Rower, boat, and race classification

Athlete sport classification status

All athletes competing in the BAYADA Regatta must have an official sport classification either at the international or national level.

Rowers with a physical disability or visual impairment must be classified by a certified FISA or USA classification panel prior to the regatta. Rowers with a visual impairment must be assessed by their optometrist or ophthalmologist. All necessary forms for rowers with a physical disability or visual impairment can be found at World Rowing

• Click on the Rowing link at the top
• Click Para-rowing
• Then scroll down and click Para-rowing Regulations and Documents

Rowers with an Intellectual disability must complete an application through Athletes Without Limits in order to be eligible to compete in the BAYADA Regatta or be listed on the INAS Full Eligibility Master List.

Here is the list of athlete sport classification status titles for physical disabilities and visual impairment:

• FISA confirmed status (FISA-C)

  A sport class status of FISA-C may only be allocated by a FISA International Classification Panel, none of whom shall be from the athlete’s national federation. A rower with “C” status is confirmed for international competition and may compete in all FISA, Paralympic events, and international regattas permitted by their sport class and sport class status.

• FISA-R review status (FISA-R)

  A sport class status of FISA-R shall be allocated by a FISA International Classification Panel to a rower whose sport class status might change (due to a change in disability or a change in the classification process), or when any member of the International Classification Panel is from the national federation of the rower. Rowers with an “R” status may be required to undergo a further classification evaluation once a year prior to competing at a FISA event, the Paralympic Qualification Regatta, Paralympic Games Regatta, or any international regatta. The timeframe for review may vary.

• FISA new status (FISA-N)

  A sport class status of FISA-N shall be allocated to a rower who has not been classified by a FISA International Classification Panel but who has been classified by two trainee classifiers (one medical and one technical), or one trainee and one international classifier, within their own federation or region. A rower with a sport class status of “N” may not compete at a FISA event, or the Paralympic Qualification Regatta or Paralympic Games Regatta.

• National confirmed status (USA-C)

  A sport class status of USA-C may only be allocated by a FISA International Classification Panel or a USA Classification Panel. A rower with USA-C status is confirmed for national competition and may compete in all national regattas permitted by their sport class and sport class status.

• National review status (USA-R)

  A sport class status of USA-R shall be allocated by a FISA International Classification Panel or a USA Classification Panel to a rower whose sport class status might change (due to a change in disability or a change in the classification process). Rowers with an USA-R status may be required to undergo a further classification evaluation once a year prior to competing at a regatta. The timeframe for review may vary.

• National new status (USA-N)

  A sport class status of USA-N shall be allocated to a rower who has not been classified by a FISA International Classification Panel that consists of one medical and one technical classifier, but who has been classified by either: one medical classifier and a rowing coach or one technical classifier and a PT or MD. The individuals that are participating in the classification panel that are not FISA or USA Classifiers must have familiarity with the classification process. A rower with a sport class status of USA-N may compete for up to one year in national regattas in the sport class they have been given, and must be re-classified after one year. The head classifier reserves the right to review all USA-N rowers before competition to determine if review by a FISA Classification Panel is necessary.

Athlete sport classification designation

As per the FISA and USA classification systems, there are three sport classes:

• LTA (Legs, trunk, and arms)
• LTA-VI (visual impairment)
• TA (Trunk and arms)
• AS (Arms and shoulders)
• LTA-PD (physical disability)
• ID (Intellectual disability)

Class consolidation and averaging

Rowers without competition in their class will be moved into the next higher class as determined by the regatta committee. There must be a minimum of two entries per race for an event to take place. Entries without competition in their division will be moved into the other division, as determined by the regatta committee.

In the event of two differently classified rowers in one boat, the boat will be entered into the higher classed event (i.e. a TA and a LTA rower in the same boat will be entered into an LTA event).

In the event of male and female rowers in the same boat, unless the race is specifically a mixed event, the boat will be entered into a male event.

Boat type classification

In keeping with the standardization process of competition, the BAYADA Regatta will use the IRow Boat Type Classification system. Your coach can help you determine which boat class you will be competing in.

