Acknowledgements

Rowing Victoria acknowledges the support and assistance from the many people
and organisations involved in the resourcing and production of this Oars For All –
Inclusive Participation Manual

Contributors: Paul Dunn (professional writer), Ross Paul (Rowing Victoria)

Editors: Ross Paul (Rowing Victoria)

Sources: Adaptive Rowing Manual (Rowing Canada Aviron), Expanding Your

Sport and Recreation Markets (Department of Sport & Recreation WA),
Give it a Go: Including People with Disabilities in Sport and Physical
Activity (Australian Sports Commission), Go Rowing Instructors Guide
(Rowing Australia), Learn To Row Coach Program (Rowing Australia)

Support: Access Unlimited, Active Oceans, Albert Park South Melbourne

Rowing Club, Blind Sports Victoria, City of Port Phillip, City of
Stonnington, Deaf Sport and Recreation Victoria Department of Human
Services, Joint Councils – Access for All Abilities, MetroAccess,
Powerhouse Rowing Club, Rowing School Victoria, Sport & Recreation
Victoria, VicHealth, Victorian Sport and Recreation Association for
Persons with Intellectual Disability, Vision Australia

Rowing Victoria Inc.

Suite 13, 20 Commercial Rd
Melbourne, VIC, 3004
t: 03 9820 8888 f: 03 9820 4888
info@rowingvictoria.asn.au

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Table of Contents

1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 4
1.1. Sport & Recreation .................................................................................................................. 4
1.2. Club Benefits ........................................................................................................................... 4
1.3. Gathering Information and Ideas ............................................................................................ 5
1.4. Club Readiness - conduct an initial access assessment ........................................................ 5
1.5. Give People a Taste of Club Life ............................................................................................ 6
1.6. Club Considerations ................................................................................................................ 7
1.7. Coaching and Orientation ....................................................................................................... 7
1.8. Medical Considerations ........................................................................................................... 8
1.9. General Tips ............................................................................................................................ 8
1.10. Key Contacts (agencies) ..................................................................................................... 8
2. Intellectual Disability ................................................................................................. 10
2.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 10
2.2. Club Considerations .............................................................................................................. 10
2.3. Coaching Tips ....................................................................................................................... 10
2.4. Key Contacts (agencies) ....................................................................................................... 11
3. Sensory – Deaf / Hard of Hearing.............................................................................. 12
3.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 12
3.2. Club Considerations .............................................................................................................. 12
3.3. Coaching Tips ....................................................................................................................... 12
3.4. Key Signs and Signals .......................................................................................................... 13
3.5. Key Contacts (agencies) ....................................................................................................... 15
4. Sensory - Vision Impaired ......................................................................................... 16
4.1. Introduction............................................................................................................................ 16
4.2. Club Considerations .............................................................................................................. 16
4.3. Coaching Tips ....................................................................................................................... 18
4.4. Key Contacts (agencies) ....................................................................................................... 19
5. Glossary of Terms ..................................................................................................... 20
6. Equipment .................................................................................................................. 21
6.1. Areas of a Sweep Boat ......................................................................................................... 21
6.2. Parts of a Sweep Boat .......................................................................................................... 22
7. Appendix 1 – Key Signs and Signals for Deaf / HOH Participants ......................... 23
8. Appendix 2: Additional Images ................................................................................. 29
9. References & Bibliography ....................................................................................... 33

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1. Introduction
Rowing Victoria’s Oars for All – Inclusive Participation program aims to make rowing a sport
that is more inclusive and accessible to all people within their local community.

The focus of this initiative is to break down the barriers to participation. As such this Manual
has been designed to assist and develop a rowing club’s knowledge so that it may involve
people or develop programs for those that may have been disadvantaged in club activities
and events in the past.

Many new members will step straight in to the club and the club’s activities. However, this
manual outlines some key points which may be useful for clubs seeking further advice.

Information in this manual has been gathered from the evaluation of various Oars for All
programs and initiatives, and a range of other resources including the Adaptive Rowing
Manual (Rowing Canada Aviron) and Go Rowing Instructors Guide Module One (Rowing
Australia).

This, the second edition, has been released as a fluid document. Additions and amendments
to this document can be expected in the future as Rowing Victoria furthers its knowledge in
this area.

Remember to be flexible, have fun and if in doubt, ask.

