Category: General Info

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RRC Presentation Night Awards 2021

After a postponement we were finally able to hold the Richmond Rowing Club 2021 Presentation Night on the third of July.

We celebrated our Male and Female rowers and Coxswain of the year. These prestigious awards are determined through participation and success at regattas, club races and club time trials. The winners on the evening were:

Mal Scott Award – Male Club Rower of the Year – Dennis Beck

John Sawyer – Female Club Rower of the Year – Kirsty Fergie

The Don Edwards, Cox of the year award was won by Derek Begg

Female Masters Rower of the Year – Michelle Joy

Male Masters Rower of the Year – Leigh Sullivan

The President’s Award was presented to Jack Hellerstedt. Whilst Jack has only been a member for 2 years he has taken an active role coordinating the men’s squad, setting up the 8@8 session, weekly training plans and regatta entries. He is also always willing to jump in any boat to make sure crews get out and is frequently a late minute coxswain call up. Jack is also a great motivator to keep people engaged with the club on and off water.  

The Hendley Family Mixed Quad Time Trial was presented to Dennis Beck, Geraldine Goss, Karen Doggett, John Carey and Derek Begg (coxswain).

The Keith Millar male coxed four Round the Island time trial was won by Dennis Beck, Liam Lovett, Ethan Lovett, Jon Roberts and Derek Begg (coxswain).

The Keith Millar female coxed four Round the Island time trial was won by Chelsea Crouser, Kirsty Fergie, Xanthe Hadfield, Melanie Perkins and Aline Dejeagher (coxswain).

The Jim Barton Female Tub Single time trial was won by Kirsty Fergie.

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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 available, change 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

COVID-Safe-Plan-Rowing-Erging-Gym-CoM-RV-Richmond-Rowing-Club-amended-21012021Download
DESIGNATED-SAFETY-OFFICER-CHECKLIST-RRC-MLCDownload
RV-ParticipantsDownload
RV-Coaches-Officials-and-VolunteersDownload

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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!!!

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Updates to RV Return to Rowing Roadmap – good news for crew boats.

You may have seen the good news via social media or email, Rowing Victoria has updated their Return to Rowing Roadmap over the past 24 hours. With rowing now classified as a non contact sport, crew boats will be able to be rowed when rowing is able to recommence. 

Recommencement of rowing is scheduled when we move into the Third Step of the States recovery, this is scheduled for 26 October for Melbourne subject to meeting certain case related hurdles. Training numbers will be limited to10 at any time and only the toilets and change rooms will be accessible – similar to the initial reopening last time.

Over the coming weeks the Committee will assess our plans and procedures to return to make sure we can meet any of the requirements and set out our plans. We will also be working closely with MLC as our tennant to consider the use of the facilities for all parties as best as possible.

Given we hope to be back on water soon, it’s a great time to get your body ready for rowing to prevent injury after a long time off water. Financial club members have been receiving weekly session plans/training programs including access to join the club zoom sessions, it’s a great time to engage with these and rebuild your fitness.

Full details of the RV Return to Rowing Roadmap can be found here https://www.rowingvictoria.asn.au/news/return-to-victorian-rowing-roadmap-guidelines/

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2020 RRC AGM – Saturday 25th July

Richmond Rowing Club’s Annual General Meeting on the morning of Saturday 25th July. The meeting is currently planned to start at 10am.

At the AGM all Committee members stand down and positions are available for club members to stand for election to the RRC Committee for the coming year. Generally the incoming Committee is a blend of new and experienced members. To present yourself for election, you are required to have been a member of the club for more than 2 years and be willing to help out with the club’s organisation. If you are interested, feel free to chat to any of the current Committee members to get some more background information. The Committee positions are:

President
Vice-President
Treasurer
Secretary
Head of Rowing
Captain of Boats
Fundraising Coordinator
Facilities Coordinator
Ordinary Member (two ordinary member positions are available which assist with a number of areas)

During the AGM, outgoing Committee members will briefly go through some of the highlights of the year, as well as a summary of the club’s financial situation and the main achievements compared to the goals we set out last year. This usually takes less than an hour and we warmly invite all members of the club to attend.

If you wish to present yourself for election, please complete a nomination form and submit it to the secretary at least 14 days prior to the meeting (BEFORE 10th July).

