Race Weekend Rules & Procedures

All USRowing rules found in the 2026 Rules of Rowing apply unless otherwise noted below. Changes for 2026 are noted with red text and a yellow highlight.

1. Registration

1.1 All boats must register in the designated registration window. Late entries will be accepted at the discretion of the registrar and placed last on any post-lottery waitlist. If accepted, late entries will be charged 25% more than the standard entry fees.

1.2 Guaranteed Entry Codes (GECs) will be provided to all boats within 10% of winning adjusted time in each event of the prior year's Head of the Hooch. If there are no results from the prior year, the next available year's results will be used.

1.2.1 GECs are sent to the email address on file for the previous year's registrant. Contact the Registrar if you have not received your GEC one week prior to the opening of registration. The Hooch is not responsible if you do not receive your code.

1.2.2 GECs must be used while registering on RegattaCentral. If your entry does not have one, it will be placed in the lottery draw and will not be seeded should it be accepted.

1.2.3 GECs can only be used in the event they were earned and by the same club as the preceding year for all 8+, 4+/x, 2-/x events.

1.2.4 GECs awarded for singles (1x) events are awarded to the rower and can only be used by that rower regardless of their club/affiliation. GECs for 1x races can be used by that rower in any 1x event they are qualified to row in.

1.2.5 Any event with divisions will have GECs awarded independently to both divisions of an event.

1.2.6 A GEC for a composite crew can only be used if it contains at least 50% of the same rowers as the previous year.

1.2.7 A GEC only guarantees you an entry if you register within the lottery registration period.

1.2.8 If you receive a GEC for an event that you do not/no longer qualify for, please contact the registrar.

1.2.9 Should events be canceled for any reason, all boats in the event will receive a guaranteed entry for the following year.

1.3 All non-guaranteed entries will be placed into a lottery for their event and chosen as detailed on the registration page.

1.3.1 Adaptive entries will not be subject to the lottery and will not receive GECs as a result.

1.4 Rowers can only be entered under one club name, no exceptions.

1.5 Crews are responsible for entering their boats in the correct event. If you are entered in the wrong event, your entry will not be moved after the lottery draw. If you do not meet the requirements for the event, your entry will be forfeited.

1.6 Any crew with unpaid fees from the previous year's Hooch will not be allowed to enter until their balance is paid.

1.7 No boats will be entered into the Hooch after the bow draw has been posted.

1.8 Registered boats that "no show" on regatta weekend may be banned from racing in the next year's Head of the Hooch.

1.9 The organizing committee reserves the right to adjust event caps based on demand; however, no cap will be reduced.

1.10 All crews should pick up their bow numbers at least 2 hours prior to their first race. Any entry that races but does not pick up their bow number from the registration tent will be disqualified.

1.11 Any rower who races without a signed USRowing waiver, as determined by the organizing committee, will have any boat they row in disqualified.

1.12 The organizing committee reserves the right to provide additional entries to select clubs as an award for their exceptional volunteer efforts.

1.13 Para and Inclusive Para time standard: Event competitors should be able to complete a 4,500-meter course in 30 minutes or less.

2. Event Definitions

2.1 Youth novice events: Limited to youth rowers who have been competing for one year or less as of the first Regatta Day. Experience in sculling events does not count as experience in sweep events and vice versa. Additionally, rowers who began their freshman year of High School in Aug/Sept of the same calendar year are allowed to compete as novice rowers.

2.1.1 In an effort to increase safety on the water, youth novice boats are not required to have a novice level coxswain.

2.2 Collegiate Frosh/Novice events: Limited to college rowers enrolled in their first year (freshman year) at a college/university, or rowers who have been competing at all levels (including high school) for less than one year as of the first regatta day.

2.3 Mixed crews: Each mixed crew shall include men and women rowers. Doubles require a crew of one man and one woman; quads/fours crews may have either one man or two; and eights crews may have two, three, or four men. Coxswains are exempt from this rule. Any entry violating this rule will be excluded.

2.4 Men's or Women's events: Men's events are for male scullers and rowers only. Women's events are for female scullers and rowers only. Coxswains may be of either gender.

