Seeking Casual Rowing Coach – Richmond Rowing Club 

Richmond Rowing Club is a community rowing club that strives to provide opportunities to participate,  develop and compete in a friendly and inclusive community on and off water.  

The role 

Richmond Rowing Club has enjoyed regular appearances and success at Vic State Championships and  Australian National Masters Championships.  

We have opportunities available for enthusiastic and experienced Rowing Coaches to work with our Senior Program. You will work closely with the Head of Rowing Michael Hedger and Head Coach William Golding, to coach, mentor and develop the club rowing program.  

Our coaches play a critical part in ensuring that our program is delivered in a professional manner whilst role modeling the behavior and standards expected of Richmond Rowing Club.

About You 

To be considered for a rowing coach position you will require: 

Essential

• Level 1 or 2 Rowing Coaching Accreditation  

• Previous coaching experience in a club environment 

• Exceptional organisational and time management skills  

• Strong communication skills; both written and verbal 

• High level of self-awareness and the ability to build and maintain positive relationships 

• A current National Criminal Record Check and WWCC or willingness to obtain

Desirable:

• Preferred Level 1 First Aid Qualification 

• Boat License preferred, but not essential

It is expected that Rowing Coaches will attend all training sessions (weekdays, weekends), camps and  Professional Development activities organised by the Head of Rowing.

To apply please provide a cover letter addressed to Michael Hedger, The Head of Rowing,  [email protected] along with a resume.  

Applications Close 30/09/2023

We encourage applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible, as early submissions will be reviewed and considered prior to the official closing date.

Seeking: Casual Rowing Coach

Casual Rowing Coach – Richmond Rowing Club

Richmond Rowing Club is a community rowing club that strives to provide opportunities to participate, develop and compete in a friendly and inclusive community on and off water.

The role

Richmond Rowing Club has enjoyed regular appearances and success at Vic State Championships and Australian National Masters Championships.

We have opportunities available for enthusiastic and experienced Rowing Coaches to work with both our Development and Senior Programs, with availability to work throughout the week and weekends. You will work closely with the Head of Rowing and Senior Coach to coach, mentor and contribute to the club rowing program.

These roles play a critical part in ensuring that the training schedules and guidelines established by the Coaches are delivered in a professional manner whilst role modelling the behavior and standards expected of Richmond Rowing Clubs reputation and ethos.

About You

To be considered for a rowing coach position, it is essential that you have:

  • Level 1 or 2 Rowing Coaching Accreditation
  • Previous experience in coaching a rowing team with successful results will be highly regarded
  • Exceptional organisational and time management skills
  • Strong communication skills; both written and verbal
  • Displays a high level of self-awareness and the ability to maintain positive relationships
  • A current National Criminal Record Check or WWCC
  • Preferred Level 1 First Aid Qualification
  • Boat License preferred, but not essential

It is expected that Rowing Coaches must attend all training sessions (weekdays, weekends), camps and Professional Development activities organised by the Head of Rowing. If this sounds like the role for you then don’t hesitate, apply today

Please ensure that you provide a cover letter addressed to Christine Sullivan, The Head of Rowing:
[email protected]
With a resume and qualifications/accreditations as part of your application.

Applications Close 24/01/23

RRC COVID-safe rowing requirements – Updated 28 July 2021

RRC have set out the following guidelines that must be observed by all members who choose to row/attend the club from 28 July 2021 until updated, a failure to follow these guidelines could result in fines to the individual and club, but would lead the Committee to consider ceasing members ability to row until we are comfortable the guidelines can be met by all.

RRC Requirements for a safe return to rowing:

