Prince William Rowing Club, Inc. (PWRC) Coxswain Policy
Well trained coxswains are an essential part of a successful sweep rowing program. PWRC is committed to developing its coxswains in the same way we are committed to developing rowers. PWRC has a mix of adult and young, college-bound coxswains that still have National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) amateur eligibility. In recognition of this, PWRC has developed this policy that supports both adult and young coxswains.
Coxswains are not required to pay any PWRC membership dues. Although these individuals can, on occasion, fill in as a rower, it should not become the norm or they will be asked to pay the same fees rowing members pay.
PWRC considers its coxswains as assistant coaches. They are responsible for the safety of the crew and equipment from the time a boat is pulled from the racks until it is returned. In addition, coxswains are expected to reinforce and correct rowers’ technique in accordance with their head coach’s guidance.
Coxswains who are in college or who are college-bound (e.g., have NCAA amateur status) will be compensated for expenses they incur to participate in practices and/or competitions. This is intended to ensure compliance with NCAA amateur status rules which state:
Coxswains are not required to pay any PWRC membership dues. Although these individuals can, on occasion, fill in as a rower, it should not become the norm or they will be asked to pay the same fees rowing members pay.
PWRC considers its coxswains as assistant coaches. They are responsible for the safety of the crew and equipment from the time a boat is pulled from the racks until it is returned. In addition, coxswains are expected to reinforce and correct rowers’ technique in accordance with their head coach’s guidance.
Coxswains who are in college or who are college-bound (e.g., have NCAA amateur status) will be compensated for expenses they incur to participate in practices and/or competitions. This is intended to ensure compliance with NCAA amateur status rules which state:
NCAA Rule on Amateur Athletic Clubs: College-bound student-athletes may participate in amateur sports clubs as long as they do not receive expenses in excess of travel, lodging or equipment for practice or competition. A prospect may accept prize money based on performance in an open competition as long as the prize is awarded by the sponsor of the event and the amount of the prize does not exceed the student-athlete’s expenses to compete in the event.
Coxswains who are not concerned with preserving their NCAA amateur status, will be paid a salary established and approved by the PWRC Board of Directors at the beginning of each season. Likewise, out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in the same manner as coaches.
Coxswain Development
PWRC is proud of how it has furthered the sport of rowing by developing rowers and coxswains alike. Coxswains who either volunteers or are being compensated can expect some or all of the benefits of being in the Prince William Rowing Club:
Coxswain Development
PWRC is proud of how it has furthered the sport of rowing by developing rowers and coxswains alike. Coxswains who either volunteers or are being compensated can expect some or all of the benefits of being in the Prince William Rowing Club:
- Invaluable experience coxing both sprint and head races
- Access to dedicated coaches who provide coxswain-tailored instructions and guidance
- Opportunity to participate in prestigious regattas such as the Head of the Charles
- Letters of recommendation and/or videos for college recruiters
- Opportunities to serve as an assistant coach both in the shells as well in launches
- Mentorship by seasoned coxswains and the PWRC Coxswain Coordinator
- Participation in formal coxswain training seminars
- Being part of a group of people who are passionate about crew, but more importantly care about each other.