2.5 Minimum age: All 1x rowers & all coxswains must obtain the age of 14 by December 31st of the current year. All other entries may have rowers under the age of 14 as long as the average boat age is 14 or greater, not including the coxswain's age.

2.6 Masters events: Limited to competitors who have attained or will attain the age of 21 during the current calendar year. A competitor's age is determined as of December 31 of the current calendar year, rounded down to the highest contained integer. A Masters crew shall be comprised exclusively of master's rowers, but the coxswain need not be a Master. With the exception of Masters 1x events (which are already split by age), all other master's events will have two divisions: 50 and over and under 50. The age is based on the average age of the boat. Handicaps will still be used. Medals will be awarded to each category.

2.6.1 Should any division of a master's event receive less than 5 entries, the divisions for that event will be combined.

2.7 Youth events: Only rowers and coxswains who are classified as "Youth" by the USRowing definition (Rule 4-104.1(c)) may enter the Head of the Hooch events labeled "Youth", "Youth Novice", or the "Parent/Child 2x" events with no exceptions. These competitors may not enter any other events. A youth rower entering any other events will have their entries scratched and jeopardizes their future collegiate athletic eligibility per the NCAA "Prospective Student-Athlete" rules.

2.7.1 Youth events may be split into separate age groups (i.e., U19, U17 & U15). All rowers in the boat will need to be under the respective age limit for each event.

2.8 Open events: Open to all rowers and coxswains who have attained or will attain the age of 19 in the current calendar year (no youth rowers). All open events have no handicap or weight limit.

2.9 Collegiate events: Open to all rowers currently enrolled at a college or university. Rowers/programs who meet one or more of the following cannot enter any Collegiate event and must enter a Championship and/or Open event (does not apply to Frosh/Novice or Lightweight Collegiate events):

2.10 Championship events: Open to all collegiate and club teams. Please see rule 2.9 above for crews/rowers that must enter Championship events.

2.11 Alumni events: Alumni are rowing on behalf of and represent their Alma mater. At least ¾ of the rowers must be graduates from the institution they represent. All crews will be considered masters and the Hooch masters handicap system will not apply. Alumni boats do not earn team points.

2.12 Parent/Child 2x: All entries shall be comprised of an adult master's rower and their son or daughter. The "child" can be of any age. Entries can be mixed or of the same gender. The standard Masters' handicap will not apply to this event.

2.12 Para events: These events are same or mixed gender crews made up of same classification athletes. USRowing OR FISA Adaptive classifications are required. Provisional classifications will be considered by the Hooch Adaptive Coordinator.

2.13 Inclusive para events: This event is for mixed classifications of athletes including a rower and an able-bodied rowing partner. Need a rowing partner? Contact the Adaptive Coordinator to be paired: pararowing@headofthehooch.org. Official USRowing Adaptive classification is required for this event.

3. Coxswains

3.1 Youth events: Coxswains defined as "Youth" by USRowing rules cannot cox a boat entered into any collegiate or open events. Doing so jeopardizes their future collegiate athletic eligibility per the NCAA "Prospective Student-Athlete" rules. Youth coxswains are not bound by the rules defining a Youth Novice (i.e. a Youth Varsity rower may cox a Youth Novice boat if desired).

3.2 Masters and Collegiate: Coxswains are not subject to any restrictions and may cox a boat of any age category, skill level, or gender. However, they are not permitted to cox any Youth boats.

3.3 Weight: There are no weight requirements for coxswains.

3.4 Age: All coxswains must obtain the age of 14 by December 31st of the current year.

4. Seeding & Bow Draw

4.1 To be seeded, boats must be registered with a Guaranteed Entry Code (GEC). Boats without a GEC are not guaranteed their seeded start position during the bow draw.

4.1.1 Boats will be seeded based on prior year's raw finishing times, including in handicapped events.

4.1.2 Boats will be seeded in the following order:

4.2 Bow numbers are assigned sequentially across all events. The first boat in event 1 will be bow #1; the last boat of racing on Sunday will be around bow #2500. Gaps will be left between events.

