TRRA Rules and Regs September 2006

The Rules, Guidelines, and Procedures of the Three Rivers Rowing Association are presented to facilitate the safety and enjoyment of recreational and competitive rowing, sculling, kayaking, and dragon boating. Combining good judgment and common sense on the water and on land can prevent accidents and minimize equipment damage. Together we can maintain a safe environment in which to row, paddle, and socialize.

This Document is supplemented by the current version of TRRA Safety Rules that are published on the TRRA website.

Interim changes to this document may be issued periodically and will be distributed to head coaches as well as posted on the bulletin boards and the TRRA webpage http://www.threeriversrowing.org/.

We look forward to your cooperation in using the facilities and equipment in a safe and thoughtful manner.

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DEFINITIONS

A ‘Member’ refers to an individual who has rights to use TRRA Boats and Facilities

'Program Member' is a participant in an official TRRA program.

An ‘Affiliate Member’ is a member of an Affiliate Group, such as, a high school.

An 'Affiliate Group' is a group that has been granted affiliate status by Three Rivers Rowing Association for the purpose of rowing/paddling as a team and does not apply to the crew teams of the Major Tenants.

'TRRC' is Three Rivers Rowing Center at Washington’s Landing or at Millvale, including the boathouse, parking lot, access road, staging area and the docks, all of which is operated by TRRA.

'Center Users' are all persons coming into Three Rivers Rowing Center at Washington’s Landing or Millvale, including the boathouse, staging area and docks, whether or not they use boats and equipment.

The term 'Coach' applies to those persons designated by the TRRA, Major Tenants, and Affiliate Groups as being a coach of their program.

The term 'Crew Leader' applies to the individual responsible for the safety of the rowers/paddlers in a designated boat(s) and equipment through the appropriate and correct application of the TRRA Rules and Guidelines are refers to those persons approved by TRRA to take out different crews as detailed in Rule 3 (a).

The 'Director' is the Executive Director of TRRA.

The 'Major Tenants' are Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, and the University of Pittsburgh.

A 'Junior' is anyone under 18 years of age.

A 'Novice' is anyone rowing/paddling for less than three seasons. (e.g., spring, summer, fall)

An 'Experienced' rower/paddler is anyone with more than three seasons of rowing/paddling.

'TRRA' is Three Rivers Rowing Association, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.

TRRA ‘Safety Rules’ are published on the web site of TRRA

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RULES OF THREE RIVERS ROWING CENTER

These rules govern the use of TRRC and are binding upon all persons using TRRA facilities. The Rules are mandatory, as are those portions of the Guidelines that reflect legal requirements. (It is strongly recommended that all users of TRRC be familiar with and follow the Guidelines.)

Failure to comply with these Rules may result in complete or partial suspension of membership privileges including use of TRRC, without refund of dues or any part thereof or the restriction or suspension of use of TRRC for non-members of TRRA, without refund of Program Fees, Affiliate Dues or the like, or any part thereof.

Rule 1.1Users of TRRA Facilities must be in Compliance with TRRA Membership Policies

Center users must be members and staff in good standing of:

(i) TRRA; or

(ii) Crews of the Major Tenants; or

(iii) Crews of an Affiliate Group; or

(iv) TRRA Program Members; or

(v) An invited guest of any of the above (Guidelines, Section I).

Fishing, swimming, unauthorized boat launching are all prohibited.

Rule 2.1 All individual and organizational users of TRRA facilities shall comply with the separately published TRRA Safety Rules.

All rowers/paddlers, coxswains and scullers not wearing a USCG approved personal floatation device must have passed a swimming test as detailed in the Guidelines and must produce lifeguard certification for having done so. (See Appendices for Swim Test Form)

All paddlers must be members in good standing of the USACK (United States Association for Canoe and Kayak) and must comply with any safety guidelines published by the USACK. (See: www.USACK.org)

All rowers are encouraged to become individual members of US Rowing (United States Rowing Association) and to comply with any safety guidelines published by US Rowing. (See: http://www.usrowing.org/)

The crew/team programs of the Major Tenants and Affiliate Group programs may adopt rules for their own programs, but in the event of a conflict, these Rules and Guidelines shall prevail.