1.1. Sport & Recreation

The opportunity to participate in sport and recreation can tremendously benefit a person’s
physical, mental and social wellbeing. Rowing is particularly suited to many disadvantaged
groups as it is a low impact, whole body, non-contact, team-based sport.

Like any potential new member of a rowing club, disadvantaged people may choose to get
involved in rowing for a number of reasons including:

- health and physical fitness

- opportunities for friendship and social connections
- a chance to develop new skills
- being involved in competition
- having fun

1.2. Club Benefits

There are many benefits to clubs being more inclusive and encouraging a greater diversity in
their membership group. Reasons may include:

• Greater diversity of membership which can bring alternative and progressive new
ideas
• The ability to offer opportunities for membership to a broader range of people from
within your local community
• Increased membership
• Create opportunities for additional fundraising/donations
• Potential for Paralympic representation from within the club
• Acquire additional equipment to supplement the club’s fleet
• Media attention may generate interest and additional memberships for the club
• More people to share the responsibility for running the club

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 1.3. Gathering Information and Ideas
It can be useful to make contact with other clubs that have successfully involved people from
disadvantaged backgrounds in their activities. Don’t just restrict your search to rowing clubs.
Ask the relevant disability sport organisation or your local Access for All Abilities provider
about other sporting clubs, some may have integrated people successfully in their activities.
See if you can arrange to talk to them about what has worked previously.

Case Study 1 - The Warrnambool Nestle Rowing Club

One club in Victoria that has developed successful rowing opportunities for people with a disability is
the Nestle Rowing Club in Warrnambool, which is also part of the award winning Active Ocean
program (www.mpower.org.au/downloads). Active Oceans commenced in 2002 as a joint initiative
between South West Sports Assembly, Mpower (a local disability organisation) and the RuralAccess
program in South West Victoria with the aim of involving people with disabilities in coastal activities.
Active Oceans works across five municipalities – the City of Warrnambool, and the Shires of Moyne,
Glenelg, Southern Grampians and Corangamite.

As part of Active Oceans, the Nestle Rowing Club has included a number of people with a disability
in their activities. It has also supported participation in State and National Paralympics competition.

1.4. Club Readiness - conduct an initial access assessment

There may be a number of barriers associated with your club facilities/culture that will limit
people’s involvement. Some of these will be obvious, others will be less apparent. Access
refers to a number of features of your club environment that might restrict involvement in
your programs and activities. Your access audit should include:

- physical access
- accessible information and promotional material
- attitudes and club acceptance
- commitment from club members

You may want to seek the support

of external services to assist you
with this initial access assessment.

Make sure the physical

environment is safe and can be
easily negotiated. Simple changes
can be made to make your club a
more accessible environment. With
a tin of paint and paint brush,
changes were made to the
facilities at Powerhouse Rowing
Club in Melbourne to improve
safety and access. This included
line markers to indicate nosing on
steps and painting lines around the
rowing tanks.

While accessibility can be about

the suitability of the physical and
structural environment, it’s not only about doors, toilets and car spaces. It’s also about
positive behaviours and attitudes. An access audit will highlight all the areas your

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organization needs to address. This includes physical, environmental and attitudinal barriers.
The Access Audit Checklist can be downloaded from the Rowing Victoria Website – see Go
Rowing > Oars For All.

(NSW DSR, 2004)

As with any new member, safety orientation and training should be conducted prior to
commencement and as part of the overall orientation or welcome to your club. Club safety
protocols and strategies can also be explained at the orientation.

Before starting the session go over your safety code with the individual or group. Make sure
everyone is aware of their roles and responsibilities and that they are alert to potential risks
and hazards.

Working with Children Checks

The Working with Children (WWC) Check creates a mandatory minimum checking
standard across Victoria. The WWC Check helps to keep children safe by preventing
those who pose a risk to the safety of children from working with them, in either paid or
volunteer work. If you work or volunteer with children you may need to apply for a
WWC Check.

All coaches and officials are required to have working with children checks. Contact
Rowing Victoria for more information or visit:
http://www.justice.vic.gov.au/workingwithchildren.

1.5. Give People a Taste of Club Life

Clubs should aim to give people a taste of all aspects of club life – this includes the social,
recreational and the competitive aspects of rowing. By focusing on a person’s ability, rather
than limitation, you will find that their club life will be rich and fulfilling.

Competition opportunities may be as part of training, club activities or as part of a Rowing

Victoria regatta. Regattas offer club and adaptive events (for athletes with disabilities)
throughout the regatta season and Rowing Victoria can provide advice on which events may
be most suitable.