The following are the boat type classifications used in the BAYADA Regatta:

• BOAT TYPE 1

  Primarily used in recreational events, type 1 boats are typically for novice rowers who are competing in their first regatta, or generally compete only once a year. All competitors must row in Alden Ocean Shells or the equivalent.

• BOAT TYPE 3

  Primarily used in adaptive events, type 3 boats are for more competitive rowers who compete more than once a year and/or have competed in multiple regattas. These rowers must adhere to strict FISA requirements especially with regard to required equipment adaptations. All competitors must row in WinTech boats, Alden Star, or the equivalent.

Equipment requirements

The following are the equipment requirements for the BAYADA Regatta. There will be USA Technical Classifiers on the dock checking equipment as you boat out. If your equipment is determined to be ineligible, you will be disqualified from the event.

• LTA and ID: Sliding seat

  Additionally for LTA-VI only: As per FISA equipment requirements, rowers with a visual impairment must use complete light-eliminating goggles. This rule applies to all LTA-VI competitors, even those entered in recreational races.

  Pontoons are optional

• TA: Fixed seat

  Rowers in the TA class are required to use a pelvic or thigh strap that is non-elastic, with a quick release, either of Velcro or a plastic, non-mechanical buckle.

  Pontoons are optional

• AS: Fixed seat

  Rowers in the AS class are required to use a chest strap that will remain in place during the entire race. The strap should be placed just below the nipples or under the breasts and be parallel to the water, and have the same components as the thigh strap for the TA rowers.

  All rowers in the AS class will be required to use pontoons on their boats in all race types. NO EXCEPTIONS. The pontoons MUST touch the surface of the water.

Equipment availability

In keeping with adaptive rowing tradition, every effort is made to have equipment available to all rowers. However, we cannot guarantee availability of specific rigging. In the event that preferred equipment is not available or in the event of a shortage and substitutions must be made, the dockmaster will have the final decision.

Adaptive rowers will have first pick of equipment over able-bodied helpers. We ask that visiting teams bring their own equipment, as we have a limited amount at Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing. All visiting teams are asked to make their equipment available to the other rowers.

The following are the race designations for the BAYADA Regatta:

• 1X, 1000m. Single adaptive scull race
• 2X, 1000m. Double adaptive scull race. Includes two athletes with an athlete sport class of LTA, TA, or AS
• LTA 4+, 1000m. Four adaptive sweep race. Four LTA athletes and a cox (either able-bodied or with a disability). Boat can have no more than two male rowers.
• 2x Recreational races, 500m. One able-bodied rower in the bow and one adaptive rower in the stern. The stroke of the able-bodied rower must match the stroke of the adaptive rower throughout the length of the race, or the boat and rowers will be disqualified. These races are in Class 1 (Alden Ocean Shell or equivalent) boats.
• 2x Composite races. One able-bodied rower in the bow of the boat and one composite rower in the stern. This race is for new or novice rowers only and can only be raced for one year. This race is meant to be a transitional race for new or novice rowers that are not quite ready to row at the composite level. These races are in class 3 (Wintech, Alden Star, or equivalent racing shells).

Distances and races selection

All adaptive and novice races will be 1000m. All recreational races are 500m. When signing up for more than one race, you must leave at least two races between your picks. Times of races have not yet been determined; however race director and dockmasters will make every attempt to accommodate all requests. We do not guarantee that rowers will compete more than one time.

Limits of recreational and adaptive composite races

This is an adaptive rowing event. Recreational and composite races are offered to only those participants that are physically unable or do not demonstrate the skill to row in a single shell or with another adaptive athlete. They must row with an able-bodied partner.

Time limits and race schedule

Participants are responsible to know their race times. Race times will be available during the Jolly-up on Friday, August 15. Races will not be delayed, and could be earlier than scheduled. An entry may be scratched due to rower tardiness.

Dock and Staging Area Access

For safety reasons, due to the amount of participants and equipment, access to the boat dock and boat staging area (“rowing area”) is for rowers and volunteers only. Family members are not permitted in the rowing area. Wristbands are required for entry into the rowing area and must be worn throughout the regatta for access.