5. Time Adjustments

5.1.1 Masters handicap formula: HC = (age – 27)² × Z, adjusted for a 4,500m course.

Values for Z

0.0900 for 8+/4x

0.0972 for 2x/4+

0.1125 for 1x/2-

5.1.2 For Master 2x, 4x, 4+, and 8+, the age of the crew will be the average of the rowers (except for coxswain). Handicaps are rounded to the nearest second. When the average age is 27 or below the handicap will be zero.

5.1.3 For Masters 1x events, the rower must be registered for the correct age category and cannot row up or down an age classification.

5.1.4 The correct age must be provided for each crew member. If any age is missing, no handicap will be assigned to the boat. Any handicap corrections must be made online prior to the deadline for lineup changes. No handicap changes will be accepted on the day of the race.

5.2.1 Para time adjustments: Time adjustments will be made according to the composition of the entry based on gender and adaptive classification.

5.2.2 Inclusive para time adjustments: Time adjustments will be applied according to the makeup of the crew.

6. Weigh-in

6.1 Athletes must weigh-in at least one hour preceding their first race.

6.2 Athletes may weigh-in at any of the following times: Friday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm; Saturday 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Sunday 6:00 am – 10:00 am.

6.3 Athletes in the same boat do not need to weigh-in together.

6.4 There will be no boat weight averaging for lightweights of either gender.

6.5.1 Male rowers in all age groups will have a maximum weight of 160 lbs.

6.5.2 Female rowers in all age groups will have a maximum weight of 130 lbs.

7. Equipment & Bow Numbers

7.1 All boats must conform to the USRowing regulations regarding construction and design detailed in Article III, Part A of the 2025 Rules of Rowing.

7.2 All boats will be inspected by referees to ensure they conform to USRowing regulations. If any boat does not conform, that boat will not be allowed to launch. This inspection will occur either on Friday or immediately prior to launch Saturday and Sunday. Once checked, boats will be tagged so that they do not have to be checked again for subsequent races.

7.3 Bow numbers: All boats racing must carry their assigned bow number, provided by the Hooch, to ensure accurate timing. Incorrect or missing bow numbers can result in being miss-timed or a penalty. Bow numbers must be returned to the dock volunteers as boats come off the water.

7.4 Shirt/bib numbers: All boats racing must have their assigned bow number pinned to the back of single scullers or the back of the bow rower, not the coxswain.

7.5.1 Strapping guidelines for para and inclusive para are set by USRowing.

7.5.2 Minimum equipment requirements for para and inclusive para are listed on the FISA Para-Rowing landing page.

8. Launching

8.1 The racecourse will be open for practice from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on the Friday before the regatta. No boats shall be allowed to launch before noon or after 5:00 pm. No practice will be allowed on race days.

8.1.1 During practice, race traffic patterns (stay to the left, port side) apply throughout the course. Penalties of 1 minute or disqualification from the regatta may be assessed for violation of this rule.

8.1.2 Crews in small boats (1x, 2x, 2-) wishing to row a portion of the course during practice may turn after the East end of the island and merge into the traffic pattern in the racing lane of the course. Turning crews must yield to crews in the traffic pattern from the start area when entering the course.

8.1.3 All rowers/crews looking to practice must check in at the registration tent prior to launching. All rowers launching to practice will be required to wear a wristband, provided by the Hooch, indicating completion of their USRowing waivers and payment of all entry fees.

8.2 All oars must be placed on the grass area near the dock from which boats are launching before boats are permitted down the ramps accessing the launch area. No launching will be permitted from the UTC docks or the Lookout Rowing Club docks.

8.3 The Hooch asks coaches to not send first time or inexperienced coxswains out on the water. By entering a crew in an event, the coach is certifying that the crew will be race ready and capable of executing routine maneuvers required in rowing. If in the judgment of the dock master or start marshal, a coxswain or crew is too inexperienced, the boat will not be allowed to race.

8.4 Launch schedules will be announced during the Coaches & Coxswains Meeting. There will be only one call to launch prior to each event. It is expected that crews be aware of their launch times and not depend solely on calls to launch from regatta officials.

8.5 Registered boats failing to launch during the appropriate launch window for their race will not be allowed to race. No crew will be allowed to launch with less than 45 minutes prior to their scheduled race time.

