Everyone of you knows that rowing is different. It effects anyone who participates in it in ways others frequently can't understand or don't take the time to. These non-rowers would simply class it as a demanding team sport and move on. Yes it is a team sport, perhaps the ultimate team sport, but it is  more than just nine people in a boat slogging their guts out. Much more.

In other team sports it is not uncommon at all levels to have a 'star player.' Take football as an example, from under - 10's level right up to international there is normally that one person who stands out as being the key player in a team of talented people. David Beckham springs to mind, and its the same for Rugby in Brian O'Driscoll. Rowing however is different.

Many will mention Sirs Steve Redgrave and Matthew Pinsent as being the 'stars of their sport.' Indeed they are hugely talented and have achieved huge successes in their careers, however little of that success was in a scull were they were solely in control of their destiny. No , Pinsent and Redgrave got their rewards rowing crews with other individuals, other individuals they relied on to be with them all the way, and the feeling would have been the same for the rest of the crew.

It is the same at any level, be it high school, college or elite. There may be a certain team member who is obviously the strongest, but if they do not have the total backing of their team mates in a race then the chances of success severely drop. then there is the technical master, he can row as perfect as he likes, but if his partner relaxes their own technique then problems will amount. Simply put in crew rowing, no one person can turn a race. Sadly it is true,we as coxes would like to think our steering and motivation can do it, but whilst we steer the crew must be giving it their
all the whole time, and when we call that last 20, they are the people who must decide to go for that line as one massed effort.

So we've seen the fundamental differences, between Rowing and other team sports, but now for one that seems to go unnoticed at times. There is the crew team, who perform and reap the glory,but then there is the 'background team' the individuals who teach and nurture crews,provide the shells that you send over the line, pay for the oars you use, the kit you wear, record your entry fees, inform you of decisions etc the list of people and the work they put in is endless. Without this team, Rowing would be a hell of a lot harder for all of us.

So the next time you see the boatman tirelessly repairing the holes you or others created, or the money donations coming in from generous people, the next time you see the banks lined with people who came to support you despite the weather, spare a thought for their efforts and win for them as well as yourselves.

irishcox