This is your weekly Rowing Briefing, covering the key developments of the last seven days on the rowing circuit, both in the UK and beyond. To receive an audio briefing with these stories and more at the start of each week, sign up to Updates. If you have a story to share, contact our news desk – juniorrowingnews@gmail.com.
Domestic Rowing:
“Following the publication of the new legislation giving the detail of the new lockdown restrictions, we can now confirm what we do know and where there are still areas we are seeking clarification.”
British Rowing Press Release
As Britons begin their first full week under renewed coronavirus measures, thousands of questions have been buzzing across the internet. One thing is certain, however: rowing is set to take a back-seat once again.
British Rowing has confirmed some details of what the latest announcements from Whitehall mean for rowing in England over the next month. All club sporting facilities will be required to close for the remainder of November, and although household bubbles can technically row together, such activity is only permitted if your shell can be launched without touching club property. This means rowers will be unable to use club-owned landing stages or store boats on trailers parked within club grounds.
Those designated ‘elite’ by UK Sport may continue to train, adhering strictly to measures designed to slow the spread of Covid-19. This status is currently only given to current members of the GB Senior Team who are training at Caversham, Longridge, and Bisham Abbey; British Rowing have advised that the definition of ‘elite’ will not be extended beyond the current parameters.
Juniors will only be able to take part in rowing-related activities, whilst all university sport ceases. For those that require extra support and advice, British Rowing’s Club Support team can provide guidance, with the British Rowing Club Emergency Fund application period being extended until the 1st February 2021.s
International Rowing:
“The 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships (WRICH), presented by Concept2, is to be held virtually”
World Rowing Press Release
With eyes focussed on the UK’s lockdown and the US Election, it’s easy to lose sight of the international scene as it prepares to hunker down for what is set to be an unusually troubling winter.
The only glimmer of hope offered in the face of race cancellations, is the news that regional qualification dates for the Americas and Asia have been set ahead of Concept2’s 2021 World Rowing Indoor Championships.
Beginning on the 23rd of February, World Rowing’s virtual event could be the first international event of the year. All races will be streamed live to the World Rowing website, with a maximum of two competitors from each country taking part in the finals.
This article supplements our Weekly Briefing that you can have delivered to your WhatsApp inbox at the start of each week. To find out more and sign up, head over to Updates.
If you’re hungry for more, check out any of our other pieces fromThe Catch, listen to our latest podcast episode, or flick through our race previews.
For all the best rowing news, keep up with JRN on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
About The Author
Ed Evans
Having joined the team in 2018, Ed is our Head of Operations and Socials. He is currently studying Medicine at University College, London.