RHS Crew Team Spring 2025 Registration Form and 

 Expectations, Rules and Code of Conduct

Get ready for rowing with the Ridgewood Crew High School team! This form has registration, schedule, and payment information, along with consent and rower contract agreements. All rowers and at least one parent/guardian must carefully read and complete this form. Pages 2-7 and the last page of this form require your initials and/or signatures and MUST be completed electronically before try-outs. 

Who is eligible to tryout: Ridgewood High School girls and boys who have completed a Learn to Row Program. Athletes who are competing on a Ridgewood High School winter sport should speak with Coach Boris about training and tryout schedule.

Who makes the team: The team will be announced on 1/22/25 at noon. Athletes who do not qualify for the RHS team will be recommended for the Development Team.

Where: Indoor practices at RHS, Outdoor practices at Bergen County Rowing Center (BCRC) in Lyndhurst, NJ

Important Dates: 

• 1/16 - Mandatory Parent Meeting for High School Team Candidates
• 1/17 - Spring Registration Due Date
• 1/18, 1/21 - High School Team Tryouts
• 1/21 - First Payment Due Date
• 1/22 - Mandatory Indoor practices begin 
• 3/22 - Row-a-thon Fundraiser
• 5/15 - Regular Practice ends

Spring Regatta Schedule: Entry in the following local and regional regattas is subject to athlete preparedness, coach's discretion, and entry acceptance.

• Ironman ERG Classic (Jan 18) Ramsey, NJ 
• Winter Watt Farm (Feb 8) Lyndhurst, NJ
• Haddon Hammer Indoor (March 2) Haddonfield, NJ
• Manny Flick 4 (April 6) Philadelphia, PA - Full Team (Busing provided)
• Manny Flick 5 (April 13) Philadelphia, PA - Select/Novice only
• Mercer Lake Sprint (April 12-13) West Windsor, NJ - Select/Experienced only
• Garden State Regatta (April 26) Camden, NJ - Full Team (Busing provided)
• Cooper Cup (April 27) Camden, NJ - Select/Experienced only
• City Championships (May 3) Philadelphia, PA - Full Team (Busing provided)
• City Championships (May 4) Philadelphia, PA - Qualifiers only
• Mid-Atlantic Championships (May 10) West Windsor, NJ - Select only
• Mid-Atlantic Championships (May 11) West Windsor, NJ - Qualifiers only
• Stotesbury Cup (May 15 4pm - May 16 7pm) Philadelphia, PA - Full Team (Busing/Hotel provided)
• Stotesbury Cup (May 17) Philadephia, PA - Qualifiers only
• SRAA and US Rowing Youth Nationals are for qualifiers only. More information provided in April, 2025

High School Team Training Schedule: There are 4 phases - The approximate dates for transition is listed but may change based on weather. Busing to BCRC will be provided on school days only.

• Phase 1 (full indoor time): Jan 22 - Feb 28
  • Monday - Friday 6:30-8:30 in the RHS Cafeteria/Fitness Center
  • No practice 1/20, 1/29, 2/17
  • Optional practice 2/14
• Phase 2 (before daylight savings): March 2 - March 9
  • Saturdays/Sundays 8-11 or 11:30 - 2:30 depending on Practice Group
  • Tuesday-Friday alternating RHS 6:30-8:30pm OR BCRC water 4:30 - 7:30 plus Busing
  • Sunday 3/2 Haddon Hammer Indoor Regatta (Mandatory)
• Phase 3 (after daylight savings): March 11 - March 29
  • Saturdays/Sundays 8-11 or 11:30 - 2:30 depending on Practice Group
  • Tuesday-Wednesday alternating RHS 6:30-8:30pm OR BCRC water 4:30 - 7:30 plus Busing
  • Thursday-Friday 4:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 8:30 plus Busing
• Phase 4 (full water time): April 2 - May 15
  • Saturdays/Sundays 8-11 or 11:30 - 2:30 depending on Practice Group
  • Tuesday-Friday 4:30 - 6:30 or 6:30 - 8:30 plus Busing
  • Spring Recess practices 4/14 - 4/17, 4/19 9:00am - 2:00pm (no busing)
  • No practice 4/18 and 4/20
  • Fridays before a regatta may have full team boat loading
• Post-season Youth Nationals practice will be announced in May

Important Schedule Note: Times are tentative based on RHS facility scheduling. While changes are rare, the schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Head Coach. We have allotted for an occasional practice cancellation due to weather/school closure in the fees.

