Check your schedule to confirm you will be able to attend all practices and regattas.
Read this Rowing Handbook in its entirety. You WILL be held accountable to the rules and policies stated within.
All participants must complete team registration before the cutoff date or the program reaching capacity.
Check your email for the invitation to Team Snap and sign up for an account (free), if you don’t already have one. All communication is handled through Team Snap. Be sure to install the app on your phone!
Complete your USRowing Membership once per 12 calendar months. Having an annual USRowing membership is required to be covered by our insurance policy AND to race at the regattas we attend.
Returning rowers with a previous USRowing membership will simply need to renew it and sign the waiver each year.
New rowers without a US Rowing membership can easily sign up on their website. Once you have signed up for USRowing you will need to add Traverse City Tritons Rowing as an affiliation. Our club code is QY2XX.
Order the team uni from Regatta Sport. The online store is available for a limited time only. All athletes must have a team uniform to race.
Order any Tritons Merchandise you would like for the season on our online store. While orders can be placed at any time, orders are only sent to our vendor at the start of our spring, summer and fall season due to volume purchase and shipping discounts.
Traverse City Tritons Rowing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization managed by our board of directors. We operate in partnership with but independently from the school districts in the greater Grand Traverse area and are dedicated to the promotion and support of the sport of rowing for our middle school and high school student-athletes. Financial support for our program comes from athlete participation fees, fundraising and donations. We do not receive financial support from the schools. The tax-exempt Federal ID Number for Traverse City Tritons Rowing is 82-2311476.
Team Snap: You will receive an invitation via email after registering. Team Snap is used for all team communication and scheduling. It is recommended you install the app on your smart phone.
Facebook or Instagram: @TCTritonsRowing. Used for the promotion of our program. Anything posted here is publicly visible.
Regatta Central: www.regattacentral.com. Should be used for race day information such as location, event times and results.
Recommended Reading – These books are geared more towards business but the principles in them can be applied to almost any situation where you are working with others – including athletics. Reading them is not required but is highly recommended especially for those who want to be team captains.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni
The Culture Code: The Secrets of Highly Successful Groups by Daniel Coyle
Expectations
It is expected that athletes show gratitude and respect to their coaches and fellow athletes at all times. Continued effort to improve and always being prepared to take on challenges will produce positive results both on the water and off. This handbook has been produced in an effort to have athletes, coaches, parents and friends understand the policies and guidelines of Tritons Rowing. All athletes need to read and understand this handbook so they can be prepared for a successful rowing experience.
Athlete Code of Conduct
When representing Tritons Rowing it is understood by all members that a high level of maturity and responsibility will be maintained. Whether practicing at home or away at a regatta, athletes are expected to be courteous to fellow members, coaches and parents at all times. Actions outside of these guidelines could result in disciplinary action.
As an athlete with Tritons Rowing it is understood that safety is the number one concern. Athletes should be aware of their surroundings so that they are not endangering themselves, others or equipment belonging to any rowing club. Proper precautions are necessary to minimize the likelihood of these hazards becoming a threat. Athletes are very lucky to have the equipment, coaches, volunteers and infrastructure we have and must treat them and each other with respect.
Tritons Rowing has zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to: disruptive conduct, disobedience of authority, disregard for Tritons Rowing Code of Conduct & Rules, sexual harassment, use of racial slurs, fighting/physical harassment, indecent gestures, inappropriate contact, promiscuous behavior or any type of vandalism. Inappropriate behavior can always be tied back to a violation of our Core Values and at a minimum will result in removal from practice or from a regatta – even if that means your boat can’t race.
Rules
Regatta Expectations
Attendance Policy
Every practice has a value to the individual athletes and to the team. If you attend practice and complete the workout then you will improve as a rower. If you do not attend practice for any reason you lose physical and cardio performance – making your boat and the team slower. All athletes are expected to participate in all water, land and classroom practices along with group activities unless they have pre-approval from a coach to miss a practice or session.
All athletes should know that missed practices may result in boat lineup changes or athletes not being allowed to race at the sole discretion of the Tritons coaching staff.
