NORTHWESTERN STATE CREW

Northwestern State University

Intramural Facility

Natchitoches, LA. 71497

Coach Alan Pasch

Office: (318) 357–5921

Fax: (318) 357-4517

E-mail: nsurowingteam@hotmail.com

Dear Rowers and Coaches,

On behalf of the Northwestern State University Marathon Committee, I would like to introduce my self. My name is Kristin Huben and I am this year’s Marathon Director. Will Grant the regatta director for eleven years has decided he would rather row in the Marathon than direct it. We wish him good fortune!

The Twelfth Annual Marathon Rowing Championships is scheduled for Saturday, November 10, 2001 on Cane River Lake in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Northwestern State University, the Natchitoches Rowing Club, and the City of Natchitoches welcome all first time competitors and seasoned Marathon veterans to this one of a kind event.

Last year we had our most successful competition so far - the smoothest and most efficient planning to date. We saw a record increase in attendance and overall satisfaction.

The Marathon Championships offers some of the most splendid scenery, native wildlife, and peaceful autumn weather in the country. This calm Louisiana river has some of the best conditions to offer. It’s protected from wind, and closed to extraneous boat traffic during the Regatta. Your only concern will be pushing yourself and pulling away from your competitors.

We have compiled a very detailed and informative packet. Please read it carefully, even if you are a returning competitor. In addition to Regatta Information, Entry Forms and Waivers, you will find detailed directions, food and lodging information, and special offers by our sponsors.

We offer a diverse group of categories so everyone can find their own specialized event. We welcome the growing number of Canoe and Kayak entries.

Spread the word about this exciting and unique event to your friends, fellow club members, and neighboring clubs, schools and universities!

Whether you’re racing to win, or just for the satisfaction of completing this unique and challenging course, we promise it will be a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t soon forget. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of any assistance.

Sincerely,

Kristin Huben

Food & Lodging

Day’s Inn Best Western

La Hwy 6 La Hwy 6 and I-49

(318) 352 – 4426 (318) 352 - 6655

1 - 800 - 528 - 1234

Comfort Inn Super 8 Motel

La Hwy 6 and I-49 La Hwy 1 Bypass

(318) 353 - 7500 (318) 352 - 1700

Cloutier Townhouse Bed and Breakfast

Located Mile 8 on Race Course

La Hwy 494

(800) 866 - 8893

Starlight Plantation Bed and Breakfast

Located at Finish Area

Front Street

(800) 866 - 8893

Gym Floor Space and Shower Facilities are available in the NSU

Intramural Building, on the campus of Northwestern State University.

Reservations required, contact Regatta Officials.

Aramark

Located on NSU campus

All you can eat

For eating arrangements see following page

French Market Express Mariner’s Restaurant

Deli, Bakery, Shell Gasoline Fine Seafood and Steak

La Hwy 6 and I-49 La Hwy 1 Bypass

(318) 357 - 9002 (318) 357 - 1220

2001 Marathon Rowing Championships

Regatta Information

DATE OF REGATTA: Saturday, November 10, 2001

START TIME: 7:30 a.m., registration begins at Starting Area at 6:00 am race day.

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: To ensure proper race order scheduling and post regatta activities planning, all entries must be received by Wednesday, November 1, 2001!!! Faxed entries will be accepted, NO PHONE ENTRIES. If you fax an entry in, you must also contact us via phone or e-mail to confirm it has arrived. A signed liability waiver must accompany all entries submitted. Additions or deletions may be made to waivers on race day, but no entries will be accepted without a waiver. Late entries will be charged double the entry fee and be placed wherever time permits in the line-up.

ENTRY FEES: Fees are due with entries. With special permission, fees for faxed entries or other special circumstances may be paid on race day. Contact Regatta Organizers for details. Fees for entries are as follows:

Singles $30 Doubles/Pairs $40

Fours/Quads $50 Eights $60

Odd numbered canoe and kayak entries round up to next shell level.

Schools and Universities Fee Cap: $300 (this does not include equipment rental)

Make Checks Payable to MARATHON ROWING CHAMPIONSHIPS

CANCELLATIONS: Entries may be canceled up to Monday, November 8^th with no penalty. Cancellations after from November 9^th through November 12^th will result in a 50% penalty. All cancellations or no shows as of race day will forfeit their entry fee. Cancellation must be made by direct communications with one of the Regatta Organizers.

COACH/COXSWAIN MEETING: A brief introduction and meeting will be held at 7:00 am race day at the Starting Area. There will not be a gathering the night before the race.

