Guest policy

Guests are welcome to use club facilities when accompanied by a member after they have signed a guest waiver. Guests may use facilities including weights, ergometers, lockers, showers, boats and docks. Use of club singles, including gigs, by a guest is permissible only with the express permission of the Captain.

A guest may visit the club three times annually. If the guest wishes to use Riverside facilities more than three times annually, they must pursue an existing form of membership at the club.   

Regarding guests, Riverside members are responsible for:

• Each guest signing an Indemnification form (guest waiver) prior to using boats or facilities

• Accompanying the guest at all times while the guest is using the facility and/or equipment.

• Choosing an appropriate boat. Permission of the Captain must be obtained by the host for his/her guest to use any club single, including gigs and private singles for use during peak hours or to host more than one guest at a time.

• Complying with log book procedures including listing the guest’s name in the appropriate location.

• Ensuring that the guest uses Riverside facilities no more than three times annually.

• Covering the cost of repair for any damage caused by their guests

Reciprocal guest privileges

Riverside has reciprocal guest privilege arrangements with a number of clubs that extend equal privileges to RBC members. The maximum number of rows for reciprocal guests are 8 rows annually or at the discretion of the Captain.  Care should be taken by guests to avoid peak boat use hours. Reciprocal guest privileges may be awarded or terminated at any time, as deemed appropriate by the Captain and/or Board of Directors. 

Reciprocal guest arrangements with Potomac Boat Club

Riverside and Potomac Boat Club (PBC) Senior members are allowed to launch their own boats from each other’s boathouses provided they are current members in good standing at their home club and have contacted the guest club’s Captain (RBC) or Chair of the Membership Committee (PBC) at least 2 weeks ahead of time for approval and instructions. 

PBC members are able to row RBC’s equipment on a guest row basis up to eight outings per year at no fee provided they:

• identify an RBC rower who will serve as their sponsor. If the PBC member does not have an RBC member to serve as their sponsor, the Membership Committee will be asked to identify an RBC member to serve as sponsor.

• meet with an RBC representative to go over boathouse and Charles River Rules and restrictions.

• obtain approval from the Riverside Captain

• sign a liability waiver

• row up to eight outings per year at no fee

RBC members are able to row PBC equipment on a guest row basis provided they:

• identify a PBC member who will serve as their direct sponsor. If the RBC member does not have a PBC member to serve as their sponsor, the Membership Committee will be asked to identify a PBC member to serve as sponsor.

• obtain approval from the Chair of the Membership Committee

• sign a liability waiver

• row up to eight outings per year at no fee

In cases where PBC/RBC members relocate between cities, when possible, special consideration or priority will be given by the receiving club, provided the member is in good standing and has a positive reference from the departed club.

Riverside members who take advantage of this reciprocal arrangement are reminded of their responsibility to preserve this arrangement by abiding by and respecting Potomac Boat Club’s rules.

The Riverside name and stripes

Competing for Riverside
When competing, all members shall row under the Riverside name and wear Riverside stripes. Exceptions may be granted by the Board in the event that a regatta does not allow composite boats.

Privately owned oars
Scullers who row their own boats from the club are expected to purchase their own oars. All privately owned oars shall be painted with the club design and colors per State Police regulations. Official club colors are royal blue and white.

Trading on the Riverside name
Members who earn money through advertising with the use of Riverside colors, logo, equipment, or boathouse must have permission of the Board of Directors and are required to donate a Board determined portion of the proceeds to the club (minimum of 10% of their earnings ).

Postings
All posters and announcements for races are club property and shall not be removed. Postings may include executive notices, the list of boat racks, the sculling ladder, the boat eligibility list, the boat use schedule and club rules.

Committees
All members are required to join a boathouse committee. The committee list includes, but is not limited to the following:

• Building and Grounds Committee
  The Building and Grounds Committee has the responsibility for the maintenance and upkeep of the boathouse, ramps, floats and physical surroundings of the club. Many of the tasks are performed by members during Saturday morning work parties. Such tasks include painting, cleaning, minor plumbing and carpentry repairs. Long-term objectives of the committee are to assess the need and cost of major capital improvements. Since many needs can go unnoticed for a long period, it is expected that all members help keep an eye open for deteriorating conditions and promptly bring them to the committee’s attention. Each member and guest can contribute greatly to this committee by simply using the walkways and not trampling the grass.

