Archive for month: March, 2020

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Rowing ACT COVID-19 update 23 March 2020

Yesterday the Federal Government announced new restrictions on social gatherings in Australia, with gyms and indoor sporting venues closed down from midday Monday 23 March. The ACT Government also announced on Sunday they would be temporarily closing down all non-essential activities and businesses in line with the Federal Government advice. Rowing ACT has also sought further advice on closures from ACT Government Sport & Recreation.

Tonight Rowing Australia has strongly advised all rowing clubs in Australia to suspend operations and that members of our rowing community seek alternative ways of training that comply with Government restrictions.

Following on from these decisions Rowing ACT strongly advises that local rowing clubs and schools cease operations immediately.

This has been an extremely difficult decision, made with reference to the duty of care Rowing ACT has towards local rowers and their health and well-being while out on the water. In line with Federal and ACT Government directions there is also a duty of care to reduce possible transmissions to the wider community.

To this end, the on-water component of the Rowing ACT/ACTAS High Performance Program has also been shut down, with athletes to train from home from Tuesday 24 March. Rowing ACT administrative staff have been working from home for the last week and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.

Separate to this, the ACT Government has advised Rowing ACT that the only potential form of rowing allowed at present would be single sculls. This cannot be an organised club activity.

Rowing ACT advises that should individuals choose to row privately-owned & stored single sculls they do so at their own risk as we cannot guarantee their safety, and should:

  • check the status of their personal insurance as they may not be covered by club insurance at this time;
  • ensure that they have sufficient experience in a single scull given the cooler temperatures;
  • do not row if you would be considered particularly at-risk or associate with people who are at-risk from the COVID-19;
  • and in line with Rowing Australia advice consider rowing with another single, while maintaining sufficient social distancing both on and off water.

We recommend that all clubs confirm their insurance arrangements and their workplace health and safety responsibilities in determining if it is acceptable for people to boat privately-owned singles from their boatsheds.

We remain here to support our local rowing community and we will do what we can during this difficult time. We will continue to update the community as things change.

Should you have any questions about this then please don’t hesitate to contact Rowing ACT at eo@rowingact.org.au.

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Rowing ACT COVID-19 update 22 March 2020

Dear ACT Rowing Community,

Just over a week ago we were preparing for the biggest
weekend’s racing in the ACT since the 2013 Masters Championships. Today the ACT
Government announced that all non-essential businesses will be closed down;
while full details have not come out as yet, we anticipate that this will
include sporting clubs and organisations.

To prepare for this upcoming closure, Rowing ACT recommends
that clubs get ready for what could be an extended closure by:

•            
cleaning boat sheds;

•            
emptying rubbish bins;

•            
removing consumables;

•            
asking people to take any personal possessions they may want access to;

•            
ensuring that sheds have sufficient security precautions.

Any working group to help with this should be a small one to
maintain sufficient social distancing and that members are not from or connected
to vulnerable parts of the community.

Rowing ACT recommends that individuals with private boats do
not row, as we have no capacity to provide support to rowers who go on the
water from the time of the ACT Government closure. Anyone that chooses to row
during this shutdown does so at their own risk.

In line with Rowing Australia’s recommendations issued last
week, Rowing ACT recommends that anyone rowing up until the commencement of the
ACT Government closure should do so in the smallest boat possible, to reduce
the risk of exposure and potential spread of the disease.

Given this announcement the Winter Time Trial series is
considered suspended until further notice.

Rowing ACT will continue to work with Rowing Australia to
develop at-home training and strength & conditioning courses to keep people
active during this time. We will also work with RA on potential online indoor
rowing competitions and other online rowing resources that might be available
for you all.

Both the Federal and ACT Governments have announced a range
of measures that look to support businesses during this extremely difficult
time. Information on the Federal Government’s support measures can be found at https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses,
while the ACT Government’s measures can be found at https://apps.treasury.act.gov.au/budget/covid-19-economic-survival-package/local-business-and-industry.
Any sport-specific measures will be passed on by Rowing ACT once we have them
to hand.

These are completely unprecedented times for us all. We hope
that everyone stays safe throughout this pandemic and like everyone, look
forward to the time when we return to a level of normalcy again.

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COVID-19 Update March 18

Dear Rowing Colleagues,

As you are aware the impacts of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are now being felt across Australia with clear direction being provided by the Australian and State Governments and their medical advisors. This obviously has significant implications for the wider Australian sporting landscape which in turn is being felt directly by the rowing community with the recently announced cancellation of the 2020 AON Sydney International Rowing Regatta and 2020 Australian Masters Rowing Championships.

