How to get Stronger Irish Performances in Domestic and International Rowing

Higher Performance Level Domestic & International Athletes Rowing Together in IRC Best athletes competing and winning for their clubs in the Irish Rowing Championships Role models for club rowers at championships Best athletes in club boats at Irish Rowing Championships Best athletes remain part of, and identify with, their the club Highly motivating for club coaches and leaders International success for club members adds to club prestige and status Greater prestige will lead to greater cohesion between clubs and national team International athletes get more racing Club athletes can measure against international standards

What crew won and why? A)U23 Crew  October – May; 3 assessments, 2 ergs – no or little training together  May – 1 Regatta (2 x 2000) with reserve  May/June/July; 9 weeks in splits, 110 spins  Volume: 1,320 km  U23 WRC B) U23 Crew  September; Nat. championship in club boats  October; 1 assessment, 2 ergs – training together weekends, holidays  April – 2 Regattas (2 x 6000, 2 x 2000)  May – 2 Regattas (4 x 2000) 1 domestic +1 int.  June – 2 Regattas (4 x 2000) 1 domestic + 1 int.  October – July; 40 weeks – 20 weeks in splits, 240 spins  Volume: 2,880 km  U23 WRC

What can Irish Rowing do? Change Championship date – Set for 2 to 5 weeks after the WRC (i.e. Sept/Oct) – Bring into lien with the international calander – Bring into line with international structures (separate IRC for Under Age/Novice/Intermediate) Make participation compulsory for international selection Make 3 +1 regattas on still water & 2000 m In line with Int. Calendar Has to be implemented in 2016 or else effect gone for Tokyo Championships be streamlined after int. standards Give it a run for 1 Olympiad before it can be changed Fulfil recommendation by ISC for funding

Problems with Current IRC Date Low status & prestige for top athletes Random crews as top club athletes absent Not an Irish Championship if best athletes absent Little media attention Fewer crews in big boats No use for international selection Close to other major (club) and international regattas Best water of the year not used to prepare for IRC