the good

8
R AC E DAY - P R E PA R AT I O N
R ace

8 .1

8.2
the good
D ay -

Introduction

Crew Routine
P reparation

Common Routines
8
p5

p6
7
Common Routine Breakers 8

8.3 Race Day Schedule p10

Race Day Schedule Pitfalls 12
Preparing a Race Day Schedule 13
Loading & Packing 14
Programming & Timing 1 6
Preparation & Launching 23
Meeting Pre-race 29

Quick Glossary p32

The Good Coxswain knows... p34

“If you fail to plan,
you plan to fail ”
A nonymo u s
the good

8 . 1 I N T R O D U C T I O N 8
Good planning, not good luck, is the secret of a successful regatta day.
The race is the culmination of weeks and months, and sometimes years,
of planning. Done well, the entire crew will be “lucky”; done poorly...?

“The harder I work, the luckier I get,” is no less true for coxswains than
for any other individual with a cause. The coxswain’s hard work will not
be measured in the sweat and calluses of his crewmembers, or in the
volume of his own voice, but in the response he is able to elicit from
those crewmembers.

Saying the right thing, at the right time, to the right person is the greater 
part of a coxswain’s “luck” on race day. It is not the roll of a dice that makes
a crew confident of success; confidence can only be proportionate to the
amount of planning. The crew that has a coxswain that knows what to do
and when to do it is stronger than the crew that waits to “see what happens”.

There are three areas in which a good crew is well prepared prior to race
day and these depend to a significant degree upon the coxswain:

1 Crew Routine

2 Race Day Schedule

3 Race Plan

Routines, schedules and plans offer predictability. With them there are
very few surprises; without them there can only be chance, confusion and
uncertainty. This booklet is an appropriate drawing together of all the
skills outlined in the preceding booklets into a plan for a good coxswain’s
race day success.
8 . 2 C R e w routin e C o m m on R outin e s
The good coxswain will be instrumental in establishing and maintaining the
In rowing training, there is, by necessity, much repetition. The coach knows
following routines. They will be done at the coxswain’s instigation on race day
that practice makes perfect and therefore he provides the crew with as
without the crew’s need to devote time and thought to their implementation
many opportunities as possible to practice. The more times a rowing skill
because they have been done the same way many times before.
is practised the easier and better it is done. Ultimately, it becomes second
nature and is done automatically without the need for much thought. Launching and landing
In effect it becomes a habit.

Rowing crews and coaches need good habits in place before race day. Good Stopping and starting
habits will allow the crew to operate on ‘automatic pilot’ in some areas while
focusing on the more primary race-winning matters in others. The crew Turning and adjusting
does not wish to be distracted by the trivial or to use their limited energies
on the unnecessary. Anything that allows a crew to think less, do relatively
Briefing and debriefing
less and focus more on the race should be encouraged.

The good coxswain will work toward this goal in training. He will encourage Warm up and warm down
good training habits - establishing consistent, predictable patterns
of crew response to his commands. Each rower will know, expect and
Command and response
understand the coxswain’s commands because they have heard them many,
many times before. Just as “Pull it around three, check it STROKE-SIDE,”
Technical focus and fault correction 
would not provoke questions nor confusion, the coxswain should be able to
expect an immediate and desired response. The crew will respond without
the need for thought. All of these have been covered in the preceding booklets and require no
further explanation here. These routines are to be retained according to
standard training practises; they do not require change when applied on
race day.
 8 . 2 C R EW R O U T I N E c o n t ’ d . . .
C o m m on R outin e B r e a k e rs
Routines are strangely familiar things and are a great source of
comfort to the rower. Thankfully, they can be very transportable and T H E R E a r e m a n y o p p ortuniti e s f or routin e s to
will work just as well at the training venue as at the regatta venue. b e bro k e n b y th e co x s w a in during a r e g att a :
They can change a “hostile” new environment into a “friendly” familiar
environment. It is the coxswain that will ‘pack and carry’ the routine
Commands
from venue to venue. Even minor changes to the routine can be
unsettling therefore the coxswain will guard against any unnecessary Issuing all orders with a high, agitated voice instead of the
variance by interceding on behalf of the crew. The good coxswain will controlled modulated voice to which the crew is use
know the routine and aggressively protect it while remaining calm and to responding.
in control.
Addressing rowers in short abrupt statements rather
than being friendly and in control.

