Call For Expressions of Interest: RCA Under 19 Fair and Meaningful Competition Working Group

As previously announced in the Update on the U19 Lightweight Category Review, the RCA Board of Directors has decided to create an RCA Under 19 Fair and Meaningful Competition Working Group.  

The U19 Fair and Meaningful Competition Rowing Working Group (The Working Group) is being  established by the Rowing Canada Aviron Board of Directors following their consideration of the findings and recommendations provided by the U19 Lightweight Rowing Working Group. The primary purpose of this Working Group is to ensure the safety and equitable participation of U19 athletes in rowing competitions while discontinuing U19 lightweight rowing and developing alternative approaches that promote fair and meaningful participation and competition.

The Working Group will review the findings and recommendations from the U19 Lightweight Rowing Working Group. It will explore the impact of discontinuing U19 lightweight rowing, propose alternative approaches, and develop an implementation plan with timelines. Thorough research will explore suitable category options considering athlete safety, fairness, and competitiveness. Collaboration with stakeholders such as coaches, athletes, umpires, event organizers and technical experts  will ensure alignment with the rowing community’s needs for consideration by the RCA Board of Directors

The full Terms of Reference for the Working Group can be accessed HERE.

RCA is seeking expressions of interest from individuals to fill up to 7-9 volunteer roles on our U19 Lightweight Rowing Review Working Group.

Qualifications include knowledge, expertise and experience in the areas of:

• Relevant medical expertise
• Knowledge of and experience in club programming (including competition) within the Canadian Rowing Community (U19 and beyond). Specifically:
  • Athlete Development Pathway
  • Inclusion considerations and best practices
  • Rowing culture
  • Familiarity of connection with international rowing
• Event Delivery – Including Regatta organizing and Umpiring.
• Formal research and consultation experience, including:
  • Designing and delivering multi-stakeholder consultations
  • Report writing
  • Analyzing and identifying trends and considerations from quantitative and qualitative data
• Strong administration and communication (written and presentation) skills

 

Working Group members must also meet the profile listed in Section 4. Composition of the Terms of Reference.

This is an incredibly important and sensitive topic to our community and this work requires a very specific skillset. Our community is encouraged to reach out to others (including outside of the rowing community) who have the desired qualifications to ensure they are aware of this opportunity. 

 

Meetings and Time Commitment

The Working Group will meet by video conference. Meetings will be called as required by the Chairperson. We anticipate that this project will require a notable number of volunteer hours each month through the duration of the project.

Application

Individuals who meet the desired qualifications and are interested in contributing their expertise to RCA should submit a 1-2 page expression of interest that outlines their relevant experience and qualifications, and answers to the following:

1. Are you involved with a member organization of RCA? If yes, please list the organization(s).
2. Previous and Current Role(s) in Rowing if applicable.
3. What is your experience in club programming and/or event delivery?
4. What is your previous experience in consultation, administration and/or communications.
5. Why is this work of interest to you?

Expressions of Interest should be submitted via email to rca@rowingcanada.org by Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Questions related to this working group should be directed to Jennifer Fitzpatrick.