Nomination for Office Bearer July 2020Download
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RRC COVID-19 Return to rowing requirements – changes from 22 June 2020

Based on the most recent Victoria State Government Guidelines, the following changes will come into effect to the previously issued RRC guidelines from Monday 22 June:

  • Increase in the number of people able to sign up to a session to 20
  • These 20 must book either a single or an ergo to use in the club through sportsnoticeboard
  • The gym (weights etc) is not to be used given the small size of the space. We will consider further updates based on further changes to regulations
  • Ergs may be used on the deck or in the main hall, 1.5m distancing between ergs must be observed. The ergs must be booked through sports notice board in the same way as a single so the number of people at the club and contact details can be
  • Change rooms and showers are reopened – please abide by the numbers that they are restricted to
  • Number of sessions per week people can access increased to 4 times a week, but only one session per day. We will continue to monitor this

To reconfirm session times are:
Saturday and Sundays

  • Session lengths will be reduced to 2.5 hours. This should still provide up to 2 hours on water time and enough time to wash and rack boats and oars
  • Sessions will commence at the following times 7.30am, 10am, 12.30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm – this increases daylight sessions from 3 to 4 and may encourage a few early rises given the 6am slot was not well used

Weekdays (no changes)

  • Session lengths remain at 3 hours
  • Sessions commence at the following times 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm and 6pm. This has been maintained as it allows pre and post work sessions with the daytime sessions being underutilised.

Further changes are foreshadowed on 7 July. When we have clarity on these changes by the Victorian State Government or any changes advised by Rowing Victoria we will take these into account.

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Working towards a safe return to rowing at RRC

As you all would be aware the Victorian Government recently released revised guidance in relation to COVID-19 restriction and relaxation of some requirements which related to sports, cultural and recreation activities.

Rowing Victoria has released draft guidance and recommendations related to a safe return to rowing. Whilst these guidelines are not finalised or approved at the current time, the Committee is putting in place procedures in order that we can get back to rowing. We hope these can be in place by the weekend, however they are contingent on us being able to meet the guidelines. Please look out for further communication on the details that we all will be required to adhere to.

Among the requirements will be following:

  • If you are unwell or display any symptoms you must not attend the club to train. Members should consider their own well being and that of others when considering whether to row.
  • There will be no indoor activities at the club, the gym will remain closed and gathering in the club will not be permitted.
  • There will be access to the toilets, but the change room and showers are not allowed to be used. It is advised to dress for training before arriving at the club
  • Training sessions will be limited to 10 people (including any coaches) – we are working on a rostering and sign up system 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 10 person limit is not exceeded. Private boats will not be in excess of this number, the 10 person limit and rostering/sign up requirements will be across the club whether using club or private equipment.
  • Single sculls only will be allowed. All members must sign out to track attendance and boat usage. Members must have passed swim tests and coxswains tests in order to row a single. Please work with your coach if you do not consider yourself competent in a single.
  • All equipment must be thoroughly washed – following the guidance we put in place prior to the club closing. We are reviewing our procedures and supplies.
  • 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 etc. Frequent hand washing and good hygiene is required to be observed.

Once the requirements and our procedures are finalised to support a safe return to rowing, we will confirm the requirements that must be adhered to. 
We hope this will be in place to allow for a return to rowing at RRC over the weekend.

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RRC to be closed from the end of Monday 23 March

With the proposed Victorian non-essential services shut down announced we have concluded that the club should be closed to members from the end of Monday 23 March. This will allow members 24 hours to remove any personal items from the club should they require. Following this we will turn off access to the club through the fob system, with Committee members maintaining access for emergency and critical access only.
I trust everyone understands this decision. Whilst it is disappointing to not have access to the club and the opportunity to row we encourage club members to stay in touch and support each other via the internet, phone etc during this challenging time.
The planned yoga session for tomorrow is now cancelled. We plan to coordinate for the coaching group to design remote training plans for squads, we will also look into the possibility of using the technology to facilitate group sessions also. As the detail of the non-essential services shut down is clearer we will communicate if any outdoor sessions (yoga, core strength, running etc) may be arranged, but for now we are pausing all group sessions.
Please stay in touch with your fellow club members through Facebook, I am sure the club spirit will continue this way, if there are things you need help with individually or ways we can help others please reach out as a group.
The club remains in a strong financial position and will be ready to reopen when the time is right. Look out for for further communications from the club.
Thank you

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Updated RRC COVID-19 requirements – 21 March 2020

On water training times – changes in place must be followed from Sunday 22 March
As a result of updated guidance around social distancing and limiting the number of people gathering indoors via the 4m2 per person guidance we have decided to implement a strict at club training timetable by crew group. This timetable provides available sessions by training group (Black squad, yellow squad, development squad, Tiger rowing and other squad groups). If you are not in a squad you are allocated to the Tiger rowing/other session and open session times.
It is also split my male and female and in 2 hour windows (ie the 12pm session runs to 2pm, 2 hour windows that are not included are open sessions ie 4pm). See below.

