Rowing (sport) - Terminology and Event Nomenclature

Terminology and Event Nomenclature

Rowing events use a systematic nomenclature for the naming of events, so that age, gender, ability and size of boat can all be expressed in a few numbers and letters. The first letter to be used is 'L' or 'Lt' for lightweight. If absent then the crew is open weight. This can be followed by either a 'J' or 'B' to signify junior (under 19 years) or under 23 years respectively. If absent the crew is open age (the letter 'O' is sometimes used). Next is either an 'M' or 'W' to signify if the crew are men or women. Then there is a number to show how many athletes are in the boat (1,2,4 or 8). An 'x' following the number indicates a sculling boat. Finally either a + or – is added to indicate whether the boat is coxed or coxswainless.

Some events will use an experience rating to separate races. In the UK boats are classed as "Elite", "Senior", "Intermediate 1/2/3" or "Novice", depending on the number of wins the athletes have accumulated. Masters events use age ranges to separate crews of older rowers.

Examples:

• M8+ or 8+ men's eight (Always coxed. Sometimes written as 8o for "8-oared".)
• W4- women's coxless four (or "straight four")
• LM2- lightweight men's coxless pair
• BM1x men's single sculls under age 23
• JW4x junior women's quad
• Masters WC2x masters women's double sculls with average crew age between 43–50
• Mixed Masters 8+ coxed eight with 4 women and 4 men as rowers and a coxswain of either gender