The Rowing ACT Board determined in 2016 to commence running regattas from the start of the 2016/17 season under a new grade system, similar to those already operating in other states. Since October three grade regattas have been successfully held, with each progressively familiarising and transitioning the local rowing community to the new system. The next important formal action in this transition however is the introduction and application of “Rowing Grade Scores” (RGS) for all competing rowers.

Introduction of Rowing Grade Scores

Commencing from the next local regatta – the ANU Regatta on 4 February 2017 – Rowing Grade Scores (separate scores for Sculling and Sweep) will be used to classify the eligibility of scullers and crews, in the various standard grade events held. The following band RGS values will apply to each of the current Grades – A to E:

GRADE RACING CATEGORIES

Competition between Scullers and Crews with:

GRADE A: a RGS less than 1.35

GRADE B: a RGS between 1.35 to less than 2.35

GRADE C: a RGS between 2.35 to less than 3.10

GRADE D: a RGS between 3.10 to less than 3.60

GRADE E: a RGS between 3.60 to 4.0

An RGS (Sculling) and RGS (Sweep) has been determined for all registered ACT rowers, utilising regatta information available from this and recent seasons, and the Guideline document “Rowing ACT Club Grade System – Expected Times/Performance Range for each Grade” (attached) which was released at the beginning of the season.

Club Captains and Head Coaches, respectively, for each affiliated Rowing ACT club and school will be provided with each of their rower’s RGSs from 23 January 2017. Entries for the ANU regatta close 27 January 2017. Adjustments to RGSs will subsequently be made based on rowers’ subsequent regatta results, and in accordance with the new “Status Rules” recently approved by Rowing ACT.

Eligibility and the requirements for Compiling and then Submitting Entries

Clubs and Schools will be required to consider each of their rower’s or crew’s RGS (a crew RGS is the average RGS of each of its crew members) in the process of entering scullers of crews for events:

Scullers or crews will not be able to enter or race in events if their RGS is lower than the required value for that event.
Scullers or crews may race in a classification higher than their current RGS, BUT subject only to the Regatta Secretary being satisfied that they can race at a proficiency level sufficiently competitive for that event’s expected standard.

Further Information for Club Captains and Head School Coaches

Prior to further details, including the new Status Rules, being published, should further information be required Club Captains and Head School Coaches are asked to act as the co-ordinating officer for their organisation and to regattasecretary@rowingact.org.au