QUALIFICATION GUIDE FOR VIRTUAL PARTICIPITATION

Competitors must qualify for one of the 15 virtual slots (per race category) at the 2022 WRICH. There will be no qualification to race in-person at the 2022 WRICH. Competitors who do not wish to participate in the WRICH qualification, or who do not qualify, may race in-person in Hamburg at the 2022 WRICH.  

The entry deadline for the 2022 WRICH in-person entries is 4 February 2022 (UTC). Competitors with a paid virtual entry may switch their entry to an in-person entry at any point prior to the entry deadline.

 

Deadlines

• 15th August, 2021 – Virtual Qualification Period begins
• 1st December, 2021 – Decision deadline whether the event become fully virtual*
• 10th January, 2022 – Deadline to request Para athlete classification in Hamburg
• 2nd February, 2022 – Virtual Qualification Period closes
• 4th February, 2022 – Entry deadline
• 18th February, 2022 – Race schedule posted.
• 24th February 2022 – Onsite race card pick-up is available. Onsite Para athlete classification to occur.

 

*Please note: While we dor expect that the in-person part of the 2022 WRICH will go forward as planned, a decision deadline has nonetheless been set for the 1st December 2021. Should the circumstances change due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it be deemed unsafe or unfeasible to host the in-person portion of the WRICH, we will decide by this date if to switch the WRICH to a fully virtual format instead.

 

Qualification Process

The following only applies to competitors who wish to compete at the WRICH virtually. In-person competitors do not need to qualify.

1. The WRICH Qualification is open to any person who can row and submit a verified Qualification Score within the Qualification period on a Concept2 static ergometer (PM3 or later).
2. The WRICH Qualification will open at 23:59 Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) on 15 August 2021 and will close at 23:59 UTC on 2 February 2022.
3. Competitors participating in the WRICH Qualification will be ranked by continental groupings, which will be determined by the verified nationality of the competitor. Continental regions are listed below.
4. The top 3 ranked competitors in each race category from each of the 5 continental groupings (Africa, Americas, Asia, Europe, Oceania) will qualify for the 15 virtual places at the WRICH (in that same race category).
5. In order to participate in Qualification, competitors first need to submit an entry for the WRICH through the WRICH entry portal. Competitors can register at https://worldrowing.entries.regatta-systems.com/. Entries will open on 14 August 2021.
6. Upon entering, competitors must submit a verified Qualification Score. Competitors can submit a verified Qualification Score in one of two ways: ​​
   • Submit a Qualification Score with all accompanying Verification Materials (below). Qualification Scores submitted in this way will take between 5-7 business days to be reviewed and verified. Competitors should account for this review time to ensure that their scores will be verified prior to the close of the Qualification period.
     In order to produce a valid and verifiable Qualification Score, competitors must set up their Concept2 performance monitors (PM3, PM4, or PM5) following the instructions below.
   • Compete at a World Rowing Sanctioned Indoor Event (“Sanctioned Event”), and use your score from that event as your Qualification Score for any WRICH race category of the same distance/type.
     Competitors must pull their result from a Sanctioned Event into their profile in the WRICH entry portal (available 3-5 business days after the Sanctioned Event has taken place) and submit it to the race category for which they wish to qualify. 
     The list of Sanctioned Events will be updated regularly on https://worldrowing.com/events/
7. Competitors must submit a Qualification Score of the same race type as the race category for which they are trying to qualify. For example, a competitor trying to qualify for the WRICH in the 30-39 Women 2000m race category should complete and submit a 2000m Qualification Score. The same score can be used to enter other 2000m race categories for which the competitor would be eligible for example Open Women 2000m
8. Qualification Scores must be submitted and verified via the WRICH entry portal within the qualification period. Late submissions will not be accepted. 
    

