Question 1

How do I register for PVRC programs?

Accepted Answer

Welcome to PVRC! There are several spots on pvriverfront.org for registering. When you click on one, you will be brought to the registration management page where you will see drop-down menus for programs currently being offered.

Please note that PVRC’s registration functions are hosted by Regatta Central. Any charges to your credit/debit card will show Regatta Central. This can be confusing because Regatta Central also lists many regattas that PVRC participants attend, and rowers and their families are often directed to Regatta Central for regatta information (see the Regatta Information button above for more on this).

Question 2

Is there an earlybird registration discount?

Accepted Answer

Often there is! Click Sign Up to jump to the registration page. Each program will list any incentives for early registration.

Question 3

What should rowers bring and wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear athletic clothes and bring a hat and water bottle. Clothes should be snug fitting and non-cotton. Rowers should especially avoid hoodies with front pouch pockets or regular pockets that do not zip. Shoes are required, and they might get wet. We recommend sneakers for indoor training, and crocs or slides (not flip-flops) for water practices.

Question 4

What happens if it rains?

Accepted Answer

Your session will happen even if the forecast calls for rain. Please dress appropriately, in layers if needed. Rowers should avoid cotton clothes as it just gets heavy and soggy. Waist-length rain jackets are appropriate and will be appreciated! In the event of lightning or high wind your session may occur indoors. We monitor the weather closely and will communicate with you if there are any changes that require cancellation or rescheduling.

Question 5

How is information about the team, regattas, and other PVRC events communicated?

Accepted Answer

Your first source of information is PVRC’s website, pvriverfront.org. We use GroupMe (https://groupme.com/)to communicate with participants and their parents. If you know you'll be enrolling, please install the GroupMe (https://groupme.com/)app on both parent's and participant's phone. This will make it easier and faster to add you to your specific program's group. We use email for non-urgent, lengthy, and other important communication. The Boathouse Phone number is 413-736-1322, where you may also leave a message. Messages are checked daily.

Question 6

What does the registration fee cover?

Accepted Answer

The registration fee covers coaching; equipment use, maintenance, and repair; and use of PVRC’s Rockrimmon Boathouse and facilities.

Question 7

What are other costs associated with being on the PVRC Rowing team?

Accepted Answer

1. Regatta fees: These fees cover the team’s costs associated with rowing in a regatta. These fees are assessed to each rower on each squad rowing in a given regatta.

2. Uniforms and other PVRC logo wear (for rowers and their families/supporters) are not included in the registration fee. Items in stock are available for purchase before or after most practices.

3. Occasionally, PVRC offers extra trainings, such as school vacation week training, and team field trips. These are not included in regular season registration fees.

4. USRowing membership - see below.

Question 8

Can you please explain those regatta fees better?

Accepted Answer

There are many costs associated with a team racing at a regatta. Each boat entered has an entry fee. Some regattas charge an administrative fee on top of the entry fees. PVRC must rent a truck big enough (Ford F250 or similar) to pull the boat trailer so there are vehicle rental fees. Traveling by truck includes gasoline and tolls. Coaches are paid for their time. Sometimes, coaches must stay overnight for a regatta and they need hotel rooms.

The Executive Director works with the coaching staff to determine the entire cost of attending the regatta and then divides that cost amount among all the rowers, including coxswains, in each squad racing in that regatta. (Some regattas are only attended by varsity rowers, some are attended by all rowers, some are middle school only scrimmages, etc.)

Regatta fees are payable by check, made out to PVRC with "regatta fees" as the memo. For other payment arrangements (credit card, venmo, cash) please see the Executive Director. For more information about regattas, please see the Regatta Information page.

Question 9

Should my rower join USRowing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! USRowing is the national governing organization of the sport of rowing in the United States. Joining not only offers educational and training opportunities, but helps support this amazing sport and the US National and Olympic rowing teams.

Additionally, some regattas attended by PVRC require USRowing liability waivers and membership for participants. When joining USRowing, use the rower's name and information (including date of birth and email address), not the parent’s/guardian’s. (Although, parents/guardians can join, too and show support!)
Initially, it is recommended to choose the Individual Basic Membership ($9.75 per year). Make sure to fill out the waiver! Without this waiver, athletes will not be allowed to compete at certain regattas PVRC attends. These are USRowing rules for these specific regattas and there is no flexibility.

