Rowing Regatta 2020-21

Based on the size and quality of the entry received, the Race Committee will implement the below changes to the draw progressions for the 2021 Regatta. This is in order to improve the racing experience and to maximise side-by-side racing opportunities.

(1) Championship Single Sculls (Men & Women)
Based on the size and quality of the entry received, a B final will be added in both events. 

(2) Beginner Eights and Quads (Men and Women)
Based on the numbers of entries received, it is planned that crews in both beginner 1 and beginner 2 eights and quads will time trial within their respective boat types with the results then merged with the top 12 progressing to semi-finals, and crews 13 onwards (up to a maximum of 36) to minor finals. Crews will still race for the medals in the boat class that they entered for.

(3) All other events
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.

Time Trial Numbers 

• A pack containing time trial paper race numbers will be available for collection from outside the Regatta Marshal’s Hut 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 enclosed. Please ensure these numbers are returned to the Regatta Marshal’s hut after the time trial. They will be put into soapy water to be cleaned for the next day.

Regatta Numbers

• Race numbers for semi-finals/repechages and finals can be collected from outsie 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 displaybow 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All BUCS Rowing competitions are governed in accordance with the National Governing Body rules and regulations, unless superseded by a BUCS rule or regulation.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 nedd only weigh in once (ROW 3.4).
• Regatta weight: Men 72.5kh, Women 59.0kg (ROW 3.2)
• Lighweight 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 boat house near to the boat racking area at the western end of the lake. 
• Coxes who make wight will be given a wristband to apply to themselves(a different colour each day). Coxes wo are required to carry a deadweight will not be given a wristband and will be required to supply their own sealed deadwieght.
• Coxes weights: Men's crews: 55.0kg, Women's crews: 50.0kg (ROW 3.1)

Withdrawals on the day of the competition must be done at the BUCS Event Cabin (located near to the finish tower) by the institution rowing club captain or coach. Institutions should advise BUCS in advance if they intend to withdraw. 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 £30 fine payable by the athletic union or students’ union (Reg 4.3). 

If a crew wishes to withdraw they should complete a scratch form at the BUCS Event Cabin a minimum of 30 minutes before the race start time. Failure to do so may result in the boat being classed as a ‘no-show’ and the additional £30 fine being imposed (Reg 4.4). 

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

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. 

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

Coxes and crews must be knowledable 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.

There are parking areas specifically designated for boat trailers situated at NWSC. institutions are asked to only park in these designated areas as directed by venue staff to avoid casuing congestion and hazards to other motorists and pedestrians. Trailer parking is available on a first come first served basis and is open from 14:00 on Wednesday 23 June.

Once trailer parking areas are full they will be closed, and any further trailers will be directed to the next available parking area.

Trailers parked in unauthorised locations may be removed by venue staff with no prior warning.

Car and Trailer Parking Map

Parking at the venue is limited. Parking attendants employed by NWSC will be located at the entrances to venue car parks to collect parking fees and assist with directions and availability of spaces. 

BUCS has been able to agree a discounted rate for competitors and visitors to BUCS Regatta 2021. A three day car parking ticket can be bought for £10 cash on arrival, entitling the user to park on site over Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A daily rate of £5 is also available for day visitors.

Local traffic wardens patrol the area and are strict on unlawful parking. Motorists are advised to only park in designated areas. At all times motorists should observe the Highway Code and not obstruct access in case of an emergency. BUCS is not responsible for parking at the venue.

Car and Trailer Parking Map

The 2021 regatta will look and feel different from a normal BUCS Regatta. The regatta takes place against the backdrop of a global pandemic.

The BUCS team have implemented a number of measures to promote the health and wellbeing of competitors, officials, volunteers and staff. We created these measures by:

1. Seeking advice from local authorities and British Rowing regarding the current Covid-19 restrictions and recommendations
2. Collaboration with the host venues
3. Following of Government and NHS advice
4. Consultation with BUCS Chief Medical Officer

Sport is considered an essential component of health within the population; this is reflected in government guidance allowing sporting events to take place. The desire of athletes to compete and the benefits economically and in terms of physical and mental health must be balanced with the risk of an increased likelihood of transmission where groups of people are brought together.

The regatta is able to run in accordance with this plan assuming no further relaxation of restrictions.

The regatta will comply strictly with the government and BRITISH ROWING guidance provided to it with the aim of allowing safe competition with ZERO transmissions as a result of the event.