Sanctioned Events: UPCOMING

 

 

• Campionato Italiano Indoor Rowing (virtuale)
  Date: 19th December, 2021
  Host: Italian Rowing Federation (FIC)
  Type: Virtual Event
  http://www.canottaggio.org
   
• Campeonato Nacional de Remo Indoor
  Date: 22nd – 23rd January, 2022
  Host: Portuguese Rowing Federation
  Type: In-Person event
  Contact: manuelpita@fpremo.pt
   
• European Rowing Indoor Championships
  Date: 29th – 30th January, 2022
  Host: Swedish Rowing Federation
  Type: In-Person event
  https://www.erich2022.se/
   
• Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships, Virtual
  Date: 30th January, 2022
  Host: Canadian Indoor Rowing Association
  Type: Virtual Event
  http://www.cdnindoorrowing.org/
   
• Irish Indoor Rowing Championships 2022

Date: 22nd January, 2022
Host: ROWfit supported by Rowing Ireland
Type: In-Person event
http://www.iirc.ie

 

PAST EVENTS

 

• Australian Indoor Rowing Championships (AIRC)
  Date: 30th October, 2021
  Host: Rowing Australia
• Type: In-Person & Virtual event
• https://rowingaustralia.com.au/about-events/australian-indoor-rowing-championships/
•  
• Irish PROVINCES Indoor Rowing Competition
  Date: 20th November, 2021
  Host: ROWfit supported by Rowing Ireland
  Type: In-Person event
  http://www.iirc.ie
   
• Spanish Rowing Indoor Championships
  Date: 20th – 21st November, 2021
  Host: Spanish Rowing Federation
  Type: In-Person event
  http://federemo.org/normativa-y-dossier-informativo-del-campeonato-de-espana-de-remoergometro-y-open-de-remo-indoor/
   
• Championnat Occitanie Indoor
  Date: 4th December, 2021
  Host: Club Aviron Setois
  Type: In-Person event
  http://www.avironsetois.fr/championnat-occitanie-indoor.html
   

• Open Indoor Occitanie zone ouest

  Date: 4th December, 2021
  Host: Club
  Type: In-Person event
  https://www.avironoccitanie.fr/uploads/2/6/0/0/2600927/avant_programme_déc2021-villemur_.pdf
  
  Championnat ergomètre Rhone Metropole de Lyon

  Date: 4 December 2021
  Host: Meyzieu Rowing Club/District Committee of Rhone/Metropole de Lyon Rowing
  Type: In-Person event
  https://www.ffaviron.fr/evenements/4189/2021-12-04/championnat-ergometre-rhone-metropole-de-lyon

   

  Championnat d'Isère d'Aviron

  Indoor Date: 4 December 2021
  Host: Le club de l'Aviron Grenoblois
  Type: In-Person event
  http://aviron-grenoblois.com

   

  Open d’ergomètre de Normandie
  Date: 5th December, 2021
  Host: Club Nautique et Athlétique de Rouen
  Type: In-Person
  http://avironrouen.fr/lopen-dergometre-de-normandie

 

Performance Monitor Setup

2000m or 500m Setup

1. To turn on the Performance Monitor, press any button.  
2. On the Main Menu, choose More options
3. Select Display drag factor
4. Set desired resistance
5. On the Main Menu, choose Select Workout.
6. Select New Workout.
7. Select Single Distance.
8. On the Set Distance window, set the workout distance (2000m or 500m), split length, and PaceBoat (as desired):
   • Choose plus or minus to increase/decrease the values as needed.
   • Choose the right and left arrows to navigate through the various digits.

Team Test Setup

Each competitor on a team of four must submit a Qualification Score These must all be completed and submitted with all verification materials prior to the end of the WRICH Qualification, however team members do not have to perform their qualification row at the same time or place. 

1. To turn on the Performance Monitor, press any button.  
2. On the Main Menu, choose More options
3. Select Display drag factor
4. Set desired resistance
5. On the Main Menu, choose Select Workout.
6. Select New Workout.
7. Select Single Time.
8. On the Set Time window, set the workout time (3 minutes), split length, and PaceBoat (as desired):

• Choose plus or minus to increase/decrease the values as needed.
• Choose the right and left arrows to navigate through the various digits.

