Clare Novices' Regatta - Marshalling Instructions for Coxes

A copy of these instructions is available to download in PDF format here. You should also refer to the course map.

It is imperative that all coxes competing in the regatta are familiar with these instructions and with the rules of the regatta. The coxes should also ensure that their crew and coaches are aware of relevant parts of these instructions.

Arrival

Crews must arrive at Chesterton Footbridge at the marshalling time stated on the timetable of racing. (The first set of crews racing each day does not need to stop at Chesterton but needs to row straight on to Plough Reach to marshal - please see the draw). You must obey all marshals' instructions with regard to pulling into the bank. It is essential that you are not late, as it is necessary to send batches of 8-10 races up to the start at a time. If you are late, there is every chance of you being disqualified for missing your race, so please don't do it. If there is a problem with boat sharing then please let the Senior Umpire or Regatta Secretary know so that we can sort it out.

Marshals will be identified by their fluorescent yellow vests.

Start

The format of the start will be largely dependent on the weather: Between Chesterton and the Start at Ditton, crews should always proceed under the direction of the marshals. However, this may not be rigorously adhered to, so marshalling in a pair with your competing crew is more important.

Crews will marshal at Ditton Corner and in the Plough Reach. They will be pulled in to bank in pairs, and will spin in pairs when pushed off before the race. Quick controlled spinning is essential. At the Start, crews will be asked to proceed to the line, and will then come under the Starter's orders. As the cox you should ask your crew to come forwards ready to race, and raise one of your hands. It is up to you to get bow/stern pair to straighten you up, but the Start Marshall may intervene and you must obey their instructions. You should lower your hand as soon as you are ready to go. The Starter will start you with "Are you ready? ... Go!" Do not attempt to "jump" the Start. We know that some coaches advise their crews to go early - before the "Go" is called. However, we do not have time to recall crews for false starts. You will simply be disqualified. The Starter will ensure that both crews are approximately level - it is up to you to ensure that you are straight.

On windy days, starting races is extremely difficult. Crews will be asked to pull in to the bank at the Start. The starting procedure is different in that you will be pushed off by marshals and started almost immediately, again with "Are you ready? ... Go!". We will ensure that you are level as you are pushed off, and do our best to keep you straight. But you must have your crew forward and ready to race straight away. Again raise your arm until you are ready, but remember that getting you started before the wind can blow you off course is our main aim here, so please don't faff around.

Racing

Please remember that SAFETY is always more important than winning. If a collision with another crew is imminent, you must stop the boat rather than crashing. Your crew is much more likely to listen to you than to voices on the towpath, so YOU must always be aware of conditions on the river.

The course is fairly straight, and you should be used to rowing up and down it by now. However, be aware that there are some fairly sharp bends, particularly the one under the Railway Bridge. You must stay on your side of the River and not drift in to the other boat. If you do drift, you will be warned by the Junior Umpire who will blow a whistle in short, sharp bursts, and you may even be disqualified. Stay in control of your boat and pay attention to your position on the River throughout the race.

In the event of an accident, or potential accident, races will be stopped, and re-rowed later (unless a clear winner has already been established). If the race needs to be stopped at any time, the JU will blow a continuous blast on the whistle. If you hear this, you MUST stop your boat. At the very least, if you ignore these signals, you will be disqualified. More importantly, you could be risking injury to your crew, or damage to your boat.

Bank Parties

These are restricted to four people per boat - whether cycling or on foot. Your support party is not allowed to overtake the Junior Umpire. Please ensure that your coach knows about this rule, or your crew could be disqualified. The use of loud-hailers, whistles or foghorns by any bank party is not permitted.

Finish

The Finish is Morley's Holt, just downstream from the Bus Shelter, where the Finish marshal's decision will stand. The Regatta Secretary will be stood at the finish and will inform crews as they row up; please make sure you take note of her position.

The signal for the finish will be a short foghorn blast as each boatÌs bowball crosses the line.

After your race you should proceed away from the finish as there will be other races coming behind you. Please carry on rowing after the race has finished so that accidents can be avoided. Those crews that have been knocked out should proceed back to their boathouses immediately unless they are boat/blade sharing with another crew. If this is the case, then they should pull in at an appropriate place well past the finish.

Next Race

If you have another race immediately after racing or the crew you may be boat sharing with does, you will need to pull in to the bank outside the Pike and Eel (Penny Ferry) pub. Marshals will note your position. When the division has finished racing, push off and spin to go back down to the start, under instruction.

If you have lots of time, it is generally better to go back to your boathouse and keep warm than to sit around at Chesterton. But remember that you must be back at the marshalling time for your next race. Even if we are running late, please be back on time.

Disputes

Orders given by marshals must be obeyed. The decisions of Junior Umpires during races must be adhered to. If you have any problems, please bring them to the Senior Umpire or Regatta Secretary - one of us will always be somewhere near the Finish. Remember that your crew will be disqualified for rudeness or intimidation of an umpire or marshal, by you or by your coach or bank party. It is much better to come calmly to us if you feel that a decision has been unfair.

Trophies

These will be presented at Clare Boathouse as soon after racing as the winning crews, Senior Umpire and Regatta Secretary can get there.

Top Tips

Know how to move your boat with most efficiency. While you are sitting in the early morning traffic, check how it moves if you use stroke or 7 to back it down. Think about how you can move sideways or backwards.

On race days, stay alert to weather conditions, other boats and instructions from marshals.

At all times be in firm control of your boat. Make sure the crew know how to respond to your commands.

Above all though, please be aware of safety. You must wear a life jacket, and your boat must have bow-ball. You are the only crew member who can see where you are going, and so you are responsible for the safety of your crew.

Finally, have lots of fun, and Good Luck!