Rushing the normal routine with anxious commands.

Planning Cox/Crew Interaction

Predicta Spending more time with friends from other clubs or

bility crews rather than with the crew. 

Confiden Arguing with an agitated crewmember prior to racing

ce rather than remaining calm and in control.

Strength Giving attention to opposition crews while on the water

rather than concentrating upon the needs of the crew.
Success
! Preparation
Removing necessary warm clothing prior to
launching and allowing the rowers to be
insufficiently warm.

Making a nervous visit to the amenities

block while the crew takes the boat
from the racks to the water.

Allowing excited parents or

friends to interrupt briefings
or launching.
8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E
“We will see what happens,” The crew should know what buffeted between the varying demands
or “Let’s just play it by ear,” are to expect on race day and the of the day. However, the crew that has
often the words spoken by crews coxswain will be instrumental in planned can sit in the eye of this whirling
that see winning as just a matter reminding them. cyclone of activity, keenly focused on the
of luck. However, the wisdom of There can be no denying that race job at hand but enjoying the opportunity to
the following well worn cliché is day is exciting. Most regattas have be a part of the main event – the racing.
still as relevant today as it was the heady air of a carnival. They are securely tethered to the race
when first coined, “If you fail to day plan they formed together in advance
plan, then you plan to fail.” A great buzz of excitement and of the day’s excitement.
The good coxswain expectation is fed by the constant
will recognise comings and The effective race day plan or schedule
that the goings of crews evolves over many weeks of training and
unplanned The crew that dressed in their racing. It is through the corroboration
approach to of rowers, cox and coach that this plan
regatta day is
does not have representative
colours and by evolves.
contrary to the a race plan the wild, cheering
crew’s best Each asks the question: under what
supporters
interests. will quickly amassed on the
circumstances do we perform at 11
our best? The race day plan is the
Having already get swept up banks. The large
resulting answer, arrived at through
flotilla of boats
laid the
in the tide of dotting the rowing
observation, discussion and experience.
foundations for
The good coxswain will keenly note the
a successful excitement. course, on their
circumstances under which the crew
regatta day way to the start
achieves its best results and then seek
by applying line, has all the
to replicate these circumstances come
a familiar crew routine, the hallmarks of a parade. It is a
race day. A written plan will be drawn up
coxswain can now start exercising fun time, a social time, a time of
by the coxswain in collaboration with the
further responsibilities to help celebration. It is very easy to get
establish and apply a well-planned swept up in the giddy excitement coach that utilises the very best elements
race day schedule. of a successful race day.
of others.
This schedule will be the result
The crew that does not have a
of rower, coach and cox meeting
race day plan will quickly get
together in the course of training,
swept up in the tide of excitement.
prior to and after regattas, to see
what special needs must be met They have no solid mooring point
on the race day. It is certainly not offering reassurance, stability
a matter of “playing it by ear”. and predictability. They risk being
 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .
R a c e D a y S ch e dul e Pit f a lls
Often, it is an awareness of what can go wrong that dictates what is to be A race day plan does not avoid all problems but acknowledges that
included in this plan or schedule. Working backwards from a bad result problems can arise and that the crew can be proactive in forestalling
can help pinpoint the pitfalls to avoid on future race days. or avoiding unfavourable consequences. The good coxswain will work
actively toward seeing that a race day plan is in place and closely followed
by each crewmember – no excuses!