Where to for our sport?

Rowing ACT will consider the implications of any new advice from the ACT Government and advise of any rowing-specific measures required as that information comes to hand. Rowing ACT is also working in close collaboration with Rowing Australia (RA) over the conduct of RA sponsored events and is taking guidance from RA in the continued practice of the sport at club level and the conduct of regattas and events. RA in turn is providing very considered guidance to the State Associations based on its access to information available to it from its well-developed network of sources including the AIS, Sports Medicine Australia and other Government Departments. RA is exercising strong and appropriate leadership in its role as Rowing’s peak body in Australia.

Safety for Rowers

  • Hand hygiene is key. It is important everyone washes their hands thoroughly and often using soap and water. All rowers, coaches and support staff must wash their hands before and after training. Bring a personal hand towel to training for drying your hands and don’t share this with others.
  • It is important to remember you must wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after going to the bathroom and maintain good hygiene practices.
  • Antibacterial wipes, sprays, or soap and water must be used to clean equipment every time an individual concludes their session on an ergo or when using gym equipment. Towels should be placed on mats when rowers conduct stretching.
  • It is important that all oars and boats are thoroughly washed with appropriate soap and water (not just water) where possible, or wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes, to ensure hygiene standards are maintained.
  • Club members are asked not to attend their boat house for 14 days if they have returned from overseas in that time, are feeling unwell, or have been in contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, or are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test.
  • Social distancing practices should be implemented around your boatshed where practicable. Current advice is that rowing in crewed boats is acceptable and, where possible, rowing in smaller boats is a sensible measure to reduce the number of rowers you may be in contact with. Appropriate hygiene measures are paramount and if you are unwell you should not be rowing.

Rowing ACT’s Current Position

  • The health and welfare of our members is our paramount consideration;
  • Rowing ACT will only distribute information which is factual or considered to be the best available information at the time.  This will include information related to the conduct of regattas, time trials, events, and on- and off-water training;
  • We will inform the ACT rowing community as new information and decisions come to hand;
  • Our decisions and plans will remain subject to change as new information, guidelines or Government (both Federal and ACT) directives come to hand;
  • The practice of rowing is an individual’s choice and we ask that individuals not be criticised or ostracised for exercising their personal choices in these unprecedented times.

Below is also a list of online resources that may be useful to you and those in your clubs and schools. This list is a guide and is by no means exhaustive of all preventative measures. Readers should keep abreast of the most up to date information via the Federal Government and ACT Health websites listed below.

Useful links:

Federal Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

ACT Government information: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19

Rowing Australia website: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/rowing-australia-fact-sheet-on-coronavirus/

AIS: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19

Contact Us:

If you have any further queries please email eo@rowingact.org.au

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Rowing ACT Update March 18

Over the last week the Rowing ACT Board has met regularly to
discuss the COVID-19 pandemic and our response to it. Taking guidance from the
Federal and ACT Governments, as well as Rowing Australia as the national
sporting body, Rowing ACT is taking measures that are both scalable and
sustainable for potential interruptions of six months or more.

Following Rowing Australia’s decision to cancel the 2020
Sydney International Rowing Regatta and the 2020 Australian Masters Rowing
Championships, Rowing ACT has made the difficult decision to cancel the
remainder of the 2019/20 regatta season. This means that the ACT Masters
Championships scheduled for April 4 has been cancelled. Rowing ACT will conduct
a forensic audit on the 2019/20 point-score competition and will announce the
women’s, men’s and overall winners in due course. The Regatta Sub-Committee
will be asked to conduct a full review of the 2019/20 season with the view to
developing and further improving the 2020/21 summer season. The Regatta
Sub-Committee will also be asked to explore innovative ways to deliver rowing
competition over the next six months given the constrained environments we are
living with.

Rowing ACT is monitoring developments around the COVID-19 pandemic and how that might affect our 2020 winter season. At this point the Winter Time Trial series will still run from May until September. We will be seeking your interest in a time trial event in April that would not be part of the Winter Time Trial series, but, if there is community interest, may be put in place to make up for the loss of other events at the end of the 2019/20 season.

We appreciate everyone’s patience as we navigate these
troubled waters and hope that you all stay safe.

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Rowing ACT Head of the Lake & ACT Championship Cancellation

The Rowing ACT Board met this evening following a Rowing Australia meeting, where advice was provided by RA’s Chief Medical Officer to the states and the national sporting organisation.

