High-Performance Selection Policies

The High-Performance Program will encourage and support rowers making the transition along with the long-term Athlete Development Pathway. The Pathway consists of the Coupe de la Jeunesse for Juniors, Junior World Championships, and Under 23 World Championships. These are the main priority on the pathway that leads to the Senior World Championships and other competitions.

The main objective is to have our best performers reaching the podium at key events. To achieve this, the structured assessment/event requirements and selection process have to be followed by all rowers. Exceptional circumstances can be taken into consideration by the High-Performance Director (HPD) only with the co-operation of the National Coach (NC) and Lead Category Coach (LCC). The HPD, the NC and the LCC form the High-Performance Unit (HPU).

In the Junior and U23 age categories geography, logistics and academic considerations can be taken into consideration in producing the best crew combination. Crews will have to race domestically to prove their competitiveness to the HPD and the LCC. If few or no crews achieve the minimum on water performance benchmark indicated on the event requirements document then the HPD and the HPU will use information gained throughout the year to consider additional crews.

The selection policy is designed for rowers and coxes to demonstrate their ability and suitability for international selection. Rowing Ireland’s High-Performance Program is supported by investment from Sport Ireland and Sport Northern Ireland. The purpose of this investment is to ensure that Ireland’s performances in elite international sport improve and to create consistent success at an elite level, which is defined as producing Irish athletes for finals at European, World, Olympic and Paralympic level.

The final decision regarding attendance at the above regattas rests with the HPD. Where rowers/crews are of the appropriate level, the FISA World Rowing Championship will be entered.

For more information about our High-Performance programme contact our High-Performance Pathway Manager, leah@rowingireland.ie or michael.orourke@rowingireland.ie

Please see the below updates in the download section for information on Rowing Ireland’s High-Performance Selection and Appeals Policies.