VBC Guest Row Policy

Virginia Boat Club Policy for Guest Rowers 

The equipment, facilities and programs at VBC exist for the benefit of VBC members who pay for the equipment, facilities, and programs through annual dues and program fees. In order to promote the sport of rowing and to encourage non-members to join VBC, it is in the interest of the club to allow non-members the opportunity to use VBC equipment and facilities on an occasional basis. The following policy provides the opportunity for VBC members to sponsor guest rowers: 

Documents 

1. Guest rowers should sign the Virginia Boat Club Release of Liability, Swimming Certification, and if appropriate, the Rocketts Landing Release and Waiver.
    
2. Sponsors are responsible for printing the documents from the iCrew document list and leaving a signed copy with the boathouse manager.
    

Non-VBC Member Experienced Guest Rows 

1. Experienced rowers aged 18+ who are not members of VBC may have up to 3 guest rows in one calendar year.
    
   1. No more than 3 rows for Richmond area rowers. Rowers need to join VBC for additional outings.
       
   2. Greater than 3 rows in a calendar year for out of town guests require a $25 guest fee per row.
       
   3. Guest rower boat placement must be in accordance with VBC boat policy.
       
2. Sculling Requirements:
   a. A guest rower must be accompanied by a VBC member in good standing. VBC novice rowers are not eligible to host non-members.
   b. Guest rowers may not sit in the bow seat of a 2x or 4x.
    
3. Sweep requirements:
   a. Experienced guest rowers may join a VBC sweep rowing program under the supervision of an experienced VBC rower, a VBC coach or program administrator.
    

Non-VBC Member Inexperienced Guest Rows 

1. Inexperienced rowers should take the VBC sponsored Learn-to-Row (sweep) or Learn-to-Scull classes.
    
2. Experienced VBC members can obtain permission to host an inexperienced rower on a case by case basis for one introductory row for sculling only.
    
   1. Host members must obtain permission from the boathouse manager or a board member to teach an introductory sculling session to a non-member.
       
   2. Host members assume liability for equipment damages for their guest rowers.
       
   3. Host members may not reserve a club owned boat in advance, but may use club
      training boats if available.
       
   4. An inexperienced guest rower is limited to one introductory session. If a rower
      would like to continue learning with VBC equipment, he or she must sign up for LTS classes. If a member would like to continue as an instructor with his or her guest, with or without compensation, he or she should contact the boathouse manager to coordinate boats and fees. If an instructor is not seeking compensation, the guest boat usage fee is $35 per session for non-members.