  • COVID Check-in Marshal’s must ensure attendees to the club check in with the QR code. For coached sessions, coaches will fill the roll of COVID-check in Marshal. For uncoached sessions the first person to sign up on sports noticeboard is the designated COVID Check-in Marshal. The key issue is to ensure athletes QR Code check in and the Marshal is there to facilitate compliance. Without COVID Check-in Marshal’s the club can not reopen – this is an essential requirement.
  • RRC members can only attend designated RRC sessions – MLC is our tenant and a valuable partner of RRC, we have agreed designated time RRC and MLC will hold sessions. Should session allocations/attendance at the club not be followed, breaches of the headcount limit within the Government regulations could result. See below for session allocation times that must be adhered to.
  • Social distancing must be maintained including keeping 1.5 meters apart, not congregating within or outside of the shed. There should be no physical greetings, high 5’s, spitting etc.
  • Frequent hand washing and good hygiene is requirement to be observed – wash/sanitise hands before and after each session, couch/sneeze in the crook of the elbow, avoid touching face or surfaces if not required, follow hygiene signs within club
  • Monday Boxercise may be held in the main hall subject to electronic sign up and headcount limits for indoor activities.
  • Toilet access is availablechange room access is available, showers are allowed to be used. The change rooms are small and have limited headcount access. It is advised to dress for training before arriving at the club. Valuables should be left at home in case change room access is difficult. There should be no shared items of kit, including towels, drink bottles or spanners. Given the change room sizes and headcount caps we ask that shower use is minimised during busy times.
  • On water training sessions will be limited to 35 rowers – See below for rostering and sign up arrangements to enable this on a fair basis. It will not be possible to turn up to the club to row without signing up in advance so the 35 person limit is not exceeded. Private boats will not be in excess of this number, the 35 person limit and rostering/sign up requirements will be across the club whether using club or private equipment.
  • All boat types are allowed to be used. All members must sign up on sportsnoticeboard and sign out in the boat sign out sheet to track attendance and boat usage should contact tracing be required.
  • Masks must be worn indoors and outdoors when not exercising. This includes the boat bays and between the club and the water.
  • All equipment must be thoroughly washed – following the guidance posters in the boat shed for cleaning of boats, oars, gym equipment and ergos etc.
  • Members are required to clean frequently touched club fixtures at the end of the session. Whilst we engage paid cleaners, we cannot have them present multiple times a day, members are therefore required to clean frequently touched fixtures after each session including the areas of Boat bays, Back Entrance, Disabled toilet, Stairs, Toilets, Main Hall and Classroom and Gym. Complete the QR code sign out to confirm your crew has accounted for cleaning.
  • Every session is required to have a safety officer to oversee these requirements – this role will be taken on by a coach if present, if not the first person to sign up to a session (see below) will act as the safety officer. All members who agree to row must be willing to take on this role so the club can demonstrate its compliance, if not please do not attend the training session. The RRC Safety Officer Checklist is attached.
  • If you are unwell or display any symptoms you must not attend the club to train. Members should consider their own wellbeing and that of others when considering whether to row. By attending and signing out a boat you are confirming you do not feel unwell and are not displaying any COVID-19 symptoms. If you have a positive test in relation to COVID-19 please let the Committee know immediately so we can assess any possible contact with club members and we may take appropriate action regarding club facilities.
  • If you have a positive test in relation to COVID-19 please let the Committee know immediately so we can assess your contact with club members and take appropriate action regarding club facilities.

On water rostering and sign up requirements

  • So we can adhere to headcount requirements on water training sessions are capped at 50 people. To limit cross over of members between sessions the following applies:
  • Sessions will be 2 hours in length, however they will be scheduled in 2.5 hour blocks to allow for no crossover of members, therefore sessions should finish 2 hours after start time i.e. 6am session starts at 6am and finished at 8am.
  • Sign up is required by sportsnoticeboard. We have created 50 sign ups in the “Club Resources” called “COVID Training Session #01, COVID Training Session #02……” . Book one of these 50 Club Resources in the name of the person rowing for the session you are planning to attend, also book the boat you plan to row (if it is a private boat only book one of the 50 Club Resources. Once these 50 Club Resources are booked the session is full.
  • The first person to sign up must sign up as “COVID Training Session #01” and take on the role of the safety officer (see above). Signing up as a later number to avoid this role is not appropriate, should you see this occur please advise the individual and the Committee so this can be rectified.
  • If you do not have a Club Resource booked for a session do not turn up hoping to row (or for any other purpose) – you will be breaching the Victorian Government guidelines and putting our ability to operate as a club at risk.
  • On arrival at the club sign in to register your attendance for contact tracing purposes using the QR codes posted at the back door, near the boat bay doors, in the mens and womens change rooms
  • Completion of the boat sign out sheet at the club is also required to manage on water safety requirements

Ergo usage at the club

  • 8 ergo’s will be available for use at the club
  • The ergo’s are only to be used at the club at an RRC session time when there is no function on at the club
  • They must be booked in advance on sportstnoticeboard via the Ergo resource slots using your contact details for contact tracing (they are in excess of the 50 on water headcount above). Sign in via QR code at the club is also required.
  • They are to be used on the deck, facing the river in 2 lines of 4. A 1.5 meter distance between any point of the erg must be maintained at all times. Space should be allowed to move the ergs around at the end of the session if other people are still using them without coming within 1.5 meters of the other ergs.
  • Should the weather conditions mean that outdoor usage is not possible, the ergo’s may be used in the main hall/classroom. The ergo’s should be positioned a minimum of 1.5 meters apart.
  • If used in the main hall all sliding doors must be open to improve airflow, air conditioning should be used rather than fans to improve airflow
  • Ergs are to be stored in the main hall, moved onto the deck and returned to the main hall. When setting up for functions caterers will store the ergs in the gym during functions
  • Cleaning instructions are provided near the ergs with appropriate cleaning products, please follow the cleaning instructions before and after each session
  • Any coaching is to be 1.5 meters away from all athletes using ergs, coaches should not touch the athelete or the erg. 

