It is often assumed that most rowing umpires come directly from the sport itself, having rowed at start lines and developed a natural curiosity for the rules and rhythms of competition. However, many arrive at umpiring through less conventional paths. One such example is RCA umpire Debbie Wood.

Growing up, sports were not Debbie’s main focus. That’s why it came as a surprise when her three daughters gravitated toward athletics and excelled in their chosen activities.

“My eldest daughter said she wanted to row,” recalls Debbie, reflecting on her introduction to the sport. “I had no idea where that came from, and I didn’t know anything about it.”

After contacting the Argonaut Rowing Club, Debbie arranged for her daughter to attend a summer rowing camp. Her daughter quickly fell in love with the sport, and soon Debbie’s world became immersed in rowing.

“I was asking questions like, ‘What do you mean you have practice every morning?!’, ‘What do you mean you have a regatta every weekend?!’ and ‘…It starts at WHAT time??!’ After I recovered from the shock, I began to enjoy the sport.”

Before long, Debbie’s other two daughters also joined the rowing community, turning the sport into a family affair.

Around 2002, the Argonauts published a newsletter with a notice that read: “Umpires Wanted.” It encouraged recreational rowers, master’s rowers, and even parents to get involved.

“I was already driving kids every weekend to regattas; I thought it would be fun to participate and help out at the events!”

After her first experience umpiring, Debbie was hooked. “From taking the initial clinic with Derek Ventnor to assisting umpires like the irascible but lovable Joe Lyttle. So many wonderful umpires offered encouragement and mentorship.”

Her passion for the role only grew stronger. Regardless of the weather, Debbie found joy in umpiring and the unique perspective it offered.

“As an outdoor sport from early spring to late fall, it was not unusual to scrape ice off an umpire boat for early morning races, and end the day soaked to the skin. There is nothing like getting into a warm car after that kind of regatta with a hot Tim Horton’s coffee. I love following races, watching the action up close, and seeing the development of young athletes.”

In 2010, Debbie earned her international umpire license, opening the door to officiating at World Rowing Championships and travelling to countries she might not otherwise have visited.

“A highlight was umpiring in Kazan, Russia, in 2012. Most recently, I umpired in Paris in 2023,” says Debbie. “I enjoy all aspects of umpiring, but the best is being part of the umpiring community. My family benefited so much from participating in this sport that for me, this is a way to give back. I would encourage anyone who wants to contribute to the sport, meet new people… and have a lot of fun—to take the clinic!”

Debbie’s story is a testament to the many paths that lead to rowing, and how one family’s introduction to the sport grew into a lifelong passion for giving back through umpiring.

Interested in becoming an umpire? Learn more about how you can get involved HERE.