About Us
Rowing WA is a non-profit sporting organisation representing member rowing clubs and affiliated school rowing programs in Western Australia. The delivery of rowing programs is administered by individual rowing clubs and also by schools conducting rowing programs.
Through the club and school system the sport caters for male and female rowers from elite to novice level including disabled athletes. Over 2,500 club and school rowers regularly participate in rowing activities in Western Australia.
Rowing WA is the governing body for the sport of rowing in Western Australia and was formed in 1888. The key activities undertaken by Rowing WA include:
Representative Body
Rowing WA represents the interests of Western Australian rowers at national level through affiliation with Rowing Australia (which is recognised as the governing body for the sport in Australia), at State Government level through interaction with the Department of Sport and Recreation and with the high performance program operated by the West Australian Institute of Sport.
Development
Playing a support role for clubs in the facilitation of rowing programs including promotion of coach and volunteer eduction, policy development, infrastructure and facility development, promotion of the image of rowing and rowing activities.
Regatta Management
In conjunction with its 12 members clubs, it decides on the rules for inter club racing in WA, determines boat classes for racing events, sets an annual calendar of regattas, and promotes the rowing in Western Australia. Rowing WA also works with state schools, the private schools association and the independent schoolgirls association to oversee the conduct of inter-school competition to help ensure safety, fairness and efficient management. Rowing WA is responsible for the conduct of events including the State Rowing Championships.
State Teams
Coordination of State teams selected to compete in the Interstate Regatta (featuring the "Kings Cup") plus other inter-state based regattas. From these events, and selection trials, Rowing Australia select national teams to compete overseas. Athletes participate in the World Championships, the World Junior (Under 18 years) Championships, the Nations Cup (Senior B or Under 23 years), the Trans Tasman Challenge for Juniors, the Australasian Challenge New Zealand and Interstate teams) and every four years, the Olympic Games.
Governance
The governing body of Rowing WA is Board of Directors, which oversees the day to day operations through a small staff team.
The Board comprises of the President and six Directors covering Finance, Club Development, High Performance, Regattas, Marketing and Facilities elected by the Clubs plus two independent Directors appointed by the Board. Ultimate authority and the strategic direction for rowing in Western Australia though, rests with the Clubs in General Meetings.