PARENT INFORMATION
Marlborough Boys' College Rowing
Marlborough Boys' College Rowing
Welcome to the MBC Rowing whānau! This page is designed to support families new to rowing — outlining expectations, key dates and how to stay involved throughout the season.
Season start: September (winter training begins earlier)
Regattas: December – March
Training camps: Lake Rotoiti in December and Twizel in January
Pinnacle event: Maadi Cup late March / early April
Training is structured weekly with a mix of on-water sessions, strength work, fitness training, and crew drills designed to build endurance, technique, and team unity.
Schedules and communication regarding training are via the Heja app. Please contact us for a team ID link if you have not yet joined.
Consistent attendance, readiness to learn, and a positive attitude are the foundation of success in our programme.
Attendance at training is important, and boys are expected to attend as many sessions as possible. We understand other commitments may arise, especially early in the season, but ask that rowers keep coaches informed, as irregular attendance can affect boat line-ups. Crews build confidence and strength by training together consistently.
If a rower is sick, injured, or unable to attend, please notify the coach as early as possible. Ideally, coaches need 24–48 hours’ notice to plan sessions. If a rower wakes up unwell on training day, they should text the coach early. Rowers are expected to take responsibility for their attendance and return to training only once fully recovered.
All athletes are expected to uphold our code of conduct at training and competitions.
Athletes compete in club and school colours as per registration. Information on uniform options will be emailed to parents at the beginning of the season.
Consistent attendance, readiness to learn, and a positive attitude are the foundation of success in our programme.
Unless otherwise agreed with the coaches, all boys are expected to attend rowing camps and regattas and should not withdraw at the last minute.
If a rower needs to miss a camp or regatta due to personal circumstances, the Head Coach must be informed at least three weeks in advance, as bookings and regatta entries are usually due around this time.
Early in the season, rowers compete under Wairau Rowing Club colours at events such as Marlborough Champs, Canterbury Champs, and South Island Club Champs. Senior rowers may also be invited to the NZ Rowing Champs. Later in the season, rowers compete under Marlborough Boys’ College colours at the South Island Secondary Schools Championships and Maadi Cup.
Finally, please note that rowers will miss some school during Term 1 due to regattas. These absences will be communicated to the school on your behalf, and teachers are generally very supportive. For the NZ Rowing Champs and Maadi Cup, where time away is longer, rowers are encouraged to bring their laptops and schoolwork to help them stay up to date.
Information on transport, accommodation options and logistics for away regattas will be provided ahead of key events.
Parent support is vital — from fundraising, logistics and catering, to race day coordination. We would love for you to get involved.
Coaches will create contact lists for rowers to communicate through platforms such as Heja, WhatsApp, Instagram, text, email, and phone calls. All communication relating to training, attendance, and team requirements is the responsibility of the rower, not the parent. Rowers must contact their coach directly if they are unable to attend training or have any issues that may affect participation.
General programme information will be shared with families through email, the closed MBC Rowing Facebook group, and relevant WhatsApp groups. Parents and rowers are encouraged to request access to the official MBC Rowing Facebook groups.
Communication for rowers and coxswains — including van transport coordination — is managed through WhatsApp groups set up by coaches and committee members. These groups are the primary method for sharing last-minute updates, transport requirements, and key reminders.
Roles and Boundaries
A clear boundary exists between the roles of the coaching team and the parent/support group. All decisions regarding crew selections, training programmes, and regatta entries are made solely by the coaching team.
Welfare and Camp Concerns
Student welfare concerns are managed through the Child Welfare Liaison, while welfare and discipline during camps and travel are the responsibility of the Camp Manager. If a parent has any concerns about their child while away, they should contact the Camp Manager directly to discuss the matter.