8.5.1 The time cutoff for launching will not be adjusted unless there is an official change to the scheduled time of the race. Crews choosing to launch later than the published time on the official heat sheet due to a perceived lateness of the regatta risk not being allowed to launch for their race.

8.6 The start line is located approximately three and one-quarter miles upstream from the boat launching area. Buoys will separate the racecourse from the upstream traffic. Boats are required to keep to the port (North) side of the river while proceeding to the start.

8.7 The Head of the Hooch WILL NOT be providing boat tents, slings, or a trailer at the GPS dock. Teams will need to bring their own equipment for staging in the GPS area. Bringing a trailer back into the venue following completion of the race will not be permitted.

8.7.1 Option 1 — Standard launch: Para and inclusive para-athletes will launch from the venue launch docks at Ross' Landing. There will be a staging area near the launch dock next to the Control Commission tent. Recovery is also at Ross' Landing.

8.7.2 Option 2 — Upriver launch: Para and inclusive para-athletes can launch from the Girls Preparatory School (GPS) dock about 2,000m upriver. Teams may row shells up to GPS on Saturday afternoon. Volunteers will be available to row equipment from Ross' Landing to the GPS dock, or crews may stage their equipment at the GPS dock directly.

9. At the Start

9.1 On-time starting will be strictly enforced. All crews must be at the marshaling area 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time of their race. Late starts — defined as arriving to the starting chute after one or more boats in a following race have started — will not be permitted. The race will be with the current, whereas rowing to the start will be against the current. Make sure you allow enough time to row up to the start.

9.2 Crews are responsible for maintaining proper position at the start. The marshals will attempt to put the crews into numerical bow number order, but crews arriving late will not necessarily be moved up past other crews in the queue.

9.3 Marshals will be positioned in launches in the starting area for the purpose of organizing participating crews above the start into the proper starting order and time interval.

9.4 Crews shall be responsible for maintaining their proper starting position (increasing numerical order), maintaining the proper interval between themselves and other crews (2 lengths of open water or as directed by a start marshal), and for aligning themselves single file in the starting chute.

9.5 Crews will be called to the start chute in approximately ten-second intervals. Do not increase pressure and move towards the start chute until instructed to do so.

9.6 All crews not currently involved in the staging of the start shall yield to crews being summoned by a start marshal. Interference with the staging of the start and failure to follow the commands of marshals or the starter shall result in a penalty.

9.7 Time permitting, the starter shall provide for a sufficient amount of time between events so that crews in different events do not overlap on the course or at the finish line.

9.8 Broken equipment: Crews experiencing broken equipment on the way to the start should report their issue to a course marshal or start marshal as soon as possible. If the issue can be fixed on the water and the boat is safe to race, the crew will be allowed to proceed to the start as long as they will arrive in time for their scheduled start.

10. On the Course

10.1 A crew is deemed to be overtaking another crew when it has moved to within one length of open water of the crew ahead.

10.2 The boat overtaking (Passer) has the right of way to pass (on the side of its choice) if a safe pass can be accomplished.

10.2.1 If a pass is attempted and there is not adequate room and time to perform the pass, the Passer is at risk of incurring interference penalties. In situations involving three or more boats, there are areas such as bridge arches and narrow areas where passing cannot be accomplished safely.

10.2.2 Communicate effectively during racing. All bow coxed shells are strongly advised to have their bow seat rower advise their coxswain when there is clear water astern after completing a pass. Timely instruction may assist in avoiding a stern-to-bow collision and/or an interference penalty due to cutting in too soon.

10.2.3 When boats come together and interlock, this does not necessarily result in a penalty situation if there were no specific violations of the racing rules observed by a race official.

10.3 The boat being overtaken (Overtakee) must yield and give suitable room to the Passer (on the side chosen by the Passer) if a safe pass can be accomplished. Failure to yield to the Passer is one of the most serious infractions of competitive conduct.

10.3.1 Be alert to possible upcoming passing attempts and promptly yield when there is adequate room and time.

10.3.2 Be prepared to miss a few strokes to allow the Passer to pass safely and without interference.

10.3.3 All stern coxed shells are strongly advised to have their stroke seat rower advise their coxswain when a following crew is about to begin a pass and on which side the passer is approaching.

