Fall Junior Competitive Rowing Program

​Junior Men’s and Women’s (U17 & U19)
​Fall Programming
St. Catharines Rowing Club, Fall 2025​​

SCRC Information Package
​Outline Click on links 1-9 to jump to each section
  1. Introduction
  2. Coaches and Expression of Interest
  3. Typical Practice Schedule
  4. Groupings and Eligibility
  5. Expectations
  6. Fees
  7. Important Dates
  8. Selection​
  9. Printable Version of Document

1. Introduction
The St. Catharines Rowing Club has a proud tradition of excellence, consistently competing at the highest levels of the sport. This fall, the U17 and U19 Men’s and Women's Programs will continue that legacy by fostering a strong training environment, providing top-tier coaching, and, most importantly, supporting athletes as they pursue their personal and team goals. During the fall seasons the U17 and U19 programs combine and as one Junior Men’s and Women’s program. Whether aiming for championships, international competition, or personal bests, our athletes will benefit from a structured and challenging program designed to push limits and maximize potential.
This information package outlines the key details, expectations, and structure for the Junior Program (U17 and U19 Men's & Women's) as we prepare for another exciting and successful fall season.

2. Coaches and Expression of Interest 
Expression of Interest (EOI): Complete this form to express interest in joining the program this Fall.
​Fall Junior Women Coaches:
​Fall Junior Men Coaches:
SCRC Head Coach:

3. Typical Practice Schedule
Event Schedule - Nested List
  • Monday
    • Women: 4:30 - 7:00 PM
    • Men: 5:15 - 7:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    • Women: 4:30 - 7:00 PM
    • Men: 5:15 - 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    • Women: 4:30 - 7:00 PM
    • Men: 5:15 - 7:00 PM
  • Thursday
    • Women: OFF
    • Men: 5:15 - 7:00 PM
  • Saturday
    • Women: 8:00 - 11:00 AM
    • Men: 7:30 - 10:30 AM
  • Sunday
    • Women: 8:00 - 11:00 AM
    • Men: 7:30 - 10:30 AM
Note: Off days and exact practice times will be finalized after the first team meeting to accommodate work schedules as best as possible.
​
Early Start – August 18th
  • Optional training session either 8–10am or 4–6pm
  • Erg preparation and small boat rows 1x or 2-

4. Groupings and Eligibility
The U17 and U19 Programs are open to rowers and coxswains with at least one season of experience with a school or club team. Athletes from all backgrounds are welcome, regardless of their previous affiliation. Participants in these programs are expected to demonstrate strong commitment, train consistently, and embrace a high-performance lifestyle.

Note – Athletes that have participated in Summer Camps at SCRC are  not considered for eligibility to compete in the Fall program . Those that have participated in the SCRC Summer Junior Development program could be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Athletes will be grouped within the program based on factors such as boat speed, commitment level, fitness, individual goals, and ergometer performance. These groupings reflect the competitive environment of the club, where athletes may have varying levels of experience, aspirations, and performance metrics. Top competitive athletes will get priority in equipment assignments, coaching availability, selection, and lineups. Athletes not meeting performance expectations will not receive priority in these areas.

5. Expectations
All participants must review and complete the full registration requirements ahead of beginning practice.
​ 
Furthermore, participants of this program are expected to attend and commit to consistent training and the regatta schedule provided. Participants must be committed to their selected crew, supportive teammates, and contributors to the club environment. Event lineups will be highly dependent on athlete attendance and daily effort. Once selected for a lineup, athletes are expected to be committed to that lineup in training and competition through the remainder of the season.

6. Fees
Event Schedule - Nested List
  • Scenario #1
    • RCA/ORA fees previously paid (Most participants would have already paid their RCA/ORA membership if they rowed for their club or school in the spring or summer.)
    • Start Aug 18th - $345
    • Start Sept 2nd - $295
  • Scenario #2
    • RCA/ORA fees were not previously paid and are included in the membership fee.
    • Start Aug 18th - $400
    • Start Sept 2nd - $360
  • Other – Racing Deposit
    • A deposit for fall racing entry fees. Unused parts of the racing fee deposit will be returned at the end of the season.
    • $205
Notes:
  • More information can be found on the Membership webpage.
  • Payment plans are possible and must be coordinated with SCRC finance ahead of beginning rowing.
  • Additional Travel Fees (hotel, transportation) will be communicated in September after all the numbers are assessed.
  • Travel Insurance to the United States is not provided by the rowing club and is the responsibility of each athlete.
  • A valid passport (further than 6 months of expiry date) is required for travel to the United States.
  • If you have registered in the spring or summer season and completed the SCRC documents and waivers you do not have to complete them again for the fall season.

