Iowa Indoor Rowing Challenge

  • Hosted By: University of Iowa Recreational Services

EVENT RULES & GUIDELINES 

Registration 

Regatta Central is the registration site for the Iowa Indoor Rowing Challenge

All athletes must be registered by the deadline, February 3rd, 2024, at midnight.  Your $40 fee covers unlimited racing.  Please plan your rest appropriately between events.   

Teams should select the number of athletes racing, and then enter athletes in events.  Please make sure that your athlete count reflects the total number of athletes paid. 

Check-in 

Athlete check-in opens at 8am. This is also when the building will open to competitors.  Assume there will be a line. It is the responsi­bility of the rower to be at the venue early enough to complete check-in. Rowers must check-in at least 30 minutes prior to their event. Check-in will close at 11am. Failure to check-in by 11am will be considered a scratch. No refunds will be granted for scratches. Each athlete will be given a wristband with their name on it at check-in. This wristband must be worn during the race for identity confirmation. 

Waivers  

All rowers must sign an IIRC Liability Waiver. To expedite the registration process on arrival, please make every effort to complete the waivers ahead of time.  Minors (under 18) must have a parent or guardian’s signature.   

  • SCAN or PICTURE: Email to Amy Smith, [email protected].  Please list your name and program affiliation when sending. 

  • MAIL: Must arrive prior to February 8th, 2024.   

  • Iowa Indoor Rowing Challenge 

Attn: Amy Smith 

E230 CRWC 

Iowa City, IA 52242 

Please remember that we operate on campus mail delivery, which takes a day or two longer than standard mail.  Plan accordingly. 

  • IN-PERSON: You can print and bring your waiver with you and submit it during registration.   

  • Additional blank copies of the waiver will be available at registration. If you are under 18, please remember that you will need to obtain the signature of a parent or guardian. 

Schedule & Race Results 

Event times are approximate. The schedule is subject to change based on entries.  

The event schedule and designated flights of athletes will be published at least two days prior to the event, with adjustments made as needed.  The document is ever changing, so please share this with your programs to keep everyone up to date. 

The schedule & race results will be found on the same excel format.  This format can be accessible by any cell phone or computer.   

Team & Athlete Warm-up Area 

The Warm-up Area is for Athletes and Coaches only.  Please help us by making sure each program keeps the area clear of additional bodies.  This area will be monitored.  Anyone without a wristband will be asked to leave. 

Rowing machines are available for warm up.  Please use the machines no more than half an hour prior to your event and be aware of other athletes needing to warm up.  There is a track available for supplemental warm up on the 5th floor.  There will also be plenty of room for stretching and an additional area for dynamic warmup. 

Race Area 

Competitors and Coaches are allowed in the race area at their designated time. One program Coach (identified by wrist band) can move behind the chairs to check in with their athletes.  Each athlete may have one cox who must sit on the chair behind their rower.   

The Regatta Director will call you into the area at least 5 minutes prior to your event.  Athletes will enter from one direction and exit the other.  You will be allowed to row on your machine until 1-2 minutes prior to your race.  You will follow these directions.  1.  Stop rowing, 2.  Sit Ready, 3. Watch your monitors, 4. “Prepare to Race”, 5. “Ready, Go!” 

At the end of your race, stay on your machine until all the other athletes complete their race.  Once everyone is done, and we have checked the computers for accuracy, you will be released from the racing area.  The staff will direct you to the proper exit. There will be space to control breathing and walk around prior to moving back onto the event floor. 

False Start: The monitor will tell you when to go. Since the monitors are controlled by computer, more than one false start will result in disqualification due to time added to the event for adjustments. 

Spectator Area 

We will have bleachers for spectators to view the race.  Please be mindful of others and stay seated.  Do not stand in front of the bleachers to ensure everyone can watch the racing. 

Conduct 

The Iowa Indoor Rowing Competition is an open and inclusive event. Good sportsmanship and decorum are required. Rowers are expected to be properly attired for competition, including shirts. The Regatta Director reserves the right to disqualify and/or remove any person not upholding these standards.  We are known for our friendly atmosphere, while being highly competitive and supportive of anyone who gets on the machine.  Let’s hold to this. 

Age & Eligibility 

  • Youth Events are for Middle and High School athletes that are 12-19 years of age. 

  • Open Events are for athletes 18 +.  There is no handicap for these events.  No Youth Athletes are allowed. 

  • Master's events are classified for ages 27 and older and are handicapped based off USRowing Handicap Formulas. Masters may choose to enter Open races, however, are reminded that handicaps will not be applied. 

  • Adaptive Athletes.  Once you register for the event, please contact the Regatta Director with your classification and any accommodation you require.  We will modify the race floor for adaptive racing to take place.  Please let us know what you need for the competition. 

  • Kids events are for youth athletes 6-11 years old.  This is a timed event of 4 minutes.  Athletes registered will receive a competition T-shirt and participation certificate as part of their entry fee. 

  • Mixed Relay Events must have equal numbers of men and women, or a greater number of women. 

Lightweight Information 

Lightweight categories are only in the 2k events.  Note: In past years, as a Concept 2 sanctioned event, we used their weight standards.  This year, we will use USRowing standards.  

Men:  Open, Masters – 160lbs.  Youth - 150 lbs.  

Women:  Open, Masters & Youth - 130 lbs. 

Weigh-ins will begin 1.5 hours before your scheduled race time, and close half an hour prior.  Upon registration you will be notified where to weigh in.   

If you do not meet your weight, you will still race in the Lightweight Event, but your final time will be moved to the Open Weight Event for your age group. 

Awards  

Race Awards will be given to the Top 2 finishers in each event.  Race Certificates will be given in place of medals for the Kids. 

Cancellations/Scratches 

Due to facility scheduling limitations, it is not possible to set a snow date. If the event is cancelled due to extreme weather, we will post a notice on our website. Entries will be refunded, minus the Regatta Central fee.   

There are no refunds for any scratches after the registration deadline. 

Health & Safety 

If any health issues arise, inform the Regatta Director (or find a volunteer) immediately to get care and assessment.   

If you use an inhaler, you should keep it with you during your event.  

There is an AED located in the Field House, as well as a First Aid Kit.  The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is located directly behind the building.