Coach-ability
The coaches are here to help you become a better rower and can help you become as good as you want to be. It is expected that you should be active in your own improvement by helping find ways to aid in the process. Practice and training are not things the coaches do to you. Rather, it is something you do to yourself with the assistance and guidance of the coaches. Coach-ability of each member of the team is vital and therefore each crew and the team as a whole. Following are expectations and challenges to meet regarding coach-ability:
Practice Attire
Athletes will wear appropriate training attire at all practices and at all times when traveling to regattas.
Practicing and competing in varied weather conditions requires proper dress as well as proper conditioning. Throughout the year, we may practice in times of peak heat and humidity, cold temperatures, rain and even snow. Below is a list of recommended gear you should bring to practice:
Cell Phones
All athletes may come to practice with their cell phone if they have one. We utilize Team Snap on smart phones for all team communication and scheduling and recommend all athletes have the ErgData app by Concept2 to pair your phone with the ERGs as well as Hudl Technique for video review. We do ask that athletes put their phone in their bag when they arrive at practice and not take their phone out until the end of practice unless directed to use a specific app during an erg piece. This allows athletes to be engaged in their learning and in each other without distraction. If parents need to get in touch with athletes during practice they should use the Team Snap roster to call one of the coaches.
Equipment
It is the responsibility of the athletes to have oars and the coaches’ launches prepared for practice at the time specified by the coach as well as to put them away at the end or practice.
Care for the equipment is an ongoing process by being aware of surroundings so that boats are not knocked into other obstacles – on or off the water. Take care of the equipment and the equipment will take care of you. Every time an athlete gets into a boat they should step in the appropriate place with toes over the edge of the deck and without shoes on. Once in the boat the athlete should hand tighten every nut and bolt in their station. This is also good practice for the coxswain as they also have many nuts and bolts in their station.
All athletes are required to participate in routine cleaning and maintenance of the equipment.
Disciplinary
Tritons Rowing produces a rigorous rowing program with the goal of building strong, brave and resilient student-athletes through the sport of rowing. Our members should register for the program with a full understanding of the physical, mental and emotional demands of the sport. By registering for the team, athletes and parents/guardians are committing to have read, fully understood and agreed to follow the Code of Conduct, policies and rules set forth in this Handbook.
While Tritons Rowing endeavors to provide support and guidance to participants on a day-to-day basis, it is also important to have a formal procedure for disciplinary action to address alleged violations of policies and other inappropriate behaviors.
Disciplinary Procedure
Tritons Rowing recognizes that there are varying levels of misconduct. For example, physical misconduct or disregard for athlete and equipment safety are serious violations that may result in immediate dismissal. In contrast, a youth participant who tells an inappropriate joke or uses poor judgment constitutes less serious misconduct and depending on the circumstances, might be dealt with more appropriately through dialogue and a verbal warning. In all cases, Tritons Rowing disciplinary procedures and actions will be proportionate, reasonable and applied fairly and equally.
On receipt of an allegation, Tritons Rowing will determine in its discretion the appropriate steps to address the conduct based on several factors, including the nature, scope, and extent of the allegations or offense.
Tritons Rowing disciplinary response will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident and in extreme cases, misconduct will result in immediate dismissal of a coach, volunteer or athlete.
Disciplinary Action
Sanctions for violations of the Tritons Rowing Code of Conduct, Rules and Handbook policies will be proportionate and reasonable under the circumstances. In addition to day-to-day guidance, Tritons Rowing may take the following disciplinary actions without limitation:
Expectations
Tritons Rowing is grateful to all of the coaches, past and present. It is understood and appreciated that the amount of time that coaches bring to the club is priceless and without those hours the club would not be what it is today. In order to maintain a high level of club unity it is expected that all athletes in a program practice at one time with one program head coach and as many assistant coaches as are necessary to maintain a safe and effective coaching environment. This handbook has been produced in an effort to have athletes, coaches and all rowing club members understand the policies and guidelines of the rowing club. Coaches need to read and understand this handbook so that they can be prepared for a successful coaching experience.
Coaches Code of Conduct
When representing Tritons Rowing it is understood by all members that a high level of maturity and responsibility will be maintained. Whether at home or away at regattas, coaches are expected to be courteous to self and fellow coaches from all clubs. Members and coaches will respect all property. As a coach with Tritons Rowing it is understood that safety is the number one concern. Coaches are looking for the hazards of water traffic, water conditions, weather conditions, and the health and well being of the athletes. Proper precautions are necessary to minimize the likelihood of these hazards becoming a threat to the coach and the athlete(s).
