Cambridge Rowing Club adopt safe sporting policy as they prepare for the start of the new season in May

Move comes after complaints of abuse, harassment and bullying against the women’s national rowing team head coach

An independent review by Rowing Canada calls for Cambridge Rowing Club and all rowing clubs in Canada to close by June 1.

The move follows concerns raised by members of the rowing community in late 2021 and early 2022 about Dave Thompson, the head coach of the women’s national rowing team.

Thompson was fired in February 2020 as the team prepared for the Tokyo Olympics.

A 2019 complaint against Thompson led to an investigation concluding that he had violated Rowing Canada’s policy on preventing abuse, harassment and bullying.

“I don’t think any sport will go unexamined on this front,” said David Coode, vice-president of Cambridge Rowing Club.

“At Cambridge Rowing Club we have not had these problems in the past. But we are making a public statement saying this is what we believe and how we behave.

“We think we’re Canadian. That doesn’t happen here. But it has and does,” he said. “Rowing Canada, our national governing body, put their hand up, not because there were problems in our own rowing community, but they said they’re going to set a standard here.”

The provincial associations have been asked to ensure all clubs comply with the new guidelines.

The main driver for the change is to protect youth in sport, Coode said, adding that it goes beyond things like fostering a healthy and positive environment free from harassment and any kind of abuse.

“The policy includes definitions of who may be at risk and includes minors. It also includes anyone in a position of power, such as B. a coach. Where there is a power dynamic, this can be called out,” said Coode.

“There is an independent review board that looks at every complaint to determine if it is reasonable. At the national and provincial levels, these things are handled with impartiality.”

Other sports implement similar policies.

Rugby Canada is currently undergoing a process to revise its codes of conduct in response to a complaint of bullying and harassment made by past and present members of the women’s sevens team.

“This new policy is intended to apply to all Sport Canada sanctioned entities. Rowing Canada raised a hand and said we want to be leaders, whether first or among the first. They wanted to be up front,” Coode said.

In a typical year, Cambridge Rowing Club has about 100 members.

“The pandemic has affected the numbers. Many members have had to stay away as the pandemic takes its course. I assume that 2022 should be almost a normal season. If so, then we should be close to 100 members again,” said Coode.

Cambridge Rowing Club was founded in 1987 by a group of enthusiastic citizens with a vision to promote rowing with a community based club.

Programs include learning to row, and the club offers services for recreational and competitive rowers.

“Rowing requires a certain level of commitment. We have minors and there is a group of us trying to get more youth involved. We are working with the University of Waterloo to implement a joint programme. They come out regularly and add a new dimension to our club,” said Coode.

Coode has been rowing for over 29 years.

“For me, it’s a space away from the madness of the world. I push off the dock into calm water. I’m out there in nature, physically refreshed. Where else can I hang up the phone and turn off the world? It’s a fantastic sport for staying healthy in general,” said Coode.

“It’s low-impact, there’s no chance of concussions and injuries are far and wide. It’s a sport that’s fairly easy to learn and almost impossible to master. So there’s always something to do,” Coode said.

The club obtained permission from the City of Cambridge to use an existing wooden garage in Riverbluffs Park as their clubhouse and storage facility.

“The Grand River location was natural and we have the support of the city to ensure responsible performance takes place at the park. Some of us go out early in the morning and don’t think twice. We also host events where people come together and row together,” said Coode.

“We welcome new members. It’s part of our mandate and our agreement with the city that owns the facility we use. Part of the deal is welcoming everyone.”

Cambridge Rowing Club is currently planning its first in-person course since 2019 in May and hopes to hold its first introductory courses in May and June.

In terms of high-level training, Coode is excited about new policies to protect and support athletes.

“I remember when I was active in top-level sport. I was assigned two different coaches at the same time. One wants me to do something technically and the other wants it to be done differently. Those coaches had a disagreement, but they ran it through the athletes,” Coode said.

“It’s not fun and it’s not helpful. This new policy and practice gives athletes an opportunity to voice their concerns, which was not available before.”

More information about Cambridge Rowing Club can be found on its website.