• Design Committee
  The Design Committee was established in 1983 to coordinate the visual and conceptual aspects of the club and to make a coherent image for the club from its traditions. Their work has included: space and grounds planning, building restoration, design of the club’s stationery, racing uniforms and medals and fundraising apparel. Riverside’s first racing medal, which is unique in its depiction of a mixed racing double, was also developed by this committee. The Design Committee is also responsible for the publication of the Riverside Member Handbook.

• Equipment Committee
  The Equipment Committee oversees the purchases of equipment for water and land training. It monitors equipment needs throughout the year. Each fall it produces an equipment budget for the Board’s approval. This Committee is responsible for repairing, maintaining and rigging club boats and equipment. Projects include parts inventory, rigging, repairs, and winter refurbishing.

• Fundraising Committee
  The Fundraising Committee’s purpose is to establish an annual fundraising program that will support future growth of the club in areas of equipment, coaching, facilities and international competition expenses.

• History and Archives Committee: This committee researches and compiles information on all aspects of the club’s history. It is also responsible for maintaining the club’s scrapbook, restoring photos and awards and contributing articles to the newsletter.

• Membership Committee: This committee is a standing committee as outlined by our constitution. The Vice President and Captain are standing members. Other members of the committee participate in the overall membership application, orientation, and clearance process. Additional duties include reviewing and analyzing the membership structure and providing recommendations to the Board of Directors.

• Newsletter Committee: The Riverside Quarterly is a newsletter written and published by committee members, with input from club members, four times a year. It’s purpose is to enhance and improve communications between all members of the club. All are encouraged to contribute.

• Community Relations Committee: This committee seeks to establish relations with the surrounding community, through, but not limited to, the media – a necessity for growth of the organization.

• Regatta Committee: This committee schedules and coordinates club regattas. The Riverside Sprints are hosted in May and the Cromwell Cup is hosted in July. It also publicizes important regattas organized by other clubs and organizations.

• The Social Committee: The goal of the Social Committee is to encourage club unity by organizing and promoting a range of activities throughout the year. The Post Charles Jam and Holiday Party are the big events, but the Opening Breakfast at the Crusher Casey Stake Race and the breakfasts following the Heads of the Kevin have become popular events for racers and families.

• The President’s Committee: This committee consists of three members, each having a three-year term, and staggered such that one member’s term expires each year. The domain of this committee is to generate and administer long-term plans for the club. The committee will meet a minimum of four times per year and the residing president will be included in any committee votes. The three members will report to the Board in June and December. During the December meeting the President’s Committee members will also vote to approve the budget for the following year.

For a complete list of current committees and detailed information, visit:

Equipment use

Authority of the Captain
The Captain, as the representative of the Board, is responsible for, and has authority over, all club equipment and all water related activities. If the Captain is not available, Board Members have this responsibility and authority.

Club boat season & Cold Water Policy

• Each year, the Captain will institute a 4-oar rule for club boats, meaning that after the specified date only club boats with 4 or more oars will be allowed on the water, and club gigs, singles, and pairs will not be allowed out.

• This date is not fixed but will be late enough in the season to allow RBC members to train for late fall races such as Fall Speed Orders to use club singles.

• When skim ice is visible, no club boats will be allowed on the water.

• In the spring, club boats will be permitted to launch with the 4-oar rule in effect at the Captain’s discretion. The 4-oar rule will be lifted as deemed prudent by the Captain.

• In order to encourage safety, dates for accruing mileage for the yearly Rack Requirement and Mileage Award will be from 3/1 to 12/1. There will be no change to the yearly mileage requirements because so few miles are added to rack holders’ totals before 3/1 and after 12/1. However, rack holders who are not on track for completing their mileage before 12/1 are encouraged to contact the Captains to discuss the situation. 

• There is no restriction on private single-use, but the club strongly advises members to use extreme caution in deciding whether to row when the water temperature (according to the MIT Sailing Pavilion Temp) is below 50F.

• This policy will be posted on the website.

The Captain has the authority to place restrictions on any boat or piece of equipment when necessary.