Following this
meeting, Rowing ACT has come to the difficult decision to cancel the Head of
the Lake and ACT Championships regattas that were to be conducted on March
14-15.

This decision has
been very difficult to make in light of the rapidly changing events associated
with the coronavirus and the commitment that so many of our athletes have made
in preparation over many months.

The Rowing ACT Board
acknowledges our civic responsibility to enforce social distancing which,
together with hygiene practices, is the best way to tackle the transmission of
the virus. This decision was not made lightly, nor is this the position we expected
to be in today, but the health and safety of our community is paramount.

We would like to acknowledge
the efforts of our local schools and clubs in helping organising these two
regattas and to those volunteers who were willing to put in their spare time
towards making this event a success. We also appreciate the effort taken by interstate
schools who were due to attend and compete in these regattas – we look forward
to having you back down in Canberra for future Rowing ACT regattas.

We ask that schools
are mindful of using minimal people with regards to pack-up. We recommend that
coaches only are present in the boat park for loading of equipment.

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BMRC double/pair sale

BMRC is selling boat: 6640

Build: 2016

rower weight: 60-69

Mould: 214

Boat comes with sweep and scull
riggers, and steering for pair.

please contact Ian Mongan to discuss
and view. ianmongan@yahoo.com.au

/1 Comment/by
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Rowing ACT Coronavirus update 11 March 2020

Any athletes, coaches, support staff, spectators who have been in any of these countries (or any countries that become ‘higher risk countries’ during this period) are asked not to attend the regatta if they are outside the 14 day quarantine window.

Please note the Federal Government is regularly updating the ‘higher risk’ countries list, the link to the Health website is both below and on the RA website.

Useful links:

Federal Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

ACT Government information: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19

Rowing Australia website: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/rowing-australia-fact-sheet-on-coronavirus/

AIS: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19

Contact Us:

If you have any further queries please email eo@rowingact.org.au

Any athletes, coaches, support staff, spectators who have been in any of these countries (or any countries that become ‘higher risk countries’ during this period) are asked not to attend the regatta if they are outside the 14 day quarantine window.

Please note the Federal Government is regularly updating the ‘higher risk’ countries list, the link to the Health website is both below and on the RA website.

Useful links:

Federal Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

ACT Government information: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19

Rowing Australia website: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/rowing-australia-fact-sheet-on-coronavirus/

AIS: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19

Contact Us:

If you have any further queries please email eo@rowingact.org.au

The NOVEL CORONAVIRUS 2019 (COVID-19) which originated from Hubei Province, China is causing worldwide concern with cases now occurring in many countries. Rowing ACT maintains a strong health and safety policy and is providing updated information for the rowing community, and specifically those competing in the Canberra Park Head of the Lake and ACT Championships over 13/15 March 2020.

Rowing ACT is keeping abreast of advice provided by the World Health Organisation, the Australian Government, the ACT Government, and Rowing Australia with regard to the conduct of events under these circumstances and will continue to monitor circumstances and update the rowing community when changes occur.

As the situation is changing on a daily basis, it is important that the community follows current Australian Government advice. Click here for further details. The website also contains general advice regarding COVID-19.

Of particular importance, the rowing community is asked to follow the Federal Government’s advice around travel restrictions. Please do not attend the regattas if you have been to an at-risk country since 29 February, 2020. At-risk countries as of 11 March 2020 are:

Mainland China, Iran, Italy, Republic of Korea (South Korea), Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and Thailand.

The ACT Government provides updates specifically for the ACT and the rowing community is encouraged to review this advice. Click here for further details.

Rowing Australia has provided rowing-specific advice. Click here for further details.

Rowing ACT is asking participating clubs and schools to complete the form at http://rowingact.org.au/club-school-coronavirus-undertaking/. This precautionary approach will assist with managing the possible spread of COVID-19 at the Canberra Park Head of the Lake and ACT Championship regattas.

Below we have listed important advice for all athletes, coaches, support staff, workforce and spectators with regards to preventative measures to assist with remaining healthy. This list is a guide and is by no means exhaustive of all preventative measures. Readers should keep abreast of the most up to date information via the Federal Government and ACT Health websites listed above. Importantly the ACT Government and ACT Health have not issues any advice around conduct and attendance of sporting events at the time of this update.