S o m e o f th e m or e dis a strous d a y s c a n b e
tr a c e d b a c k to th e s e w e ll - k no w n gr e m lins : Pr e p a ring a r a c e d a y sch e dul e
So what form should a race day schedule take so as to avoid a poor
“I slept in.”
performance? It can be broken into four distinct areas:
“I forgot to pack my zootsuit.”

“No one told me what time the race was.” 1 Loading and packing

“I couldn’t find the crew.”

2 Programming and timing

“The boat wasn’t rigged properly.”

3 Preparation and launching
“I couldn’t hear the starter.”
12
“I didn’t know I had to go around that buoy.” 4 Starting and racing (Booklet 9)

“Bow had an asthma attack.”

Each of these is to be included in the good coxswain’s race day schedule
“We weren’t properly warmed up.” and will evolve in a form that works for the individual coxswain.

“I didn’t have time to eat.” The following pages outline a generic example that will suit most
coxswains. However, “one size does not always fit all”. Individual
“I forgot to charge the coxbox.” coxswains will have to think carefully to assess that their unique
circumstances, can be catered for by this example.
“I couldn’t find a program.”

“The coach yelled at us.”

“I needed to go to the toilet.”

“We collided with a boat on the

way to the start.”
 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .
L O A D I N G & PA C K I N G

B Equipment for the cox to be loaded and

a Personal items to be packed by the cox
transported to the regatta:
prior to race day:
• Coxbox and charger (pacecoach)
• Race clothing (uniform) • Tool kit
• Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions (change of clothing) • Weights bag
• Sunglasses
• Sensor and speakers
• Skin Protection
• Drink bottle
C Sundry items to be taken for use at
• Towel
the regatta:
• Snacks
• Regatta program
• Money
• Race plan
• Watch
• Notebook and pen
• Race day schedule
• Logbook
• Coach Instructions
14
• Course protocols and map
• Rowers’ and coach’s phone numbers

It is recommended that all of these items be packed in the evening prior to

the race day. It is never appropriate to hastily load or pack these items at
the very last minute – the risk of forgetting something is magnified many
times over. A standard list of items should be pinned to the wall at home
or in the logbook to be checked off prior to leaving for a regatta.
Some items will be loaded with the boats and oars for transportation.
These items, although transported by another individual will still be the
sole responsibility of the coxswain. Coxswains should always attend boat
loading to guarantee that their items are loaded but also to exercise their
role as crew organiser in the process of loading.
Rowers will have their own personal checklist. The good coxswain will
reinforce the need for this checklist at every opportunity. Boat loading
would be an ideal time to double check that all rowers are organised
and that nothing, boats and oars included, is likely to be forgotten.
 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .
P R O G R AMM I N G & T I M I N G
Before each regatta a coxswain will know or seek to find out the races The information that the good coxswain will need:
for which they are entered. Ideally, the coach will possess all of this
information and pass it on to the crew. However, this may not always a Regatta Program
happen and will require the good coxswain to exercise some initiative in
accessing this information from the coach or by other means. • Boat Class / Event Category / Division
(eg. Women’s Open 4+ (Division 1))
It is not uncommon for regatta programmes to be published well in
advance of race day on a dedicated website. The cox should know this • Race Distance (eg. 2000 metres)
website (usually the state rowing association e.g. Rowing Victoria)
and access it. A print out will be a valuable resource when planning a • Time of Race (eg. 3:15pm)
regatta day schedule. If this is not available then the coxswain should be
determined to arrive at the regatta with enough time to buy and study the • Race Number (eg. Race #73)
regatta program.
• Lane Number (eg. Lane 3)

• Bow Number (eg. F3)

• Preceding Race (eg. Female Novice Single Scull (Div 4) Race #72)
17
• Competition (eg. Lane 2 – MUBC, Lane 4 – Mercantile)

• Progression (eg. 1st and 2nd through to Final Race #124)

When considering lane numbers be aware that changes can be made to

the lane positioning prior to the race – be prepared for change. Also, the
coxswain should be aware of the sequencing of numbers. Normally, lane
one is the lane closest to the judges position on the finish line and they
proceed in sequence to the far lane.