The goals of the coaches are to build and develop young athletes and to continue to improve the sport of rowing. As a coach, care and thought should be put into how much influence one can have with a young athlete.
Throughout the course of training, athletes will be intentionally challenged to step outside their comfort zones. Athletes and parents should expect this type of challenge and have agreed to undergo the training so that the athlete can gain a new understanding of themselves and their strengths. Given the coaches will work closely with the athletes on difficult and complex topics like self-esteem and confidence, a level of trust is built that greatly benefits athletes. Coaches will respect the privacy of the athletes and are not obligated to share discussion topics with parents unless there is a concern for safety.
Education & Certification
Tritons Rowing has a robust in-house training program for all coaches and attends annual continuing education seminars. All coaches are must have a boaters safety certification and be Safe Sport certified. At least one coach will have an up to date CPR and First Aid certification.
Equipment Use & Care
It is primarily the responsibility of the athlete to care for the equipment but the coach can play a large role in the fine tuning of this process. Be aware of the proper placement of all boats back on the rack, as well as correct placement in and out of stretchers and the water. Much of the same applies to the care and use of the coach boat and motor; it is the responsibility of the athlete. However, it is good habit to check that they have assembled the boat correctly so that the coach does not get into trouble with problems such as a missing drain plug or the motor is not properly secured to the transom. If a coach feels that a piece of equipment is in need of repair please report it to the Head Coach as soon as possible.
Expectations
Tritons Rowing is a highly competitive rowing club. Rowing in the top boat is not a right – it is earned through effort, achievement in practice, experience and the ability to get the job done under pressure. Athletes are given many hours of practice and instructional time to further their development. The decision of who rows in top boats will be made in order that the team may be successful and achieve our goals. Which athlete is in which boat is exclusively the decision of the coaching staff. The coaches practice with your athlete and know their strengths and weaknesses in the sport of rowing. They alone have the right to decide who rows in which boat and when. Athletes are encouraged to discuss their strengths and weaknesses with their coaches during practice sessions at appropriate times such as on the shore after practice or in a mentor meeting. We ask that such discussions be limited to practice times only and not to approach the coaches during a regatta. Parents will please not approach coaching staff during regatta days with questions regarding line-up, race strategies, or boating positions. Should you have questions, the coaching staff will be happy to set up a time to discuss your child’s progress with you. Discussions will be limited to your athlete’s performance only. Coaches will not comment on other rower’s performances as well as other coach’s actions.
We ask that parents also help the Tritons Rowing staff by:
When you talk to your athletes about the sport of rowing, remember that we are working diligently to change their mindsets. We are asking them to focus on process and effort rather than “times” and “results.” We ask that you do not ask questions like the following:
Instead try asking things like:
Please remember that your athlete is doing great and hard things – they need your support too and we thank you for all that you are doing for them!
Eligibility and Divisions
Novice – athletes in their first or second season – exclusive of summer or winter – who have not competed in the previous scholastic spring season.
2V/3V – athletes who have competed in any previous scholastic spring season but who are still working to reach the team’s 1V standards.
1V – athletes who meet the team’s published standards for both erg times and technical proficiency.
Under 17 – athletes who will NOT turn 17 years of age during the current calendar year.
Under 19 – athletes who will NOT turn 19 years of age during the current calendar year.
Men’s – rowers competing in these events may only be male.
Women’s – rowers competing in these events may only be female.
Mixed – boats entering these events may be comprised of no more than 50% male athletes.
Scholastic – all athletes in the boat, including the coxswain, must be in grades 9-12 and must all attend same school.
Lightweight – 150 lb individual maximum for the boys and 130 lb individual maximum for the girls.
Coxswains must follow the same age requirements but are exempt from gender requirements at races. Ideally coxswains for our women’s boats should weigh 125 lbs or less and coxswains for our men’s boats should weigh 140 lbs or less.
