When selecting crews, coaches must primarily focus on the developmental goals for the group in question, while also considering a host of other factors, including age, fitness, skills, commitment (attendance, effort), maturity, and compatibility (physical and social).
The parameters of crew selection should be clearly set out before decisions are made, and the coach(es) should make every effort to objectively base crew selection on those parameters.
Generally, the privilege of being selected to a crew should be merit-based, and the selection parameters should encourage all potential crew members to give their best effort. This approach may look different across different age groups.
Teamwork is a critical life skill. The coach’s primary job is to teach athletes to give their best effort to their team, regardless of which crew they’re in.
When possible, coaches are encouraged to exclude athletes who disrupt practices, who do not contribute to the team, and who generally make crew boat experiences unpleasant for others.
* Note: Athletes need clear behavioural expectations and regular opportunities to “start fresh”.
U10: The focus with very young athletes is to ensure that athletes enjoy their experiences. Whenever possible, create the maximum number of functional crews. A functional crew is likely to stay up, and to stay in their lane. If an athlete cannot be included in the club crew, make every attempt to find a spot for that athlete in another club’s boat, and make sure that they are included in a different club crew.
U12: Prioritize crews for athletes who show positive attitudes, who try consistently, and who are supportive teammates. Give these athletes as many good crews as possible, even by drawing from other categories or from other clubs. If possible, give one or two good crews to athletes who only sometimes show good attitude, effort, or teamwork.
U14+: Prioritize crews for athletes who show positive attitudes, who attend practices consistently, who give a consistently good effort, and who are supportive teammates. Give these athletes as many good crews as possible, even by drawing from other categories or from other clubs. Last year’s crew is not necessarily this year’s crew. An athlete who is still somewhat slower in single boats may still be the best pick for crew boats.
Deadlines for crew selection should be set at the start of the season. It should be clear how athlete performance will affect selection.