Gym usage at the club

  • Gym usage is limited to 6 people at a time (consistent with 1 person per 8m2 rule)
  • Gym training sessions must be booked in advance on sportstnoticeboard via the COVID Gym Session slots, using your contact details for contact tracing (they are in excess of the on water and ergo headcounts). Sign in via QR code at the club is also required.
  • So touch point cleaning can be performed at the end of a session and limiting cross over of members using the gum, we are also implementing session times for gym usage. See table below for session times.
  • Every member wishing to use the gym must have completed the online Australia Government infection control training – your certificate must be provided to the Secretary ([email protected]https://www.health.gov.au/resources/apps-and-tools/covid-19-infection-control-training
  • To improve airflow the sliding door to the outside is to be opened when using the gym, airconditioning should be used rather than fans to improve airflow (based on guidance from Fitness Australia)
  • There are 6 stations marked out with tape in the gym to allow appropriate space (2 deadlift stations, 2 bench stations, lats machine and pull up/weight cage equipment). Equipment is not to be moved from these positions, with gym users facing away from each other. One person is to use equipment/machine at a time and cleaning is required before another person can use the equipment. 
  • The Ergbike and Spin bike are to be moved outside to the deck for usage – this are not to be used in the gym
  • Members are to maintain 1.5m distance at all times
  • All equipment used and surfaces touched must be cleaned before and after use – see sign off sheets within the gym and detailed guidance on posters with appropriate cleaning products etc

Designated on water session times

 MondayTuesdayWednesdayThursdayFridaySaturdaySunday
6:00-8.15 amRRCRRCRRCRRCRRC MLCRRC
8:30 – 10:45amRRCRRCRRCRRCRRCMLCRRC
11:00 am – 1.15pmRRCRRCRRCRRCRRCMLC to 12:00RRC
1:30 – 3:30pmRRCRRCRRCRRCRRCRRC from 12:15RRC
3:30 – 6.00 pmMLCMLCMLCMLCMLCRRCRRC
6;15 – 9:00pmRRCRRCRRCRRCRRCRRC RRC

Designated gym and ergo session times

 Daily
5:30-7:00amRRC
7:15 – 8:45amRRC
9:00  – 10.30amRRC
10:45am–12:15pmRRC
12:30 – 2:00 pmRRC
2:15 – 3:30pmRRC
3:45 – 6.00 pmMLC
6.15 – 7:30 pmRRC  
7:45 – 9:15pmRRC

All members must follow these guidelines, if not we will be required to close the club. We will regularly review the guidelines and provide updates where appropriate.

Attachments

RRC awards at the 2020 RV AGM

I am very pleased to share with the Richmond Rowing Club membership that we placed 2nd in the RV Club Premiership for the 2019/20 year.

This is an excellent result for all involved with the club. As you may recall one of our 4 objectives guiding our 5 year vision was to place in the Top 5 of the RV Club Championship. It is great to know we have achieved this only 3 years into this 5 year period.

Well done to all the rowers, coxswains, coaches, volunteers and supporters who were part of this achievement and good luck for the coming year where we hope to back this up.

I would also like to congratulate Derek Begg who placed 3rd in the 2019/20 RV Male Coxswain of the Year Award. It is great to see Derek recognised in this way, he is a dedicated coxswain and coach for the club and it is wonderful we have someone of his experience as part of the club. Well done Derek!!!

RRC Head Season Training Camp 2019

Thoughts of a ‘never camper’
This was my first rowing camp. This was my first brush with a camping experience of any kind, period. I rocked up with a mind full of newbie questions: what’s it going to be like? ‘how remote is Nagambie if I forget something’? As a result, I packed like I was preparing for an apocalypse – gear for every weather condition and snacks for every hunger level. Also, someone please explain ‘box biting’?
Getting to Nagambie
The drive to Nagambie the one of the most beautiful experiences. I carpooled with the Hardys (Sarah and Matt) who knew the roads we were travelling so well. The conversation was lively, lolly supply generous and the drive itself was a super unwinding experience with views of endless canola fields and at one point, alpacas!
The first thing that strikes you on reaching the cabins is the spectacular view of lake.

I spent a good half hour on my cabin deck just taking it all in. The weather was surprisingly sunny and bright for most of the weekend, and a glimpse of the summer to come. That evening, we got ready for our first row, which for me was a quad. This row helped me get a feel of the lake with its many buoys and weeds.