All those on site should follow the following basic good practice measures:

• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol gel
• Maintain social distancing
• Follow the circulation patterns on the site
• Minimise the time you are present at the regatta
• Wear a mask when social distancing cannot be maintained
• Consider obtaining a lateral flow test in advance of attending the site
• Be considerate of others and recognise that everyone is experiencing this pandemic in different ways and therefore their comfort levels may be different

It is recommended that clubs familiarise themselves with the current guidelines:

• UK Government
• British Rowing
• BUCS Covid Measures

It is important that all those who attend the site whether to compete, officiate, volunteer or work are able to do so in a way that minimises the risk to themselves and to others of contracting COVID. Everybody attending the event (all competitors, officials, coaches, support staff and volunteers), MUST complete the health questionnaire before attending the site.

**  Individuals who have not completed the health questionnaire risk exclusion from the regatta.**

Masks

You must wear a mask when you are indoors, using any facilities or if for any reason you cannot maintain social distancing(2m), this is likely to include moving around the site with others. You are not required to wear a mask while boating.

Travel

Please make sure you are aware of the current government guidance around travel. Car sharing is permitted but you should only travel in groups of no more than 6 people.

Marquees

Teams wanting to erect tents/marquees will need to limit the number of individuals in each structure to under 30 people as per the current guidelines. Tents/Marquees must have at least 50% of their walls fully open. There must be a 2m gap between all tents/marquees to allow for proper social distancing. Any institution planning to erect a tent/marquee must complete this google form.

Expectations of Competitors:

1. Event competitors should stay home if they have any Covid-19 symptoms, live in the same household with someone with Covid-19 symptoms or have been diagnosed with, or suspected to have, Covid-19 in the past 14 days
2. Competitors should stay home if they have been instructed to quarantine due to international travel restrictions or by NHS Track and Trace
3. Competitors must follow direction from event staff, venue staff and volunteers.
4. Competitors must complete Covid-19 questionnaire before arriving at the site
5. Competitors should always follow social distancing guidance
6. Competitors should ensure they are following hand hygiene practices at all times
7. Competitors are encouraged to wear a face-covering when indoors and moving around the site when they are not able to maintain proper social distancing, (NB. Unless they are competing)
8. Follow the guidance and safety procedures outlined in the Event Guide.

Measures in place to mitigate risks for competitors:

• Covid-19 questionnaire completed by all attending the event
• One way flows throughout the Competition areas
• Paperless substitutions
• Virtual event briefings
• Extra cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and facilities
• Competition zone within the overall site, only those who are part of the event in an official capacity are allowed to enter
• Staff, volunteers and officials interacting with competitors where social distancing cannot be maintained will be wearing appropriate PPE
• Safety boats will encourage self-rescue first but will have proper PPE as well as face coverings for any competitors who require assistance
• Spacing of tents to ensure social distancing
• Increased number of toilet facilities

Expectations of Volunteers/Officials:

1. Volunteers/Officials should stay home if they have any Covid-19 symptoms, live in the same household with someone with Covid-19 symptoms or have been diagnosed with, or suspected to have, Covid-19 in the past 14 days
2. Volunteers/Officials should stay home if they have been instructed to quarantine due to international travel restrictions or by NHS Track and Trace
3. Volunteers/Officials must complete Covid-19 questionnaire before arriving at the site
4. Volunteers/Officials are expected to bring their own face-covering and hand sanitiser.

Measures in place to mitigate risk for volunteers/officials:

• Covid-19 questionnaire completed by all attending the event
• One way flows throughout the Competition areas
• Virtual event briefings (smaller briefings will also be facilitated in person by roles)
• Extra cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and facilities
• Equipment will be left at each position with wipes to be able to sanitise before and after each use.
• Hand sanitizer/wipes will be available in all spaces being used
• Competition zone within the overall site, only those who are part of the event in an official capacity are allowed to enter

We look forward to seeing all of you at Regatta and to three great days of racing.

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). 

Competitor 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.

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

Teams wanting to erect tents/marquees will need to limit the number of individuals in each structure to under 30 people as per the current guidelines. Tents/Marquees must have at least 50% of their walls fully open. There must be a 2m gap between all tents/marquees to allow for proper social distancing. Any institution planning to erect a tent/marquee must complete this google form.

NWSC has an event on the weekend before Regatta, therefore no structures can be erected before Tuesday 22 June 2021. Tent locations are on a first come first serve basis. For guidance on location of tents please see the site map.

Regatta Site Map

In 2019, over 100 students and other volunteers helped out on the stakeboats at BUCS Regatta

We had really positive feedback from those that got involved and we're now calling for volunteers to help at the 2021 BUCS Regatta on 24-26 June. Whether you can offer just a few hours or are available for all three days, we'd love to hear from you. 

Please register your interest using the form here

Supporters are encouraged to enjoy the event via our livestream on BUCS Facebook and/or YouTube channels. Holme Pierrepont Country Park will still be open to the public during the event however areas will be restricted to those who are a part of the event in an official capacity. We therefore encourage supporters to enjoy the event from home.