When the flood waters recede, clubs are left to deal with the financial costs

In the last 12 months, there have been almost 50 regattas or head races cancelled due to high winds, river conditions, or waterlogged grounds. Water sessions have become impossible for many clubs, save for those based on reservoirs, lakes, or canals. 

Not only is this highly disappointing for the athletes that have spent weeks or even months preparing, but it also hits our clubs and community hard financially.

Of course, rowing clubs are used to inclement weather. Each club has its own measures in place when flooding occurs, and will take a view as to how high boats and equipment need to be moved based on weather forecasts and predicted river levels. 

Preparing for flooding

That said, unfortunately, bad weather is becoming less and less predictable. It’s a case of waiting out the storm until the flood waters recede, with precious training time and club money lost to the four winds as a result. 

What’s more, the post-flood clean up crew need protective gear, sterilising materials, paint, dehumidifiers, and more to carry out repair jobs. All damages and clean up materials inevitably have to come out of a club’s budget, which members would hope is eventually replenished by a good regatta or head race. Sadly, more often than not, races have been cancelled, and clubs have simply have to do without their key revenue stream.

When it comes to race cancellations, there is a dilemma. Entering events is pricey for athletes, and it seems only fair that all receive a full refund if the race doesn’t go ahead. After all, if you bought an item from a shop that was then recalled, you would still expect a full refund. However, clubs incur a sizable outlay for services brought in specifically for an event that would typically be repaid by entry fees. If a club is forced to cancel an event at short notice, they still have to cover all or part of the associated costs. 

The aftermath of Storm Henk in Stratford-upon-Avon

Many clubs take the view that it is only fair to refund all the money to the athletes. This creates a deficit that must be recouped by fundraising, more sponsorship, or the next scheduled event. Some athletes kindly opt to donate their entry fee to the club, which helps to reinforce club spirit and camaraderie, but rarely are these acts of kindness enough for local clubs to break even. 

Meanwhile, some clubs take a percentage cut of entry fees to cover at least some of the cost, and return what is left to the athletes. This makes balancing the books easier for the club, but how many repeated cancellations will it take before the goodwill of members evaporates? 

At the local level, clubs without significant financial backing are suffering at the hands of the uncontrollable force – Mother Nature.

Let this be a call to action to athletes, parents, coaches, and enjoyers of our sport – perhaps an extra few pounds’ donation to your club’s next cake sale or sponsored erg challenge would go further than you think. 

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Dawn Sutton

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