Under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer Dr. Mike Wilkinson, RCA is proceeding with a phased approach to lifting restrictions on sanctioned activity. We are lifting restrictions in line with provincial and regional regulations with our interpretation of how they apply to our sport. Provincial, regional and local public health restrictions still vary across the country. All clubs and individuals must ensure that all activities are aligned with their public health guidelines.

As of Monday, July 20, programming for individuals new to rowing will be sanctioned for activity that is restricted to single sculls (1X) and double sculls (2X) – which must include one experienced rower from the same household. 

Where possible, with local regulations in place, sanctioned activity now includes the following:  

• programming for experienced rowers in 1X 
• programming for experienced rowers in 2X and pairs (2-)  
• programming for individuals new to rowing in 1X* 
• programming for individuals new to rowing in 2X with an experienced rower from the same household* 

*Effective Monday July 20, 2020.

Individuals rowing in 2X and 2- should consistently row with the same partner who would then be considered as part of their respective “node/bubble”.

The delivery of regattas continues to not be sanctioned at this time. Further easing of restrictions will be assessed based on the outcomes of this current phase.

RCA encourages our clubs to continue applying diligence in your planning. Clubs are not obligated to offer additional programming beyond their current capacity and we expect participants to support the decisions of club leaders.

Additional Information and Considerations: 

• Clubs must have a completed RCA Risk Assessment and Mitigation Checklist tool on record, however they are NOT required to update it with this current lifting of RCA restrictions on sanctioned activity. Clubs should be prepared to update their own protocols to reflect these new expectations.  
• RCA will review our current restrictions on Return to Rowing at minimum every 2 weeks and will continue to provide guidance and outline expectations to the membership as necessary.  
• Clubs should ensure that refund policies are clearly communicated in all advertisements for new programming. Due to COVID-19, RCA fees will be refunded for programs that are cancelled prior to the start date. 
• Individuals new to rowing may row in 2X with another experienced individual from the same household. 
• Programming for experienced rowers in crews should already be in place and practiced before introducing programs to individuals new to rowing. 
• RCA is the authoritative body for what is considered RCA sanctioned activity however clubs must also abide by their local, provincial and federal public health guidelines when making decisions and assessments related to the programming they offer.  
• The delivery of regattas is currently not sanctioned. RCA will be providing guidance and expectations related to regatta delivery prior to sanctioning regattas.  
• Clubs should continue to offer dedicated “safe” training times for High Risk individuals as outlined in the RCA Risk Assessment and Mitigation Checklist tool. 

RCA and select member clubs are currently piloting programming for individuals new to rowing. Join us on Friday, July 17 at 12:00 pm PT/3:00pm ET for a webinar describing learnings and suggestions that should be considered for this type of programming.

Register for the webinar here.

A reminder that all clubs are still required to complete the RCA Risk Assessment and Mitigation Checklist tool to determine their Club Risk Assessment Score. RCA will not sanction activity, and thus not provide insurance coverage, for a club that has a HIGH RISK or VERY HIGH RISK score. At a minimum, clubs must ensure that all mandatory expectations are met to ensure their activity is sanctioned and thus covered with RCA insurance. Clubs that require support to meet a mandatory expectation or want to request an exception to a mandatory expectation should complete this form.

Rowing Canada Aviron is aware of the significant challenges our member organizations are faced with during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are providing relief funding for organizations with the most financial need to support the continuation of their current programming and to stabilize those clubs that are at risk of not being able to open in the future as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more details or visit our resource page.