Like any traveller the coxswain must also know where he is going, how
to get there and the special circumstances that prevail at the destination.
The regatta day schedule is not ‘one-size-fits-all’.

The schedule will change to meet the varying circumstances between

regatta venues. Schedules are about timing and the variables outlined
below will have real and dramatic consequences upon the time needed to
apply an effective schedule. The good coxswain will seek to address these
variables when drafting the race day plan.
P R O G R AMM I N G & T I M I N G cont ’d... 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .

B Regatta Location D Traffic

• Venue name, address, location • Distances to be travelled via boat (eg. between launching area and
(eg. Barwon River, Geelong, Map Ref. 122 G5) start of course - 1000 metres, 2000 metres etc)
• Travel direction to venue (eg. West Gate Freeway to Princes Hwy) • Speed (eg. time required to move between launch and start)
• Travel time (eg. 1 hour, 5 minutes) • Flow (eg. likely obstacles or delays to traffic)
• Venue access (eg. walking required to access boats, parking) • Restrictions (eg. buoys, lanes or policing that exist to regulate
When to leave home is the imperative first step for any crewmember on traffic that may require alternate courses or detours)
race day. It is always best to err on the side of caution. The crew should be
The good coxswain will always assume that the regatta is running
prepared for the maximum travel time plus thirty minutes. Then if parking
according to schedule. Ignore rumours that racing has been delayed.
or vehicle access is some distance from the boats then a further amount of
Unless announced by the regatta secretary via public address, continue
time should be added. Of course if boats are to be unloaded and rigged then
to follow the program schedule. Too many crews fall victim to rumour
the crew should be advised to adjust their arrival time accordingly.
and arrive too late for racing.
A rough rule of thumb would be to arrive no less than one and a half hours
prior to the crew’s scheduled race time. The good coxswain will be extremely conscious of any circumstances
that may retard the crew’s progress to the start of the race. It is not
enough to say that twenty minutes will be allowed to complete pre-
C Available Amenities race warm-ups if there are other factors that may influence this time.
19
Will crews be asked to stop to allow races to proceed down the course?
• Racking, launching and landing Are crews required to be marshalled 500 metres beyond the start line?
(eg. floating staging, permanent racking) Are crews required to take more circuitous routes to the start to avoid
• Amenities traffic congestion? Is there too much traffic to allow a free flow of boats
(eg. access to toilets, change-rooms, showers, gym, shedding etc) down the outside of the course?

• Shelter (eg. protection from sun, wind, rain etc) The programming and timing of a crew’s regatta day schedule will
depend upon these essential elements and the coxswain will seek to
Forewarned is forearmed when it comes to rowing amenities. Only in
have this information prior to the regatta so that an
knowing the layout of the regatta venue can accurate estimations be
accurate timetable can be drawn up to govern race day
made re the timing of scheduled activities, meeting points and special
success. The regatta day program will usually have
needs. The crew must meet at the boat prior to racing – where are these
traffic flow directives included and a recommended
boats to be racked? The crew will be required to change in preparation for
time for crews to be in the starting marshals
racing – where will they do this? If the day has the extremes of weather
hands prior to a race.
where will the crew shelter? The good coxswain will be instrumental in
caring for the crew’s needs by knowing the amenities available and the
likely time required to fulfil these needs.
P R O G R AMM I N G & T I M I N G cont ’d... 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .

This is the race day in its most skeleton-like form. The coxswain will
have made a close study of the program and be the chief timekeeper for
the crew. He will then be able to marshal the crew according to these
times with frequent reminders and encouragement to be prompt. Further

’s basic
responsibilities can now be added to give real body to this broad outline.

