The following is reprinted from Row As One's Newsletter, Reach.

Program Conflict
Few of us have been spared the experience of a crew break up - where rowers in conflict separate from their former teammates or in extreme circumstances - leave the club or sport altogether. At first glance, the tangles seem related to competitive stress, inept coaching, lack of equipment, or personality clashes. In anger and frustration, it is easy to rally the troops to purchase a boat, pay for private coaching and hire an experienced coxswain. But dissatisfied rowers contemplating self organizing in an effort to continue to participate in their sport should first consider redefining the programs within their clubs.

Initially, the development of the rowing programs is left in the hands of the dedicated few who organize, manage and donate countless hours to obtain coaches, boats and transportation to regattas. As interest grows, the programs - originally structured to meet the needs of a small, core group - begin to collapse. The program structure cannot handle the sheer number of people and their various needs.

Here are some simple steps to ensure that the new system works in conjunction with your club’s mission.

Step 1: A “Listen” Meeting
If you and your team are experiencing problems, it is likely the rest of the members are unhappy as well. Hold an open discussion meeting that includes all members of the club. Invite the board of directors and program director. Facilitate a listen policy where anyone can raise her hand to express her dissatisfaction but the board does not have to respond.

Step 2: Organize the Complaints
Try to separate the issues: Membership, Program, Coaching, Equipment, Decision Making, Policy, Procedures, Organization, Communication, Community.

Step 3: Select a Program Committee
With the cooperation and support of the board of directors, select a Program Committee. This committee should be open to everyone of all experiences including new members. Make a list of recommendations that address the issues raised in the “listen” meeting. Prioritize the issues as they relate to overall member satisfaction. Fairness should be the theme.

Step 4: Program Development
Here is a very general idea of types of programs. Programs can and should be customized to fit your members’ needs. Careful attention should be placed on how a rower moves from one program to another. A selection process guideline, if incorporated, should be open to a coach’s interpretation and style.

Competitive Programs: Typically, try-outs include erg scores, seat racing and cardiovascular/strength evaluations. The coach makes the final selection and determines the seating within the boat(s). Newcomers or those not boated can challenge someone for a seat but the coach rules. Daily additional work-outs are required. Heavy emphasis is placed on racing - which means sacrificing weekends and money to travel. A common issue: Do you want to separate light-weight and heave-weight programs. This should be determined based on the particular dynamics of your membership

Development Program is where rowers can make great improvements. Similar to the competitive program, by the end of the season these boats are creeping up on the competitive crew. The purpose of the development program is to prepare rowers to move either to the competitive program or to a core boat that rows and competes regularly. Generally rowers are less experienced, and need some additional technical work. Land work-outs are required but are usually less intense for those not preparing for try-outs. Boating are fairly consistent. Regattas are a big part of this program but can be less frequent than the competitive program.

For most clubs, the development program swells to capacity fairly quickly. Be sure to incorporate alternatives within the development phase for rowers to flow either to the competitive level or to a core boat(s) that is coached separately. Keep coaches to a maximum of two eights.

Recreational Programs are geared towards rowers who have less time but want to row regularly. Consistent boatings can make recreational rowing an enjoyable experience. A good coach can help rowers improve and keep things fun. Land workouts are not usually required but should be considered to protect rowers from injury. This is for less experienced rowers or those with experience who can’t commit to many races.