11. Penalties

To be able to launch, race, and recover over 2,000 boats between Saturday and Sunday, we need to be very efficient both on and off the water. The following penalties can be assessed:

11.1 Unsportsmanlike conduct (UC): Penalties ranging from a reprimand to a 60-second penalty, exclusion, or disqualification depending on severity. Examples include:

11.2 Buoy violation (BV): 10-second penalty for passing a buoy on the wrong side.

11.3 Traffic violation (TV): 30-second penalty. Examples include failure to follow officials' instructions, interfering with start staging, failing to yield to a crew with the right of way, crews that stop rowing immediately after crossing the finish line, and disregarding traffic patterns.

11.4 Launch area violation (LV): 30-second penalty. Examples include crews that exceed the allowed dock times (3 minutes for 8+, 2 minutes for all other boats), crews attempting to land at the launch dock or hot seating at the recovery dock, and crews who proceed to the launch dock without all required personnel and equipment nearby.

11.5 Interference/failure to yield (FY): When a passing crew closes to within one length of open water on the boat being overtaken, it is the responsibility of the slower crew to yield the line chosen by the Passer in a timely manner.

11.6 Severe collision (SC): 60-second penalty is issued when a crew/competitor creates an unsafe condition where boats collide, boats stop rowing and/or competitors' safety is at risk (e.g. hull to hull, hull to competitor, etc.)

11.7 Other violation (OV): The Race Committee reserves the right to rule on any situation not covered in these or other printed rules and to penalize or disqualify any competitor or crew that appears to violate the spirit or letter of the Regatta's rules.

12. The Finish

12.1 After crossing the finish line, crews shall continue to row at light pressure and slowly proceed to the turnaround area as marked by red buoys, avoiding interference with other crews. Crews shall also follow any instructions given to them by the finish marshals.

12.2 Appeals: Scullers and crews may appeal for relief from any ruling of ineligibility or any penalty imposed on them for alleged infractions. No appeal alleging interference by a competing entry will cause a penalty to be assessed on the alleged crew. Appeals must be made by a race participant who observed or experienced the incident. No crew shall receive a time advantage from a decision by the Ombudsman or Jury.

12.3 Appeals process: A crew seeking changes to the results or the removal of a penalty must do so within 60 minutes following the last boat to finish in the event, by presenting themselves and talking with the Ombudsman. The Ombudsman is located in the Control Commission area.

12.4 Hot seating: The Head of the Hooch does not have "hot seating" in the traditional sense and changing a crew in a boat on the water is prohibited. When in the finish area, crews will show referees on the water a designated card. Crews with the priority docking card will receive an expedited approach to the recovery dock. The crew must then take the boat out of the water and move to the designated area to swap crews by the river pier. Crews will not change rowers or relaunch from the recovery dock.

12.4.1 Crews with short windows between their races must pick up a priority docking card at control commission prior to their first race. The crew should display the card in a visible fashion for the finish marshal and the dock master as they queue for and approach the recovery dock.

12.4.2 Priority docking cards may be used for equipment, coxswains, or rowers as needed. In the case of swapping rowers, the boat will not be allowed onto the launch dock until the entire crew and coxswain are present.

12.4.3 Reduced recovering times are not guaranteed and launching for an event after its cutoff (Rule 8.5) will be enforced even if you have a priority docking card.

Para & Para Inclusive Rules & Procedures

Para-Rowing Classifications

The Hooch requires all para-rowers to be classified prior to the race. Athletes encountering issues receiving required documentation from medical professionals should notify the Para-Rowing Coordinator.

The sport classes for Adaptive Rowing are the following:

a) PR3-PI (Physical Impairment): allocated to Rowers with a verifiable and permanent impairment who have functional use of their legs, trunk, and arms for rowing, and who can utilize the sliding seat to propel the boat.