Th e c o xsw a in
t t a d a y tim e fra m e w ill
re g a
o k so m e t h in g like th is:
n o w lo
6 :1 5 am Ri se

6 : 30 am Br ea k fa st
la nd , I knew whe
d tr av el to Ro w re I was bu
Le av e ho m e an t the rest
7: 0 0 am was lost! Fift of the crew
Pa dd le r ’s Ri ve r een minute
s before ra
ck b et w ee n and they w ce time
w al k to b oa t ra eren’t to b 21
8 :1 0 am Ar ri ve @ ve nu e e found. Te
n minutes
ed B before rac
Sh ed A an d Sh e time and
we were on
– nervous, a the water
ed A ngry, rushe
8 : 25 am M ee t cr ew @ Sh d, distracte
at each oth d and
er’s throats.
oa d an d Ri g b oa
t They had all
8 : 30 am U nl together a been
nd just forg
ot to check
ed A to ch an ge Five minute the time.
9 :1 0 am Cr ew m ee t @ Sh s before ra
ce time an
pretty muc d we were
Je t t y # 2 h exhauste
9 : 30 am L au nc h b oa t @ d – we had
ur se rowed our already
ea @ st ar t of co race in ange
Cr ew in m ar sh al lin g ar r, stress an
10 : 0 0 am
Two minutes d rush.
an e 2 st ar ts into our rac
en ’s O p en Fo ur & Ra ce # 24 L e... our day
was over!
10 :1 0 am W om Ethan Caan
, Coxswain
 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .

“A coxswain’s confidence P R e p a r a tion & L a unching

and enthusiasm can

The good coxswain, like the good scout will always be prepared.
Therefore, the cox will now add further detail to the basic race day

be just the fuel the

timeframe so that nothing is overlooked. This may come in the form of a
race day “to do list”. Here are some suggestions that may be added to the
race day schedule.

crew needs. ” Equipment

Obtain a regatta program.

Retrieve coxbox, check that it is charged and safely stored.

Check that all leads and speaker systems are in working order
after boat transport.

Check that rudder and wire/string is in working order.

22

Weigh in
If the coxswain is under the required minimum weight for coxswains at
this particular regatta then a weight bag may need to be carried by the
coxswain in the boat. National and international weights are male 55kg
and female 50kg. However, this may vary between regattas and rowing
associations so the coxswain is advised to check that weights
are required.

Check that weights have been transported to the regatta and

they are stored.

Find out the location of the clerk of scales

(if weigh-in is required).

Weigh in (if necessary).

P R e p a r a tion & l a unch c o n t ’ d . . . 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .

Coach and Crew Rowing Course

Roll call crew upon arrival at scheduled meeting time and place. Read any available course information e.g. the race program.
Ascertain whereabouts of any absentees – inform coach. • How long is the race?
• How far apart are races?
Provide crew with a meeting time(s) and place for race preparation • Where can the crew stop or turn?
during the day. • Where can the crew warm up?

Know the special circumstances under which penalties of exclusion

Know where your crew is going to be if not at the meeting point. or removal are likely.
Ideally, stay as a crew when at the regatta.
• Will going through that arch of the bridge disqualify the crew?
• What will happen if my bow seat rower wears a different hat
Obtain contact details for the coach if needed during the day. from other crew members?
• Must the crew have a bow number?

Walk the course to ascertain distances and landmarks, if it

is unfamiliar.
• Will the crew’s race plan be applicable to this course?
• How will I know when the crew has three hundred metres to go?
• How can you use that tree or bridge during the race?

If possible, attend the start to familiarise yourself with the starting

procedure. Is it a side start or held start?
• Does the starter use a flag, verbal command or lights etc?
• How long are the crews held in the start?
• Is there a roll call?

Speak with the coach and/or other coxswains re likely course

difficulties for coxswains.
• Is there a point within the race where a crew may be buffeted
by a crosswind?
• Is there a “dog’s leg” (gradual bend) in the course?

Become familiar with lane numbers and buoying systems.