CONSENT AND PAYMENT

FOR PARENTS

Section 1  - Consent and Payment

1.1 Consent

I, the parent/guardian of the above-named child, hereby give my full consent and approval to his/her registration and participation in Ridgewood Crew for the 2024- 25 school year. I understand that there are certain risks of injury inherent in the practice and races of crew, as well as transporting my child to or from any of the regattas or crew-related events, and I am willing to assume all risks and hazards incidental to the conduct of such activities.

In addition, I hereby release, absolve, and discharge Ridgewood Crew and its officers, directors, coaches, sponsors, supervisors, representatives, and any person transporting my child to and from any of the activities from any claim or liability in case of an accident, injury and/or medical and dental expenses incurred to my child. 

I hereby confirm that my child is fully capable of participating in the sport of crew and that my child is in sound medical condition and has no physical or mental disabilities or conditions that would restrict full participation, except as noted on on the health form submitted to the school nurse.

In the event of my absence, if my son/daughter is suffering from an injury or condition requiring diagnosis and immediate medical or surgical treatment, I do hereby voluntarily authorize Ridgewood Crew coaches and/or parent volunteers at the scene to consent to such diagnostic procedures, medical/hospital care, medication administration, and to such medical, surgical, or x-ray treatment as may be deemed necessary by and under the direct authorization of a licensed physician/practitioner. 

1.2 Rowing Fees
The fees for the 2025 Spring Season are $3,150. No prospective rower will be permitted to tryout without paying $1050, the first installment of the payment. Refunds will be promptly issued to those who are not recommended for the Spring High School team.

1.2.1 Payment Plan

1. The fees for the 2025 Spring Season are $3,150, payable as follows: 
   
   1. $1,050 on January 21 (bring check to tryout or pay electronically prior to January 21)
   2. $1,050 on February 16
   3. $1,050 on March 16
2. All payments are due when scheduled.  Late payments may result in a rower being suspended from practices and/or regattas until such payment is made. Such suspension will count as an Unexcused Absence.  
3. Once the team is selected in January, you are bound to pay all Rowing Fees when due. If you are dismissed from the team or voluntarily leave the team, at any time after the team is selected, you explicitly agree to pay the full season dues based on the payment schedule posted.
4. Row-a-thon - Each high school team rower will be required to raise $300 per family. 

1.2.2 Payment Methods

The preferred method is ZELLE with payments made to finance@ridgewoodcrew.com. Other payment methods are still available: Check payable to Ridgewood Crew (mailed to PO Box 1339, 143 E. Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ 07451) or Venmo ( @ridgewoodcrew ). 

1.2.3 Multiple Rower Discount 

Families with more than one rower in the same season will receive a 20% discount on the fees for the second and any successive child in the program.

1.2.4 Special Regattas:

Two post-season regattas that are not included in the fees for the season: Youth Nationals and SRAA. Typically, only a few rowers qualify to go to these regattas. The costs for these regattas, and other special regattas, are handled by the parents and are not included in the Spring season fees. There are three types of costs: 

1. Individually, parents pay for:
   
   1. All food and incidentals for their rower 
2. Individual or shared cost travel:
   
   1. If Ridgewood Public School requires common travel, each rower will share the cost of the travel arrangements and overnight accommodation for the athletes and chaperone, if needed.
   2. If Ridgewood Public School does not require common travel, each rower will need a parent/guardian to attend the event, secure travel, overnight accommodation, and chaperone their rower.
3. Each rower’s family shares the cost of:
   
   1. Boat transportation to regatta
   2. Regatta registration fees
   3. Additional training and coaching costs
   4. Coaches’ transportation, overnight accommodations and food for the regatta

EXPECTATIONS, RULES, AND CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR
STUDENTS & PARENTS

Section 2 – Important Policies

Ridgewood Crew rowers are expected to demonstrate the highest level of personal and team conduct, sportsmanship, and behavior at all team practices (pre-season and on-the-water), when traveling to, from, and at all times during regattas and at any other time when they are representing the Ridgewood Crew community.

Among other things, Ridgewood Crew adheres to a very strict attendance policy and a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Rowing fees, paid or due to be paid, will not be waived or refunded if a Ridgewood Crew Athlete is dismissed from the team. 