 

***

Qualification Score Verification Materials:

Competitors submitting a Qualification Score which was not performed at a Sanctioned Event must include the following Verification Materials in their qualification submission:
 

Competitor Verification

Competitors are required to submit a video of the full qualification row. Videos must meet the following criteria in order to be valid:

1. Videos must be a single take and must not be edited in any way.
2. Videos must include:

• an introduction of the competitor, clearly showing their face (without obstructions, such as glasses, a hat covering the part or all of the face, etc).
• a close-up of the monitor before the start (clearly demonstrating the race distance or time set).
• a clear view of the competitor and Concept2 machine throughout the duration of the qualification row.
•  a close-up of the monitor of the memory screen after the finish (clearly demonstrating completion of the row with accompanying score). The memory screen should show the correct units for the workout. This would be /500m splits for the 500m, 2000m, and 1 hour race categories, and watts for the Team Tests. 
• A proof of date and time (this could be including the home screen of a phone or computer screen showing the date and time.
   

Any competitor who is not able to meet the above requirements appropriately, or who fails to make weight, will not be eligible to qualify in a lightweight category.

Any competitor found to have improperly carried-out the weigh-in procedure or to have falsified any of the weighing procedures faces disqualification and possible bans on future competition opportunities.

 

The Fine Print

Competitors are responsible for ensuring that they are able to meet the verification and eligibility requirements for their Qualification Score. Refunds will not be issued for competitors who failed to ensure that their Qualification Score was sufficiently verifiable as defined by World Rowing.

1. Competitors may update their Qualification Score if they perform a better one within the window of the WRICH Qualification.
2. Competitors will be asked to submit their Photo ID part of the entry process. This will be used to corroborate the competitors’ Verification Materials.
3. There are no direct qualification events for the 2022 WRICH. All competitors wishing to qualify for a virtual place must pay the WRICH Entry Fee, even if they have competed at a Sanctioned Event.
4. A Qualification Score can be submitted to multiple race categories (for example, the same 2000m score can be entered in both the Open and also an age-specific race category) however the competitor must pay an entry fee to each race category.
5. There is no limit to the number of race categories for which a competitor can submit a Qualification Score to and, therefore, qualify for (subject to eligibility rules). In the case of a competitor entering and then qualifying in multiple race categories, resulting in a possible scheduling constraint, World Rowing will not change the Competition Schedule. The competitor would be required to accept their place in the WRICH three weeks prior to the WRICH. Competitors are advised to consult the provisional race schedule in advance of attempting to qualify.
6. If there are fewer than 3 valid Qualification Scores from a particular continental region in a particular race category, that virtual place(s) would be reallocated to the highest ranked athlete who has not already qualified from any continent.
7. In the event that there is a tie in the qualification submissions from the same continental region, all tied competitors/teams would be given equal placing in the final order and the next placing(s) shall be left vacant. If the tie is for a qualifying place, then all tied competitors/teams would qualify for the WRICH.
8. Team changes or competitor changes are not permitted between the WRICH Qualification and the WRICH. The same person(s) who has qualified for the WRICH must compete in that event at the WRICH.   If a member of a team is unable to participate in a race for which they have qualified for medical reasons, the competitor must provide a medical certificate to World Rowing as soon as possible in order to approve of a medical substitution. If a member of a team is unable to participate in the race for which they have qualified for non-Medical reasons, World Rowing will attempt to contact the next ranked team from that same continental region up to two weeks prior to the date of competition to extend the opportunity to compete.
9. If an individual is unable to participate in a race category for which they have qualified (for any reason, including medical), that virtual place will be offered to the next ranked competitor with a virtual entry from that same continental region (in the same race category). In this case, World Rowing will attempt to contact the next ranked competitor(s) up to two weeks prior to the date of competition to extend the opportunity to compete.
10. In the case of late withdrawals (less than two weeks prior to the date of competition) World Rowing will not be able to fill the withdrawn virtual place(s).
11. After a competitor’s profile and proof of nationality has been verified upon entry to the WRICH, a competitor cannot change their nationality for the purposes of the 2022 WRICH. Competitors with multiple nationalities must choose one for the purposes of the 2022 WRICH. 
12. Competitors who would like to be considered for a virtual place in the WRICH must meet all eligibility requirements outlined in these terms and conditions for the WRICH, irrespective of any local requirements.