• Are there buoys that indicate “no go zones” or the
“500 metre point” or the “turning zone”?
• Are the lanes numbered from left to right or right to left?
(Lane 1 = judges side)
P R e p a r a tion & l a unch c o n t ’ d . . . 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .

Conditions Boat Numbers

A rowing course is as changeable as the weather. The conditions that
Check whether lane numbers are required for each
prevail at one regatta day may vary considerably at the next. This change competing crew.
can happen within a space of a few minutes. Weather is the chief influence
upon regatta day conditions; therefore, careful note must be taken of its Ascertain from where the number is to be obtained.
influence by the coxswain. Commonly a table will be situated in an area close to the boat
storage area where plastic numbers can be obtained.
Note the direction of the wind - will there be likely influence on
the course lanes as a result of wind? Will the coxswain be required Also, ascertain whether a deposit is required by the crew to
to steer windward or keep a constant pressure on the rudder to obtain a bow number – how much is this? Commonly this will be
$5 or $10 refundable upon return of the number.
avoid veering into other lanes or the buoying system? Remember
in side winds, always be on the windward side of the lane. Inspect the boat you will be using to see that a boat number
holder is attached to the bow of the boat just behind the bow
Speak with coach about the conditions and any necessary ball. If there is not, find alternate means for attaching a bow
changes to steering and race plan as a result of the conditions. number prior to racing.
Will the starting procedure vary i.e. if crews are having trouble
Check the race program to see what number is required to be
holding their boats straight in strong winds a “quick start”
attached to the boat. Understand the progression in numbers
procedure may be used? What is a quick start? (Refer to Booklet #9) and letters so that you can identify, on the water, those crews that
will be in your crew’s race and what lane they will be in. It is also
Decide with the coach the appropriate dress for firstly, rowing
worth noting the numbers of preceding races so that the crew 27
to the start under current conditions and secondly, waiting to becomes aware of the gradual race progression toward their own
race during the day. Waiting at the start for a considerable period race time.
in only the racing uniform can be harmful if it is very cold or hot.
A well prepared crew will not suffer the elements (eg. excessive The coxswain must allow sufficient time to acquire a boat
sweating or shivering). number prior to the race. A last minute race to the numbers’
table will often be met with a long queue of other coxswains or
Take necessary shelter to avoid the harmful effects of high or crew representatives doing the same – this could delay the crew
low temperatures while waiting to race. Once again, know getting onto the water.
the venue and use its facilities. If there are none make alternate
arrangements.

Be sure that rowers (and coxswain) have come prepared to The progression of bow numbers will follow much like
use shade, water bottles, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses etc. this standard alpha-numeric process:
for high temperatures. Sunburn, dehydration, sunstroke and Race Number 1 = A | Race Number 2 = B | Race Number 3 = C etc.
hyperthermia are all dangers that can be avoided. Once the letters of the alphabet have been exhausted they begin again at A.

Be sure that rowers (and coxswain) have come prepared to use For each race there is a corresponding number to indicate the lane to be
spray jackets, overcoats etc for low temperatures. A crew risks occupied by a crew in that race.
hypothermia and limited physical functioning if left to shiver, not A crew in lane 2 would have a 2 added to the letter of the race. For example,
to mention the increased chance of illness during regular training a crew in Race 4, Lane 2 would carry the bow number D2.
after the regatta day. The lanes may vary from course to course so check the program to be sure.
 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .

M e e ting Pr e - r a c e
Prior to racing, the crew and the coach will gather back at the prearranged

“A goal without
meeting place, at the prearranged meeting time – the coxswain will make
sure this happens. Advisedly, this will be no less than 50 minutes prior

a plan is just
to the scheduled start time of the crew’s race. It is an ideal time for the
coxswain to check that all organisational issues have been taken care of and
that nothing has been overlooked that would thwart the crew’s chance of

a wish. ”
obtaining the best possible result.
Primarily, the crew briefing will prepare all members to be physically and
mentally ready for the race.

