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.
Conditions & Responses
| Condition | Response |
|---|---|
| Fog | Delay in 1-hour increments; reassess after each hour until safe to restart |
| Heavy rain | Delay in 1-hour increments; reassess after each hour until safe to restart |
| Thunder & lightning | Clear the course immediately, including referees and start personnel; delay until 30 minutes after last strike. Boats on water should return to launch docks; Lookout Rowing Club, McCallie (south shore), and GPS (north shore) docks may also be used |
| Fast current | Announce at C&C meeting; cancel novice races; cancel racing if necessary |
| Strong winds & heavy chop | Suspend racing; cancel novice races; cancel racing if necessary |
| Debris in the river | Suspend racing; deploy all regatta power boats to clear debris; resume when safe |
| Commercial traffic or navigational hazards | Hold launching; boats on course move to shoreline and hold |
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.