7. Important Dates
Event Schedule - Nested List
  • Fees Due
    • Date: Aug 25th
    • Note: Before starting on the water
    • Details: N/A
  • Ergometer Evaluation – Women
    • Date: Sept 3rd
    • Location: Henley Island
    • Details: 6k Erg
  • Ergometer Evaluation – Men
    • Date: Sept 5th
    • Location: Henley Island
    • Details: 6k Erg
  • Head of the Welland – everyone
    • Date: Sept 27th
    • Location: Welland, North Course
    • Details: 5000m Race
  • Head of the Trent – select group
    • Date: Oct 5th
    • Location: Peterborough, Ontario
    • Details: 5000m Race
  • ★ Head of the Charles – select group
    • Date: Oct 17th–19th
    • Location: Boston, MA
    • Details: 5000m Race
  • ★ Head of the Schuylkill – everyone
    • Date: Oct 25th–26th
    • Location: Philadelphia, PA
    • Details: 4000m Race
​Note:
  • Other races will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to align with athlete and crew needs.
  • We anticipate the regatta fees to be similar to those in 2024. Please review with parents. Following the erg assessment athletes will meet with coaches to review ability to commit.
  • ***Additional approximate cost for Head of the Charles ($760 CAN) and Head of the Schuylkill ($550 CAN), Reference is based on 2024 cost.

8. Selection
Purpose
​The purpose of this selection policy is to outline factors considered by coaches during the selection process. 
Evaluation Criteria ​
Rower-Specific Factors:
  • Ergometer performance
  • Boat speed assessment (seat racing, time trials, racing, etc.)
  • Racing and trialing
  • Efficiency
  • Ongoing technique, coachability, and compatibility with athletes and coaches
  • Ability to commit to training schedule and crew lineups
Coxswain-Specific Factors:
  • Athlete and coach feedback
  • Assessment of ability, including but not limited to, steering, technical communication,
  • Compatibility with athletes and coaches, including the ability to translate the coach’s vision to rowers by making appropriate calls within the boat
  • Weight
    1. Coxswains will be weighed in prior to all selection events, including erg and on-water assessments.
  • Racing experience and results
  • Leadership within team and crew
  • ​Ability to commit to training schedule and crew lineups 
​Selection Dates
Event Schedule - Nested List
  • Training Opens
    • Date: Sept 2nd
    • Details: ERG Preparation and Equipment Set Up
  • Stage 1 – Ergometer Evaluation
    • Women: Sept 3rd
    • Men: Sept 5th
    • Details: 6k Erg
  • Stage 2 – Seat Racing & Ranking – Selected Junior Athletes
    • Date: Sept 6th–Sept 14th
    • Note: Exact dates are weather dependent
    • Details: Athletes selected are dependent on ERG results and prior experience
  • Stage 3 – Ongoing Evaluation and Further Ranking if needed
    • Date: TBD
    • Details: If needed
  • Final Head of the Charles – selection target
    • Date: Sept 28th
    • Details: Pending unforeseeable circumstances
​If you cannot meet these dates, you must contact coaches and submit an extenuating circumstance request to determine eligibility moving forward. ​
Adaptation Stipulation
This policy is ever evolving and may require changes with little or no notice. The coaches may consider adjustments to the policy based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, special athlete circumstances, boat completion, unforeseen events, and more.

Coaches will be transparent and direct with every selection decision, but it should be noted that athlete privacy may have to be respected in rare circumstances.
​
In the event of medical adaptations, athletes must advise the coaches in writing of the injury, illness or extenuating circumstance as soon as possible.

9. Printable Version of Document
SCRC Fall Junior Program
File Size: 126 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
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St. Catharines Rowing Club, P.O. Box 28010, 600 Ontario St., St. Catharines, ON, L2N 7P8.