A ntoine de S aint - E x u pe‘ ry The briefing will unify all the diverging individual forces of the crewmembers.
Their energies will be focused and all outside distractions will be firmly
placed outside the impenetrable wall of the crew’s unity. The coxswain will
work actively toward encouraging this positive sense of purpose and crew
unity. This time should become a very big part of race day routine and will
vary little between races if done well.

29

“Stroke was being th

e clown, bow was in
another of her mo
ods and three seat
...
between yawns, didn
’t look particularly
interested at all! Ca
ll me psychic, but I
knew that we were
not ready to race
.
I mentioned it to th
e coach and she
agreed. But before
we could do anythin
g
about it, two seats
ancient grandfathe
r
pushed into our br
iefing huddle and be
gan
telling us about his
1934 race at Oxford
!
It was going to be
a disaster!”
Georgie Filip, Coxswa
in
 .. 8 . 3 R A C E D AY S C H E D U L E c o n t ’ d . . .
C E c o n t ’ d .
T I N G P R E - R A
MEE
eted :
wing should be compl
In order, the follo
ber reminders
ll gi ve ea ch in dividual crewmem
wi
1: The coxswain eparation.
gistics of race pr en, brought
relevant to the lo bo ttl es , applied sunscre t
For exampl e: ha ve th ey wa te r
le that is valuable bu
et c. Th is is a “h ouse keeping” ro ke n ca re
appropriate cloth
ing rs, once ta
ation. These mat te 7: The cr
ou ld on ly be do ne early in prepar ew takes oars
sh e race . to the wa
y to focusing on th ter’s edge
of, should give wa .
sion.
xswain’s posses
m be r sh ou ld now be in the co 8: The co
2: The bow nu x swain re
trieves th
from stora e cox box
ge. and weig
The cox w hts bag
ill also ma
, do them now emergenc ke sure that h
stre tches to be done y repairs. e is carr yin
3: If there are day) . be carried (If necessa g a tool ba
e first race of the ghly and be an by the cox ry, a writte g for
(Especially for th , th ey sh ou ld be done thorou swain.) n race pla
n can also
They should not
be ru sh ed s concentration is
th e pr oc es s by which the crew’ ent of
ac tive ingredient
in ake a quick assessm 9:
e co ac h an d th e coxswain may m is sta ge . If focus is
Crew lays
hands on
focused. Th
l pr ep are dn es s for racing at th T he cox b
ox a n d we b oat and
carries it
logica
the crew’s psycho dress this. T he carr y ights sho u
ld b e with
to the wa
ter.
kin g th en th er e is still time to ad tr aff ic p att
ing of the
b o at to th the cox sw
lac inutes. e water (in ain .
30 ht jog for 5-10 m erns) will
b e co o rdin acco rdance
, wi th co xs wa in, will go for a lig cre w jog to
fre e. Do n
ot allow in ate d, dis ci with
4: The crew at area and a interested cidental ta p line d an
be a cre w wa lk away from the bo th e po sit ive en ergy parents, fr lk o r distractio d in cident
This may wa in is contributing to the rowers iends and
team mem
n. Discoura
ge
e th e co xs
entration an d fo cus in convers
return. All the tim ag ain gauge the conc ation. bers from
engaging
e cre w. On ce pe rce ive any
surrounding th return if you
w – re po rt to th e coach upon your ge ne ra l. 1 0: Place
of the cre or the crew in boat on th
rticular individuals routine o e water w
problems with pa R ememb e
f training
.
ith the no
w very fa
g. miliar
h for a race briefin r, routine
m ee ts with the coac motivated and nervousne and familia
5: Th e cr ew
race plan clarified
, th e cre w ss of the cr r ca ll s will ease
ha ve th e should be these sma ew – they some of th
This is the tim e to ed. The coxswain ll comfort will rely u e
ssa ry qu es tio ns asked and answer e ra ce an d the key will be calm s. T he cox swa pon the co
x swain for
any nece
to th e co ac h’s objec tives for th pects
– at least o
n the surf
in will not
rush his ca
particularly at tent
ive o the technical as ace. lls and
ou tli ne th os e ob jec tives. Note als is inf or mation
words used to neral. All of th
r ea ch ro we r and the crew in ge in th e bo at later There is n
referred to fo
pr eparing the cre w othing mo
ly va lua bl e wh en
xswain will be th e arrived w re left to
will be particular ing . Remember, the co here go o d do on lan
d; the mo
– the crew will ne
ed re m ind planning ment ha s
race. pays off.
e boat during the
coach’s voice in th
e coach.
6: The coxswa
in speaks with th clarification from
the
br ief ed it is an ideal time to seek d wi th the
be en y not have share
After the crew has fu rth er detail that he ma e ra ce
h ma y ad d to ap pl y th
coach. The coac od coxswain
ac h wi ll re ly he avily upon the go tan ce s of a rac e and
crew. The co e changing circu ms
crew, respond to th to how this may be
plan, motivate the bo at . If th ere is any doubt as
ice in th e rification.
be the coach’s vo e time to seek cla
e co x, fo r th is ra ce, then this is th
done by th
 quick
cont ’d....

