1. Who is that person waving a white flag? A quick guide for novice rowers Material: Malcolm Fletcher June 2014 Presentation: Ge-an Rijniersce

2. Umpires are everywhere Why: For fair and safe racing for all competitors What: Control commission Start Race Finish

3. Pre Race Minimize stress Practice skills such as backing up Study course maps (where available) Visit venue a day in advance Control commission Bow balls Heel ties Launch Early!

4. Warm up Wear your uniform – this helps the umpires recognize your team Know the warm up & cool down patterns – Avoid the ‘yelling umpire’ Pull aside & stop rowing when a race approaches you while rowing up to the start – General courtesy to anyone racing

5. Start Zone Minimize stress Know your race number & the type of event ahead of your race Be near the start zone – max 250 meters away – at least 5 minutes before announce race time On Starter’s instructions to enter start zone – This is the 5 minute call

6. Start Zone (2) The Aligner aligns, the Starter starts ‘Locked on’ & ready to start at 2 minutes call Attention – Go (watch the flag!) Breakage in first 100 m 10 0m Lane 1 Lane 2 Lane 3 Lane 4 Lane 5 Lane 6 aligner starter

7. The Race Safety and Fairness: One or two following umpire boats No steering advice! – A crew is responsible for their own steering Well … some steering directions – When a race needs to be stopped – When a crew needs to change it’s course – When a specific crew needs to stop rowing Follow the instructions given – Maximize performance

8. Finish Another Flag: only for the 1 st across the line – umpire following the race takes time A horn will sounds for all boats as they finish After you finish keep sitting upright – Umpires like to know that everyone is all right Raise your hand for an objection Umpire indicates if the race was fair Clear finish area

9. Rules of Racing If you want to know more: http://rowingcanada.org/coaching-and-umpiring/rules-racing