2.1 Absence Policy (Revised December 2024)

Due to the unique team nature of rowing, we require ALL ATHLETES row at regattas and practices. Why? Because, unlike other team sports, there are no substitute rowers or second string personnel. In short, if a rower is absent from a practice or a regatta, that means that a boat does not row that day, and all other rowers in that boat are prohibited from rowing in that practice or regatta. The season is very short.  Practice and regatta time in the boat is precious and has a significant impact on rower development and progress – and of course, overall team success. Therefore, it is imperative that all rowers and parents of rowers commit fully to Ridgewood Crew and this policy.

 

2.1.1 Absence Policy Summary:

1. All Ridgewood Crew rowers are expected to attend EVERY scheduled land and water training session and every scheduled regatta unless it is an Acceptable Absence. Please note that practices and regattas during the school Spring Recess are mandatory.
2. Any absence needs to be communicated to the Head Coach as soon as the rower is aware.  This affects the boat that you are in and may adjust the coaches’ plan for the practice.
3. A Permitted Absence must be granted by the Head Coach.  NO EXCEPTIONS.

2.1.2 Acceptable Absences include:

1. Rowers are allowed to take off 2 practice days from January 22 - February 28.
2. Dates when a rower cannot attend a RW Crew practice session because such practice session would interfere with a Ridgewood High School sanctioned winter sport.  In this case, your commitment to Ridgewood Crew would begin as soon as that winter sport season ends. This must be communicated to the Head Coach prior to the tryout to determine exact timing for tryouts, practices, and transitions. 
3. Illness or injury.  In this case, the parent/guardian of the rower must email the Head Coach and Vice President of Administration immediately. Further, a doctor’s note should be presented at the next succeeding practice upon returning from extended illness or injury.
4. Religious events and observances, after consultation with the Head Coach
5. College Fair - March 18
6. College entrance exams, specifically
   
   1. SATs - March 8 
   2. ACTs - February 8
   3. Please note: test prep dates are not Acceptable Absences. 
   4. The foregoing applies only to students who are taking the exam on those dates. 
   5. Please provide the Head Coach with your exam dates as soon as they are set so alternate arrangements can be made for your boat mates to have a productive practice. 
7. College Visits are only acceptable during land practices and must be pre-approved during the first week of practice.  
8. Family emergencies (birthdays, weddings, family reunions are not considered a family emergency)
9. Events where RC has been informed by the school officials that these are mandatory/scholastic events, including only:
   1. DECA Competitions
      1. District 1/13 (before Spring commitment)
      2. State 3/4 - 3/6
      3. Nationals 4/25 - 4/30
   2. RHS music events for students participating in the specific music program below
      1. Choir & Orchestra Spring Concert - May 20 (after Spring commitment)
      2. Band Concert - April 8 (spring concert)
      3. Please note: there are no acceptable absences for Pit Orchestra, Jazz Band, Small Ensembles, other Choir trips, and other Band trips - as these do not meet the above criteria
10. Project Graduation Event - 3/9 only for seniors performing in PG event
11. All Absences (School, Religious and Other) must be communicated to Head Coach Boris prior to the end of the first week of practice.
12. As a rule, outside of the aforementioned absence reasons, there are no acceptable absences for Water Practices.

 

Section 2 – Important Policies (continued)

 

2.2 Illegal Drugs and Alcohol

Use or possession of illegal drugs or alcohol by a rower is unacceptable. Any rower under the influence of or in possession of illegal drugs or alcohol during, while traveling to/from, or while participating in any practices, regattas or other team activity may be dismissed from the team and/or otherwise disciplined.

2.3 Social Media Policy

Use of any Social Media by a Parent or Rower (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.) that portrays another rower, a group of rowers, a coach or the Ridgewood Crew team as a whole in a negative light is subject to disciplinary actions which may include, but is not limited to immediate dismissal.

2.4 Cell Phone Use

Use of cell phones is not allowed during practices. 

2.5 Parents Volunteering

The Ridgewood Crew Parent Organization is a member-run and requires all families to commit to a certain amount of volunteer hours each Spring Season. The volunteer work that we do together helps keep our expenses down and also builds our community. Without your volunteer time, certain elements of the Spring Season may not be available.

In the Spring Season each family is obligated to volunteer for approximately 15 hours to work for regattas. If you are absolutely not available to fulfill the volunteer requirements, you can buy out your time for a non-refundable amount of $20/hr or $300/season.