(1) Additional subclasses are included as part of the PR3 (PI) category to include:

• PR3(GD) - Genetic Dwarfism- As defined by IDSF (International Dwarf Sports Federation).
• PR3(DS) - Down Syndrome: allocated to Rowers meeting the eligibility/classification requirements set by Virtus (formerly INAS), or (ii-2) and managed domestically by Athletes Without Limits; who has a formal diagnosis of Trisomy 21 Down syndrome, and; a statement that the rower is clear of symptomatic Atlantoaxial Instability (ASSI).
• PR3(AK) - Single Leg, Above the Knee Amputee: Allocated to rowers who have an above knee amputation of one limb.
• PR3(SA) - (Single Arm): This sport class is for PR3 rowers who are only able to row with a single arm connection to the handle. These impairments may be similar to the PR3(PI) sport class, but the rower may only have one arm connected to the handle. They are not allowed to use their affected arm or hand in any way when rowing on water or on the ergometer.

b) PR3-VI Visual Impairment: allocated to Rowers with a verifiable and permanent visual impairment. Three subclasses are used in classification. Restrictions may be in place for Events on the number of Competitors in a Crew with a specific subclass classification.

(1) PR3-B1, PR3-B2, PR3-B3 (formerly LTA-B1, LTA-B2, LTA-B3): allocated to Rowers based on their visual acuity to the standards set by the IBSA.

c) PR3(II) - Intellectual Impairment: allocated to Rowers meeting the eligibility/classification requirements set by Virtus (formerly INAS), or (ii-1) and managed domestically by Athletes Without Limits, which include — an IQ of 75 or lower, significant limitations in adaptive behavior as expressed in conceptual, social, and practical adaptive skills, and impairment diagnosed before age 18.

d) PR2: allocated to Rowers with a verifiable and permanent impairment who have functional use of the trunk and who are unable to use the sliding seat to propel the boat due to significantly weakened function or mobility of the lower limbs.

e) PR1: allocated to Rowers with a verifiable and permanent impairment who have minimal or no trunk function. A Rower in the PR1 sport class is able to apply force predominantly using the arms and/or shoulders. These Competitors will also likely have poor sitting balance.

f) NE (Not Eligible to Compete): allocated to Rowers who do not meet the minimum disability required to be eligible to compete in Adaptive Events.

g) Rowers may compete in a more functional sport class than their assigned sport class but not in a less functional sport class. For example, a Rower classified as PR2 may compete in PR3 Events but may not compete in PR1 Events.

h) PR3-PI, PR3-B1, PR3-B2, PR3-B3, PR2, and PR1 are current Para Rowing sport classes. The Head of the Hooch is an inclusive regatta open to athletes of all abilities.

i) PR3-VET: Open to Veterans of all abilities. (State issued ID with Veteran designation, membership in a US Rowing Freedom Rows Program, or Veteran ID Card (VIC) required.)

j) Inclusion: Inclusion is defined as at least 50% of the crew has a classifiable impairment. The Inclusive events are open to athletes that have been classified in the PR-3, PR-2, or PR-1 sport classes. The sport class requirement pertains only to the Rower who has been classified.

k) Mixed: A Mixed Crew is defined as having at least 50% of each gender, excluding the coxswain.

Classification Procedure

Refer to US Rowing for additional resources. (link)

For the 2026 deadlines, refer to Registration (link) for a complete timeline

1. Complete the FISA Medical Diagnostics Form, signed by the athlete's medical doctor.
2. Assemble required medical diagnostic documents, pictures, or x-rays verifying the impairment.
3. Scan and email the FISA Medical Diagnostics Form and all required documents to classification@USRowing.org with the subject heading "FOR HEAD OF THE HOOCH."
4. Print the U.S. Athlete Classification Consent Form for Physical Impairment. The athlete or representative should review, complete, sign, and bring this packet to the classification session. The Rowing Federation listed at the top of each page should read "U.S.A."
5. Paperwork will be reviewed by the U.S. Chief Classifier. Once approved, the athlete will be contacted to schedule a classification appointment.

