CSRA is a parent-run all-girls high school club rowing team.  Our rowers are comprised of girls from numerous high schools and communities across greater Cleveland.  We compete with other high schools and club teams from the midwest and east about four times per season in regattas (races) in Ohio and the surrounding states.  The team competes as a crew of 4 or 8 rowers in either a novice (first year) or varsity (experienced) classification. At a regatta, girls may row in multiple events.   The sport is governed by U.S. Rowing.  Our coaches are also certified by this organization.

EQUIPMENT
The "boats," called shells, are owned by CSRA, however, we are affiliated with the Cleveland Rowing Foundation and utilize their launches and boathouse.  CSRA owns four 8's (eight-person boats), three 4's, two pairs, 31 oars, and a boat travel trailer.

SEASON
Fall: Late August till our last regatta in late October
Spring: On-water season is mid-March till our last regatta in the middle of May.  We begin indoor conditioning to prepare for spring season in January.

JOINING
There are no try-outs or cuts, although we only accept new rowers in the off-season and first couple weeks of season.  Experience is not necessary - Coaches and teammates will help teach you everything you need to know.  Rowers may enter the novice classification for one calendar year.  Thereafter, they would compete with the varsity rowers.

COSTS
Since CSRA is a club sport and is not sponsored by any institution, we are a self-funded organization. We require fall & spring dues from each rower and try to offset costs by holding fundraisers throughout the year, and accept donations. Dues go towards coaches' salaries, equipment maintenance/replacement, foundation dues, etc.  Novices are introduced to the sport during the fall season.  Fees are slightly reduced during this initial season. 

PARENTS
This is a parent-run organization.  We have a board of elected officers and committees to assist with club functions. Parents are asked to volunteer for positions like President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc. for one school year. All the parents meet once-a-month to stay involved in the events of the team.

PRACTICES
CSRA holds four practices per week: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, 4:15-6:15pm.  Wednesdays will be off, granting rowers some extra time to complete school assignments.  Wednesday workouts will be provided and we suggest rowers partner with their classmates (if any teammates go to the same school). 
Fall season practices are held late-August through late October.  Winter conditioning is held January till the start of the on-water season in March.  Spring season is held from March till mid-May.

RACES (REGATTAS)
There are two rowing seasons:  fall and spring.  The seasons differ in the type of races that are conducted.  The fall "head" races are normally between 5000 meters or about 20 minutes and are 'beat the clock' style.  Spring "sprint" races are 2,000 meters (about 8 minutes) head-to-head competition.  We compete in four regattas in the fall season (Sept-Oct) and four in the spring season (April-June).  Regattas are held on Saturdays or Sundays, however we often travel the previous evening to prepare for the races.  We typically travel to regional regattas within a two hour radius, unless competing in a championsip.