Rule 3.1 All Center users must comply with instructions given by a Coach, Crew Leader or the Director.

All Center coaches and assistant coaches must be TRRA Crew Leaders in good standing. A current list of Crew Leaders/Coaches is posted in the boathouse. (See Safety Rules for Crew Leader Responsibilities and Application)

Crews will row with crew leaders as required by the Safety Rules

A launch must be on the water and accompanying rowers and paddlers in accordance with the Safety Matrix (See Safety Rules for current Safety Matrix):

TRRA will not accept any responsibility for any consequences arising from anyone acting in disregard of this subsection.

Rule 4.1 TRRA Equipment must be used in accordance with the policies of the organization

TRRA boats and equipment may only be used with the prior consent of and with a Crew Leader present on the water, except that a Crew Leader need not b e present on the water in the case of sculling boats and kayaks where the sculler/paddler has passed the TRRA Sculling/Paddling Certification Test.

Any person using TRRA equipment must be familiar with and follow the Equipment Classification System utilized by TRRA. Boat classifications (for example, race boats and trainer boats), oar classifications (for example, quad oars reserved for quad use), and rower skill level (for example, certified sculler and advanced sculler) constitutes information described within the Equipment Classification System (Guidelines Section III, 1d).

A boat sign out (reservation) system is maintained in the front of each TRRA bay. Separate rules and/or modifications to the Equipment Classification System may be made from time to time and these will be posted in the boathouse bays. (See Rule 11 and Appendices for Sculling/Paddling Certification and Advanced Sculling/Paddling Certification applications.)

The use of TRRA boats/equipment is a privilege of membership. Affiliate member groups and others may arrange for use by way of a lease agreement. (See Appendices for Lease Agreement). Unauthorized use of boats/equipment or negligent use is grounds for immediate suspension of membership privileges.

Private boats/equipment may only be used with owner's prior consent.

TRRA launches may only be used by a Qualified Operator authorized by TRRA except in cases of emergency. (See Appendices for a TRRA Qualified Launch Driver application).

Rule 5.1 Sign out Logs must be completed

Crew Leaders, Coaches, Paddlers, Rowers, and Scullers boating from TRRC docks must:

· ensure that the Crew Log is completed before and after every outing and

· must be aware of the weather conditions and any changes that will be posted on the Weather/Safety Board located in the boathouses and may also be accessed through the TRRA webpage.

(See: http://www.threeriversrowing.org/weatherhome.html)

Rule 6.1 Report all incidents involving equipment damage or any injuries

All occurrences of personal injury, property or equipment damage, and equipment maintenance required must be reported immediately to the Director, Staff member or a member of the TRRA Safety Committee. TRRA Incident Report and/or Damage Maintenance Forms must be filed as required. (See Appendices for Incident Report Form, Equipment Damage/Maintenance Form, and Equipment Damage policy)

Should reports of such incidents be required by any governmental authority, such reports must be filed in timely fashion and TRRA must be copied.

Rule 7.1 TRRA is an alcohol-free and smoke-free facility, with specific exceptions

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the premises of TRRC unless prior approval has been granted by the TRRA Board of Directors as part of an organized event.

Anyone appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be allowed on the premises of TRRC.

TRRC is a smoke-free environment.

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GUIDELINES FOR THREE RIVERS ROWING CENTER

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TRRA MEMBERSHIP

To maintain membership in good standing, a member must:

(1) have completed an application (See: http://www.regattacentral.com/)

(2) have paid applicable TRRA dues, fees, and/or program member fees for the current year and/or season

(3) have taken a swim test, if applicable

(4) have completed required waiver forms

(5) donate a minimum of 8 volunteer hours during the current year (Appendix B - Volunteer Policy)

(6) comply with TRRA Rules and mandatory TRRA Guidelines

An invited guest of TRRA may row or paddle, once required waiver forms are completed, for up to three times per year before membership is required.

A complimentary membership in TRRA is offered to all coaches and assistants during the time that they are actively coaching in a TRRA program. This membership entitles them to full use of the facility and rowing/kayaking membership.

A head coach of a TRRC program is entitled to a free locker during the time that the individual serves as a head coach.