It will be the parent responsibility to sign up for volunteer duties for and/or at regattas including hosting pasta dinners, manning the food tent, chaperoning bus or overnight trips, driving the chuck wagon, filling propane canisters, shopping for food and supplies, etc. Different tasks require different time commitments and the estimated hours will be specified. We invite families to choose and balance among the various tasks. Please check for announcements regarding volunteer opportunities. 

 

2.6 General Conduct/Other Policies

2.6.1 Balancing Rowing with Other Responsibilities: 

Rowing is not only a physically and mentally demanding sport, it also demands a significant allocation of time by the rower.  Please consider your time allocation and schedule with respect to academics, other extra-curricular activities, family obligations, college test prep, college entrance exams, and college visits. 

2.6.2 Rower Behavior - General:

1. All Ridgewood crew athletes and their Parents/Guardians are expected to demonstrate the highest level of conduct, sportsmanship, and behavior whenever they represent the team, the school, and the community. We expect all athletes and their Parents/Guardians to be considerate of their teammates and coaches. Disrespectful, disparaging, and abusive comments or other improper behavior towards teammates, coaches, children, and adults will not be tolerated. Any athlete or their Parents/Guardians who violate our rules will be subject to disciplinary action at the discretion of the Head Coach and the Ridgewood Crew Board.
2. Ridgewood crew athletes and their Parents/Guardians will not make negative comments to or about rowers, parents, coaches or officials verbally or through electronic means (text messages, emails, social media). 
3. Ridgewood Crew athletes and their Parents/Guardians will understand that the consequences of poor sportsmanship, disrespectful or threatening behavior could include suspension from team events or expulsion from the team.
4. The Head Coach reserves the right to suspend any athlete from the team with immediate effect if their actions are considered serious enough.
5. Any violation of these rules by a Parents/Guardian needs to be brought to the attention of the Board.  Disciplinary actions based on Parent/Guardian action may include, but is not limited to, the rower’s dismissal from the team.

2.6.3 Team Selection, Boat, and Seat Assignments

1. The Head Coach will make all final decisions regarding team selection immediately following January tryouts.
2. The Head Coach and/or Assistant Coaches will decide, from time to time and in their sole, professional opinion and discretion, all boat assignments and seat assignments within boats for all practices and regattas.  Furthermore, the Head Coach has the right to withhold a rower from a practice or regatta. All decisions on practice and race lineups are based on the coaches’ assessment of a rower’s ability, readiness, and her/his overall contribution to the team.

2.6.4 Communication:

1. The Head Coach/VP Administration is responsible for communicating information regarding the crew program to parents. Each parent/guardian and rower is responsible for understanding the Ridgewood Crew rules, regulations, and requirements, as well as the coach’s expectations.
2. Appropriate concerns for parents to discuss with coaches:
   
   • Ways to help their child improve
   • Concerns about their child’s behavior or progress
   • Injuries
   • Nutrition
3. Issues not appropriate to discuss with coaches:
   
   • Crew formation or seat assignments
   • Coach assignments or coaching decisions
   • Other student athletes
4. Specific concerns can be forwarded to the Head Coach by email first, he will do his best to respond in a timely manner. If you need to speak to the coach or a parent Board Member personally, please request this in an email, and we can set up a meeting.
5. All rowers should feel free to speak with their respective coaches about any questions/concerns.

2.6.5 Bus Transportation:

1. All rowers must attend regattas in which RC competes and in which their respective rowing level (novice, junior varsity or varsity) participates, whether or not that rower is rowing in the regatta. The same rules and requirements for absences and advance notice of absences from practices will apply to attendance at regattas. 
2. All rowers shall travel to/from all regattas and practices on buses provided by Ridgewood Crew when such buses are provided. Buses are provided for full-team regattas other than winter ERG regattas; Parents must provide transportation to the select rower regattas.  Buses are provided for every non-Spring Recess on-water practice except those on Saturday and Sunday.  If buses are not provided, rowers are responsible for their own transportation, carpool, etc.

2.6.6 Other Rowing and Regatta Activities:

1. Rowers are responsible for rigging and derigging all boats under coaches’ supervision at the regatta site and BCRC.
2. Every athlete is required to attend boat loading and unloading, before and after, all races except when travel is in an approved parent carpool to/from the regatta.  No other exceptions.  No one leaves until every boat is loaded/unloaded and coaches have given permission to leave.   
3. No Parents are allowed at the rower’s tent at Regattas. This time and area are reserved for Coaches and Rowers to focus and prepare for their upcoming races.  Typically, the rower is free to go to the Parent tent after their race.
4. No rower is allowed to leave a regatta early unless permitted by the coaches. 
5. Rowers and their families are responsible for checking GroupSpot for updates to practice, regatta schedules, cancellations, etc.
6. Rowers are required to participate in all fundraising events. 

