1. Purpose

Welsh Sea Rowing is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where rowers of all abilities can participate meaningfully in coastal and Celtic longboat rowing.

Adaptive rowers are welcome to participate in standard-length league races. This policy also provides the option for adaptive rowers to take part in Novice races, where the shorter distance may better suit individual needs, comfort, or participation goals.

The intention is to widen opportunities, support flexibility, and enable rowers to choose the race distance that best supports their participation, while maintaining fairness within Novice competition.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all clubs affiliated with Welsh Sea Rowing and supports:

• Adaptive rowers participating in league racing.
• Flexible participation across race distances.
• Inclusion within Novice category racing where appropriate.
• Protection of Novice crew status and competition integrity.

3. Eligibility and Declaration

Participation under this policy is based on self-declaration.

• Adaptive rowers may self-declare their intention to compete in Novice race distances at the start of the season.
• Clubs are responsible for confirming declarations at the beginning of the racing season.
• Declarations are intended to support planning and fairness across the season.

4. Participation Options

• Adaptive rowers are welcome to compete in standard-length league races.
• Adaptive rowers may choose to participate in Novice races instead of longer-length races.
• Adaptive rowers are not required to meet standard Novice eligibility criteria when participating under this policy.
• Participation should support safe, sustainable, and meaningful involvement in racing.

This policy provides flexibility and choice without directing rowers toward a specific competition pathway.

5. In-Season Transfer

If an adaptive rower initially competes in a full-length race and subsequently determines that the shorter Novice race distance would better support their participation:

• A transfer request may be submitted.
• The transfer will apply for the remainder of the season.
• This is intended to support adaptability where needs change following race experience.

6. Protection of Novice Crew Status

• The inclusion of a self-declared adaptive rower will not affect the novice status of the crew.
• Crews including adaptive rowers will remain eligible for Novice competition.

7. Competition Status

• Adaptive rowers will compete alongside Novice crews in the same race where applicable.
• Adaptive rowers will be included in race results and eligible for prizes unless otherwise specified by event organisers.
• Adaptive rowers may continue participating throughout the season in their declared race distance.

Welsh Sea Rowing may introduce additional recognition categories in the future if participation levels support this.

8. Health & Safety

• Ensuring rowers are fit to participate at their chosen race distance.
• Undertaking appropriate risk assessments.
• Making reasonable adjustments where necessary.
• Working with event organisers on any additional safety considerations.

9. Review

This policy will be reviewed annually to ensure:

• Inclusive participation opportunities are maintained.
• Fairness within competition remains protected.
• The policy reflects evolving best practice in adaptive sport participation.

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