EQUIPMENT STORAGE: The Starting Area will be open for trailers and equipment setup, rigging, practice, etc. from 8:00 a.m. on Friday, November 9^th until starting time on November 10^th. Equipment and vehicles may be parked at the race site if necessary until 8:00 a.m. Sunday, November 12^th.

PARKING VEHICLES: Areas will be designated for parking at both the Start and Finish Areas. Windshield markers will be provided to allow competitor and spectator vehicles access to the closed parking areas at the Finish Area. As in the past there is the opportunity for your vehicles and trailers to be moved by Regatta Volunteers from the Start to Finish Areas. This has been an extremely successful convenience at all past regattas; however, we now require a signed liability release if you want your vehicle moved. Specific instructions are available at registration. You may also leave your vehicle locked and make your own arrangements to get it after completing the race.

STARTING DOCK: A floating dock will be at the Starting Area for launching. Boats will launch from both sides and proceed to the staging area to tie in and warm-up. In order to avoid delays, all oars and carry on items (water, food, equipment, clothing, etc.) Must be placed in the designated area next to the dock prior to the crew and boat stepping onto the dock to launch. We must ensure timely starts so officials can move from the Starting Area to the Finish Area as quickly as possible, therefore time penalties will be assessed for unreasonable delays.

RACECOURSE INFORMATION: The race is rowed north on Cane River Lake. Boats launch from the Starting Area near the Melrose Bridge from a floating dock then proceed to the staging area for final preparations and warm-up. The start of the race is marked by a chute of orange buoys, which begin at the staging area and end at the starting line. Crews will speed up to race pace down this chute after being called by number from the staging area. Crews will be notified their time has started as their bows cross the starting line.

Obvious hazards will be marked along the racecourse with orange buoys and flags. Additionally, floating white mile markers are provided in count down order along the course. Rest and Water Stops will be marked as clearly as possible along the course. The entire racecourse will be closed to all motor boat traffic (with the exception of safety boats) by the Cane River Waterway Commission. The finish line will be just south of the wooden trestle bridge in Downtown Natchitoches, marked by a banner and orange buoys. An official with an air horn and flag will signal the completion of the race.

EXIT DOCK: A floating dock will be provided at the Finish Area, approximately 500 m past the finish line. Extreme caution is required when crews are negotiating through the trestle bridge just past the finish line due to the narrow passage and the exhaustion of competitors at the end of the race. An official with safety equipment and instructions will be in this area while all boats are finishing. Upon docking, crews are asked to display courtesy to other exhausted finishers by quickly removing their equipment to their trailers or designated areas away from the exit dock. Regatta Volunteers will be present to assist crews with their boats and equipment.

HAZARDS: Orange buoys and flags will mark hazards along the course, however, as with any natural waterway, hazards change constantly. Additionally, there will be no buoyed racecourse in the traditional sense due to the length of the race. Orange hazard markers are self-enforcing - crowd the shore and turns at your own risk.

TRAFFIC: Due to the nature of the course, it is impossible to monitor the entire race; therefore it is expected that each crew will compete at the highest level of maturity, courtesy, and safety. Passing boats have the right-of-way to the inside of turns. Special note to coxed crews: Be extremely aware of blind boats by not crowding or running over them.

LITTER: We have had a significant problem with competitors throwing litter out of boats along the race course (namely food wrappers, water bottles and tape). This is regarded as a serious offense. Residents and Safety Officials along the course will be on the lookout for boats throwing trash into the river. Any boat observed littering will be disqualified immediately!

WATER & REST STOPS: A sheet will be distributed with the location of water and rest stops spaced evenly along the course. Rest Stops marked by floating buoys will be set up at volunteer residences along the course. Most sites will be at locations where boats can dock, and rowers can get exit their shells, use facilities, refill water bottles, etc. Water stops will be located at bridges along the course marked by suspended signs. Rowers can position their boats below the marked arches, and water can be lowered.

SAFETY OFFICIALS: Safety Officials will be positioned at each Water and Rest Stop, as well as in boats in selected areas of the course to assist crews with emergencies or equipment problems.

EQUIPMENT BREAKAGE: Each crew should carry a small assortment of tools specific to repairs on your boat. A very limited amount of tools (pliers, wrenches, screwdrivers) will be available at Rest and Water Stops, as well as in Safety Boats along course for use in case of breakage during the race.