2.6.7 Practices Schedule changes:

All practice schedules are posted on GroupSpot. While we seek to minimize changes, the schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Head Coach. The Head Coach and/or Vice President of Administration will notify rowers of any changes to the schedule.

Section 3 – Definitions

3.1 Assistant Coach

Any person selected to assist the Head Coach that is approved of by the President to perform coaching duties at the direction of the Head Coach.

3.2 Spring Recess

The period on the Ridgewood High School Calendar identified as “Spring Recess”, including the weekend immediately before and after such period. Mandatory attendance at practices.

3.3 Excused Absence

A rower’s absence from a scheduled Land Practice, Water Practice or Regatta is granted by the Head Coach during the first week of practice according to the policy described in section 2.1.  Furthermore, it is the responsibility of the rower to notify the Head Coach/VP Administration, as far in advance as possible, when requesting an Excused Absence.  

For absolute clarity: (a) a vacation is NOT an exceptional circumstance; (b) sickness or injury, to be considered qualified as an Excused Absence, will require a note from a Doctor; academic tutoring sessions and tests must not be scheduled during Land and Water Practice schedules or Regattas. Finally, while an Excused Absence may be granted, a rower is not guaranteed a seat in a boat upon return to the team. If you have any question about a potential Excused Absence, please discuss this with the RC Board as soon as possible.

3.4 Head Coach

Boris Roque Alvarez

3.5 Land Practice

Training sessions held on land at the direction of the Head Coach and under the supervision of the Head Coach and/or one or more Assistant Coach.  Unless otherwise notified by the Head Coach or Vice President of Administration, all Land Practice sessions will be held at Ridgewood High School.

Land Practice “season” will begin immediately following Team Selection announcement and will continue until conditions permit a transition to the Water Practice “season”.

3.6 Permitted Absence

Unless identified specifically below (in this definition), a Permitted Absence must be granted by the Head Coach or by the VP of Administration (at the specific direction of the Head Coach).  NO EXCEPTIONS.

The Head Coach may, in his or her sole discretion, grant a Permitted Absence 

From Land Practice
During the period when a rower is participating in a winter sport at Ridgewood High School
From Water Practice
From Regattas
If your team is not rowing in a regatta. For example, the Novice team will not attend Regattas that are designated as “JV and Varsity Only”

In the Spring racing season, any athlete who has missed practice due to serious injury or sickness, must be cleared by a doctor and must be able to fully participate in all training on their return. There is no guarantee that a seat will be held for any athlete who is sick or injured. This may mean exclusion from practice and racing for all or part of the Spring Season.

3.7 Regattas/Regatta Season/Regatta Schedule

All Regattas are posted on GroupSpot. While we seek to minimize changes, the regatta schedule is subject to change at the discretion of the Head Coach with Board input. The Vice President of Administration will notify Rowers of any changes to the Regatta Schedule.

3.8 Rower 

Any person that is selected as a Ridgewood Crew team member, whether active or inactive, a sweep, a sculler or a cox

3.9 SafeSport

Ridgewood Crew is a USRowing Member Organization. USRowing's Safe Sport program is designed to assure athlete safety by promoting and enforcing policies and programs that address: bullying, hazing, harassment (including sexual harassment), emotional misconduct, physical misconduct and sexual misconduct (including child sexual abuse and/or grooming behaviors).

3.10 Spring Season

The Spring Season starts after the tryouts and ends after the Stotesbury Cup Regatta.

3.11 Water Practice

Training sessions held on water at the direction of the Head Coach and under the supervision of the Head Coach and/or one or more Assistant Coach.  Unless otherwise notified by the Head Coach or their designee, all Water Practice sessions will be held at BCRC in Lyndhurst.

Water Practice “season” will begin as soon as conditions on the Passaic River permit, in the discretion of the Head Coach.  Typically, Water Practice begins the first or second week of March and continues throughout the Regatta Season.

We have read the Ridgewood Crew Expectations, Rules and Code of Conduct and agree to abide by them. We understand that actions contrary to these Guidelines may result in the rower’s removal from the event in question, and/or may result in permanent termination of membership in RC with no refund of fees.

 

If you have questions, please email admin@ridgewoodcrew.com.