ERG Training
The ergometer is a critical component of our training program. A 2K test will be completed at the start of the season to give us a baseline for where our athletes are and allow us to set training goals for them throughout the season. Specific ERG pieces will be completed throughout the season to help the athletes build physical, mental and cardio performance. Subsequent 2K tests will be completed throughout the season and are one of many factors in determining boat lineups.
Strength Training
Strength training is a great form of cross-training used to build strong muscle mass and help prevent injury. Athletes should complete our strength workout once or twice per week. Team members also have the opportunity to schedule additional personal training sessions in a gym with a certified personal trainer. Talk to your coaches if you need a recommendation for a personal trainer.
Running
Running is another excellent form of cross-training for rowing. It helps build cardio endurance and gets the heart rate up to levels needed for sprint racing.
Skill Assessment
As another method of helping athletes improve, the coaches will conduct skill assessment of each athlete including coxswains. Rowers will have regular video review and coxswains will record practices for review. These are excellent opportunities for the athletes to learn what they need to work on.
Seat Racing
After ergometer practices and skill assessments the coaches will have a good idea as to who will be eligible for seat racing. There are no set rules as to how many athletes can or can not be put into seat racing. Seat racing and time trialing will be done in 4+s and 8+s. Coxswains will be instructed to only steer and give feedback on stroke rate. Seat racing is a necessary part of a competitive rowing program. Seat racing is a part of the selection process but it does not finalize the process. Coaches reserve the right at anytime and for any reason to make changes in the boat.
Coxswain
The selection of the coxswain is just as important to the success of the boat and program as athlete selection is but can be more difficult to do. Coxswain selection comes from the following:
The coxswain seat is just as important as all other seats in the boat and will be filled as such. Tritons Rowing is a competitive team and so are the coxswains. The best coxswain for the seat will get the seat.
Any incidents and injuries should be reported to a coach immediately. Minor first aid (bee sting, band aid, etc) will be provided by our coaching staff. Please remember, Tritons Rowing coaches are not medical professionals and in the case of an emergency or any treatment beyond basic first aid, we will call the athlete’s parent or guardian and may call 911 if necessary.
Sleep
We can’t stress enough the importance of sleep. Sleep helps the body to re-energize, muscles to heal and helps keep the mind sharp. This is critical for competitive athletes especially two nights before performances. Parents can help by suggesting a bedtime for your athlete that gets them at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Experts recommend 8 to 10 hours each night for teenagers.
Hydration
We also can’t stress hydration enough. Hydration aids in digestion and the transport of nutrients, provides cushion for muscles and connective tissue, controls body temperature and support immune function (white blood cells are largely water). If your athlete isn’t hydrated for training and competitions, they are likely to get tired and could also experience muscle cramps, headaches, dizziness, or worse symptoms.
“If your urine is gold your medal won’t be!” Pay attention to urine color, volume and frequency. According to the US Olympic Rowing Team Nutritionist, the sweet spot for hydration is needing to urinate about every 2 hours with moderate volume and a slight pale yellow color. Over-hydration (clear urine every hour or less) should be avoided.
Nutrition
Good nutrition is crucial for performance. If athletes don’t nourish their bodies, they won’t function well. We recommend reading our Nutrition for Athletes guide and consulting your physician to help determine a proper nutrition plan.
Healthy Mind/Healthy Body
One of the pillars of Tritons Rowing is hard work. At the same time we’re only able to engage in hard work when our bodies are prepared for it. A lack of preparation can lead to both physical and mental strain which often leads to poor performance. Lack of care during recovery periods will affect your athlete’s overall endurance over time.
The body and the mind operate in tandem. Failure to take care of the body can result in poor mental performance. Similarly, an unhealthy or negative mental state can adversely affect physical performance. We care about your athlete’s physical and mental state. We push athletes to work hard and we also push them to take good care of themselves. Both are crucial life skills.
Mental Health
Mental health includes both emotional well being and resilience to stress. Mentally healthy individuals are able to cope with daily stresses and fully participate in family, work, sport, leisure and community activities. Parents can help by watching for common mental health concerns among teen athletes including: eating disorders, anxiety, depression, burnout and large mood swings or addictions.
Physical Health
Help your athlete learn the difference between muscle soreness and the sharp pain that results from an injury. Muscle soreness and minor injuries usually resolve within a few days. If pain doesn’t resolve within a week with rest and ice, consult a professional with expertise in sports injuries. Pain in a joint or at a tendon may be more serious than muscle soreness. Rowers should not “row through” the pain when it is in a joint or tendon.