Captain’s testing

• The full Captain’s Test process involves 2 Levels. Successful completion of a Level 1: Sculling Captain’s Test entitles him/her to row club 1x’s, and will certify them to bow club 2x’s and 2- without the presence of a coach or other Captain’s Tested member.

• To bow a 2- only, rowers must past the Level 1: Sweep Captain’s test. Bowing a 4x or 4- is not permitted until a Level II certification is earned.

• If a Sweep Level I captain’s test was taken Level II certification only permits bowing of 4- and 2-‘s.
  

Level 1: Sculling Captain’s Test (1x, 2x. and 2-)

Rowers must demonstrate their rowing ability by passing the Captain’s Test to earn the privilege of using club boats. Before taking the test, all scullers must log 100 miles in a combo of gig/Peinart/Filippi (see “Fleet Restrictions & Mileage Requirements” for specifics). 50% of Double and Quad miles under the supervision of a coach may be counted toward this required 100 miles needed to qualify for the Captain test. Passing the Level 1 Captain test for Scullers allows individuals to take out singles, doubles and pairs unsupervised.

Level 1: Sweep Captain’s Test (2- and 4-)

Rowers must log 8 sessions in the bow of either a 4- or pair . Half of these sessions must be under the supervision of a coach. A maximum of 4 sessions bowing a pair with a captain tested member without a coach present may be counted toward these 8 sessions. A coach’s recommendation is required to be eligible for Sweep Captain testing.

Sweep Captain testing will be done in a pair. This Level 1 Sweep Captain Test qualifies a member only to bow pairs unsupervised.

Summer members are not eligible for Captain testing.

In addition to this, all Captain’s test applicants must demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the following:

• How to contact the Captain and the Captain’s representatives.

• How to sign in and out boats

• What to do in the event of an accident (Incident + Damage Reports on RBC website, notify Captain)

• How to report wear and tear or other damage to a boat (RBC website Damage Report-note in the Rigger’s book)

• The boat use schedule (how to use it)

• Boat use priority (sweep boats are reserved during sweep practices and HPG 2x’s have priority times at other times of the year)

• Boat weight capacities

• Knowledge of River Rules as defined by the river users committee

• Bridge arches and River etiquette

• Cold water rules – How to get back into your boat if you flip (describe winter procedure for same)

• Boat light requirements – sunset to sunrise times posted at BH.

• Damage policy.

• Traveling with RBC Equipment Sign Out and Sign In online.

• Boathouse rules-security swing dock, bay doors.

• Monthly Boat maintenance (where to find forms and how to)

The second part of the test asks for a demonstration of boat handling and rowing skill using a club 1x, which may include but not be limited to:

• Racking the boats (taking a club single – or Pair, Sweep Captain testing only – in/out of the rack and water successfully). In anticipation of a candidates Level2 Certification they must be aware of “bunching “ technique at the bow and stern ends of 4- and 4X’s.

• Launching and landing in the proper direction

• Paddling (square and feather)

• Turning (pivot)

• Stopping quickly (holding water)

• Rowing backwards (backing water)

• Docking in the proper direction

• Captain’s Test Level II – 4-person Boats (4x/4-)

Members who have passed a Captain’s Test to earn their Level I certification may wish to eventually bow 4x/4- person boats by receiving a Level II certification. To earn Level II certification, a member must obtain recommendations from either a coach and a senior member or two senior members. Each must have observed or rowed with the individual applying for Level II certification to support their request to the Captain.

Senior members sponsoring someone for Level II certification should feel confident that the candidate will safely use the faster and more expensive boats. A list of Level II Certified Senior Members will be available upon request of the Captain.

Application for Level II Certification requires 2 recommendations to the Captain, one sent from each of your personal sponsors that lists:

Name of candidate
Circumstance(s) sponsor has rowed with candidate
Why sponsor believes candidate is qualified to bow a 4 person boat

Launch use
The club launches and engines are to be used only by the coaches or other personnel authorized by the Captain.

