Issue 123 - November 1999

Junior programme gets an airing

The Junior Rowing Commission working party interim report on the structure of junior competition, currently being debated regionally by clubs and schools, is producing some lively debate, as it should, since, as Peter Politzer the commission chairman says 'Nothing is written in stone. The report is intended to lead to people letting me have their views before we proceed any further. What we have produced so far are suggestions, not proposals.'

The Upper Thames region's meeting, with junior representative John Broadhurst present, met at St Edwards in October. Big schools such as Eton, Radley, St Edwards, Abingdon and Hampton were present and three main areas of debate emerged. The suggestion of 'sculling only' rather than rowing for junior 15 men, something already operating for women, was not well received. No-one argued that sculling was not a great way of setting off in the sport, but for many the logistics and the cost, are problems. Also, variety is important to keep the boys in the sport, Michael Martin of Abingdon commenting 'there are better ways of encouraging people to scull than by stopping them rowing.' Junior 15 is a crucial year for decisions by boys as to whether to stick with rowing and limiting their options could reduce the base of the pyramid.

The suggestion that only novice school crews should be allowed to race in senior 4 events raised comments as to why schools were not being allowed 'equal competition.' If people want senior 4 'club only' events, why not say so. It was debated whether the recommendation of a new junior movice class at junior, junior 16 and junior 15 level was really necessary when junior A and junior B already exist.

l Views and opinions to: Peter Politzer, 99 Fairway Avenue, Tilehurst, Reading. RG30 4QB. Fax: 0118 9420220.

© Copyright Mike Rosewell, 1999.