NON- COMPLETORS: A sheet with an emergency phone number will be given to each entry to be carried in the boat. In the event of a medical emergency or if a crew is unable to complete the race for any reason, crews are instructed to stop at the nearest residence along the course and call Regatta Officials.

COMPETITOR NUMBERS: Bow markers and body numbers will be issued to each entry to be displayed during the race. These numbers must be properly positioned or the boat risks possible inaccurate reporting of race times.

PROTESTS: Any protest must be made in writing to the Regatta Director within 30 minutes of race completion. A $25 protest fee must accompany the protest. Fees will be returned if protest is upheld.

DINNER: Entry fees include a post regatta meal. Upon return of your boats bow number, meal tickets will be issued to all boat competitors and team coaches. Additional meal tickets can be purchased for $2.50 at Finish Line.

AWARDS: Each competitor who completes the course will receive a personalized certificate. Additionally, Gold, Silver and Bronze medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each event, regardless of the number of entries. The awards ceremony will begin when the last boat has finished the race, or at the discretion of the Regatta Director.

WEATHER: Due to the nature of this regatta, much of the responsibility for safety is placed on competitors once the race has begun. Prior to launching we will provide as much information as possible concerning weather conditions, and updates will be available at official points along the course whenever possible. Once on the water, rowers are obligated to use their better judgement as whether or not to continue the race in the event of foul weather. Secure areas include Water and Rest Stops, Safety Boats, and residences along the course. In the absence of a designated location, rowers should seek shelter wherever possible.

REGATTA DELAY OR CANCELLATION: Due to the logistical complexity of this regatta, every effort will be made to complete the event on the day and times scheduled. However if conditions do not allow, race times will be pushed back as far as possible to prevent cancellation of the race. In the event of cancellation, the regatta will be held the following day in a more informal setting.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT: A very limited amount of equipment is available locally for rental on a first-come, first-serve basis. We recommend that you try to transport your own equipment, or borrow from and piggy back with someone in your own area if at all possible. Contact Regatta Officials for specific inquiries on equipment rental.

NOTE: The Marathon Committee reserves the right to rule on any situation not specifically covered in these regulations and to assess penalties as deemed appropriate.

EVENTS AND RACE ORDER: Refer to this section for a listing of events. The following is a general race order and listing of events available to competitors. In general, slower boats are started first. In the past we have tried to accommodate most all categories recognized by US Rowing. Traditionally we have not differentiated between light and heavyweight categories, however, we recognize all age categories, including Juniors, Novice, Open, and Masters A - H. Criteria for determination of these categories will follow US Rowing rules and regulations.

Competitors may only change events on race day if they are moving from a less competitive event to a more competitive event. (For example a boat may move from an event in which they are the only entry into an event with more entries so they have competition, however, a boat in an event with many entries cannot move into an event with none). Any boat changing events must meet the criteria for that new event. Absolutely no event changes will be made after the regatta has started.

1) All Canoe and Kayak Entries (See attachment for categories)

2) Women and Men Recreational 1x

3) Women and Mixed and Men Recreational 2x

4) Women 1x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters A - H)

5) Men 1x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters A - H)

6) Women and Men 2+ and 2- (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters A - H, Parent-Child)

7) Women 2x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters A - H, Parent-Child)

8) Mixed 2x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters*, Parent-Child)

9) Men 2x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters A - H, Parent-Child)

10) Women 4 + (Junior, Novice, Open)**

11) Mixed 4+ (Junior, Novice, Open)**

12) Men 4+ (Junior, Novice, Open)**

13) Women 4x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters A - H)

14) Mixed 4x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters*)

15) Men 4x (Junior, Novice, Open, Masters A - H)

16) Women 8+ (Junior, Novice, Open)**

17) Mixed 8+ (Junior, Novice, Open)**

18) Men 8+ (Junior, Novice, Open)**

* There will be no A - H categories for Mixed Masters events, all Masters entries will be combined.

** A combined Masters (Club) category will be available with two or more entries in these sweep events, if only one entry, boat will be grouped as open.

Please use the provided envelope or mail all entries to: Faxed Entries:

(318) 357 4517

(This is a voice line, with fax upon request)

Northwestern State University Rowing

Northwestern State University IM Facility

Natchitoches, LA 71497

(318) 357 - 5921 (day)

e-mail: nsurowingteam@hotmail.com e-mail: rownsu@alpha.nsula.edu

Please see our web-site for additional packets, forms, previous times and more info:

http://www.nsula.edu/nsucrew

2001 Marathon Rowing Championships

Entry Form

It is the competitor’s responsibility to ensure this form is completely, legibly and accurately filled out. Illegible and/or incomplete entries may result in your entry being placed in the wrong category or cause your organization and members to be misrepresented in regatta documents (including line-ups and awards). Please print all information using a ball point pen (do not use felt tip pens, markers, or pencils).

