Crew Selection

May 11, 2002

Approach

Why me?Benchmark (dream team)Basic principlesThe cornerstoneEarly on - year 1Still quite early - 2+IssuesSolutions

The Position Benchmark

Seat I Skill position Smooth stroke/consistent side to side Competent/confident Sets tone & pace Getting bigger

Seat II Ditto to seat I Good communicator: stroke crew Change race, in longer, maintains constancy Ama responsibility

The Position Benchmark

Seats III & IV Meat seats Bigger/Strong Good feel for the boat: calls/pushes Motivation Seat IV: ama responsibility

Seat V Power Weight complement to I & II

The Position Benchmark

Seat VI Skill Personality Confidence Weight/strength consideration

Fittest/most skilled crews not always first across the line Meshing key

Personalities Paddling styles Weight Harmony

Basic PrinciplesPractice & Race

SafetyFun for paddlers & coaches

The Cornerstone to success

Critical that the club mission statement be developed and communicated to new and prospective members. Can evolve over time.

Paddlers know full well the necessity of pulling together. Club members should all be clear on what they are signing up for and buy in on the approach their club takes to the sport and the resultant action plan: primarily recreational, some racing blend of recreational and racing strictly race oriented

Training/racing plans and crew selection process flow from the above and must be communicated from outset

Early on: year 1New club or novices in established club

Focus on skill development Everybody must learn how to rig Everyone must learn how to steer

Start every practice by having different people rig boat Rotate steersmen and other skill positions. There are ways to

make this fun and non-threatening Establish a crew structure: define roles Establish a practice structure. Make it

interesting/challenging. People should want to be there. Beware of too many coaches in the boat Crew selection can be relatively benign process at this

stage. Tied to club objectives

Still early: year 2

Specialization beginsPaddlers declare their goals &

objectives as to position in boat and racing

Crew selection becomes tougher A little knowledge/expertise can

really complicate things

Issues

Ego Vs reality, personality Vs capability

Differing levels of commitmentDiffering levels of fitness, skill and

rate of progression AttendanceBlending all of the above into a

program that works for all

Solutions

Mission statement & it’s communication should avoid some potential conflicts

Seat races, in 6 man & OC-1 (if possible) Challenge ladder Dedicated races (to blending). Dedicated practices (to blending). Need social or other

hook to keep advanced paddlers actively participating Club intramural races. Skill elements to support program

to develop basics of steering & rigging. Link to social Occasional town hall meetings/feedback sessions to learn

what is working and what is not