USRowing: The Governing Body of American Rowing
The United States Rowing Association, widely known as USRowing, serves as the national governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States. From grassroots participation to the highest levels of international competition, USRowing is dedicated to promoting the sport and managing the selection and training of athletes who represent the U.S. on the global stage.
Founded in 1982, the organization was created through the merger of two pioneering entities: the National Association of Amateur Oarsmen (est. 1872) and the National Women's Rowing Association (est. 1963). Over the decades, the association has moved its operations to better serve the sport, relocating from Philadelphia to Indianapolis in 1985, and finally to its current corporate headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey, in 2006. This location is also home to the USRowing National Team Training Center.
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Key Facts
- Founded: 1982 via a merger of amateur and women's rowing associations.
- Headquarters: Princeton, New Jersey.
- Affiliations: Member of the International Rowing Federation and the United States Olympic Committee.
- Scope: Registers over 185 regattas annually and manages national team selections.
- Membership: Over 14,000 individual and 1,050 organizational members.
Organizational Structure and Governance
USRowing operates under the leadership of President and Chairman Nobuhisa Ishizuka and CEO Amanda Kraus. As a member of the International Rowing Federation, the association ensures that American rowing aligns with global standards.
The organization provides a critical infrastructure for the sport by registering more than 185 regattas each year, ensuring they adhere to strict safety guidelines. Beyond event registration, USRowing is responsible for the education of referees and coaches, ensuring the integrity and safety of the sport across the country.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Website | www.usrowing.org |
| Key Leadership | Nobuhisa Ishizuka (President/Chairman), Amanda Kraus (CEO) |
| Major Events | National Championships, Olympic Trials, National Selection Regatta |
| Training Hub | Shea Rowing Center, Princeton, NJ |
National Team Pathways
USRowing manages three distinct national team tiers to foster athlete development and international success:
Senior National Team
The Senior National Team represents the U.S. at the World Championships and the Olympic Games. While World Championships occur annually with 22 events, the Olympics happen every four years and feature 14 events. In Olympic years, the Games serve as the world championships for those 14 specific events. Selection is based on a combination of selection camps and trials.
Under 23 (U23) National Team
This developmental squad competes annually at the World Rowing Under 23 Championships. It serves as a vital pipeline, placing numerous athletes into the Senior and Olympic squads through a selection process involving camps and trials.
Junior National Team
The Junior National Team competes at the World Rowing Junior Championships. Like the other tiers, athletes are selected via trials and selection camps depending on the boat category.
Regattas and Competitions
USRowing hosts five primary national championship regattas: the Indoor National Championships, Summer National Championships, Summer Youth National Championships, Youth National Championships, and Masters National Championships. They also partner with CRASH-B Sprints for the indoor events.
To identify top talent, the association runs the National Selection Regattas and National Team Trials, which are the primary mechanisms for filling seats on the Senior, U23, and Junior national teams.
Athlete Classifications and Masters Rowing
To ensure fair competition, USRowing establishes strict classifications based on skill and age in its "Rules of Rowing."
Skill-Based Classifications
- Elite: National Team athletes or World Rowing U23 medalists.
- Senior: Non-elite rowers who have won in Intermediate or Senior categories at the USRowing National Championships or Royal Canadian Henley Regatta.
- Intermediate: Athletes who do not meet the Senior or Elite criteria.
Age-Based Classifications
Youth categories include U15, U17, U19, U21, and U23. Athletes typically compete in youth categories until the year they turn 19 or complete their secondary school diploma. Once an athlete passes the year they turn 21, they are classified as masters athletes.
Masters rowing includes 11 age-based categories. To maintain competitiveness across ages, USRowing applies handicaps—time subtractions from a crew's finish time based on the crew's average age.
Coaching Education and Certification
USRowing provides a structured certification program to ensure coaches can run safe and effective programs:
- Initiation Level (Level I): For those with no prior coaching experience.
- Foundation Level (Level II): For coaches with approximately one year of experience.
- Intermediate Level (Level III): For assistant coaches or new varsity coaches with five years of experience.
For veteran coaches, the Advanced Coaches Series is offered during the USRowing Annual Convention, featuring global experts. Additionally, continuing education clinics provide local training and credits for ongoing professional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the World Championships and the Olympics in rowing?
The World Championships are held every year and feature 22 events. The Olympics occur every four years and feature only 14 events. In Olympic years, the Olympics act as the world championships for those 14 events.
How does USRowing determine masters handicaps?
Handicaps are based on the average age of the crew. A specific amount of time is subtracted from the crew's finish time according to the age category defined in the Rules of Rowing.
What are the benefits of individual USRowing membership?
Individual members gain eligibility to race in national and regional regattas, qualify for the National Team, access insurance coverage, utilize a resource library of over 700 articles, and participate in coaching education.
Where is the USRowing National Team Training Center located?
The training center is located in Princeton, New Jersey, which also serves as the organization's corporate headquarters.
How are athletes selected for the National Teams?
Depending on the boat category, athletes are chosen through a combination of selection camps and trials processes, including the National Selection Regatta and Olympic trials.