Hand Hygiene

Everyone must practise good hygiene, as this is critical to help protect against infections. Good hygiene includes:

•             washing your hands often with soap and water, for 20 seconds, or using an alcohol-based hand rub;

•            using a tissue and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. This should include using your elbow to cover your mouth if coughing or sneezing;

•             avoiding close contact with others including personal greetings, such as touching, handshakes, kisses, and hugs. Fist bumps are appropriate; however handshakes are discouraged.

RACT will ensure the venue is well stocked with sanitiser and hand soap. We also advise individuals, clubs and schools to have their own anti-bacterial wipes for wiping down communal surfaces after use.

Athletes, Coaches, Support Staff and spectators are strongly recommended to bring their own personal hand sanitiser for use throughout the weekend. Each club and school is also encouraged to provide hand sanitiser at their boatsheds and at the Weston Park regatta site.

Bathrooms

It is important to remember you must wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after going to the bathroom and maintain good hygiene practices throughout the weekend when using the toilets.

Cleaning of Ergos

Anti-bacterial wipes and sprays must be used every time an individual concludes their session on an ergo. We strongly advise schools and clubs to bring their own cleaning products for their ergos.

Cleaning of Oars and Boats

We know that oars and boats are shared by many schools and clubs throughout the regatta. It is important that all oars and boats are thoroughly washed with appropriate soap and water (not just water) where possible, or wiped down with anti-bacterial wipes, to ensure hygiene standards are maintained.

Food Consumption and food preparation

We know that athletes, coaches and spectators will be preparing and consuming food and drink throughout the weekend. It is extremely important to maintain strong hygiene standards both when preparing and consuming food.

This includes, but is not limited to, sanitising hands prior to and after preparing food, wearing gloves (on sanitised hands) when preparing food for others’ consumption, ensuring hands and surfaces are all well sanitised prior to preparation and consumption, as well as post consumption and preparation. Water bottles should be cleaned daily with hot, soapy water. Athletes should not be sharing water bottles, i.e. one bottle per athlete.

Spectators

Spectators are asked not to attend the regatta if they have recently visited any high or moderate risk countries, since Saturday 29 February (14 days prior to the commencement of the regatta – as listed below or on the Health website) or are feeling unwell.

High risk countries as of 11 March 2020:

  • Mainland China
  • Iran
  • Italy
  • Republic of Korea

Moderate risk countries as of 11 March 2020:

  • Cambodia
  • Hong Kong
  • Indonesia
  • Japan
  • Singapore
  • Thailand

Any athletes, coaches, support staff, spectators who have been in any of these countries (or any countries that become ‘higher risk countries’ during this period) are asked not to attend the regatta if they are outside the 14 day quarantine window.

Please note the Federal Government is regularly updating the ‘higher risk’ countries list, the link to the Health website is both below and on the RA website.

Useful links:

Federal Health Website: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert

ACT Government information: https://www.health.act.gov.au/public-health-alert/updated-information-about-covid-19

Rowing Australia website: https://rowingaustralia.com.au/rowing-australia-fact-sheet-on-coronavirus/

AIS: https://ais.gov.au/health-wellbeing/covid-19

Contact Us:

If you have any further queries please email eo@rowingact.org.au

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ACT Interstate Team Announcement

Rowing ACT is proud to announce the first part of the 2020 State Team which will represent the ACT at the Interstate Regatta held on 29 March in Penrith. More announcements are coming regarding the other events, including the Kings Cup Eight.

Presidents Cup: Caleb Antill

Nell Slatter Cup: Cara Grzeskowiak

Women’s PR3 Single Scull: Nikki Ayers

Queens Cup: Ella Beniamini, Sarah Tynan, Sarah Connor, Jacqui Williams, Kerry Knowler, Jana Pretorius, Lilli Reardon, Dearne Grant, Vinhara Goonesekera (cox)

Victoria Cup: Bianca Gillett, Alex Moylan, Louisa Ritchens, Adair Ferguson, Reserve: Ellie Barr

Youth Womens Eight: Harriet Wallace, Nicola Greenland, Georgina Wallace, Jenna Oeder, Grace Turner, Charlotte Grosse, Ellie Barr, Madeline Vagg, Issy Shaw (cox) Reserves: Megan Chen, Ashleigh Burns.

Youth Men Eight: Matthew Norton, Cormac Hayes, Lucas Hempton, Lachlan Stevenson, Ethan Peters, Jaedon Peters, Luca Hehir, Alexander Migdalias, Vinhara Goonesekera (cox). Reserves: Rafael Priest, Damien Schroder

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