Frequently Asked Questions...

I am having trouble losing the extra pounds from the turkey I ate over the holidays and I entered a lightweight category.   Will I be able to race?

If you are over the 135lb max for women or 165lb for men, you will not be allowed to race in that category.  NO EXCEPTIONS.  However, you will be able to race in an open weight category for your age group and the registration team will give priority to accommodate you in a heavier category closest to your age and eligibility. There is no additional cost or penalty for changing weight categories.  If you are unsure, please consult your coach for advice on your weight.  Ideally, you should be at your category weight two weeks prior to February 5, 2012.

Where do I park?

Parking is free near the Hershey Centre building on the south and north lots.  There are 1920 spaces.  For driving directions, click on the Location tab on the top bar on this page.  The main entrance is the on the East side.

Can I pick which ergometer I get to race on?

No, lane assignments are done randomly by computer.  It is very important to sit in the correct lane matched by your name on the screen.  Lane officials will be able to help you find your lane if you are unsure and each erg is labelled.

Will my coach be able to sit beside me and coach me?

Coaches will be able to coach and shout encouragement, but must stand behind the arena wall barrier behind you. Only competitors and lane officials are allowed to be in the race area.

What is CIRC's mailing address?

The mailing address is:    Canadian Indoor Rowing Championships

660 Eglinton Avenue East, P.O. Box 157, Level 119  Toronto, ON 

How much does it cost to enter a race?  Can I enter more than one?

You can enter more than one race, but check the schedule for any back to back races. Fees are payable in Canadian or U.S. dollars and can be submitted on line or by cheque.

Each competitor who races in a Crew event will be awarded an "Official CIRC item" 

If I have to scratch my race can I get my entry fee refunded?

It depends when you scratch. If you do not scratch before February 1, 2012 by 5:00 p.m. your race fees are non-refundable for any reason.   If you reported your withdrawl and scratch to the Entries Co-ordinator and received a reply email that it was recieved before Feb 1 deadline you are eligible for a refund.  However, you will have to wait.  Refunds will only be processed starting 14 days after the event and mailed out to you.  Please do not ask for a refund at the event. 

My mom volunteered to officiate, so when does she meet for training?

The Officials (Lane Judges) meeting will take place at 7:45 a.m. and is an opportunity for training on the PM4 Display, start procedures, medical emergency procedures, our paper paper-based backup system and escalation procedures for problems. It will be led by our Chief Umpire Lynda Dundas. More about volunteer start times click here.

Do I need to qualify for this event?  What is a qualifier?

No, you do not have to have previously raced in an indoor rowing event.  CIRC is open to novices through to Olympians. Just enter through our online system. When we refer to this race as a "qualifier" that means that it is an official Concept 2 satellite regatta and can be used to win a trip to the World Indoor Rowing Championships in Boston on February 19, 2012 if you post a fast "qualifying time"  See Prizes for more.

Can I purchase one of the new fancy Model D Ergometers used at the race?

There will be 80 brand new Concept 2 Model D ergs that will be unboxed, assembled, tested and used for racing at CIRC on February 5, 2012.   Individuals will be able to purchase one of these ergs if they are reserved in advance and then pick-up immediately following the finish of racing at 5:30 p.m. Typically all of the ergs will be pre-purchased prior to race day, so contact us at ergsales@cdnindoorrowing.org well before February 5th if you are interested.

Do I have to finish ahead of someone to medal at CIRC?

Yes, in order to earn a CIRC medal you must finish in 1st, 2nd or 3rd and beat at least one other competitor.  If the race category has only 3 entries, only gold and silver will be awarded, if it has 2, then only gold will be given out, if only 1 competitor then no medal will be awarded.

How fast do I have to be to win a trip to the World Indoor Rowing Championships (a.k.a CRASH B's)?

Qualifying times are calculated based on a percentage in each category based on last year's World Championship (2010) winning times. First you must post a time faster (can be as little as .01), in your age and event category. You must also be at least 14 years of age. If at the completion of racing there are more than 4 qualifiers, CIRC will rank the top four based on the seconds faster than the qualifying time.(e.g. 5 sec - 1st, 3.2 sec.next and 1.0 sec, 3rd, etc.)  In the situation where a qualifier with a faster time is unable to go the World's in Boston and accept the prize, CIRC organizers will invite the next fastest qualifier.

I am a lightweight and I wondered when the Weigh-in station opens and closes?

The weigh-in station will open at 7:30 a.m. and close at 12:30 a.m. Registration opens at 7:30 as well.

Weigh-ins at CIRC will be conducted using medical precision weigh scales. There will be two scales used at CIRC one for men and one for women.  In the event of a dispute, the second scale may be used to verify an athlete's weight.  CIRC officials have the final say on an athlete's eligibility to race based on their weight on race day at CIRC.

Speaking of food, will there be food available at the Hershey Centre?

The Hershey Centre will have concession open during the event to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, water, etc. Food can be consumed in the arena seats, but no food or snacks will be allowed in the competition area (arena floor) to keep the competition area clean.  

Will I be able to see where I am in the race on the TV screen?

The big screen is primarily placed for the spectators and you should concentrate on your own erg's PM4. On the bottom you will be told what place you are in the race and how far off the next competitor.  Most competitors find the boats on the TV's distracting and with 32 lanes not all boats can be seen at once.  Go to this page to see what you will see on your PM4 - its quite informative.

What is the PM4 start sequence look like this year?

When all rowers are in their correct lane and sitting still at the ready position, the starter will begin the START sequence.  It starts with SIT READY, then ATTENTION, then after a variable pause, ROW.  Please note the variable pause is new this year and matches on-the-water start procedures.  I would suggest you click here to familiarize your athletes with what they will see on their erg during the race. There is a considerable amount of information available to each competitor to tell them where they are in the race and if they are close behind or slightly ahead of other competitors.

How do I enter the my ballot for the "Win an Erg For My School Draw" ?

Your lane official will use your "race card" as your ballot.  With your help the lane official will fill in your name, and school name.  When you finish racing, they will enter your erg score and initial the card that you completed the race.  You must have an erg score to complete the ballot.   The official will then deposit your ballot (Race Card) into the official ballot box.  Who won it last year?

I like shopping more than sweating.  Which exhibitors will be there in 2012?   

• Click here to go to the Exhibitors Page