Draw Schemes can be found here.

Based on the number of entries received, where a minor final is expected to have fewer than 2 crews, it will not be scheduled, and the bottom placed crew from the time trial would be eliminated.

Please note that all substitutions must be made online.

Substitutions can be made using  https://crews.bucsrowing.org.uk/ up until before the crew boats for their race.

Crews and coaches are reminded that substitutes to a crew must be named before the crew races.

The purpose of this rule is to ensure fair competition but also, and importantly, safety as, without recorded substitutions, the organisers of the event cannot know who is on the water in the event of an incident.

Under BUCS Rowing Rules disqualification of the whole crew is an available penalty for crews who have not submitted substitutions prior to racing.

Please note that all scratches / withdrawals must now be made online by the institution rowing club captain or coach. Crews who do not withdraw, and do not compete at the event, will be classified as a ‘no-show’ and charged the entry fee and an additional £20 fine payable by the athletic union or students’ union as detailed in BUCS Withdrawal Policy.

If a crew wishes to withdraw on the day, they should scratch using the system a minimum of 30 minutes before the published start time of their time trial. Failure to do so may result in the boat being classed as a ‘no-show’ and the additional fine being imposed, as detailed above.

Competitors should also inform their institution they have withdrawn from the competition.

1. Time Trial Numbers:

A pack containing time trial paper race numbers will be available for collection from outside the Regatta Marshal’s Hut (in the boating area) from 07:00 each morning.

Paper numbers are to be worn on the bow crew member’s back (and cox for stern coxed boats). These should be firmly attached to racing kit and visible. Long hair should be tied up so the number is not obscured.

Empacher boat numbers will also be issued. Please ensure these numbers are returned to the Regatta Marshal’s hut immediately after the time trial.

2. Regatta Numbers:

Race numbers for semi-finals/repechages and finals can be collected from outside the Regatta Marshal's Hut no earlier than 40 minutes before published race start times.

Please ensure numbers are returned to the Regatta Marshal's Hut after the crew races. There will be buckets to place the numbers into.

Boats are required to have suitable fittings to display bow numbers so they can be clearly visible to race officials. Failure to suitably display your number may result in no time being taken.

All BUCS Rowing competitions are governed in accordance with the National Governing Body rules and regulations, unless superseded by a BUCS rule or regulation. The BUCS Rowing rules and regulations should be read in conjunction with the entry and pre-event information.

The latest version of the British Rowing Rules of Racing can be seen here.

The BUCS Regatta Race Committee has the final decision in all sporting competition matters.

Lightweights

• Weigh in for lightweights will take place at the bottom of the NWSC finish tower each morning.
• Lightweight weigh in will be from two hours before the beginning of the racing day (i.e. 06:00) up to one hour prior to the published start time of each division (ROW 3.3). If racing in more than on lightweight event the competitor need only weigh in once (ROW 3.4).
• Regatta weight: Men 72.5kg, Women 59.0kg (ROW 3.2).
• Lightweight crews are not averaged. Competitors need to weigh in all together.
• All lightweight competitors must produce photo identification at weigh in.

Coxes

• Coxes are not required to weigh in for time trials, but must do so ahead of side by side racing.
• Weigh in for coxes will take place in the Regatta Marshall's Hut.
• Coxes who make weight will be given a wristband to apply to themselves (a different colour each day). Coxes who are required to carry a deadweight will not be given a wristband and will be required to supply their own sealed deadweight.
• Coxes weights: Men's crews: 55.0kg, Women's crews: 50.0kg (ROW 3.1).

Crews must ensure they boat leaving sufficient time in order to get to the start area with a minimum of 5 minutes before their race. Crews should be attached to the start by 2 minutes before the published start time of their race. 

Crews will be tracked by marshals along the course. 

Crews must ensure their boat complies with the British Rowing Rowsafe guidance. Inspection may take place before permission to boat is given. All coxes must wear a suitable life jacket or buoyancy aid. 

As in previous years, we are looking for volunteers for stakeboat and intermediate duties and we need all clubs to step up to support these areas. 

This is an excellent opportunity for students to see 'behind the scenes' of a major sporting event and gain valuable volunteering experience.

Use the form here to volunteer.

Safety guidelines are included within the marshalling instructions for crews and coaches.

Coxes and crews must be knowledgeable of boating instructions, the course, their crew's ability, weather conditions and safety procedures. It is recommended that beginner coxes do not cox beginner crews.

BUCS and the Race Committee reserves the right to cancel the event if they consider it too dangerous to proceed.

Boat racks will be available on a first come, first served basis. BUCS cannot prioritise spaces within the boat racking area. All boat racks will need to be vacated by Monday 2^nd May at 21:00.

Please read the below instructions carefully as they have changed slightly from previous years.

BUCS Regatta Car & Trailer Parking Guide

The use of drones at BUCS events is strictly prohibited. The only permissible use of drones will be with the permission of BUCS for professional companies with appropriate licenses, insurance, risk assessments and in line with all the requirements of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). 

The unauthorised use of drones will result in disciplinary action under BUCS Regulation 5 Misconduct and Bringing BUCS into Disrepute, and the relevant authorities being notified e.g. CAA.

Competitors are responsible for providing their own food and drink. Food stalls will be located at the venue on both sides selling hot and cold food and drink. Competitors are recommended to bring plenty of drinking water with them as availability on site is limited.

All competitors and spectators have a responsibility to keep the venues and surrounding areas clean and tidy, and to use the bins provided. Institutions may be held responsible for any littering.

This BUCS event will follow the British Rowing Adults at Risk policy for safeguarding concerns. A welfare officer will be on duty throughout all days of racing and reachable via Race Control.

The Organising Committee believe the welfare of all competitors, officials and spectators is paramount. All attending the event, regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, religion or ability, have equal rights to safety and protection. All suspicions, concerns and allegations of harm will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and in an appropriate manner.

For welfare and safeguarding concerns please contact the Event Welfare Officer on 07856 908539.

No training on the lake is permitted on race days before or after racing. Practice is permitted on the Friday before the regatta by arrangement with the National Water Sports Centre who have responsibility for the use of the lake on this day.

Clubs are encouraged to create their “own space” by providing their own gazebo/marquee for shelter during the Regatta. BUCS does not charge for pitches.

Marquee / Tent locations are on a first come first serve basis from 10am on Friday 28 April. For guidance on location of tents please see the site map.

Regatta Site Map

We welcome friends and family members to come and spectate. Refreshments and toilet facilities are accessible for spectators and competitors alike.

Supporters are also encouraged to enjoy the event via our livestream on BUCS Facebook and/or YouTube channels.