Communication Channels and Frequently Asked Questions
Communication Channels & Frequently Asked Questions
Official Row Georgia Communications
See the RGA Code of Conduct attached to your BC profile for additional information regarding communication. This section pertains primarily to the topic of group chats, weather, attendance, swim test, and resources.
There is no 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 registrant 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 utilized an official communication system utilizing a custom rowing platform that:
- Protects personal information
- Delivers accurate, official information
- This rowing platform allows us to send 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 simultaneously to each additional contact listed in that rower's profile.
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 it 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. The Head Coach is the point of contact for all coach communication. Youth rowers should be communicating with their coaches at practice, which is a part of individual team member development. Any out of practice coach communication is required to be directed to the head coach via email. The Head Coach will engage part-time coaches if it makes financial sense to do so. Part time coaches are responsible for providing on land and on water supervision during scheduled sessions.
Contact information for program administrators are available online at all times.
If your child is asked for their phone number so they "can be added to the team chat" - it isn't true. There is no team chat.
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 environment
- Inaccurate information
- Inappropriate or disparaging content
- Bullying, intimidation
- Excessive messages
- Content raising serious concerns about a participant’s safety or well-being and requiring adult intervention
Some new families may 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.
Unofficial group chats have repeatedly become sources of negativity, inappropriate content, unnecessary alarm, and inaccurate information. Although a message shared in an unofficial chat may sometimes echo accurate information, it'a not official and should not be relied upon unless it originated from an authorized Row Georgia communication channel.
These chats can also turn routine questions, assumptions, or incomplete information into perceived crises, creating avoidable confusion and demands on limited program resources for which most people don't have the schedule for. Coaches, administrators, and volunteers work hard to support the program, and responding to rumors or correcting unofficial information consumes valuable program and personal time.
For accurate and reliable information, contact the appropriate Row Georgia representative through an official communication channel. Participants and parents should encourage others to do the same rather than repeating, escalating, or circulating unverified information through unofficial chats.
Protecting Program Resources and Building for the Future
Row Georgia provides access to an elite, resource-intensive sport, and the resources required to operate the program are limited and valuable. Row Georgia has one full-time employee, the Head Coach, and employs part-time coaches for designated practices and events. Each of those part-time coaches also maintains full-time employment outside of rowing. Operational volunteers provide the infrastructure, donating substantial personal time, resources, and often personal funds, all as volunteers, so that you and your youth can maintain access to rowing. When someone on the sidelines chooses to focus on a typographical error, an opinion of a photo, or criticize a schedule change, remind them to consider what stands behind every communication and adjustment: a coordinated effort by staff and a diverse group of volunteers who contribute their own time and resources to make the program - and each opportunity it provides - possible, and provides services and resources at no charge, without any additional cost to participants. Everyone has an opinion, but not everyone has the skill set to deliver, nor can everyone work cohesively to make meaningful things happen that serve others in the community, with no personal gain. We're grateful for our small staff and team of volunteers and welcome others who are eager to contribute. If you're interested in volunteering, email rowgeorgia@rowgeorgia.com.
Rowing is a complex, safety-sensitive sport governed by extensive operational, compliance, and competition requirements. Keeping the organization functioning requires the coordination of many interconnected responsibilities. Protecting the people, time, information, equipment, and financial resources that sustain the program requires clear systems and high standards.
Season after season, experience confirms the importance of accurate information, efficient use of time, and protection of the safety and well-being of our participants. For that reason, Row Georgia maintains defined communication channels and provides designated contacts so that participants and families can reach the appropriate resource when assistance is needed.
Each season, Row Georgia continues strengthening its infrastructure and developing a core group of committed, long-term volunteers. That continuity must extend beyond the tenure of any individual youth rower. It's essential to the organization’s sustainability, to keeping rowing available for future participants, and to ensuring that Row Georgia alumni continue to have a home program to which they belong and may return.
Feel free at any moment to reach out to the detailed list of contacts provided. Each RGA contact knows where to obtain an answer when 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 can impact 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
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: Typically during 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 instead of practice.
If you've 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. Wearing a PFD is required for anyone that has attempted but not yet passed a swim test.
Swim Test Requirements
Participants must successfully complete all three components without touching the pool wall or bottom at any time.
- Swim 100 yards continuously (any stroke)
- Tread water for 5 minutes
- 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.
Need Help?
Looking for something you can't find? Contact: Dana, Program Director, rowgeorgia@rowgeorgia.com, 770-527-6088 (call or text), or Program Contacts: Here.
We're happy to help!
Go Row Georgia!