Case Study 2 - Flexibility

Rowing Beyond, a vision impaired initiative conducted by Rowing Victoria, used 2 boats with
sighted people and people with vision loss in each boat. Rowing Beyond could easily have used
this feature of the coaching clinics to conclude the program with a race between the 2 boats. If
necessary, this could be conducted over a modified (short) distance and held at an inter club
competition or special event designed as the culmination of the program.

Contact with elite rowers can inspire people’s participation. It can also contribute to a
participant’s perspective - it is great to connect with a representative and feel some
association with the wider rowing community.

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 1.6. Club Considerations
Involve families and support groups. This will provide an extra set of hands to assist, as well
as introduce new people to the club who may seek more active roles. Be sure that those
involved are accepted into the club, and club members have the correct attitude. Disability
awareness training is available if required. It is worth ensuring that all club members can be
a familiar face.

1.7. Coaching and Orientation

It may be valuable to conduct an orientation or ‘getting to know you’ session with the new
participant/s. This will enable you to discuss possible support needs in more detail, prior to
the rowing related training/coaching activities. It is important to understand that the
participant will be the best judge of their capabilities. Further advice may be sought from
parents, carers or previous coaches if necessary.

As with any new member, some “take home information” should also be considered to
build participants’ knowledge of the world of rowing. Material in the orientation package
could include:

- Key contacts
- Program schedule and timelines
- A brief history of rowing and your club
- Information about your club
- Rowing terminology
- Pathways and opportunities for future involvement and participation in rowing
- Coaches code of ethics
- Rowing rules to survive
- Avoiding rowing injuries
- What clothing to wear

In terms of technical analysis, the basic principles are similar to mainstream rowing. You
may need to omit parts of the stroke depending on the physical capabilities of the participant.
The overall aim is still for sharp catches, acceleration to the finish and clean blade work
(Rowing Australia, 2009).

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 1.8. Medical Considerations
As rowing is a physically exerting, water-based sport, some knowledge of participants’
medical background is necessary. Remember that prevention is better than cure.

Some points for consideration include medications, symptoms of impending seizure,

treatment for seizures, asthma attack or glycaemia, pressure/stress care and temperature
regulation for those with spinal injuries. Do medications need to be carried while rowing or
are they required on the land only?

(Rowing Australia, 2009)

Remember that all participants should be able to swim 50m in rowing attire or a PFD (Life
Jacket) must be worn while on the water.

1.9. General Tips

• Be flexible
• Make sure you explain all aspects of the
program clearly and in detail
• Listen and respond
• Be positive about people’s improvements and
achievements
• Avoid group instructions and concentrate
where possible on individuals
• Make sure you promote and publicise your
success. Some of the key organisations you
might like to connect with are listed below

1.10. Key Contacts (agencies)

• Access for All Abilities

• MetroAccess and RuralAccess
• Rowing Australia
• Rowing Victoria

Access for All Abilities

There are many Access for All Abilities (AAA) providers in Victoria based in Local
Government Authorities and other community based organizations. Access for All Abilities is
funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria which is part of the State Government Department
of Planning and Community Development.

The AAA Program works in partnership with the local sport and recreation sector to develop
opportunities for people with disabilities to participate in community sport and recreation
activities.

If you are considering a more inclusive approach to your club’s membership, your local
Access for All Abilities provider may be able to help you get started. Some of the things AAA
providers can help you with include:

• Disability awareness training for club members

• Providing an initial audit of your facilities to establish the capacity of your club to support
people with a disability
• Providing advice about potential funding for your proposed program

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• Assisting with promotion of the program including targeting promotions to relevant
services/organisations
• Facilitating partnerships between your club and relevant disability service organisations
• Provide advice and assistance on program funding options
• Assist with promotion
• Assist with links with disability support agencies
• Provide support at coaching sessions
• Assist with program evaluation

For more information about your local AAA provider go to: www.sport.vic.gov.au

MetroAccess and RuralAccess

MetroAccess and RuralAccess workers are funded by the Department of Human Services,
Disability Services Division and are employed by local government. There are many
MetroAccess and RuralAccess workers across Victoria.

These workers plan and develop programs targeting people with a disability across the full
range of community services and infrastructure – sport and recreation, arts and cultural
development, health, education, access to the built environment, transport etc. MetroAccess
and RuralAccess workers can be well placed to provide advice and guidance to local clubs
interested in establishing an inclusive program.

