The purposes of the Rules of Racing are to:

• provide a basis for safe, fair and equal racing
• ensure that due notice is taken of the Row Safe Guidance, the provisions of which shall take precedence at all times
• provide a consistent framework for the regulation and organisation of Regattas and other rowing events

The Rules of Racing apply to all rowing and sculling races, events and regattas that are registered by British Rowing.

The rules specifically cover:

• conduct of the race
• safety
• competitors
• classification of events
• Regatta organisation
• Head and processional races
• sponsorship

Rules of Racing 2012: Changes to the Rules of Racing for 2012 come into effect on 1st April. A review of typographical and tautological errors in the Rules has resulted in a number of minor corrections. It is recognised that officials cannot be responsible for checking all competitors equipment and the new wording that they will ‘use their best endeavours’ reflects this. Minor alterations have been made to the start routine also and it is worthwhile re-reading this to become acquainted with the new wording. BROE has now been included into the Rules and recognising the increasing use of electronic and data transfer, returns following regattas are now to be made electronically.  Two changes have been made in the Junior events section, namely the introduction of the rule that prevents any Junior rowing at Lightweight and secondly, confirmation that only Juniors of J14 age band and above winning a Junior qualifying event will be Junior A for the remainder of the age band of competition at which the qualifying win was achieved. Finally, some equivocality regarding limitations on entry into Primary events has also been corrected in the 3rd bullet of Appendix B. This year's changes are highlighted by the sidebars in the attached document.  Tim Walton, Chairman, Rules of Racing Sub Committee

Rules of Racing 2011:  From April 2011, a win in a regatta where nine or more crews start has been rewarded with two status points.  The 'top-up' rules were also extended to recognise the significant achievements of the openweight Boat Race crews.  With the growing popularity of competition for rowers new to the sport the definition of primary events was revised and added to the Rules of Racing.  One important change for events was that a regatta can offer a mix of primary and regular events on the same programme.  (Taken from  an article by Paddy Ibbotson, Chairman of the National Competition Committee, Rowing & Regatta Jan/Feb 2011)