In todays “casual convo” I was lucky enough to be joined by Chris Brown, President of Hawthorn Rowing Club; a huge thanks to Chris as he not only has a newborn at home but he is also managing the enormous role as President at Hawthorn Rowing Club (time is limited….), for joining me, as we dive deep into the challenges of running a modern day rowing club.
Key highlights:
– Chris shares his journey from rugby and athletics to discovering rowing at university into the rowing space
– A discussion on managing different types of rowers – from social paddlers to competitive athletes, the main area of my interest really; the personalities of sport.
– The unique challenge of balancing team dynamics in a sport that demands both individual efforts, group dynamics and a “team” attitude
– The critical role of coxswains in training and racing, and why they’re essential for club success
– Some perspective on volunteer management and club sustainability
Whether you’re a rowing club administrator, athlete, or coxswain, this episode offers valuable insights into the complexities of club rowing and how successful clubs navigate these challenges.
Side Notes:
From the interview I’ve gleaned some strategies to balance the needs of social and competitive rowers, they could include:
1. Clearly communicating the club’s vision and goals, ensuring both social and competitive rowers understand and buy into the shared mission.
2. Offer a variety of training programs and boat classes to cater to different skill and commitment levels. This could include social/recreational sessions, competitive training groups, and opportunities for cross-over.
3. Implement a fair and transparent selection process for competitive boats, with clear criteria that all rowers understand. This helps manage expectations.
4. Encourage social rowers to get involved in the club in other ways, such as volunteering, social events, or supporting competitive crews. This helps build a sense of community.
5. Recognise and celebrate achievements of both social and competitive rowers, fostering a culture of inclusivity.
6. Solicit regular feedback from all rowers to understand their needs and adjust programming accordingly.
The key is creating an environment where both social and competitive rowers feel valued and have opportunities to engage in the sport in a way that aligns with their goals and abilities.
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