British Rowing is committed to harnessing the power of rowing to change lives. This is a purpose that we know is close to the hearts of all those involved in this debate. Schools, clubs and everyone working with young people want the best for their athletes.
The status quo cannot continue. The rules should allow small clubs and programs to develop highly competitive crews, this should not however prevent opportunities that large programs are able to offer to young athletes. Opportunities for young people who want to take part, enjoy and fulfil their potential will remain central to the discussion and decision making.
The subject of junior eligibility, specifically recruitment of young athletes, has not been fully resolved. We will continue to review the position and will do so at least on an annual basis. Inclusion, programme sustainability and fair competition are important in our sport, and we will continue to champion them. However, we must not lose sight of the need for proportionately in our rules, which should support competition and development. Any rules which are adopted must be capable of enforcement and not vulnerable to legal challenge.
The extensive consultation carried out by the Task & Finish Group will be considered in full by the Rowing Committee as part of a wider look at competition. The debate has been polarising with strong views expressed depending on how people experience our sport. All of the views expressed have validity. In relation to next steps we want to be explicit:
Where there is consensus we will continue to work across the sport to identify solutions:
- Ensuring junior rowing is fair
- Creating clear and child-centric guidance
- Considering the part that composites can play in developing junior rowing
Where there was significant divergence of views we recognise the need to do more work and not simply impose change;
- 75% “developed within programme” rule
- Specific rules governing rowing scholarships
There is currently no obvious solution that works for all participants in our sport and their viewpoints. That does not mean that we will not continue to review the issues. Crews that race want to arrive at the start line, feeling that they have a fair chance, and are competing on a level playing field.
We are committed to continuing to work towards solutions that work for all participants, which must sit within our fundamental purpose of harnessing the power of rowing to change lives.
It is important that as we work through these matters that the debate remains respectful and constructive. Viewpoints may differ greatly, but the junior community is clearly united in a desire to support young athletes.
The rowing committee will shortly begin work on a review of competition with key recommendations from this report forming part of this work. Further details of this will be circulated in due course.
Anyone who wishes to express an opinion to the Rowing Committee can do so here.
We are very grateful to everyone on the Task & Finish Group as well as those of you who inputted into the consultation.
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