Communication Channels and Frequently Asked Questions

 Communications & Frequently Asked Questions 

Official Row Georgia Communications 

See the RGA Code of Conduct attached to your BC profile for additional information regarding communication. This document pertains specifically to the topic of group chats. There is no official Row Georgia (RGA) group chat for either rowers or parents.

Official RGA contacts are provided on rowgeorgia.com. RGA officials/staff/program administrators distribute communication to the contacts provided during registration. We will not ask for your phone number through other methods and RGA will not sell or distribute your personal information.

As Row Georgia has grown to serve multiple youth and adult programs, we've learned what works well, what doesn't, and we've intentionally built an official communication system utilizing a custom rowing platform that:

  • Protects personal information
  • Delivers accurate, official information
  • Sends only applicable communication (email and text messages) to participants, eliminating clutter and the need to filter through unrelated and redundant topics.

During season registration, each participate will create, or for returning participants, update if desired, their Boathouse Connect (BC) profile. A profile is required for every rower (youth and masters), and at least one parent of every youth rower. BC is a custom platform for rowing programs. In addition to housing the rower's profile information so that it carries through each season, it also reconciles with USRowing and the USCenter for Safesport, keeping real time status of each rower's eligibility. It's up to each user to ensure the rower's profile includes all relevant contacts. That means, when RGA sends communication, it's also sent to each additional contact listed in that rower's profile. When the rower receives official RGA communication, the user assigned contact(s) also receive the message simultaneously. RGA also provides detailed program contacts for participants to utilize. 

Group Chats - All group chats are unaffiliated with the program

RGA does not have group chats. No matter how well-intended, parents share growing in severity negative feedback each time there is a group chat under the assumption is is official. Any group chats using the program's name or purpose are not authorized to do so, and are not sanctioned by or affiliated with official Row Georgia communication channels. Staff members are not permitted to be in chat groups. Coach emails are provided for parent/rower communication, youth rowers should also be communicating with their coach at practice, and contact information for program administrators are provided to everyone.  

If your child is asked for their phone number so they "can be added to the team chat" - is't true, and is misleading. 

Parents are encouraged to use their own family standards regarding participation in group chats. We've received reports and screenshots that unofficial chats using RGA in the name or purpose of the group, have included:

  • Individuals who are not Row Georgia participants, making the chat an unprotected RGA environment
  • Inaccurate information
  • Inappropriate or disparaging content
  • Excessive messages. 
  • Content raising serious concerns about a participant’s safety or well-being and requiring adult intervention

Some new families understandably assume participation is expected because existing participants add others to these chats. This is not true. RGA does not have chat groups. 

Protecting your child and the environment are paramount....while also respecting your time and personal information. In any situation where you feel you do not have a resource for information, email any of the contacts provided. 

As a member of USRowing, we adhere to USCenter for Safesport communication guidelines, and the RGA Code of Conduct.

There are Row Georgia families who intentionally choose not to participate in unofficial group chats. Their kids are successful athletes and respected members.  You and your child will not miss any official communication by not participating in an unsanctioned chat.

Time and time again, chats have proven to be the breeding ground for negativity, inappropriate content, and inaccurate information. Some communication on these chats may echo accurate information, but if the information does not come through or from official RGA communication, it should not be relied upon. We deliver an elite sport, and resources are precious. Rowing is a highly regulated sport and requires many moving parts to keep the organization operating at an elite level. Protecting those resources requires high standards. Season after season, we see the value of protecting accuracy, time, and the safety and well being of our participants by fostering clear communication channels and providing contact information so that each can have a resource for their need, when needed. We improve every season as the infrastructure continues strengthening. Feel free at any moment to reach out to the detailed list of contacts provided. Each RGA contact knows where to obtain an answer if needed.  

For every aspect of the program, Row Georgia provides official contacts and communication channels. Program Contacts: Here

Practice Schedule & Weather

Practice schedules are published before each season begins.

If weather requires a cancellation, you will receive an official text message through Boathouse Connect using every phone number listed in the rower's profile.

If you have not received a cancellation text message, assume practice is taking place and proceed to the lake whenever it is safe to do so.

Our coaching staff monitors weather continuously using multiple weather services while following USRowing and local safety guidelines. Weather conditions at Lake McIntosh frequently differ from conditions throughout the communities our participants travel from.

Occasionally, changing weather conditions may require practice to be canceled after families arrive. Coaches make every effort to hold practice whenever conditions safely allow.

Attendance

Competitive Program

Attendance is mandatory.

Every competitive athlete must communicate both planned and unplanned absences, regardless of reason, by completing the Rower Absence Communication Form as soon as the absence is known.

Boat lineups, equipment assignments, and launch schedules are developed assuming full attendance. A single absence impacts teammates, boat lineups, equipment allocation, and launch timing.

Recreational & Developmental Programs

Attendance is not mandatory.

However, we ask every Rec/Dev participant to complete the Rower Absence Communication Form whenever an absence is anticipated. This greatly assists coaches in planning equipment, lineups, and boat assignments while helping teammates.

Regatta Information (Competitive Program)

Resources:

RGA Regatta Parent Playbook: Here

RGA Regatta Schedule: Here

RegattaCentral: www.regattacentral.com. RegattaCentral is the primary resource for regatta information, including:

    • Venue addresses
    • Parking
    • Race schedules
    • Coach and Coxswain meeting times
    • Hotels
    • Lineups
    • Additional event information

RGA Regatta Primer: Prior to each regatta, Row Georgia distributes an RGA-specific Regatta Primer containing:

    • Team arrival times
    • Practice schedules
    • Trailer duty assignments
    • Program-specific instructions

Carpooling

Interested in connecting with families who live near you? While we have participants spread across at least two counties, there may be someone near you. Orientation provides an opportunity for families to meet one another and discuss potential carpool arrangements. 

Is the Swim Test Mandatory? YES!

Who: All current Row Georgia participants who have not previously passed the Row Georgia Swim Test, including:

  • Competitive
  • Recreational/Developmental
  • Masters (Adult)

When: First Day of Competitive Team Tryouts

Where: TBA

Cost: $10 cash payable directly to the swim facility.

What to Wear:

  • Swimsuit and/or
  • Shorts and T-shirt

Go to the swim test first. Once you successfully complete the swim test, if practice is still in session, proceed directly to the lake where the coaches will be waiting for you.

If you have already completed a Row Georgia Swim Test, you are swim compliant and do not need to complete another test unless your swimming ability changes or the program requires a new one.

If you have not previously completed a Row Georgia Swim Test, successful completion is mandatory to maintain roster eligibility.

Swim Test Requirements

Participants must successfully complete all three components without touching the pool wall or bottom at any time.

  1. Swim 100 yards continuously (any stroke)
  2. Tread water for 5 minutes
  3. While continuing to tread water, properly put on and buckle a life jacket that is tossed into the pool, then safely exit the pool

Results are provided immediately following the swim test.

Program Coaches & Contacts: Here

General Coaching Email: coaches@rowgeorgia.com

Need Help?

Looking for something you can't find? Contact: Dana, Program Director, rowgeorgia@rowgeorgia.com, 770-527-6088 (call or text), or Program Coaches & Contacts: Here. 

We're happy to help!

Go Row Georgia!