Volunteering

Rockford Rowing thrives on the dedication and volunteer efforts of parents, who play a crucial role in its success. Without their support in various capacities, from logistics to event management, the community and the enriching experiences it offers students would not be possible.

Understanding the unique demands of the rowing season, we require only one parent for each student-athlete's family to commit to multiple volunteer shifts.

Unlike traditional sports, rowing events are extensive, often spanning entire days or weekends, making parent volunteers critical to the smooth operation and wellbeing of our athletes.

From logistical tasks such as meal preparation and equipment transport to fostering team spirit and providing moral support, your involvement is crucial. This engagement ensures the team's needs are met but also strengthens bonds, allowing parents and athletes alike to form lasting connections and share in the collective success of our rowing family.

Volunteer Roles—

Dock-In Day:

  • Equipment Driver: Drive the heavy machinery to lift dock pieces on land and place them in the water.

  • On Land: Assist in attaching dock pieces to the lift.

  • In Water: Detach dock pieces, position them, and secure.

  • Erg Transport: Transport ergs from the Freshman Center to the Boathouse using a trailer; athletes will assist with loading and unloading.

Fundraisers:

  • Fundraisers will vary, potentially requiring volunteers to transport athletes, staff tables, etc. Detailed role descriptions will be provided as each fundraiser approaches.

CROM Banquet:

  • Food: Contribute food for the potluck.

  • Senior / coaches gifts: Assist in selecting, ordering, receiving, and wrapping gifts for the graduating seniors from the parents/board.

  • Set up: Prepare the venue by setting up tables, chairs, tents, etc., ensuring readiness for athletes and families.

  • Tear down: Assist with tent teardown and cleanup. If Northview does not need the equipment, also help dismantling.

Regattas:

  • Shopping: Purchase the necessary food at various stores for the weekend regatta. 

  • Meal prep: Assemble ingredients and meals in preparation for the regatta.

  • Food Transport: Deliver food to the competition site, using a trailer if needed, and possibly transport a cooler.

  • Trailer transport: Drive the boat trailer to and from the regatta.

  • Food trailer transport: Drive the food trailer to and from the regatta.

  • Set up: Transfer equipment from the food trailer to the tent site, including setting up tents, tables, coolers, wagons, tubs, the grill, etc., and prepare the initial round of food (dependent on the regatta) and make sure cooking utensils are clean.

  • Head of tent: Communicate with coaches/board, ensure the food trailer is fully stocked before departure and emptied upon return, manage shopping, meal prep, setup, teardown, and tent maintenance, and delegate tasks to tent support.

  • Cook: Coordinate with the tent head to ensure the acquisition, preparation, and transport of meal ingredients, operate the grill, and prepare meals for athletes.

  • Tent support: Support the tent head by managing food distribution and temporarily assume head duties if necessary.

  • Emergency runner: Make urgent store runs for unexpected needs.

  • Tear Down: Dismantle the tent and related equipment, clean utensils, organize storage, and return equipment to the food trailer.

  • Extra equipment: Offer personal equipment as needed, handle its transport or coordinate with the board and tent head for trailer transport.