Club rules

Updated on September 24, 2007 - we would like to clarify for all members the rules of participation as a member of the Argonaut Rowing Club on the dock, in the boathouse and on the water. These rules have been developed with the safety of all members in mind. As a member of the Club, you have the responsibility to obey these rules and to do your utmost to ensure everyone else complies as well. Failure to comply with these rules could result in the suspension or revoking of rowing privileges for each member or full crew as set out in the Penalties and Infractions Policy. If in doubt, please ask your program representative, or another club official, for clarification. Please ensure that you respect the safety of yourself and others by adhering to all Club Rules and safety guidelines.

1. Prior to stepping into a boat to row or coach, or using any club facilities and equipment you must have completed a Membership Application Form and have made the minimal payment to the Club. This applies to all crew members, cox and coach.
2. All club boats (8+s, 4+, 4xs, 4-, 2xs, 2-s, 1xs) must be accompanied by a coach boat from “docks in” in the spring until at least May 1st.
3. There must be lights on all boats before sunrise and after sunset: white on bow, red on stern.  Coach boats must have lights as well.
4. Coach boat drivers must possess and carry the Toronto Port Authority Power Vessel Operator’s Permit.
5. The logbook must be completed by each crew launching (this applies to 8+s, 4+, 4xs, 4-, 2xs, 2-s, as well as 1xs). The log is located inside the doorway off the dock by the squash courts. Anyone launching from the dock must sign out and again sign in upon return.
6. Damage to any equipment (this applies to 8+s, 4+, 4xs, 4-, 2xs, 2-s, and Club 1xs) must be reported by recording it in the log book. Crews are responsible for all equipment assigned to them. If you break a boat, you are responsible for making arrangements to get it repaired by consulting with the Head Coach.
7. Parts must not be removed from any boats. Members found removing or borrowing parts from boats will be suspended. If a boat is discovered that needs repairs before it can be rowed, it must be placed on stretchers and repaired or placed back on racks. If repairs are needed, inform the Head Coach.
8. Crews can only row in assigned boats at the assigned times. Crews wishing to row other Recreational boats or at other times must have the prior approval of the Head Coach. Crews wishing to row non-recreation program boats must have prior approval of the Head Coach.
9. Boats cannot be launched until the full crew is at the dock and ready to row.
10. BOATS CANNOT BE ROWED WITH EMPTY SEATS except Learn to Row boats.
11. Look carefully at the map of the course that hangs on the wall outside (between the bays).
12. Put in and take out all boats with bows facing towards the Humber River (i.e.: west)
13. Keep to the right at all times; when passing other boats, must pass them on their port side (i.e.: passing on the left, towards the middle of the waterway).
14. When turning, be extremely careful, particularly if you must turn before the course's eastern- or western-most ends. It is up to the crew that is turning not to obstruct boat traffic.
15. NO COACH BOATS ARE ALLOWED EAST OF THE END OF THE NEW BREAKWALL (toward Ontario Place). Coach boats create a wake churning up the water. In this restricted area, the wave action does not dissipate for a long time, making passage dangerous for singles and other small boats.
16. Coach boat drivers must reduce their speed to no wake, and give way to other crews as they approach. If you must pass a crew, wait until you can swing wide so as not to wake them. Coach boats may not wake the boats moored at the TSCC and the Boulevard Club.
17. Watch out for the drainpipe; break wall abutments, the narrows, floating moorings and all boats. Look at the map if you are unsure where these trouble spots are.
18. Only experienced crews are allowed outside the breakwall, and ONLY when accompanied by a coach boat.
19. Boats landing have priority over boats going out.
20. When under sail, sailboats have the right of way; when boats are under motor, rowing shells have the right of way.
21. NO CLUB BOATS ARE ALLOWED ON THE HUMBER RIVER.