Para-Rowing Entry Rules

• Time standard: Competitors should be able to complete the 4,500m course in 30 minutes or less.
• Strapping: Guidelines are set by USRowing.
• Equipment: Minimum equipment requirements are listed on the FISA Para-Rowing landing page here.
• Rules of Racing: All para-rowers are expected to follow the Head of the Hooch Rules of Racing. (Cross link to rules)

Para Launching

Two launch options are available for para-athletes:

• Option 1: Standard Launch — Ross' Landing (link to venue maps) Para-athletes launch from the venue docks at Ross' Landing, with a staging area near the dock next to the Control Commission tent. Recovery is also at Ross' Landing upon race completion.
• Option 2: Upriver Launch — Girls Preparatory School / McCallie Rowing Center Dock (link to venue maps)

Para-athletes may launch from the GPS–McCallie Rowing Center dock, approximately 2,000m upriver. Teams may row shells up to GPS on Saturday afternoon; volunteers are available to row equipment from Ross' Landing to the GPS dock, or crews may stage equipment there directly.

Please note: The Head of the Hooch will not provide boat tents, slings, or a trailer at the GPS dock. Teams must bring their own staging equipment. Trailers will not be permitted back into the venue after race completion.

Awards

Medals are awarded to first, second, and third place finishers in each event. If only three entries compete, Gold and Silver are awarded; if only two entries compete, Gold only is awarded.

Weather Policy

The safety and well-being of all crews is the top priority. Weather conditions, including rain, wind, current, fog, extreme temperatures, and river debris, can create hazardous rowing conditions. Crews will not be called to launch if such conditions exist or are seriously threatening.

The Chief Referee, working with the Regatta Director, Safety Officer, assistant directors, and two pre-selected team coaches, will assess conditions and make all decisions regarding racing on the course. Decisions are communicated through the Control Commission and Dock Master. Emergency management and land safety decisions are the responsibility of the Safety Officer.

If Racing Resumes

Depending on conditions, the following adjustments may be made in any combination: shortened course, elimination of novice races, elimination of singles/doubles/pairs, elimination of fours, or cancellation of all events.

Conditions & Responses

Virtual Regatta Rules & Procedures

Rules

2.1 Composite Boats: A boat will be considered a composite boat if all members of the crew are not from the same organization.

2.2 Mixed Crews: Each mixed crew shall include men and women rowers. Doubles require a crew of one man and one woman. Any entry violating this rule will be excluded.

2.3 Men’s or Women’s Events: Men’s events are for male rowers only. Women’s events are for female rowers only.

2.4 Minimum Age: There is no minimum age for the virtual regatta.

2.5 For Youth events, all rowers in each of the categories must be under the prescribed age for the event, i.e. U19, U17, U15. The average age of the crew is NOT used for Junior events.

• Under 15: A competitor may compete in the U15 category until December 31 of the year of his or her 14th birthday.
• Under 17: A competitor may compete in the U17 category until December 31 of the year of his or her 16th birthday.
• Under 19: A competitor may compete in the U19 category until December 31 of the year of his or her 18th birthday, i.e. entrants born after January 1, 2007.

2.6 U23: A competitor may compete in the U23 category until December 31 of the year of his or her 22nd birthday. Restricted to entrants born on or after January 1, 2003.

2.7 Open: Open events are open to competitors of any age. There is no minimum age requirement.

2.8 Masters Events:All masters events will be 1,000m. A masters athlete is a competitor who has attained, or will attain, the age of 27 during the current calendar year. A competitor’s age is determined as of December 31 of the current calendar year, rounded down to the nearest whole number. A competitor thus becomes a master on January 1 of the year of his or her 27th birthday.

• Masters competitors are required to race within the event designated for their age category. Competitors are not eligible to race in events designated for older or younger categories.
• Handicaps will not be applied to these events. Master’s 2x events will be split by average boat age into “Under 50” and “50 & Over” age categories.

2.9 Para races

• Para races will be offered for PR1, PR2, PR3, PR3-II, and Freedom Rows men’s and women's singles.
• All Rowers racing in para races should be classified before the race
• Self-classification is permitted.
• All para events are 1000 meters to match on the water standards – For classifications and more information, click here. nolink
• PR1:Rowers who have minimal or no trunk function (i.e. primarily shoulder function) will be assigned to the PR1 class after being evaluated by a FISA or U.S. Classification Panel. A PR1 class rower is able to apply force predominantly using the arms and/ or shoulders. These athletes will likely also have decreased sitting balance.
• PR2: Rowers who have functional use of the trunk and who are not able to use the sliding seat to propel the boat because of significantly weakened function or mobility of the lower limbs will be assigned to the PR2 class after being evaluated by a FISA or U.S. Classification Panel.
• PR3: Rowers with an eligible impairment who have functional use of their legs, trunk and arms for rowing, and who can utilize the sliding seat to propel the will be assigned to the PR3 class after being evaluated by a FISA or U.S. Classification Panel.
• PR3 (VI): Allocated to Rowers with a classifiable visual impairment. Three subclasses are used in classification.
• PR3-B1, PR3-B2, PR3-B3 (formerly LTA-B1, LTA-B2, LTA-B3): allocated to Rowers based on their visual acuity to the standards set by the IBSA.
• ALL OTHER EVENTS ARE SELF CLASSIFIED