USE SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH BOAT ENTRY

NAME: _________________________________________________________________

The above person is: Single Entry (1x) Coach Boat Contact

ADDRESS: (Street)________________________________________________________

(City) __________________________(State)_______ (Zip) ______________

PHONE: (Day) (______)__________________ (Evening) (______)__________________

(Fax) (______)__________________ (E-mail) ___________________________

ORGANIZATION: __________________________________________________________

EVENT TITLE: (Be Specific) ________________________________________________

LINEUP: Last Name, First Name Age (race day)

1 ________________________________________________

2 ________________________________________________

3 ________________________________________________

4 ________________________________________________

5 ________________________________________________

6 ________________________________________________

7 ________________________________________________

8 ________________________________________________

Cox ________________________________________________

All entries must be received by: NOVEMBER 1, 2001

All participants must complete and sign a waiver, No entries will be accepted without a waiver.

Please copy this form as needed.

......................................................................................................................................................

For Marathon Committee Use Only

Received:_________ By:_________ Waiver:________ Paid:________ Certificates:_________

Other: ______________________________________________________________________

2001 Marathon Rowing Championships

Release and Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement (“Agreement”)

IN CONSIDERATION of being given the opportunity to participate in any way in the Marathon Rowing Championships herein referred to as “Regatta”, I, for myself, my personal representatives, assigns, heirs, and next of kin:

1. ACKNOWLEDGE, agree, and represent that I understand the nature of this Regatta, both on the water and land based and that I am qualified, in good health, and in proper physical condition to participate in such activity. I further agree and warrant that if at any time I believe conditions to be unsafe, I will immediately discontinue further participation in the Regatta.

2. FULLY UNDERSTAND that: a) ROWING ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING THIS REGATTA, INVOLVE RISKS AND DANGERS OF SERIOUS BODILY INJURY, INCLUDING PERMANENT DISABILITY, PARALYSIS, AND DEATH (“Risks”); b) these Risks and dangers may be caused by my own actions, or inactions, the actions or inactions of others participating in the Regatta, the conditions in which the Regatta takes place, or the NEGLIGENCE OF THE “RELEASEES” NAMED BELOW; c) there may be OTHER RISKS AND SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LOSSES either not known to me or not readily foreseeable at this time; and I FULLY ACCEPT AND ASSUME ALL RISKS AND ALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSSES, COSTS, AND DAMAGES I incur as a result of my participation in this Regatta.

3. HEREBY RELEASE, DISCHARGE, AND COVENANT NOT TO SUE US Rowing, the Natchitoches Rowing Club, Northwestern State University, the City of Natchitoches, the Cane River Waterway Commission, their administrators, directors, agents, officers, volunteers, and employees, other Regatta participants, regatta organizers, any sponsors, advertisers, and owners and lessors of premises on which the Regatta takes place, (each considered “RELEASEES” herein) from all liability, claims, demands, losses, or damages on my account caused or alleged to be caused in whole or in part by the negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, including negligent rescue operations; and I further agree that if, despite this release and waiver of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement, I, or anyone on my behalf, makes a claim against any of the Releasees, I WILL INDEMNIFY, SAVE, AND HOLD HARMLESS each of the Releasees from any litigation expenses, attorney fees, loss, liability, damage, or cost which any may incur as the result of such a claim.

I HAVE READ THIS AGREEMENT, FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS TERMS, UNDERSTAND THAT I HAVE GIVEN UP SUBSTANTIAL RIGHTS BY SIGNING IT AND HAVE SIGNED IT FREELY AND WITHOUT INDUCEMENT OR ASSURANCE OF ANY NATURE AND INTEND IT TO BE A COMPLETE AND UNCONDITIONAL RELEASE OF ALL LIABILITY TO THE GREATEST EXTENT ALLOWED BY LAW AND AGREE THAT IF ANY PORTION OF THIS AGREEMENT IS HELD TO BE INVALID, THE BALANCE, NOTWITHSTANDING, SHALL CONTINUE IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT.

PARTICIPANT’S SIGNATURE PRINTED NAME DATE

______________________________________ ________________________________________

NOT FOR USE WITH MINORS