boat ( bow ) numbe rs ( R ace day) schedule

A number printed upon synthetic materials to distinguish A timetable of duties to be organised and completed on race
one crew from another during a race. Normally, it is day by the crew.
attached near the bow ball and will indicate lane number
and race.
weightbag A durable and secure bag that contains heavy materials
equal to the specified minimum weight a coxswain must
BRIEFING Outline or instructions given by the coach prior to racing. be to race.

clerk of scales zootsuit A one piece (top and bottom) rowing suit often used
An appointed official whose role is to weigh coxswains as uniform.
(if required) and lightweight rowers prior to racing.

( Crew ) routine
The familiar and predictable way the crew operates in the
boat to avoid confusion or surprise.

L ANDMARK S : Objects or structures easily seen from the boat by

the coxswain marking important stages in a race’s
progression or planning.

L ANE : A strip of water on a rowing course defined by buoys to

confine boats to their fair portion of area in order to avoid
collision or unfair advantage.

R ACE PROGRESSION
The relationship between the finishing order of crews to
their qualification for advancement to future races i.e.
heats, semi-finals and finals.
 the good

T H E G O O D C O X S WA I N W I L L :

Know that he must have a set crew routine in place

before race day.

Understand that crew confidence is proportionate to

the amount of pre-race planning done.

Be aware of actions on race day that can disrupt a routine. © 2007 Andrew O’Brien
RowEd
Identify key tasks for completion on race day prior to E-mail: info@rowed.com.au
www.rowed.com.au
the regatta.
First Published in 2008
Know what personal items should be taken to a regatta Rowing Victoria Incorporated
Suite 13, 20 Commercial Rd,
by a coxswain. Melbourne VIC 3004
Telephone: 03 9820 8888
www.rowingvictoria.asn.au
Possess the necessary equipment for competition.
Cartoon Graphics
Be familiar with the information to Will Goodwin
www.willgoodwin.com.au
be gained from a regatta program.
Design / Production
Know in advance the layout of the Gillian Deeble
www.gjddesigns.com.au
course and the wider venue
The Good Coxswain title and the series of booklets are copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act
1968 and any subsequent amendments, no part may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted by any means
Be able to monitor the movements and or process whatsoever without prior written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the Author – Andrew O’Brien,
RowEd Australia.
preparedness of his crew at a regatta.
Disclaimer
The author and publisher believe all material produced for The Good Coxswain is correctly and accurately researched.
However, we give no warranty in relation thereto and disclaim liability for all claims against the publication, its employees
or any person associated which may arise from any material contained within its pages which may be challenged by any
persons. Views expressed by the Good Coxswain are not necessarily those of Rowing Australia or associated State Rowing
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