For members wishing to train from the club the timetable must be followed, should it not be, the club would be required to close, as we would not feel we are able to meet the updated guidelines.
This requirement applies from tomorrow, Sunday 22 March. Sportsnoticeboard sessions with be updated ASAP.
Requirement to book boats
All boats must be booked on sportsnoticeboard.com.au, you must then sign out in the sign out book. For squad sessions our coach is required to book on sportsnoticeboard. For open sessions boats can be booked by individuals. This is essential so we can track who has rowed together and when in the event we are required to track members interactions should there be a positive case involving someone present at the club.
If you are having difficulties with sportsnoticeboard please reach out to the Head of Rowing.
Boat types available
From now on we are limiting boat to singles, pair and doubles. Fours/Quad and Eights are no longer allowed to be used.
Good hygiene continues to be essential
See the detailed guidance from previous posts. Please wash hands, boats, oars etc. Clean ergs thoroughly. Shower after training. Do not leave used towels and clothing in change room. Please follow all signs within the club.
Cleaning of boats and oars
Detailed instructions instructions have been left in the boat bay. They must be followed at all times.
Gym and Ergo access
The gym is closed. Ergo’s are available for use, but must be separated by 1.5 meters and strict cleaning is required to be followed as previously communicated. Preferred usage is outside on the deck, there are 4 standing in the classroom to be rolled out to the deck. Erg’s have also been spaced in the hall and classroom. We have no function bookings until the end of April, these erg’s in the hall and classroom are not to be moved.
Change room access
Given their size, the number of people in change rooms is to be limited as follows, women’s change room – 6 people, MLC change room – 6 people, men’s change room 4 people. I understand this will make it challenging, please be patient and respectful. If there are multiple sessions on a day arrive early and be prepared in advance so you are away from the change room when returning rowers need them. This is essential, if we can’t make this work we will have to reassess club access.
Yoga to replace boxercise
We have unfortunately cancelled our Monday night boxercise. We are replacing this with Yoga at 6.15pm on Monday. This will be run by Geraldine Goss. Please bring your own mat and towel, the club mats are not to be used. If you do not have a mat and towel you will not be able to participate.
Boat Lights
As the mornings and nights get darker please ensure you use lights on all boats. The club has a limited number, with increased use of smaller boats we recommend that those planning on rowing through winter obtain their own lights where possible. There are a number of online suppliers, including
https://shop.perfectbalancerowing.com/product-category/boatlights/
Shoes
All RRC boats have shoes available. However in the current environment some rowers may wish to source their own shoes. Check out this blog for guidance or reach out to the Captain. rrc fleet installed quick release rowing shoe system-
Finally, if you feel unwell do not visit the club – please follow Government advice if you present with any symptoms or if you have travelled overseas.
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 facilities and we may take appropriate action regarding club facilities.
We will continue to provide regular updates as the advice and situation develops.

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Rowing Victoria recommendations for rowing training related to COVID-19

Following on from our previous guidance on hygiene when at the club and training, Rowing Victoria have recently issued these recommendations for rowing training.
Rowing Victoria recommendations for rowing training
There is lots of useful information in here to consider should you be training, please read it and take it into account.
The club remains open for those wanting to train and row, this is in line with current guidance should there be any update we will let you know.
Members should consider the guidance and their personal situation to make their own decisions on how you train.
I would like to highlight the following points:

  • If you are feeling unwell or exhibiting any of the symptoms we ask you to stay away from the club and follow Government guidance
  • Hygiene is essential – wash your hands, wipe down gym equipment after use, wash oar handles before and after rowing, shower following training
  • Bring a towel to the gym
  • Remove all personal items from change rooms that are not in lockers – there should be no towels or rowing clothes left in change rooms or hanging on lockers
  • Avoid large groups training close together inside – space out the ergo, there is the classroom, hall and outside

Thank you

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