Injuries can be common in young rowers whose bodies are growing rapidly. Bones are lengthening rapidly, and muscle growth can lag behind. Be sure your rower has adequate calories to maintain, heal, and build muscle mass. High calorie nutritional drinks (Muscle Milk, Ensure, etc) are an easy way to supplement the calories found in 3-4 nutritious meals a day.
Rowers should exercise and strengthen their bodies in a balanced manner to help offset the one-sided nature of rowing. Warming up is an important part of getting ready to row and stretching after helps keep muscles loose.
Injury Care
Treat injuries promptly. Untreated injuries can become chronic, with pain developing in adjacent structures and in other areas of the body. Rowers, working with a professional, can develop a set of exercises that will help to prevent future injuries.
Fitness
The importance of tracking fitness goals during workouts could not be over emphasized. Rowing is a sport that requires participants to build endurance and lung capacity through aerobic training as well as develop the ability to sprint to the finish through anaerobic training. Using the “80/20 Rule”, customized workout plans and carefully created spreadsheets, we are able to provide each rower with the specific training they need to improve.
The following procedures and policies are established so that team members, parents, and club members are aware of the safe practices and policies. All persons involved with the team are expected to follow these practices and rules.
Carrying & Moving Boats
Athletes are not permitted to talk once they get hands on a boat in order to ensure all commands given by coaches and coxswains can be easily heard. When carrying and moving boats, athletes are expected watch for obstacles and hazards on their side of the boat and the coxswains is expected to watch for obstacles and hazards around the bow and stern of the boat. Boats should always be moved slowly when swinging or turning as this is when damage to the shells is most likely to occur. It is never OK to swing the bow or stern of a boat or allow the riggers to go through an obstacle such as tree limbs or a bush.
Launching & Recovering
No boat may approach the dock until instructed to do so by a coach. All boats should approach the dock slowly to avoid injury to the athletes and damage to the equipment.
Coxswains are the last to enter a boat when launching and the first to get out when recovering. Rowers are expected to set the boat while coxswains get in and out. Rowers may not undo or open their oar lock while in the boat unless instructed to do so by a coach. All oar locks must be securely closed before getting in a boat when launching and all rowers must be out of the boat before opening oar locks when recovering.
Traffic Rules
Rowers will obey a right-hand traffic pattern unless otherwise instructed by a coach. Coxswains should use an imaginary line bisecting their assigned side of the lake and should stay to the right of that line to avoid risk of collision.
Be sure to take in to account seasonal conditions, such as weeds or shallow spots, that may affect where boats can safely operate.
Rowing Before Sunrise or After Sunset
When rowing before sunrise or after sunset, when visibility is poor and light levels are low, law requires lighting for all boats. Each individual shell and launch is required to have its own USCG approved bow and stern lights.
Lights must be visible when viewed from the bow or stern. A bright light, red on port side, green on starboard side, is mandatory. A bright white light in the stern visible from all directions is also required.
In addition, coxswains should carry a whistle or other noisemaker for audible warnings. Whistles should be used to alert others of imminent danger or collision only.
Cold Weather Rowing
Rowing when the combined water and air temperature is below 100 degrees should be done with great consideration. Hypothermia can come on quickly and is incapacitating. It can take mere minutes before full size adults are incapable of helping themselves once hypothermia has set in. Keep in mind cold air temperatures and any moisture on the body (from being splashed, rain, sleet, and snow) can lead to hypothermia.
Until the combined water and air temperature is above 100 degrees, all boats launching must have a minimum of 4 oars on the water. Care and judgement should be taken by the coaches before launching a double in cold weather.
Safety Launches
Each safety launch should have the following items at a minimum:
Coaches should be aware of the wake their launch creates and should try to minimize wake when passing other crews. At no time should a launches wake be allowed to swamp or endanger a shell, canoe or kayak. If a launch needs to pass or maneuver around a crew, the coach should clearly communicate his/her intentions.