For more information about MetroAccess or RuralAccess go to: www.dhs.vic.gov.au

Rowing Australia
Rowing Australia (RA) is the governing body for rowing in Australia. RA’s main responsibility
is the Australian Rowing Team and the development of the National Coaching & Officiating
Accreditation Scheme.

RA’s Adaptive Rowing Program aims to promote the sport of adaptive rowing through
increasing awareness, providing technical assistance in the implementation of policies and
the development of adaptive rowing programs. It also assists in the implementation of
inclusive initiatives through providing opportunities for people with disabilities to contribute to
all areas of the sport.

RA’s program has been designed to pursue their overall Adaptive Rowing vision: To be one
of the most competitive adaptive rowing nations in international adaptive rowing.

For more information about Rowing Australia go to: www.rowingaustralia.com.au

Rowing Victoria
Rowing Victoria (RV) is the peak body for rowing in Victoria. RV promotes the interests of
the rowing community in Victoria and provides advocacy and representation on behalf of its
member clubs.

RV’s inclusive rowing program ‘Oars For All – Inclusive Rowing’ aims to break down the
barriers to participation. RV is a good source of information on adaptive rowing, with various
resources available through our website (see Go Rowing > Oars for All). We are also able to
assist in providing direction on where to seek additional information, equipment, funding,
support and partnerships.

For more information about Rowing Victoria go to: www.rowingvictoria.asn.au

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2. Intellectual Disability

2.1. Introduction
Intellectual disability refers to those who have some difficulty in learning and/or performing
the skills of everyday life. This can vary considerably from one individual to the next. It is
important when coaching someone with an intellectual disability to concentrate on what an
individual can do rather than what they can not. The key contacts listed below can provide
additional direction if you feel it is required.

2.2. Club Considerations

To include a person with an intellectual disability
in rowing a coach should start off by treating the
individual just as they would any other new
comer to their club.

A good coach will talk to the person, make them

feel welcome and assess the rowing skills of the
person in planning for the development of their
rowing abilities, just as they would with anybody
else. Some people with an intellectual disability
may require a coach to adapt their
communication method, but your approach
should be on an individual basis.

2.3. Coaching Tips

• Keep instructions short and concise, and
allow sufficient time for an athlete to
respond to coaching. Break down the stroke
into tasks that are sequential and have
attainable goals (Rowing Australia, 2009).
• Be aware that learning and development will
occur at a variety of rates. As with any new
rower, stroke development begins on a
rowing ergometer. Once this skill is
mastered, progress to on-water rowing,
utilising a life jacket if necessary.
• Be patient and realistic in setting goals for progression, and be positive about people’s
improvements and achievements.
• Utilise partnerships with disability sport organisations.
• Be flexible.

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 • Case Study 3 – Integration into the Club

Nestles Rowing Club (Warrnambool) have a strong Intellectual Disability program which is run in
conjunction with ‘Active Oceans’. Active Oceans is a recreation and disability initiative which
aims to provide sustainable coastal recreation and sporting opportunities for people with
disabilities throughout South West Victoria.

Participants in the rowing program have a range of disabilities including Autism and Down
Syndrome. The program runs twice a month, with a number of sessions weekly offered for more
enthusiastic participants. The key to the overall success is the incorporation of graduates from
this program into regular club activities such as Sunday rowing sessions.

“Although Aaron demands his own space, he is a friendly and loved member of the club. He will
always fill in and is often called on to assist when teaching new rowers. He is so easy to coach
as you only need to show him once and he remembers and executes it immediately. His great
talent is that he is able to adjust to different rhythm and speed. The more elite his partner is, the
more skilled he becomes as he can copy so effectively.”

(Tom Bertrand, coach of Aaron Skinner – State and National Adaptive Champion)

2.4. Key Contacts (agencies)

• VICSRAPID – Victorian Sport and Recreation Association for Persons with an
Intellectual Disability
• AUSRAPID - Australian Sport and Recreation Association for Persons with an
Integration Difficulties
• Access for All Abilities, MetroAccess, RuralAccess, Rowing Australia and Rowing
Victoria - see section 1.10

VICSRAPID
VICSRAPID is a state wide, not for profit organisation formed to enhance
the lifestyle of people with an intellectual disability through community
sport and recreation. It has over 20 years’ experience in supporting the
development of inclusive opportunities in sport and recreation in Victoria.
VICSRAPID works in partnership with various organisations (including
sports, recreation, disability and health organisations) to facilitate the
development of inclusive opportunities in physical activity. VICSRAPID
provides an information referral service and advocates for inclusive sport
and recreation opportunities on behalf of Victorians with an intellectual
disability.

