HTCC REGATTA PRIMER
PARTICIPATION
Generally, every rower is expected to attend all regattas in which the team is competing - regardless of whether or not the rower is racing. Those not competing play an important role in supporting their team mates and cheering them onto victory.
There are times when the coaches determine that attendance at a particular regatta will be voluntary for those not racing and they will inform the team accordingly. Of course, rowers are always welcome at any race.
WHEN TO ARRIVE
Unless otherwise directed by the coach, Rowers are to arrive 2 hours before their races not on Cooper River and 1 1/2 hours for events held on Cooper River. Please allow plenty of travel time - it can get very crowded with all teams arriving at the same time.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Rowers are responsible for getting themselves to and from the regatta. The team does not provide transportation. Most families car-pool and use the contact sheet to coordinate with each other. Be sure to talk to your child; he/she may have already made plans with a team mate about ride sharing..
Parking is rarely right next to the race course. You can drop rowers off near the load-in site, but parents should plan on walking a distance. Free trolley service is available at most Schuylkill River events to ferry spectators from paid parking lots ($15) at top of hill and the race venue.
FOOD
Food is provided at each race for rowers, parents and family members. Groups of families take turns providing the food and they decide among themselves what to serve.. Tent is set up 2 hours before the team's first race and food is provided continually until rowers in the last race have been served.
The club sets up 1-2 tents at each regatta for overhead protection of food tables and some shelter for parents/rowers. Families must provide their own chairs/blankets. It is a long day - the chairs are worth schlepping.
WHAT TO WEAR...WHAT TO DO!
The weather is changeable and conditions on the riverbank quite different with chilly winds whipping off the water. Layering is smart. While the tents have sides, there is no heater.
There can be a fair amount of down time. Many bring books and other items to fill in the gaps between races.
Restroom facilities are 'quirky' or non-existent. Usually consists of port-o-potties with unreliable supply of toilet paper.
If you have a cow bell - bring it. Great noise maker. NOT ALLOWED are horns, and whistles of any type. They can be confused with what referees use to alert racers.
Do not hesitate to contact a member of the Board or a veteran parent if you have any questions.
RESOURCES
RegattaCentral - for details about a particular race, will include race times/lineup for HTCC boats.
US Rowing - an excellent resource about rowing (terms, FAQs, history of sport).
Generally, every rower is expected to attend all regattas in which the team is competing - regardless of whether or not the rower is racing. Those not competing play an important role in supporting their team mates and cheering them onto victory.
There are times when the coaches determine that attendance at a particular regatta will be voluntary for those not racing and they will inform the team accordingly. Of course, rowers are always welcome at any race.
WHEN TO ARRIVE
Unless otherwise directed by the coach, Rowers are to arrive 2 hours before their races not on Cooper River and 1 1/2 hours for events held on Cooper River. Please allow plenty of travel time - it can get very crowded with all teams arriving at the same time.
TRANSPORTATION & PARKING
Rowers are responsible for getting themselves to and from the regatta. The team does not provide transportation. Most families car-pool and use the contact sheet to coordinate with each other. Be sure to talk to your child; he/she may have already made plans with a team mate about ride sharing..
Parking is rarely right next to the race course. You can drop rowers off near the load-in site, but parents should plan on walking a distance. Free trolley service is available at most Schuylkill River events to ferry spectators from paid parking lots ($15) at top of hill and the race venue.
FOOD
Food is provided at each race for rowers, parents and family members. Groups of families take turns providing the food and they decide among themselves what to serve.. Tent is set up 2 hours before the team's first race and food is provided continually until rowers in the last race have been served.
The club sets up 1-2 tents at each regatta for overhead protection of food tables and some shelter for parents/rowers. Families must provide their own chairs/blankets. It is a long day - the chairs are worth schlepping.
WHAT TO WEAR...WHAT TO DO!
The weather is changeable and conditions on the riverbank quite different with chilly winds whipping off the water. Layering is smart. While the tents have sides, there is no heater.
There can be a fair amount of down time. Many bring books and other items to fill in the gaps between races.
Restroom facilities are 'quirky' or non-existent. Usually consists of port-o-potties with unreliable supply of toilet paper.
If you have a cow bell - bring it. Great noise maker. NOT ALLOWED are horns, and whistles of any type. They can be confused with what referees use to alert racers.
Do not hesitate to contact a member of the Board or a veteran parent if you have any questions.
RESOURCES
RegattaCentral - for details about a particular race, will include race times/lineup for HTCC boats.
US Rowing - an excellent resource about rowing (terms, FAQs, history of sport).