Issue 100 - Centenary July 1997

1987-2007: Highs, Lows & Hopes

Highs

• Restructuring of international rowing
• The inclusion of international athletes in the decision-making process of the ARA (especially interviewing).
• Expansion of a coaching structure that will cover the whole country to give a local service.
• ARA H structure fully professionalised to dovetail with the voluntary sector.
• A recognised leading nation in international terms - more FISA commissioners than any other nation.
• Development of women's rowing from 95 eights in Women's Head in 1987 to 242 in 1997.
• Women's World medals the rule rather than the exception.
• First junior women's world medals.
• Creation of Henley Women's Regatta.
• Multi lane courses.
• A Regatta magazine that has blossomed to the readers' expectations.
• A rowing museum created.
• National Championships and other regattas offer a full programme of events for men, women and juniors.
• Complete review of the rules of racing.
• Water Safety Code introduced, observed, acclaimed by outside bodies.
• An increase in media coverage.
• Funding that has eased the burden on clubs regarding their buildings and euipment via FSA and Lottery support.
• Expansion in veteran rowing.
• Ergometer Award Scheme for juniors and schools.
• Recognition of recreational rowing.
• Stable financial position of ARA.
• Public recognition from outside bodies as a well-organised national governing body.

Hopes

• A strategy of rowing courses implemented from Tyne to Wigan to Cotswold Water Park - six full size and six (1000 - 1500m) supplementary rowing courses.
• Rowing fully accepted in local authority schools.
• A greater depth of talent for international selection.
• The sport with a clear amateur/professional direction.
• A competition programme that reflects the sport's needs - innovative and visionary in terms of racing whilst retaining historic links.
• A full complement of national and regional coaches that would result in every club having coaches to teach from novice to elite.
• A larger number of clubs with junior sections.
• Every oarsman sitting on the start knowing they are racing someone of equal status.
• A wider development of rowing for people with disabilities.
• A fuller recreational programme.
• Regional councils with a fully-integrated role within the ARA.
• Women at the same level as men internationally.
• Coaching, umpiring, administration, medical support as a natural progression for oarsmen.
• Regatta on the news stands.

© Copyright D. Ellis, 1997.