A coach or assistant coach who is actively coaching in a non-TRRA program (e.g. high school, college, and university) is entitled to use TRRA rowing/kayaking equipment with payment of a TRRA membership at a 50% reduction.

A completed TRRA membership application is required for a complimentary membership with or without reduced fee.

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AFFILIATE GROUPS

Affiliate Group status is designed to promote the establishment of rowing programs by allowing a group to affiliate with TRRA for the purpose of rowing as a team. This term does not apply to the crew teams of the Major Tenants.

A group may apply to affiliate with TRRA by filing an Affiliate Group Application, to be approved by the TRRA Board of Directors. The application must designate one person to be responsible for the group and shall describe the nature and purpose of the group.

Affiliate Group status is dependent upon:

1. Payment of applicable fees including the annual Affiliation Fee, boat rack fee, and lease of TRRA equipment fee.

2) Continued compliance with the Rules of TRRA

3) Establishment and compliance with Safety Rules consistent and at least as stringent as the published TRRA Safety Rules and with USA Canoe/Kayak and USRowing recommendations.

Members of an Affiliate Group have the right:

1. to use all facilities on the ground floor of the WL boathouse and the facilities at

a. Millvale including the tanks, ergs, weights during scheduled practice time of the group and adhering to any sign-ups, schedules, and procedures as required,

2. to use only equipment owned by the Affiliate Group in the storage bays except in accordance with procedures described below.

By arrangement, an Affiliate Group may lease boats and other equipment from persons or organizations storing their boats or equipment in the boathouse. An Affiliate Group may also rent space for its own boats and equipment.

Affiliate members must use the rowing center facilities as part of their group's scheduled practices or events under the supervision of a coach, crew leader, or other person(s) authorized to supervise practices and events.

An Affiliate Group does not carry TRRA Board voting rights (though representation may be granted, for example, through the Scholastic Parent Organization) or the right to row in TRRA crews unless the individual is also a ‘boat and facility’ member of TRRA or is an invited guest.

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GENERAL BEHAVIOR AND CARE OF THE FACILITIES

All Users are expected to use the TRRC facilities with care and appropriate courtesy to others. This includes such actions as:

· Returning all equipment to its proper place.

· Wiping down shells and ergs after use.

· Reporting any damages or maintenance that may be required.

· If the crew/sculler's log indicates that you are the last one in, turning off lights and closing doors.

· Properly signing out. If you are the last one in, either hang the clipboard in reverse or return it to the inside of the bay.

· Refraining from the use of foul language, excessive noise or discourteous behavior

· Reporting damaged equipment, missing parts or needed repairs on the Damage/Maintenance Report in the bays and filing such reports with the Director immediately.

· Assisting in maintaining the appearance of buildings and grounds by properly disposing of rubbish and by leaving all premises in proper condition.

· Complying with the volunteer hours requirement by offering assistance, for example, with TRRA programs, events, and TRRC maintenance and upkeep

The Boathouse Keeper is responsible for overseeing the security of the boathouse. The cooperation of all rowers, and especially coaches and crew leaders, is critical to the protection of the facilities and equipment. This includes returning all equipment to its secure location within the boathouse, closing doors and shutting off lights, and reporting any situation or behavior that may cause a security problem.

(a) Only persons specifically authorized shall be allowed access to storage bays and/or other boathouse areas. These persons must comply with current keyholder procedures and security access codes and are responsible for the security of any area to which they have access (including locking and unlocking doors). This responsibility may not be delegated to an unauthorized person. Failure to observe this rule will result in loss of authorization.

(b) Keys and access codes to TRRA storage bays may be given to the following:

(i) Those renting space in the bay,

(ii) Crew Leaders/Coaches,

(iii) Certified scullers,

(iv) Members of the Board of Directors, and specified staff.

TRRA launches may be operated by a qualified launch operator only. Indicate the operator on the crew log sign-in/sign-out. Any damage or maintenance required on the launch must be indicated on a Damage/Maintenance report form.

All TRRA shells must be reserved by way of the Shell Reservation Log located in the boat bays.