Boat schedule

1. A member may reserve a single or double for three sessions per week. Requests for the use of any club boat must be addressed to the Captain in accordance with the Captain’s stated procedure. The time slots for the reservations are:
   Monday-Friday
   5:30AM to 6:45AM
   6:45AM to 8:00AM
   5:00PM to 6:15PM* (note summer hours)
   6:15PM to 7:30PM* (note summer hours)
   
   Saturday and Sunday
   6:00AM to 8:00AM
   8:00AM to 10:00AM
   
   If a scheduled sculler has not launched an assigned boat before the beginning of a coached session, another eligible sculler may take the boat. If a scheduled sculler has not launched an assigned boat within five minutes after the beginning of a session without coaching, another eligible sculler may take the boat.
   
   If a rower does not plan to row in a reserved slot, he or she should note availability on the schedule as soon as possible, so that others may plan for that slot. If the member cannot note availability on the schedule, an email should be sent notifying the membership of the availability.
   

2. Club boats may not be reserved for the time intervals listed below. Authorized club members may row club boats at their convenience during these times.
   Monday through Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
   Saturday and Sunday after 10:00am
   

3. Members must return club equipment in time for the beginning of the next session, whether or not the boat is reserved. The member must make the boat available for the duration of the grace period (five minutes, non-coached days only).
   

4. The Captain’s permission must be obtained to use club equipment outside the hours of 5:30AM to 7:30PM and to remove equipment from club property. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, boats, oars, car racks and boat trailer. Equipment must be properly signed out in the Equipment Loan Book.

Summer/Weekend hours
Club boats may not be on the river after 10:00 AM Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning the Friday before Memorial Day weekend and extending through Labor Day, unless accompanied by a coach.

Log books [Fleet Watch]
Members must make an entry in the appropriate log book [Fleet Watch System] at the beginning and end of each row. Entries shall include the names of all rowers, boat name, time of departure and return, number of miles rowed and the accumulated mileage of both the rower and the boat.

Members shall check the logbook to see that everyone is off the river before locking the bay doors. The last member to sign in is responsible for locking the boathouse.

The logbooks serve as a means of record and communication. Neither the log books nor any of their contents shall be removed.

Traffic pattern
Members are expected to read and fully comply with the established and most current traffic pattern document provided by the River Users Group.

Boat assignment
There are three means for establishing priority for the use of boats.

Service to the club

• Seniority: Senior members have priority over provisional members for reserving boats.

• Sculling ladder: If two scullers/crews are in the same membership class, the sculling ladder shall determine priority.

The purpose of establishing priority among scullers is to equitably settle conflicts in use.

Handicaps
Handicaps are established to try and balance out the effects of age, gender and weight on a sculler’s speed. They are calculated for 2,000 meters.

Age:

• 3 seconds/year for 50+ years

• 2 seconds/year for 40+ years

• 1 second/year for 35+ years

• ½ second/year for 30+ years

• Weight: 10 seconds for lightweight

• Gender: 40 seconds for women

Handicapped scullers may set the distance as that which their class typically races, and the time allowance will be adjusted accordingly for the distance raced.

Priority is obtained when a challenger wins the defender’s position.

A challenge must be accepted within a reasonable amount of time, or the challenger wins by default.

equipment care

1. Rowers should row boats appropriate to their weight. Weight classes are:
   Lightweight average 70K 154 lbs
   Mid-weight average 80K 176 lbs
   Heavyweight average 90K 198 lbs
   

2. Gigs should be carried by two people.
   

3. Members are not to change the rigging of boats except to move foot stretchers and pop-out washers, unless given specific permission by the Captain.
   

4. Members who row club boats are expected to participate in the cleaning and maintenance of the boats, as assigned by the Captain or the Captain’s designee.
   

5. All club boats must be wiped down, and rigger ball covers placed on the oar locks before racking.

Equipment damage

1. Damage to, or loss of, any equipment must be reported immediately to the Captain and a damage report should be filed on iCrew. Equipment issues and damage should also be reported in the boat damage log on the riggers bench and a note should be placed on the damaged equipment if unrowable.
   

2. All members involved in an accident in a club boat are responsible for damage as described in the Boat Damage Policy.
   
   Contact the Captain immediately. Fill out an Incident report and if pertinent, a damage report online via iCrew.

Boat washing
The Captain may assign boat washing duties to members or teams. Boats must be drained and washed outside the boathouse on the upstream float, away from ramps.

