Rowing: Regatta 2023-24

Draw Schemes can be found here. An update based on entries received can be found here.

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Competitors should also inform their institution they have withdrawn from the competition.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

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. Clubs are required to provide their own safety pins (4 per number).

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 or into the buckets provided on the pontoons after the crew races.

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. If racing in more than on lightweight event the competitor need only weigh in once.
• Regatta weight: Men 72.5kg, Women 59.0kg.
• 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: Open & Women’s Crews: 55.0kg.

• 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. 

• BUCS Regatta is reliant on a huge number of volunteers to make it run and we particularly need volunteers for stakeboats and intermediate timing.
• It’s a great opportunity for students to support the event, to meet new people, to play a part in the running of the event, and to see first hand their crews and rivals on the start line, and along the course.
• We're looking for students from all Universities to sign up, to help support the regatta. No previous experience is necessary. 
• Please sign up to the whatsapp group here and please share the link with anyone you think might be interested. 

• 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.
• Competitors are advised to be aware of venue signage around the lakeside areas such as pontoons and mind their footing as areas can be slippery when wet.

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 6 May at 21:00.

Car & Trailer Parking

• Competitors and supporters should follow the directions of marshals on the day. Please do not ignore the marshals
• Car parks will open at 09:30 on Friday 3rd May and by 05.45 on Saturday/Sunday/Monday for trailers.
• Entrance to the car parks will close at 20:00 on all four days.
• Please note, Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) (https://parkpcm.co.uk/)is in place on the car parks at the National Watersports Centre. The NWSC levies a charge of £5 per vehicle per day (Parking code BR002).
• Event parking can be purchased in advance via parkpcm.co.uk or follow instructions on the signs around the parking area.
• The NWSC indicates that a fixed penalty notice will be issued by a third party if no payment is allocated next to a registration number

Trailers

Trailer parking is strictly for trailers only, parking will start at 09.30am on Friday morning and will be available on a first come first served basis. Gate will close at 8pm (opened 05.45am through event). Towing vehicles must be moved to parking areas.

Friday from 09.30 – 20.00 – Rugby Field (first come first served) w3w.co/hoot.probe.magma

1. Northside Grass Bank – (half for cars and half for trailers, no parking at the bottom of grass where gazebo’s go) – entrance through brown gate (///shorts.branch.faster) gate by desperate measures and exit playground gate (https://what3words.com/coach.heavy.flip)

Saturday – parking opens at 05.45am

Northside Grass Bank – (half for cars and half for trailers, no parking at the bottom of grass where gazebo’s go) – entrance through brown gate (///shorts.branch.faster) gate by des measures and exit playground gate ///coach.heavy.flip)

Patio lawn (behind traders and catering vans) – trailers – last resort

Cars – in order of the below

1. Country Park - ///error.tight.thigh

2. Right by the scoreboard - ///plant.holly.codes (enter through the playground gate, exit via desperate measures brown gate)

3. Northside Grassy Bank - ///drives.truck.direct (enter through the playground gate, exit via desperate measures brown gate)

4. Grassland (Car Park B) - ///silver.bats.hurt

5. Rafters Field Campsite - ///object.winks.pops

6. Footgolf - ///flash.foal.alone (entrance and exit through the main Adbolton Road ///gone.oval.backed)

7. Skitow - ///fakes.hosts.events

Coaches only (must park here as there will be no where else on site for coaches to park)

White Water Car Park - ///marker.sits.highs 

• Parking Marshals
  • It is essential that all drivers/attendees follow the parking instructions from the marshals, unfortunately this may mean not parking in an area you expected. Due to the nature of the restrictions all those vehicles not complying with directions will be reported and appropriate action taken.
• Parking and Walking dangers
  • Every effort has been made to keep parking safe, however there are busy road crossing and shared parking and pedestrian routes. Please take care in these areas. At all times motorists should observe the Highway Code and not obstruct access in case of an emergency. 
• Grass Parking
  • Every effort has been made to check the grass parking areas for suitability. Unsuitable areas are marked with cones or tape. Should you become stuck please contact a member of site staff or a marshal.

Parking for the event is operated by the NWSC, BUCS is not responsible for parking at the venue.

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 3 May. 

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.

Olympian and Rivers Trust Ambassador Imogen Grant will be at the Big River Watch stand to meet athletes racing at BUCS Regatta, and to help them take part in the Big River Watch.

The Rivers Trust’s Big River Watch is a national campaign that happens over two weekends each year and encourages everyone to spend 15 minutes by their river gathering vital information about the health of our rivers.

There will be information at the stall about how to get involved with river quality testing, as well as a giveaway for anyone who downloads the Big River Watch app and pledges to take part!

European Universities Rowing Championship 2024 - Ankara, Turkey

August 29 - September 1, 2024

European University Sports Association (EUSA), Türkiye University Sports Federation (TUSF), Atilim University and the local organising committee are excited to be able to offer Rowing as part of the EUSA sports programme also in 2024. As rowing is not one of the sports disciplines of this year's European Universities Games in Debrecen-Miskolc, EUSA Executive Committee attributed the 2024 European Universities Rowing Championship to the city of Ankara.

The competition will be in the following categories:

Men: LMlx, Mlx, LM2x, M2x, LM2-, M2-, LM4-, M4-, LM4x, M4x, M8+

Women: LWlx, Wlx, W2-, LW2x, W2x, W4-, W4x, LW4x, W8+

Women may compete as the coxswain in Men’s crews, and vice versa. There are no restrictions concerning the number of boats.

Students competing at BUCS Regatta and meeting the top four qualification in relevant event categories will be eligible to compete in the European Universities Rowing Championships. Please see the EUSA Regulations below to confirm your eligibility. Teams who qualify must confirm their intention to participate by contacting Jack Walsh - BUCS International Administrator at [email protected] by 23:59 on 08/05/24 and pay the 600EUR EUSA Deposit +7% admin fee by 23:59 on 10/05/24.

Please see below important deadlines:

General entry form:

15.05.2024

Quantitative entry form:

29.05.2024

Individual entry form:

29.07.2024

Travel plan:

29.07.2024

For more information, please see the official website: rowing2024.eusa.eu

RELATED LINKS AND DOCUMENTS:
- EUSA Rules and Regulations
- Registration Guide
- EUC Rowing Ankara 2024 official website
- EUC Rowing Ankara 2024 registration platform

Anyone wishing to take photos or video at this event must complete the BUCS Media Accreditation Form prior to the event.

BUCS reserves the right to prohibit photography equipment being used at a BUCS event. BUCS reserves the right to request that the individual ceases to take photographs, deletes any images and, if considered necessary, leaves the venue.

The sustainability of our event matters to us and these are the positive steps we are taking to manage our environmental impact:

• All staff and volunteers are encouraged to travel to the event via public transport
• We have used local suppliers where possible
• Event schedules will be online & on screens around the venue, minimising paper use where possible

How can you help at this event? Here’s some ideas:

• Be self-sufficient by using refillable bottles and coffee cups to reduce waste
• Travel smarter – as a team on a minibus, cycle or use public transport
• Go paperless - use your phone for all event information