Parking for rowers, guests, and all users of the boathouse facilities is in the small lot on the right hand side of the boathouse and in the lot near the tennis courts (follow road under RR bridge). Vehicles may be towed if parked between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekday mornings in the large lot adjacent to the left hand side of the boathouse or in the lot across the street.

TRRA SWIM TEST

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All rowers, scullers & paddlers must pass the following swim-test and have a certified Lifeguard or American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor attest to completion of this test by signing the form below.

The swim-test is comprised of the following elements:

· 50 yards continuous swim, any stroke

· 5 minute continuous tread water wearing sweats

· put on a life-jacket and secure it while treading water

This form should be submitted as part of your TRRA record when completed.

Certification

I, ____________________________________________________________________, certify that

(Print guard or instructor’s name) (Print TRRA Members name) has completed 50 yards of continuous swimming, followed by 5 minutes of treading water while wearing sweats, and then put on a life jacket while in the water and secured it following the five minutes of treading water.

This test of swimming ability was given at on__________________________________(Location)

I am currently certified as a lifeguard or American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.

My certification expires on .________________________________________________(Date)

Signature of Guard or Instructor

______________________________________________________________________

Signature of TRRA Member

______________________________________________________________________

Affiliation

(school,masters,etc)______________________________________________________

QUALIFICATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR CREW LEADERS

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I QUALIFICATIONS

LEVEL I

An applicant for Crew Leader Level I must:

1) Have completed 300 miles sweep rowing at TRRA, within the past three years, including a minimum of 50 miles rowing and 50 miles coxing. 2) Demonstrate knowledge of TRRA Procedures, Rules and Guidelines 3) Demonstrate knowledge of rowing and coxing technique 4) Submit an application for review by members of the Crew Leader Panel. This panel shall be made up of experienced coaches and crewleaders. Upon unanimous approval by that Committee, the names of recommended individuals will be brought to the Board of Directors for approval. 5) Be at least 19 years old.

An experienced rower from another club must satisfy the following requirements:

1) Have rowed for another club within the last 3 years 2) Have satisfied Requirement 1 above at their previous club 3) Have completed 5 trips to the Point and 5 trips to the 62nd.. Bridge upstream of Washington's Landing in sweep 4's or 8's, with at least 2 of these trips in the coxswain's seat 4) Provide a Letter of Reference from a former club or coach 5) Have completed a tour of the river in a launch 6) Satisfy Requirements 2, 3, 4 and 5 above.

LEVEL II

An applicant for Crew Leader Level II must:

1) Satisfy all requirements of Crew Leader Level I 2) Demonstrate on-water Launch Safety 3) Demonstrate knowledge of Safe Boating as described by the PA Fish and Boat Commission's Safe Boating Manual 4) Demonstrate knowledge of response to emergency conditions. 5) Demonstrate knowledge of on- and off-water Equipment Repair

LEVEL III

An applicant for Crew Leader Level III must:

1) Satisfy all requirements of Crew Leader Levels I and II

2) Demonstrate on-water knowledge of Launch Safety and Operation with up to four boats

**For the purpose of Crew Leader Level III selection, each application shall be considered by a minimum of three members of the Crew Leader Panel. In order to established the applicant’s skill level the panel may require that he/she participate in up to four on-water outings with a panel member. The purpose of these outings, if necessary, is to evaluate the proficiency with which the applicant runs a practice with up to four boats.

II Annual Review

The status of Crew Leaders shall be reviewed annually by the Crew Leader Panel, which may recommend either re-certification or the suspension or revocation of Crew Leader Status to the Board of Directors if it thinks fit.

II RESPONSIBILITIES

CREW LEADER LEVELS I, II AND III

1. Know and comply with TRRA Procedures, Rules, and Guidelines

2. Know and comply with general water safety principles and the USRowing Safety Bulletin

3. Take out only members (dependent upon their signing waiver and completing swimming test). Exceptions : 1) Beginners participating in an Orientation Session or lessons for kayaking or in the barge, dependent upon signing waiver and acknowledging they can swim, 2) "guest status", dependent upon having at least one year rowing experience and signing waiver

4. Take reasonable and proper steps to ensure safety first of persons, then of equipment. Always err on the side of caution. Such as when there is a dubious weather forecast, the docks may be hazardous (icy), maintenance is required on a piece of equipment.