Practice Cancellation & Inclement Weather Policy
Coaches should use common sense in the face of inclement weather. High winds, large or heavy amounts of debris, extreme temperatures, lightning storms, and fog are all reasons for not practicing on the water. Crews should not launch if such conditions exist or are seriously threatening. It is highly advised that coaches and scullers listen closely to local weather channels routinely. We do row in the rain so dress accordingly!
Wind: Coaches and rowers should keep in mind that often times it is easy to launch from the dock, but much harder to recover in windy conditions. Singles, doubles and pairs should not be launched if waves extend over the dock. Fours, quads and eights should not be launched in whitecap conditions. While wind speeds generally decrease later in the evening, a go or no-go decision is ultimately at the coach’s discretion.
Lightning: Crews should return immediately to the dock or proceed immediately to shore if the dock is too far away. There does not have to be rain or thunder to have lightning.
Fog: Fog limits visibility and mutes sounds. If caught in fog, it is recommended that crews proceed with extreme caution and appropriately slower speeds in the direction of the dock. If the fog is too extreme, it may be better to sit still. Be sure to make some noise so others on the water can be alerted to your presence.
In the event there is a cancellation it will be communicated with as much advanced notice as possible. Ultimately, it is the rower’s responsibility on questionable days to check Team Snap or ask a coach before leaving for practice.
Capsize Procedures
NOTE: It is the responsibility of any coach boat to provide assistance to any capsized boats even if from another sport, or a pleasure boat. Coaches are reminded to stop at a safe distance and offer assistance. Approach with caution and in a controlled manner. Be aware of your prop!
All crew members should be fully aware of what actions to take when a crew swamps, flips, or capsizes. In any of these events, the crew should remain with the shell. The shell will float (an important reason to close bow and stern ports before going on the water). Furthermore, the oars will act as flotation devices. If for some reason, the shell sinks below the surface, the shell should be rolled so the bottom is facing the sky, as this traps air underneath the shell and increases buoyancy. At no time should any crew member leave the boat to swim to shore. A short swim can be far longer than it appears due to currents, wind, water temperature, or personal fatigue.
Stay calm. The first thing that should be done in a team boat is for the coxswain or bow person to get a head count to make sure all rowers are accounted for. The crew, while holding onto the shell, should attempt to get the attention of other crews or coaches on the water, waving and making as much noise as is necessary to attract attention. If no crews or launches are on the water nearby, attracting the attention of people on shore is the next step.
If the water and air temperatures are low, then the crew members should move along the shell and huddle together in pairs near the middle of the shell. Effort should be made to keep as much of the body out of the water as possible. This can include draping oneself over the top of the hull. A minimum of movement is key to retaining body heat. Constantly check on crew mates and keep up one on one communication.
Person Overboard
A violent crab by an oarsman can throw them out of the boat. In this situation, it is up to the ejected rower to stay below the surface of the water till the shell has passed which prevents the rower from getting hit in the head by a fast-moving rigger(s).
The crew should stop rowing and hold water immediately so they can lend assistance. The crew should get the attention of the coaches’ launch while the rower treads water. In the event that a launch is not nearby, the crew can back up to the rower in question so the rower can use the shell as a flotation device.
In conjunction and with the help of USRowing, Traverse City Tritons Rowing (hereinafter referred to as “Tritons Rowing”) has adopted the following SafeSport policies. The policies contained in this handbook are internal and meant as a guide for activities sponsored by Tritons Rowing, particularly any programs involving youth participants. This handbook will identify and address six primary types of misconduct, including bullying, harassment, hazing, emotional misconduct, physical misconduct, and sexual misconduct. All forms of misconduct are intolerable and in direct conflict with the USRowing ideals and those of Tritons Rowing. Tritons Rowing is committed to ensuring the safety of its members, coaches, and volunteers.
Accordingly, staff members and/or volunteers complete an awareness training concerning misconduct in sport before performing services for Tritons Rowing. Misconduct in sport includes:
Staff members and/or volunteers must successfully complete the training and the quiz after the test. The test can be found here: https://safesport.org/training
Applicant Screening
All coaches and volunteers must consent to, and pass, a formal applicant screening process before performing services for Tritons Rowing. Elements of our screening process include, as applicable, successful completion of an application, interview, reference check and criminal background check.