For more information about VICSRAPID phone: (03) 9926 1380

AUSRAPID
AUSRAPID Incorporated is a National organisation established to increase the sporting and
recreational opportunities for all people with an integration disability within Australia.
AUSRAPID views integration to be the inclusion of persons with an intellectual disability into
the activities of generic sporting and recreational bodies at a level denoted by the ability and
choice of each individual i.e. participating in grades, divisions or activities which are ability
appropriate.

For more information about AUSRAPID go to: www.ausrapid.org.au

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3. Sensory – Deaf / Hard of Hearing
3.1. Introduction

Almost 4 Million Australians experience hearing loss – approximately 1 in every 6

Australians. With the ageing of the Australian population, hearing loss is projected to
increase to 1 in every 4 Australians by 2050 (Access Economics, 2006).

Hearing loss may be congenital or acquired. A congenital hearing loss is one that is present
at, or soon after, birth. An acquired loss is one that occurs later on in life (Australian Hearing,
2003). There are various different causes and degrees of hearing loss, and those who have
a hearing loss may or may not use sign language, speak or lip read.

3.2. Club Considerations

Following a pilot learn to row program, run in early in 2011, we suggest that mixing
deaf/HOH athletes with hearing athletes may be easiest from a club’s point of view, and this
is quite possible. In our experience we have found that deaf/HOH like to row and socialise
with other deaf/HOH by preference. The simple explanation for this is that we all enjoy being
around people who speak the same language as us.

Knowledge of basic Auslan is encouraged for coaches working in this area. The signs and
signals which follow cover only key safety areas and some basic directions. Consider using
an interpreter or attempting to locate a volunteer to act as a translator for beginner sessions.
Having said this, the lip reading capabilities of those who lip read should not be
underestimated.

3.3. Coaching Tips

• For safety reasons, RV recommends that deaf/HOH participants have a hearing
coach or participant in close proximity while on the water.
• An additional boat alongside is good for visual illustration when on the water,
especially for beginners.
• When rowing in a crew boat, a stern coxed boat is best so the coxswain can provide
directions. Ensure deaf/HOH participants are placed in the 2 seats closest to the
coxswain as communicating with those sitting further away is difficult. You may ask
those obstructing your view in closer seats to lean forwards and duck (touch their
toes) to better communicate with those further away.
• Session plans should be clearly communicated and understood before getting on the
water to help avoid any misunderstandings.
• A coach may choose to provide direction from the coxswain’s seat, or from outside
the boat – communication between a coach and coxswain is important.
• Coaches and participants should know the key signs and signals listed in the
following section.
• Off-the water communication strategies will vary depending on the individual
approach and facilities of the club, and also the preference and personality of
participants. They may also reflect those used while on-water. We broadly suggest
those involved:
o Give demonstrations
o Be animated and illustrative

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 o Use on-water signs and signals off the water to promote familiarity
o Use visual aids
o Check for understanding

A more thorough guide to communication can be found in the coaching and communication
fact sheets which have been developed by Deaf Sports Australia – see
www.deafsports.org.au

3.4. Key Signs and Signals

A summary of key signs and signals is provided below. These are intended to cover key
safety areas and some basic directions, and may be used from either the coxswain’s seat of
the boat, or a coach in close proximity.

For larger illustrations, and explanations, please see pages Appendix 1.

A) Blades Squared D) Blades Feathered

B) Check it

C) Check it hard

E) Easy oar F) Sit forwards

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G) Are you ready? H) Row

As mentioned, these signs and signals are intended to cover key safety areas and some
basic directions. It is expected that you will begin to use a variety of other signs to best
communicate, and suggest you work alongside any deaf/HOH athletes to find what the best
approach may be.

Most signs and signals which a coach may use are reasonably intuitive, for example: you
may use your arm to simulate an oar with the palm reflecting the orientation of the oar blade.
Many coaches illustrate elements of the stroke in this manner e.g. catch, drive, finish,
recovery.

Example 1: If a crew was approaching a corner, and the coxswain wanted to instruct part of
the crew to row hard and part of the crew to row light – the coxswain would first gain the
attention of the crew (by waving or tapping the boat), signal the direction of the turn (by
pointing), signal the bow side rowers to row light (by pointing to their oars and then lowering
the arm, palm facing downwards) and signal the stroke side rowers to row hard (by pointing
to their oars, and then raising the arm, palm facing upwards).