5. Complete Crew Log before and after outing

6. Ensure that TRRA equipment is available for the time anticipated, returned promptly, especially if it is reserved for a crew immediately afterwards.

7. File any reports that may be required as soon as practical including any personal injury, even relatively minor, and any equipment damage.

8. Ensure that crews tidy up after outing: wipe down boats and blades, drain chase boat if necessary, leave engine in neutral, store all equipment safely, turn off lights and lock all bays before going out of sight, pick up trash, odds and ends.

9. Comply with key policy (See Guidelines Section VI, 2)

10. Participate in mandatory seasonal safety meeting and improve skills by participating in courses available through the TRRA Coach's and Coxswain's Institute.

CREW LEADER LEVEL I ONLY

1) Maintain at least 100 miles per year rowing

CREW LEADER LEVELS II AND III ONLY

1) Participate in at least 15 outings per year as a Crew Leader

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Three Rivers Rowing Association

CREW LEADER STATUS

DATE__________________

Name _____________________________________ Date of Birth ___________

Address_________________________________________________________________

Home #___________________Alt ______________E-Mail_______________________

Membership: High School (Affiliate) __________________

Collegiate (School) __________________

Adult (Primary Program) __________________

Coach (School or Primary Program) __________________

CURRENT CREW LEADER STATUS

DATE DATE

CREW LEADER I ____ _____ CPR/ FIRST AID ____ ______

CREW LEADER II ____ _____ BOATING SAFETY ____ ______

CREW LEADER III ____ _____ USROWING I ____ ______

LAUNCH DRIVER I ____ _____ USROWING II ____ ______

LAUNCH DRIVER II ____ _____ USROWING III ____ ______

SCULLING I ____ _____ USACK I, II, III ____ ______

ADVANCED SCULLING II ____ _____ TRAILER ____ ______

BRIEF SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE

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Three Rivers Rowing Association

Application for CREW LEADER I DATE_______________

Name _____________________________________ Date of Birth ___________

Rowing:

· A Level I Crew Leader may take out one boat with EXPERIENCED rowers and an EXPERIENCED coxswain.

· A Level I Crew Leader may only take out crews during daylight hours.

Level I Crew Leader – Paddling:

Paddling:

· May take out up to ten inexperienced kayakers in the back channel

· May take our a dragon boat with experienced paddlers in the back channel

An applicant for Crew Leader Level I must:

Rowing:

_____1) Have completed within the past three years 300 miles of sweep rowing at TRRA, including a minimum of 50 miles rowing and 50 miles coxing.

VERIFIED BY/ON__________________

Paddling:

____ 1) Have completed within the past three years 10 outings in a kayak

VERIFIED BY/ON__________________

____ 1) Have completed within the past three years 10 outings in a dragon boat, including 5 outings as a steersperson.

VERIFIED BY/ON__________________

Rowing and Paddling:

_____2) Demonstrate a knowledge of TRRA Procedures, Rules, and Guidelines.

TEST GRADE_____________________

_____3) Demonstrate a practical knowledge of rowing and coxing, or paddling and steering, and safety and technique.

VERIFIED BY/ON_________________

_____4) Submit an application for review by members of the Crew Leader Panel. This panel shall be made up of experienced coaches and crew leaders. Upon unanimous approval by that Committee, the names of recommended individuals will be brought to the Board of Directors for ratification.

RATIFIED ON __________________

_____5) Be at least 19 years old.

_____6) Maintain at least 100 miles per year rowing or paddling, if applicable.

VERIFIED BY/ON_________________

An experienced rower or paddler from another club must satisfy the following requirements:

_____1) Have rowed or paddled for another club within the last 3 years.

CLUB ______________________

_____2) Rowed or coxed at least 100 miles or paddled and steered for 10 times at TRRA.

_____3) Complete 5 trips to the Point and 5 trips to the 62^nd St. Bridge in sweep 4's or

8's, with at least 2 of these trips in the coxswain's seat.

VERIFIED BY /ON________________

_____4) Provide a Letter of Reference from a for