70-plus rowers petition FISA

The Rowing Service

Petition to create a new FISA Masters J (80+) category.
Published online 16th November 2006

The World 70-Plus Rowing Society

Dear 70-plus rowers around the world,
I have been in contact with the FISA Masters Commission regarding the establishment of a new "J" (80+) category for international rowing events. The chairperson of the commission, Peter Morrison, has informed me that "Any plans for older age groups will be made when we see enough entries for the FISA World Masters Regatta to justify them."

Through contact with a rowing friend in England, I have learned that several older South African rowers were not coming to the 2006 Masters Worlds in Princeton because there was no "J" category. As an 80+ rower, I would also think twice about making an expensive trip halfway around the world for a FISA Masters without a "J" category. For this reason, basing a decision on the number of older entries will not realistically reflect the potential for participation by this age group.

I subscribe to the theory that "If you build it, they will come." Accordingly, I have drafted a petition (see below)for submission to FISA by all interested rowers 70 years of age and older. If you are in accord with the petition please copy and fill out and return by email or regular mail. Please translate as necessary, distribute electronically as you see fit and take to regattas for signing.

I hope to have the bulk of the signed petitions returned to me by January 1, 2007. They will then be forwarded to FISA.

Thank you,

Burk Ketcham"

The World 70-Plus Rowing Society
C/O Burk Ketcham
420 North 4th Street - A
Tacoma, WA 98403
U.S.A.
253-779-0152

Petition to the FISA Masters Commission from the World 70-plus Rowing Society

Throughout the world, a growing number of rowers in their 70s and 80s are participating in local, regional, national, and international regattas. The undersigned, all rowers at least 70 years of age, look forward to rowing well into their 80s. Currently, FISA's oldest age category is "I" for rowers 75 and over. We submit this petition to the FISA Masters Commission and ask that serious consideration be given to establishing a new "J" (80+) category for international rowing events.

SIGNATURE: (for mailed returns only)

NAME: (please print)

EMAIL:

AGE:

BIRTH DATE:

NATIONALITY:

ROWING CLUB:

Please return without signature by email to burk80@juno.com or mail signed petitions to: The World 70-Plus Rowing Society c/o Burk Ketcham, 420 N. 4th Street WA, Tacoma, WA 98403, U.S.A. The current sole purpose of the Society is to advocate the circulation and submission of this petition.