Who do I contact with questions about SportsEngine or Communications?

SportsEngine (the platform that hosts our Whitman Crew website and through which we communicate to individual teams and the entire club) can be a sometimes confusing experience for first-time and veteran users  alike. We're here to help! Direct your SportsEngine and general communications questions to our VP, Communications who makes every effort humanly possible to respond same-day (although sometimes that response includes 'wow, I have no idea either but I will make it my business to find out for you').

How will I know if my child has practice on a bad weather day?

Typically if there is no lightning, your kids will be rowing. Even on bad weather days they can be inside the boathouse or at Whitman on ergs (indoor rowing machines) or engaging in other strength-training/conditioning. 

Practice schedule changes and cancellations are communicated to the team through TeamSnap.

How far in advance will I know about the regattas?

Unfortunately, not as far in advance as many parents would like. Regattas are tricky business, with boats still registering often right up to race day. You will know the dates of the regattas in advance, but you may not truly know the time of your son/daughter's race until the day before it happens. Even so, race-day adjustments to event schedules are more the rule than the exception, so flexibility is key.

This can be a challenge for logistics, we know, but the good news is for local regattas most parents carpool kids and for more distant venues we provide bus or van transportation for the athletes. In addition, you can be assured your athlete will be well fed and hydrated throughout the day through the generous efforts and support of our many parent volunteers.

What are acceptable excuses for missing a practice?

Simple answer: unless your child is very ill the expectation is that all athletes make all practices, especially when we are on the water and racing. One missed practice impacts the entire eight (nine)-person boat. If a piece of the unit is missing, it can throw off the balance of the entire boat. Being at practice, on time, ready to row, and coachable is paramount to success.

Missing practice also can impact your athlete's opportunity to compete in a given regatta.

Is Crew an Individual or Team Sport?
Yes.

Rowing is all about every individual on a boat performing to the maximum while working as one unit. Worth restating:  if a piece of the unit is missing it can throw off the balance of the entire boat. Being at practice, on time, ready to row and coachable is paramount to success.

Are any athletes' positions "guaranteed"? Will they be in the same boat all season/year?

Before each and every race athletes are competing for spots on their boat. Unlike other sports, athletes' positions in a rowing crew (on a specific boat) are fluid and can change any time. Someone who is on "1st Boat" or "2nd Boat" for the first race of the season can lose that spot for the next regatta if one of their teammates works harder, rows faster, and contributes to the overall performance of the boat as a whole better in that same position.  For more details, see our Guide to Boat Selection.  

Is the Capital Contribution a club requirement for all athletes?

Yes, as mentioned before we are a club sport. We receive no funding from Montgomery County Schools, and as such, we have to be financially solvent and self-sustaining to keep our athletes on the water. Our solvency depends on many inputs and our fundraising and capital contributions are important pieces of that puzzle.

Whitman Crew families are asked to make a per-athlete contribution of $500 towards capital expenses (boats, oars, coxswain equipment, etc.) to Whitman Crew Boosters by December 31, 2023. More generous contributions to our non-profit 501(c)(3) organization (i.e., above the minimum threshold for each Whitman Crew athlete) are always welcomed and appreciated! Visit the For Supporters page to donate. 

Are athletes required to attend Spring Break? 

Spring Break is a time of accelerated improvement for individual athletes and the team as a whole.  Over the course of Spring Break, athletes engage in multiple practices per day. Moreover, the experience builds team spirit, boat chemistry, and excitement for the upcoming season. While Spring Break is not* mandatory, athletes who do not attend spring break typically fall behind their peers.

*Every year we hear from at least one disappointed athlete/family that they feel like they misunderstood/failed to appreciate or prioritize how important spring break training is. It's that important.