Task & Finish Group – Eligibility for Junior Rowers

This group examined how to balance fair competition, athlete choice and the sustainability of school and club programmes, while gathering views from across the rowing community.

 

junior rowers marshal along bank

Group Documents

Primary Documents

Supporting Documents

The Panel

The Panel was chaired by Nathaniel Reilly-O’Donnell, Director of Development at British Rowing. He was joined by a group of respected figures from across the rowing community, bringing experience from schools, clubs, competitions and the talent pathway:

  • John Layng
  • Miriam Luke
  • Heidi Hackett
  • Thomas Garnier
  • Liz Pulford
  • Helen Brown
  • Andrew Crawford

The Panel members were invited for their independence, balance of perspectives, and demonstrable experience across different rowing environments.

Share your views

Every voice matters. If you have feedback on the Final Report, please share it below.

Feedback on the Draft Final Report and Recommendations

Update – February 2026

The Junior Rower and Crew Eligibility Task and Finish Group has now published a draft Final Report and Recommendations.

The panel would welcome feedback ahead of finalising its recommendations. A webinar will also be held at 19:30 on 16 February to walk through the process, outline the draft recommendations, and explain how feedback will inform the panel’s final conclusions.

This work has been shaped through a wide-ranging and consultative process, including over 260 written submissions, focus group discussions, stakeholder engagement and an equality impact assessment. The draft reflects the breadth of views and evidence shared by clubs, schools, parents, coaches, athletes and volunteers across the sport.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed so far – your time and insight have been instrumental in supporting the Panel in it’s work.

Sign up to the webinar

Join the webinar on 16 February

Task & Finish Group – Eligibility for Junior Rowers Briefing Meeting