3.1 For Masters 1x events, the rower must be registered for the correct age category and cannot row up or down an age classification. Handicaps will not be applied within each age category however, handicaps will be applied in the 2x events.

3.2 The correct age must be provided for each crew member. If any age is missing, no handicap will be assigned to the boat.

Procedures

Live Racing Software

• The race will take place in real time using Time-Team’s Homerace software, found here: https://homerace.nl. For instructions on how to set up the Homerace software, please refer to the Homerace Manual.
• Your personalized link to connect to the Homerace system will be emailed to you prior to race day. Note: If you have qualified for multiple events, you will receive a different link for EACH event.
• Your monitor will be set automatically once connected. You do not need to configure it yourself. Screen shows: warm-up → start → race sequence. A live tracker displays all competitors.

Results, Protests & Records

• Results are calculated by Time Team and posted immediately as unofficial. Once approved protests are cleared, results move to official status at Time-Team.com.
• Protests must be emailed to registrar@headofthehooch.org within 30 minutes of the conclusion of the race.
• For Concept2 individual world record submissions, video must capture a close-up of the monitor before start, clear view of athlete throughout, and monitor after finish. See concept2.com/records for details.
• For WIRC qualification, submit video plus age documentation to WIRC directly. Lightweights must be independently weighed within two hours of race time.

Medical, Integrity & Anti-doping

• Competitors must not race alone. Another person must be available to render assistance. If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or feel unwell, please do not compete. Participation is entirely at the competitor's own risk.
• All information submitted must be truthful. Attempts to cheat or circumvent rules may result in disqualification and future competition bans.
• Doping is strictly prohibited. Consult the WADA Prohibited List and World Rowing's anti-doping page for details.

Drone Policy

The Head of the Hooch Organizing Committee (HOC), working with a Chief Referee from USRowing, must be notified of all drones operating in the field of play and airspace above the course, in accordance with local and FAA regulations.

Drones must be controlled from a media launch with an experienced pilot and launch driver, or from a location outside the Ross's Landing venue.

Contact Details:

• HOC email: registrar@headofthehooch.org
• Hamilton County Emergency Management: (423) 209-5403

Operating Rules

Pilots must adhere to all of the following when operating in the field of play:

1. Fly in accordance with all local and FAA drone regulations. Note: a large portion of the upstream end of the course falls within Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport airspace.
2. Do not fly over the Ross's Landing venue, launch and recovery docks, or start chute due to large crowds in these areas.
3. Maintain at least 10 meters of distance in all directions from any crew or shell on the water (e.g., 10 meters above and 10 meters behind).
4. Remain further away from crews when the pilot is not associated with that crew or the crew did not request to be filmed. Unexpected drone presence can distract competitors, creating safety issues and unfair racing conditions.
5. Before each flight, notify the Hamilton County Office of Emergency Management officer on duty at (423) 209-5403 to coordinate drone and emergency helicopter activity during regatta weekend.

Approval Request — Required Information

Anyone wishing to operate a drone Thursday–Sunday (including media, spectators, athletes, coaches, support personnel, parents, or fans) must email the HOC with the following:

• Drone model: Model of drone to be flown
• Area & times: Where and when you plan to operate
• Intended use: How video/images will be used
• Organization: Crew or organization you are associated with
• PIC contact info: Contact information for the pilot in command

Drone pilots assume all liability associated with their operations. The HOC and its co-insured partners accept no liability for drone operations in the field of play. Under no circumstances will drone video or photos be used as evidence in any type of race protest.

Thank you and safe flying!