RBBC Club News

Club Updates

We have some updates to share with you, on the following areas

·      One-day coxes training course & development programme

·      Coxes’ competency table

·      Rowing log

·      Off-Water events support

One-day coxes training course & Development Programme

As well as the two-day coxing courses that we run, we are also introducing a one-day training course, followed by a mentorship and development programme, The development programme can be carried out in the following weeks, after the course.

This option allows members to cover essential topics on the course and then continue their development over a number of subsequent rows, alongside a mentor and with other more experienced coxes. The areas of development are covered in a development programme, so areas can be tracked and monitored.

The new coxes will be able to discuss topics with their mentor, and practice areas of development until they feel comfortable with the subject.  The development programme will also track the number of rows you have coxed, which is linked with the cox’s competency table (covered in the next topic). The development programme detail is at the end of this update and more information on training dates will follow.

If you are an experienced cox and would like to be a mentor, then please reach out at info@richmondbridgeboatclub.com  Mentoring would involve answering queries from new coxes and helping them through the development programme.

Coxes’ competency table

The competency of coxes is becoming a bigger topic of conversation with the TTRA, PLA and insurance companies. We have therefore decided to grade levels of cox’s competency in a simple table and also link it to the cox’s development programme. The grading is as follow:

Once you have completed a grade you then move onto the next grade. E.g. if you have completed the coxing course, the tasks from the development plan and 10 rows, you are now intermediate level. You remain a beginner until you have completed the competencies.

If you have been rowing for some time, then you can grade yourself and discuss this with a committee member for confirmation.

Rowing Log

To support the rowing guidelines that were issued earlier this year, we are now going to track them on each row. The coxes on duty will complete the rowing log before going on the river, and use this form to list the rowers on each boat (taking the place of the diary).

We have prepared a draft rowing log, which we will monitor and adapt following feedback over the coming weeks. The log will be placed in the clubhouse alongside the guidelines on the bar. Please let us know your feedback on the cox’s forum on Wix. This will start from Saturday 25th April

Zoom Call

To answer any questions members have on these topics, we will hold some zoom meetings to run through any queries. Watch out on FB for dates.

Off water events support

The club is run by volunteers, and with this support we run the most social club on the river! But we need your help running these events, and need a team of people that can support in this area. This could involve shopping ahead of an event, getting the club ready, support on the day and also post event support in getting the club back in ship shape.

We are also looking for someone to join the committee and lead this team. With someone leading this and a team of people supporting, it will make a big difference.

If you can join this team or want to take the committee position, then please reach out to me at chair@richmondbridgeboatclub.com

Many thanks,

The Committee