Example 2: To correct a fault in technique, first point to the person and demonstrate their
technique error, and say “no” by shaking your head or waving. Then, signal the correct
technique with a smile and a ‘thumbs up’.

Tapping the side of the boat – may be used to gain the attention of crew members.

Other useful signs may include:

- Back it - Softly/softer
- Careful - Relax
- Half - Together
- Harder/stronger - Touch it

A great bank of signs can be found at www.auslan.org.au including videos.

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 3.5. Key Contacts (agencies)

• Deaf Sports Australia

• Deaf Sport Recreation Victoria
• Vicdeaf
• Access for All Abilities, MetroAccess, RuralAccess, Rowing Australia and Rowing
Victoria - see section 1.10

Deaf Sports Australia

Deaf Sports Australia is the peak body for Deaf Sports in Australia. It aims to facilitate and
support the participation of deaf Australians in all levels of support. Deaf Sports Australia
provides a comprehensive bank of information and fact sheets for reference.

For more information about Deaf Sports Australia go to: www.deafsports.org.au

Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria

Deaf Sports Recreation Victoria (DSRV) is the peak State body in Victoria in sports and
recreation for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. DSRV keeps its membership in touch with
various clubs, and keeps them informed of community events and opportunities to have fun
and meet new and like-minded people.

For more information about Deaf Sport Recreation Victoria go to: www.dsrv.com.au

Vicdeaf

The Victorian Deaf Society (Vicdeaf) is the primary source of reference, referral, advice and
support for deaf adults in Victoria. Vicdeaf provide information and resources, and also help
to make contact with interpreters.

For more information about Vicdeaf go to: www.vicdeaf.com.au

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4. Sensory - Vision Impaired

4.1. Introduction
Blindness is often regarded as total loss of sight. However it is important to remember that
there are many gradations between what we might regard as normal vision and blindness.
Each person’s vision loss will be different – what you need to remember is that whether
coaching, providing support or simply socialising, if you are not sure how much a person can
see, ask.

A common misconception is that blind people live in a world

of total darkness. More than 80 percent of people with
changed vision retain some ability to see. Even a person
with profound vision loss may be able to determine the
outline of objects, the presence or the absence of light, light
projection, and what direction light may be coming from.

(Rowing Canada Aviron, n.d.)

There are several different eye conditions which you may

encounter:

- Retinitis Pigmentosa: Retinitis Pigmentosa may

cause tunnel vision and night blindness
- Macular Degeneration: Macular Degeneration blurs
central vision used for detailed tasks like reading
and sewing
- Glaucoma: Glaucoma can cause tunnel vision,
reduced night vision and blurring of central vision in
advanced cases
- Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic Retinopathy causes
reduced vision, sensitivity to glare and decreased
night vision
- Cataracts: Cataracts can lead to blurred vision and
sensitivity to glare

4.2. Club Considerations

Transportation to and from boathouse

Accessibility of the boathouse

Introduction to the club and their members

Allocation of someone to be a mentor/contact person

Information may be best presented in alternate formats e.g. Braille, electronic, audio,
large print – Arial, Bold Font, 18 plus.

Meeting and Greeting – Communication

When you meet the new rower initiate the greeting by introducing yourself. Make sure that
when you leave the rower that they know you are leaving.

“John I am just going to my car. I will be back in a couple of minutes.”

When you leave the person ensure that they are in contact with an object e.g. chair or table
– something which enables them to orient themselves.

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Approach:
• If you suspect someone may need assistance, walk up, greet them and identify
yourself. Don't assume the person will recognise you by your voice.

Ask:

"Would you like some help?" The person will accept your offer or tell you if they
don't require assistance.

Assist:

Listen and assist as required. If someone requires assistance in being guided,
ask them what their preferred method is. Not all people who are blind or vision
impaired will want assistance - don't be offended if your assistance is not
required.

Communicating
• Relax, be yourself, and introduce yourself. Speak naturally and clearly. Loss of
eyesight does not mean loss of hearing.
• Continue to use body language. This will affect the tone of your voice and give
extra information to the person who is vision impaired.
• Never distract, pat or feed a guide dog without the owner’s permission.
• In a group situation, introduce the other people present and avoid situations
where there is competing noise if possible.
• Use accurate and specific language when giving directions. For example, "the
door is on your left", rather than "the door is over there".

