The 1,000-plus member clubs of USRowing are the foundation of our sport's growth. Community-based youth and masters rowing is increasing by leaps and bounds thanks to outreach programs on the local level. Participation in our national regattas enhances those events' overall competitive experience while helping build enthusiasm and creating performance goals among newer rowers of all ages back home. Additionally, our sport could not thrive without our member clubs "stepping up to the plate" and giving back on a regional and national level by hosting regattas and clinics, recruiting and training referees and coaches, and participating in the governance and leadership of their sport.

Because we believe that the hard work, volunteer dedication and pride in your club’s accomplishments should be shared as a best practice on the national level, the United States Rowing Association has instituted a Club of the Year Award to be presented at the USRowing Annual Convention December 3-5, 2009, in Tempe, Ariz..

Criteria: All USRowing Member Organizations are eligible to receive the Club of the Year Award. Points will be awarded to clubs for dedication to excellence in competition, the growth of rowing in their community, and the promotion and safety of the sport. Award criteria include:

Performance

Community Outreach

Service to Rowing

USRowing Participation

Technology & Communications

Safety

When: Nominations for the 2009 Club of the Year Award must be completed on the attached form and received at USRowing headquarters in Princeton, New Jersey no later than 5:00 p.m. on October 23, 2009.

Awards: The winner will be notified in November and will be honored at the Annual Awards Reception, December 4, 2009, at the USRowing Annual Convention. The winning club will receive a year’s free organizational membership in USRowing, a banner to display at their boathouse, and coverage in USRowing’s Web site.

The USRowing Club of the Year Award will recognize the outstanding efforts of clubs to improve rowing opportunities for their members and also involve their local communities. The winner will serve as an example to the rowing community and the general public of outstanding organizational leadership, involvement in USRowing, competition opportunities, community service, safety, performance and volunteer development. We encourage rowing clubs of all sizes to pursue excellence and to submit their nomination for the 2009 Club of the Year Award.

The 2009 nomination form will be available in the spring.

Past Winners:

2008 - Not Awarded

2007 - Carnegie Lake Rowing Association

2006 - Marin Rowing Association

2005 - Oak Ridge Rowing Association

2004 - Community Rowing, Inc.

2003 - San Diego Rowing Club

2002 - Three Rivers Rowing Association