MRC's competitive team is open to all genders of athletes relative to a spectrum of gender identities, including cis-gender, transgender, non-binary, and gender non-conforming people. While many competitions are gender-specific, athletes are welcome to join any team and be provided options for racing regardless of gender identity.
Our competitive on-water season is typically only 6-months long. Making a commitment to each other and this team should be a meaningful endeavor to all participants and extend beyond the on-water season, including training in the off-water months. We understand that family and work obligations take priority, but every effort should be made to maximize participation.
Team Goals and Expectations
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The goal of the competitive team is to build an inclusive, year-round program focused on competing/winning in individual and team competition at the local, national, and international regatta level.
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Athletes will focus on refinement of rowing technique, improving racing skills, and maintaining a competitive level of fitness.
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Athletes will commit to improving their rowing skills through coached practices, independent rows, and off-water training. It is expected rowers complete a minimum of 4-6 workouts per week.
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Athletes must be flexible and team-oriented, able to jump into any lineup or boating configuration, and willing to prioritize team goals over individual goals at practices.
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Athletes are expected to advance in the club’s bow rating system.
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Athletes are expected to participate in club events, including volunteering for club work days, volunteering at regattas hosted by MRC, and attending the annual club meeting.
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Athletes are expected to be capable of safely handling and maneuvering a variety of shells in different weather, water, and boat conditions and to be comfortable with bowing and coxswain vernacular.
Program Selection
For those interested in joining the competitive program, a two-week trial period is required for evaluation and Head Coach approval is required to join to ensure that the athlete is ready to compete at a national level, which will be evaluated based on:
- Physical Ability: Overall strength, fitness level, and erg scores
- Technical Ability: Bladework, boat maneuvering, ability to effectively blend in with a boat, and adaptability in different weather, water, and boat conditions
- All athletes must have at least three years of club rowing experience or a commensurate amount of collegiate experience as determined by the coach.
- Athletes should be level 3 bowlisted, or work toward obtaining level 3 bowlist.
- Coaches will observe athletes in both sculling and sweep disciplines, and will assess proficiency, particularly in small boats (1x, 2x).
- Mental Ability: Ability to follow directives, handle equipment safely and responsibly, and hold oneself accountable for performance
- Sound Judgement: Ability to make good decisions in high-pressure situations
- Attitude: One’s demeanor when subjected to rigorous physical and mental demands and behavior toward and interaction with teammates and coaches.
- The program is structured to reflect a tiered system that appropriately groups athletes of similar skill-level.
- Boat selection will be determined by a combination of erg testing, seat racing, racing experience, and coach’s discretion. A seat in a team boat is not guaranteed.
- Priority within the program (e.g. goat requests, lineup requests) will be given to those who are training for upcoming races.
- The ultimate responsibility for fitness resides with the athlete.
Racing Commitment
- Athletes are expected to compete in a minimum of 3 regattas per year for MRC
- Rowers are aware of specific regatta rules and regulations (i.e. NWIRA).
- Typically, the team competes at 2-4 local regattas and 1-3 regional or national regattas requiring travel. An athlete can expect to spend between $25-$100 (local) and upwards of $1000-$1500 (national) per regatta.
- Local: e.g. Minneapolis Sprints, Head of the Mississippi Regatta
- Regional: e.g. Duluth International Regatta, Head of Des Moines, NWIRA Championship
- National: e.g. USRowing Masters Nationals, Head of the Charles
- Athletes are required to participate in trailer loading and/or unloading at both MRC and the regatta location, be stewards of equipment while rowing offsite, and represent the club in a professional and courteous manner.