The importance of a strong schedule

In the future, athletes and coaches should contact the High Performance Committee and officials at USRowing and STRONGLY encourage them to schedule events like the Pan Am Trials and NSR III to run concurrently. Regatta logistics, starting systems, judges, volunteers, not restricting the lake at a County Park for two consecutive weeks/weekends would no doubt bolster the notion of having both Trials and NSRIII run concurrently.

Furthermore, the scheduling of NSR III on the same weekend as the NCAA Championships and the IRA does nothing to advance our sport or make boats faster in preparation of international racing. Nearly every national team athlete training competed in these two events. Nearly all future Olympians will have their collegiate racing roots firmly planted in these intensely competitive regattas. Supporting our universities' rowing programs is essential for the development and continued health of our international squads.

Identifying schedule conflicts, and correcting them as the schedule is worked on, would help concentrate the nation's elite and collegiate athletes, as well as media and those who support us (friends/families/potential sponsors) in one place for a great week(end) of racing.

Communicating this positive message to USRowing officials and to the High Performance Committee can help cultivate a stronger, more efficient schedule. A stronger schedule with fewer conflicts will advance our sport at all levels.

Jason Read
jasonlread@hotmail.com