Other regattas require more than a Basic level of USRowing membership. (Again, this is a USRowing rule and all athletes who participate must comply.) Once your rower has an Individual Basic Membership, you can upgrade the membership to a higher level by logging into your rower’s USRowing account and adding a “Regatta Package” for $25.26 or upgrading to a Championship Membership ($45). If a rower needs an upgraded membership to row at a particular regatta, they will be notified by a coach prior to that regatta.

Please note - USRowing membership is separate from PVRC program registration fees and regatta fees, which are administered by Regatta Central. USRowing is paid directly for a rower’s USRowing membership. Here (https://usrowing.org/sports/2016/6/27/3316_132107070444805064.aspx)is the link to the membership section of USRowing.

Question 10

What is the difference between USRowing and Regatta Central?

Accepted Answer

USRowing is the national governing organization of the sport of rowing in the United States. Regatta Central is a website used for club management and regatta management. PVRC uses Regatta Central for its club management functions. This is why rowers need Regatta Central accounts. Their program registration fees, regatta and travel fees, and even fundraising are paid through Regatta Central.
Many regattas PVRC attends also use Regatta Central for regatta management, which is why we look at Regatta Central for details about certain regattas.

Question 11

Where can I find basic information about rowing?

Accepted Answer

USRowing (https://usrowing.org/)is a great place to start. This (https://usrowing.org/sports/2016/6/28/5450_132107073598309350)is a super glossary of terms . Here (https://usrowing.org/sports/2016/6/28/5286_132107073222944384)is a nice, brief history of rowing. As you may have guessed by now, you and your family will be learning a whole new language!

Question 12

During what seasons does PVRC offer programming for youth rowers?

Accepted Answer

Fall. Winter. Spring. Summer.
PVRC is here all year for you!

Question 13

What are my responsibilities as the parent/guardian of a rower?

Accepted Answer

Parents/guardians provide support for rowing teams more than most other sports. Regattas are all day events, and sometimes multiple day events. Rowers need to be fed. All day! Boats, oars, and coaching launches are much bigger, more expensive, and more difficult to transport than a bag of soccer balls and a goal net. Without the parents’ help, teams could not make it to regattas and have successful seasons.

As a parent/guardian, you are expected to help provide food and/or help in the food tent for every regatta your rower attends. Please see the Regatta Information page for more detailed information about regattas, the food, and the food tent. We understand that families are busy with many commitments and demands on their time and that you will not necessarily attend every regatta. Please make every effort to attend as many regattas as possible. The rowers need you!

Parents are also expected to fully support their rowers in fundraising activities. PVRC has fundraising efforts every season. Registration fees cover only about one-third of PVRC’s operating costs. The remaining is covered by fundraising.

There are several events on PVRC’s annual calendar that require help from volunteers. Please help when these opportunities arise. The events are fun and critical to the success of PVRC.

Coaches hold mandatory meetings for parents and athletes before each youth rowing season. Multiple dates and times are offered for your convenience.

Finally, please read the Parent Code of Conduct.

Question 14

What if I have questions during the season. Who can I ask?

Accepted Answer

Rowers often have most of the information you need. They aren’t great sharers of said information, so ask them! If they don’t know, please ask (in this order), in your squad GroupMe or another experienced rowing parent, the program coach, or the Director of Rowing.

Question 15

Does PVRC do fundraising campaigns?

Accepted Answer

You bet! PVRC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and has targeted fundraising campaigns during the fall and spring rowing seasons, as well as ongoing development efforts. Registration fees cover only about one-third of PVRC’s operating costs. The remaining is covered by fundraising. Please support your rower’s efforts in fundraising activities.

Question 16

What do my rower and I need to know about rowing in college?

Accepted Answer

Rowing is an increasingly popular sport, and both men and women have many opportunities to row in college across in clubs and across all division levels. Some high school rowers even get scholarships for rowing! PVRC is quite proud to have had many youth rowers go on to row in college. Several were recruited by college coaches and given scholarships. If your rower is interested in continuing to row in college, please encourage them to talk to their coach about where to start the process.

Question 17

PVRC is so awesome! How can I get more involved?

Accepted Answer

PVRC has many opportunities to volunteer and several committees you can be involved in. From development to equipment, marketing to finance, facilities to events, your talent and time is needed. Contact the Director of Rowing, Executive Director, or any board member to hear more about our volunteer opportunities and current needs.

YOUTH ROWING

PROGRAMS

Private lessons

Youth Novice Rowing

Middle School Rowing

Youth Varsity Rowing

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