We ended the day with a drink at the pub followed by a box-biting demonstration from the reigning champion himself, Keith, back in the cabins.
Rowing Hard
Saturday started super early with a view of a gorgeous sunrise from the cabin deck.

The first session of the day was a quad again but this time, we went up the Goulbourn river with Kathy coxing us (thanks a ton!). We had a shaky start to begin with, mostly because our crew hadn’t rowed together and we all brought our unique styles. But we kept at it with our cox and Michael coaching us from the ‘tinny’ through the second and third sessions that day. All the hard work was made worth it by the carrot cake at lunch (I still get dreams of it). The last row of the day was a highlight because it was my first time in a single skull. Though, the looks of trepidation on Barry and Michael’s faces while I almost tipped the boat getting in were priceless. I had a constant mental record of “hands together”, “oars feathered”, “DON’T FALL IN”!
Saturday night BBQ left me in a food coma. I unapologetically went for a second round, it was that good. Then came box biting. I would still like to know the origins of the tradition; if you know, stop and share. We had 2 rounds of everyone trying until it came down to the final round. Of course Keith won, but I think we also spotted an emerging talent in Pippa who gave him some tough competition. The general strategy seems to be picking the highest edge of the box. Until next camp, my strategy is going to be practicing Yoga to maintain develop the balance and flexibility!
All the coaching and practice from Saturday came to head on our Sunday rows. By now, a few of us from DS had been working as a consistent crew. If Saturday was shaky, Sunday was strong and sturdy. I count them as one of the best rows I’ve had. We had a moment going up the river when we held the boat still to just take in sounds of the birds and look at the giant pelicans. A far cry from the urban sounds and sights of Melbourne.
Can’t thank everyone who organised, coached and coxed for the weekend enough.

All in all, here are my somewhat helpful ‘pro tips’ for first-time campers:

  • Bring snacks, lots of them
  • Don’t skip the cake
  • Bring Beer (or your poison of choice), you’ll need it after a hard day’s row
  • Nearest good coffee is at a café called Foxhole, but be prepared for a 20-minute wait (resulting in a missed session on water!)
  • About 50% of people at boat loading/unloading are as clueless as you but acting super purposeful. You’re not alone!

Its been a few weeks since Camp now, and I can feel the change in my technique. Looking forward to next year.
Saloni Dikshit

Save the date – RRC training camp – 13-15 September 2019

RRC’s Spring Training camp date has been locked in over the weekend of 13-15 September 2019 at Nagambie.
Consistent with last year we have booked accommodation at the Nagambie Leisure Park on the nights of 13 and 14 September. For those attending we will have on water sessions on 14 and 15 September on both the regatta course and river. If you can get the day off work on 13 September, there will be the opportunity for some additional casual sessions also.
Full details to follow soon. Lock the date in your diary – it’s a great reason to start your Winter training now !!!

So you, your friend, your partner, your mum and dad all want to be BROs??

Read on….
BROs (Boat Race Officials) are an integral part of regattas.  Without them, there is no regatta.
These are the people you see (usually in safety vests), spending a little time:

  • directing the boat traffic at the launching places
  • making sure the rower’s boats are safe (bowballs, shoe tie-downs)
  • directing boats as they line up for starts, and then starting the races
  • judging if there’s interference
  • working out who’s come first, second, third and so on

Our club needs to provide a BRO at almost every regatta we attend.  It can be tough for rowers to run between BROing and racing, and we want coaches actually coaching!  So we’d love a rowing widow/widower, a supportive mum or dad, or your best buddy to get involved. The more the merrier, as BROs can share shifts.
BRO training consists of attending a lecture and then being supervised initially.  Level 1 accreditation is obtained by performing 4 practical BRO stations: control, start marshal, bank umpire and judge.  Also, Working with Children’s Check are now required.  These are easy to get and free for volunteers. Apply Here
The club can also support a BRO’s education by taking them out in a boat (to get a rower’s perspective) and/or having them ride alongside a coach on the bike path.  The club insurance will cover them for risk and accidents.
Next BRO course is on Tuesday 6 March 6-8pm at Yarra Yarra (a few sheds down from RRC).  Register here to attend.  What’s holding you back??
Doing some BROing is also a great way for those new to rowing to get to see what happens at a regatta (from the insiders view), so new members are also encouraged to BRO.
Any questions? Contact Chris or Kathy

Recruiting a head coach

RRC HD logo
I am excited to announce we are now actively recruiting for a head coach to join our team of volunteer coaches and work alongside the Head of Rowing to manage and implement a rowing program for the upcoming season.
Check out the attachment for the detailed job description and how to apply. Contact [email protected] for more information.
[wpfilebase tag=file path=’RRC-head-coach-.pdf’ /].