Address people by their names so they know you are speaking to them.

Use words like "look" and "see"; they are part of everyone's vocabulary.

Describe the surroundings and obstacles in a person's pathway (remember to look
up as well as down). Warn of the presence of overhanging objects such as riggers,
oars and boats.

Let the person who is blind or vision impaired take your arm (as below), if this is their
preferred method.

Guiding Rowers
When guiding a blind or vision impaired rower, you should ask what their preferred method
of guiding is. The rower may then choose to hold your elbow and walk slightly behind you.

If the terrain is about to change (i.e. you will be

stepping from grass to gravel), hesitate slightly or
alert the person you are guiding. When approaching
stairs inform the blind or vision impaired person if
there is a hand rail, and offer this to the person.
Inform if you are approaching a landing and also
when approaching the last step.

Some participants may be guide dog users. Generally, once taking your arm, the rower will
let go of the dog’s harness, but maintain leash control. Remember that a guide dog wearing
a harness is on duty and should not be distracted. Arrange for the guide dog to be cared for
during the training session if necessary.

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 4.3. Coaching Tips

• Utilise auditable communication. Continuous communication about direction,

technique and other things that the rower may have difficulty making out for
themselves (Rowing Australia, 2009).
• When rowers who are blind or have low vision begin they will need to know
when the oar is feathered and when it is squared. During early stroke
development place a physical marker on the oar’s handle to indicate the
squared position. e.g. Velcro / sticking plaster.
• Rowers with vision loss may feel most comfortable rowing in stroke seat, rather
than having to follow the timing of other rowers.
• Take the time to assess how things might feel and sound to the rower. Think
about how best to convey this information in words. Look carefully for cues that
give you a sense of the effectiveness of your communication. Get feedback
from the rower about how it is going.
• Be mindful that an unbalanced shell can be very frightening for a person with a
vision impairment. Conduct balance exercises regularly perhaps at the start of
each session to ensure crew stability.

(Rowing Canada Aviron, n.d.)

Case Study 4 – Vision Loss

The Rowing Beyond – Vision Impaired - program was established as a partnership between
Access for All Abilities (Access Unlimited), Blind Sports Victoria, the City of Stonnington,
MetroAccess, Rowing School Victoria, Rowing Victoria and Vision Australia.

A key element of the success of the program was the ability for these organisations to bring their
different skills, knowledge and resources to the design and management of the program.

“Sue Chapman-Popa, the instructor from the Rowing Beyond Pilot (former Australian Olympic
rower and medalist, and head coach of Rowing School Victoria on the Yarra River), explained
things well and used tactile methods of demonstration as well as verbal. An example of a
technique used was the placing of rough tape on the oar so that participants could tell when the
oar was turned for ‘feathering’. Each person was given individual instructions according to their
placing in the boat and their vision level. It was felt that apart from a few modifications, the
instruction was the same as for any beginner. In Sue’s opinion vision impairment was no
barrier to rowing except perhaps in a single boat.”

(Rowing Beyond – Vision Impaired – Program Evaluation)

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 4.4. Key Contacts (agencies)
• Blind Sports Victoria
• Vision Australia
• Access for All Abilities, MetroAccess, RuralAccess, Rowing Australia and Rowing
Victoria - see section 1.10

Blind Sports Victoria

Blind Sports Victoria (BSV) assists people who are blind or have low vision to take part in a
wide variety of sport and recreational activities. BSV was established in 1977 and is the
State parent sporting association currently representing a variety of sports and recreational
activities. BSV is affiliated with Blind Sports Australia through which National and
International competitions are organised. This enables legally blind competitors to take part
in State, National and International events such as the Paralympics and World
Championships.

For more information about Blind Sports Victoria go to: www.blindsports.org.au

Vision Australia
Vision Australia is the nation’s largest provider of blindness and low vision services. This
includes information on adapting your program, communicating with people with vision
impairments, information about adaptive technology. Vision Australia is also well placed to
help you target your promotions and to assist with recruiting potential participants and new
club members.

