALL COACHES AND COMPETITORS

We wish to call attention to the following additions and/or changes to the Rules of Racing at the 2019 HOSR, as well as highlight some items that are best reviewed on an annual basis.  However, we advise all coaches and competitors to review the Rules in full in order have a safe and fair regatta experience.

Equipment

3-105 - Bowball: Every boat shall have a supple or plastic ball, of a white or fluorescent color, firmly attached and mounted on its bow, unless equivalent provision for visibility and protection against puncture injury is included in the boat’s basic construction. The bowball shall be at least 4 centimeters in diameter.

3-108 - Footgear Release: (a) In all boats, the foot stretchers, shoes or other devices holding the feet of the Rowers shall be a type which allows the Rowers to get clear of the boat with no delay.  (b) Where shoes or other devices holding the feet will remain in the boat, each shoe or device shall be independently restrained such that the heel will not lift more than three inches (7.5 cm) above the foot board to which it is anchored. 

3-109 - Boat Construction for Coxswains: 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: (a)The opening of the boat 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. (b) 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.

Steering and Overtaking

Please see Section 2 of the HOSR racing rules to be informed of major additions and changes to the steering and overtaking rules and guidelines. Boats are now free to pass other boats on either side, anywhere on the racing course provided that it is safe to do so at the moment in question.

The responsibilities of all boats to avoid undue interference, whether overtaking other boats or being overtaken are clearly spelled out, as are the penalties for infractions.

Coaches, please make sure that your coxswains and stroke-seat and bow-seat rowers fully understand their shared responsibilities under the new rules. In team boats that do not include a coxswain (2-, 2x, 4x) successful steering and incident avoidance are the responsibility of the bow-seat rower or sculler.

Handicaps

With very few exceptions as judged by the Regatta Organizing Committee, there will continue to be no age handicaps in Masters groupings (27-39, 40-49 and 50-59). However, all Masters 60+, Parent/Child, and Alumni events will be handicapped.