 

Continental Regions

Competitors participating in the WRICH Qualification will be ranked by continental regions, which will be determined by the verified nationality of the competitor. Continental Regions are listed below.

 

The following information is for competitors who have successfully qualified to race virtually at the WRICH:

 

Equiment & Setup:

Competitors who qualify for the WRICH will need to provide all equipment needed to compete in the event virtually. It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure the suitability of the equipment used. This will include: 

1. Concept2 static rowing ergometer with an updated PM3, PM4 or PM5 monitor, calibrated for use with the model to which the PM is connected. Details on how to update PM firmware can be found on the Concept 2 website.
2. A USB A-to-B cable, Compatible Windows or MacOS Laptop/ Computer with Google Chrome Browser installed, as outlined in the Live Race Set Up Manual.  
3. A stable internet connection, as outlined in the Live Race Set Up Manual. 
4. In the case of a lightweight qualifier, any necessary materials in accordance with the lightweight weigh-in protocol. 
5. Any necessary materials for score and competitor verification (as described below).
6. An observer who is able to manage a line of communication (i.e. via Home race system and email) on behalf of the competitor. 
7. Any necessary materials for live video streaming, as outlined in the Live Race Set Up Manual (for applicable races only).

Competitors should refer to the Live Race Set Up Manual for technical instructions on how to set up their ergometer, live race software, live streaming (where applicable) and other pertinent race day information.

Finalists will be required to participate in a test of the live race software and video streaming (if applicable) with World Rowing within 2 weeks of the Final races.

The Live Race Manual will be emailed directly to virtual competitors at least 2 weeks prior to the WRICH.

 

Lightweight Weigh-in Protocol (for Qualified Competitors)

Competitors who have qualified for a lightweight race category are required to weigh-in between two hours and one hour before the start of their race at the WRICH. Video evidence of the competitor’s weight must be uploaded to the World Rowing Indoor Championships entry portal at least one hour prior to the start of their race. Video evidence needs to show in one video:

1. A labelled test weight in kilogrammes or equivalent (such as a dumbbell or weighted plate) being placed on the digital scale to be used, with a clear reading of the weight indicated on both the test weight and the digital scale reading visible. The weight cannot be a modifiable weight (i.e. a sandbag, adjustable dumbbell, etc).
2. The test weight subsequently removed from the digital scale, and the competitor’s full body (including their face) on a digital scale in their racing clothes. 
3. The scale reading visible in kilograms, showing the weight to 0.1 kilograms

4. Proof of the weigh-in date and time. The following webpage visible in the video (on a phone, computer, tablet): https://worldrowing.entries.regatta-systems.com/clock

   Note: This webpage will act as the timestamp in your weigh-in video. The unique code provided each minute on the webpage will ensure that competitors are honouring the weigh-in window.

Any competitor who is not able to meet the above requirements appropriately, or who fails to make weight, will be excluded. Weigh-in submissions will be verified as quickly as possible, but it is possible that not all results will be verified prior to the start of each race. As such, final race results will not be confirmed until all weigh-in submissions for a particular race have been verified and approved.

NOTE ON WORLD RECORDS: Competitors who believe that they may break a world record during either the qualification or final race phase of the WRICH should contact Concept2 in advance of competing to indicate this possibility. In addition to following all of the score verification protocols (as outlined on Concept2’s website), lightweights must be weighed-in no earlier than two hours before their race, under independent supervision, on approved scales. Using personal scales with a family member present will not count.  Weigh-in should satisfy the same level of scrutiny as at a venue race. Competitors should contact Concept2 in advance of competition in order to ensure that their planned weigh in strategy is approved and would be accepted by Concept2.