To deter applicants who may be at risk of abusing athletes or participants from applying for positions, Tritons Rowing educates its applicants about its protection policies and offers applicants an early opt-out by:
Personal Interview
Appropriate staff will interview applicants whose experience and credentials are considered a fit for available positions. During this interview, Tritons Rowing interviewers will ask questions to encourage discussion and clarify responses.
References
References of applicants will be contacted (either by phone or in writing) and asked specific questions regarding the applicant’s professional experiences, demeanor and appropriateness for involvement with minor athletes and participants.
Background Checks
All applicants will be asked to undergo a Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) approved background check before providing services for Tritons Rowing. Through this background check, TCAPS and Tritons Rowing will utilize reasonable efforts to ascertain past criminal history of an applicant. The information revealed by the background check may disqualify an applicant from serving as a coach or volunteer.
Supervision of Athletes & Participants
During training and competition, Tritons Rowing strives to create a two-deep leadership and minimize one-to-one interactions to create a safe training environment and to protect athletes and participants.
Appropriate One-On-One Interactions
Individual Meetings – An individual meeting may be necessary to address an athlete’s concerns, training program, or competition schedule. Under these circumstances, coaches, staff members and/or volunteers are to observe the following guidelines:
Individual Training Sessions – An individual training session(s) with an athlete or may also be desired or necessary. Under these circumstances, written permission of a minor athlete’s parents or guardians is required in advance of the individual training session(s).
Prohibited One-On-One Interactions
Except as set forth above, minor athletes will not be left unattended or unsupervised during Tritons Rowing activities and Tritons Rowing coaches, staff members and/or volunteers are prohibited from being alone with an individual athlete or participant in any room, building, car or bus.
Appropriate Physical Contact
Tritons Rowing adheres to the following principles and guidelines in regards to physical contact with our athletes: Common Criteria for Appropriate Physical Contact: Physical contact with athletes – for safety, consolation and celebration – has multiple criteria in common which make them both safe and appropriate. These include:
Safety: The safety of our athletes is paramount and in many instances we make the athletic space safer through appropriate physical contact. Examples include:
Celebration: Sports are physical by definition and we recognize participants often express their joy of participation, competition, achievement and victory through physical acts. We encourage these public expressions of celebration, which include:
Consolation: It may be appropriate to console an emotionally distressed athlete (e.g., an athlete who has been injured or has just lost a competition). Appropriate consolation includes publicly:
Violations
Violations of this policy must be reported to a Tritons Rowing supervisor, administrator, or member of the Tritons Rowing Safety Committee and violations will be addressed under our Disciplinary Rules and Procedure. Some forms of physical contact may constitute child physical or sexual abuse that must be reported to appropriate law enforcement authorities.
Athlete Protection Policy
In the event that any staff member or volunteer observes inappropriate behaviors (i.e., policy violations), suspected physical or sexual abuse, or misconduct, it is the personal responsibility of each staff member and volunteer to immediately report his or her observations to the Tritons Rowing Head Coach.
Tritons Rowing is committed to creating a safe and positive environment for athletes’ physical, emotional and social development and to ensuring that it promotes an environment free of misconduct.
Staff members and volunteers should not attempt to evaluate the credibility or validity of child physical or sexual abuse allegations as a condition for reporting to appropriate law enforcement authorities. Instead, it is the responsibility of each staff member and volunteers to immediately report suspicions or allegations of child physical or sexual abuse to an immediate Tritons Rowing supervisor or Tritons Rowing Head Coach. Complaints and allegations will be addressed under Tritons Rowing’s Disciplinary Rules and Procedure.
Tritons Rowing recognizes that the process for training and motivating athletes will vary with each coach and athlete, but it is nevertheless important for everyone involved in sport to support the use of motivational and training methods that avoid misconduct.
All athletes must register and pay the full cost of the program in order to participate. Any athlete who needs to withdraw must notify Tritons Rowing staff by email and must include the following information: athlete’s name, name for the refund check, address for refund check and the reason for withdrawal. You will receive a confirmation from Tritons Rowing staff if you send this email. 100% of the participation fee will be refunded if requested prior to the start of the season. 75% of the participation fee, less the $35 TCAPS participation fee, will be refunded if within the first week of the season. No refund will be offered after the last practice of the first week of the season.