For more information about Vision Australia go to: www.visionaustralia.org.au

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5. Glossary of Terms

Blade: Flattened or spoon-shaped end of oar or scull; often used as term

for oar
Bow: Forward end of boat
Bowside (starboard): All the rowers whose oars are in the water on the right hand side of
the boat when viewed from the stern
Catch: The part of the stroke when the blade is put in the water
Coxswain (Cox): Steers the boat from a seat in the stern or a lying position in the bow
Drive: The part of the stroke between the catch and the finish – the
propulsive phase of the rowing stroke
Easy Oar: To stop rowing, and relax
Feather / Feathering: To turn the blade parallel with the water surface at the start of the
recovery to reduce wind resistance
Finish (release): The part of the stroke just before the blade is taken out of the water
Foot stretcher: The unit that holds the shoes or clogs into which the rower puts their
feet
Gate: Bar across a rowlock/swivel to retain the oar
Handle: That part of the oar that the rower holds
Hands away: The act of turning the oar handle at the finish of the stroke so that
the blade leaves the water and is feathered at the start of the
recovery; sometimes referred to as “out of bow”
Oar: The lever, approx 2-3.7m long, used to propel the rowing boat –
usually numbered to correspond to seat number and stroke/bow
side
Outrigger (rigger): A metal framework or a carbon-fibre-reinforced arm to support the
rowlock which is placed approximately 78 – 88cm from the centre of
the boat
Rate / Rating (beat): The rate of stroking, or the number of strokes per minute that a crew
is rowing
Recovery: The part of the stroke cycle between the finish and the catch in
which the oar is feathered and the seat is returned to the aft end of
the slope
Release: When the blade is taken out of the water (see Finish)
Rhythm: The proportion of time occupied on the recovery to the time taken
on the pull-through
Rigger: See Outrigger
Rudder: Steering device attached to the stern or under the hull of a shell
Sculling: Using two oars or sculls (freshwater); using one oar over stern (salt
water)
Square: When the blade is square in the swivel
Stern: The back of the boat
Stroke side (port): All the rowers whose oars are in the water on the left hand side of
the boat when viewed from the stern
Sweep: Long oars with narrow blades; see also rowing

The definitions used in ‘Glossary of Terms’ are reproduced with thanks to Rowing Australia.

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6. Equipment

6.1. Areas of a Sweep Boat

Parts of an Oar
Handle

Shaft

Blade
Sleeve
Button

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 6.2. Parts of a Sweep Boat

Pin Gate

Seat

Rigger
Footstretcher

The images and diagrams used in ‘Equipment’ are reproduced with thanks to Rowing
Australia.

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7. Appendix 1 – Key Signs and Signals for Deaf / HOH Participants

Blades Squared, Check-it, Check-it Hard

A) Blades Squared – the orientation of the hand reflects a

squared blade and is kept above an imaginary water line
B) Check-it – the hand/blade now drops to touch an imaginary
water line
C) Check-it Hard – signed rather emphatically, the hand/blade is
well below the imaginary water line

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 Blades Feathered

D) Feathered Blades – the orientation of the hand reflects a

feathered blade

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Easy Oar

E) Easy Oar – the arm and hand can be used to simulate the
movement of the oar through an entire stroke. To sign ‘easy
oar’ the final part of the stroke is signed from finish or exit to
‘feathered blades’

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 Sit Forwards

F) Sit Forwards – like beckoning someone to come to you –

usually signalled a couple of times

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Ready?

G) Ready? – the hand and arm drop, and the middle finger is
‘flicked’ so the hand is open

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Go/Row

H) Go/Row – drop the arm while pointing to signal going forwards

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8. Appendix 2: Additional Images

CATCH

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 DRIVE
(     Direction of hands and body)

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 FINISH

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 RECOVERY
(Direction of hands and body    )

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9. References & Bibliography

Access Economics: Listen Hear! The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia,
February 2006

Adaptive Rowing Manual, Rowing Canada Aviron www.rowingcanada.org

Australian Hearing Centre: Causes of Hearing Loss Fact Sheet,

www.hearingawarenessweek.org.au, May 2003

Expanding Your Sport and Recreation Markets WA, www.dsr.wa.gov.au

Go Rowing Instructors Guide Module One of the CAN ROW program, Rowing Australia Inc,
Penrith 2001 www.rowingaustralia.asn.au

Give it a Go: Including People with Disabilities in Sport and Physical Activity, Australian
Sports Commission, 2001

No Limits – Involving People With Disability In Your Sport, NSW Sport & Recreation, 2004
www.dsr.nsw.gov.au/assets/pubs/industry/no_limits.pdf

Rowing Australia - Learn To Row Coach Program, Rowing Australia Inc, 2009

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