Land-training equipment
Land training equipment, including weights, is to be kept upstairs and ergs should be wiped down after each use. Exceptions will be made only with explicit permission from the Captain.

Traveling with Club equipment
Boats may travel to regattas or other venues with permission of the Captain or Captain’s designee. All equipment must be washed, rigged and returned to its rack or rightful place in time for the earliest next session, including the 5:30am session. If a member is unable to return and ready boats for rowing in time for the next earliest session, clearance must be granted by the Captain.

annual award of rack privileges

Storage of boats at Riverside, including boats stored temporarily outside on racks or trailers, requires permission from the Captain.

There are a number of private indoor racks at Riverside for an annual cost additional to membership dues. Rack holders and applicants must be members in good standing and must row for Riverside in all regattas, unless special permission is granted by the Board. Annual boat mileage is calculated from January 1 to December 31. Failure to comply with the rack requirements will result in forfeiture of the rack.

1. Current and prospective rack-holders shall file an application with the Captain each season. The entire pool of eligible applicants is discussed case-by-case by the Board to determine each applicant’s merit based on the criteria listed below. The Captain assigns all available rack spaces to applicants in the order determined by the Board. Applicants who do not receive rack spaces remain on the rack list in no particular order, and assignment will continue based on the criteria below. The receiver of a rack assignment has six months to fill the rack after which time the assignment expires. The Board may temporarily assign an unoccupied rack.
   
   The criteria are as follows:
   
   Service to the club by participation in:
   - Work parties
   - Concessions
   - Special assignments
   - Committee work
   - Committee chair
   - Board of Directors
   
   Boat mileage requirement
   The following mileage requirements must be fulfilled within a year beginning January 1:
   - Under 45 years of age at least 500 miles/year
   - 45 to 55 at least 400 miles/year
   - Over 55 at least 300 miles/year
   
   Seniority
   
   Sharing a boat
   Consideration shall be given to applicants who propose a sharing arrangement. The total miles the boat is rowed will be used in determining whether the mileage requirement is met.
   

2. Rack-holders must re-apply each season, and their service to the club, committee work, and other membership obligations will be reviewed prior to re-award of rack.
   

3. If a rack-holder is unable to consistently utilize the assigned rack because of injury or for any reason, then he or she must notify the Captain as soon as possible to make arrangements to share the boat or rack. If a rack vacancy (or inactivity) is addressed quickly, the rack holder will be assured a smooth return of their privilege when appropriate.
   

4. The Board of Directors may revoke a rack assignment.

boat naming policy

1. In naming club boats, the Board shall take into consideration the following three factors:
   A member’s volunteer contributions/services to the club;
   A member’s racing or other extraordinary rowing achievements;
   An event, person, or entity of historical significance to the club.
   

2. Consistent with (1), above, boats shall not be named for corporate entities or businesses.
   

3. The purpose of this rule is to ensure the continuation of the fundamental spirit of Riverside as an egalitarian club run by its members, which values service and community over financial interest.
   

4. Rollover of boat names
   As a general policy Riverside Boat Club will insure that:
   Boats are named for people who are recognized by current active members of the club and the boat name is significant. The length of time the name is used should therefore reflect the significance of the person’s contributions to the club.
   
   Consistent with these two factors of its expressed general policy, the Board shall determine the rollover of boat names accordingly.
   

5. Documentation
   In naming club boats, the Board shall maintain a documented record specifying:
   - The type of boat (e.g., Filippi 4-/x)
   - The name the boat has been given by RBC
   - The bases on which the boat was named
   - The length of time the boat name has been retained
   - The number of times the boat name was rolled over and the total length of time the name has been retained, with reasons therefore.
   

6. Dispute resolution in extraordinary circumstances
   In extraordinary circumstances, if the Board wishes to consider naming a boat for reasons other than the considerations enumerated in Sections A(1)(2) and (3), and Sections B and C, above, or if the Board wishes to make a rollover decision inconsistent with the policy and factors enumerated in Sections D(1),(a), (b), and (2), above, or is otherwise in conflict with the above rules, the Board shall place the matter on the agenda for the entire membership’s vote at a Regular or Special Meeting. The Board shall provide at least one month’s notice to the membership of the boat naming issue that will be brought before the membership for its vote at the Regular or Special meeting.