Handbook

The CUCBC Handbook is issued annually to clubs and contains the Constitutions and Rules of the River governing student rowing in Cambridge. All river users should be familiar with

Use the links below to navigate the sections of the Handbook.

10 Golden Rules for Safety

The following ten statements summarise the CUCBC Rules of the River. These must be followed by all University and College Crews rowing on the Cam between Jesus and Baitsbite Locks. Failure to obey these rules will result in clubs being fined and/or banned from using the river.

  1. No College crew may be on the water during the 'Hours of Darkness' and no boat may be on the water without lights in the 15 minutes before lighting up or the fifteen minutes after lighting down.
    1. No boat is allowed on the water when the CUCBC flag is red.
    2. When the flag is yellow, only the following boats are allowed on the water:
      1. University Crews, first boats and tub pairs.
      2. during Lent Term, in addition to the crews allowed by 2.b.i, any other crews in the first and second divisions of the Lent Bumps.
      3. during Easter Term, in addition to the crews allowed by 2.b.i, any other crews in the first and second divisions of the May Bumps.
  2. Only University Crews, first boats, and any other boats in the top two divisions of the May Bumps may row below Baitsbite Lock.
  3. No novice crew may be on the water before 7.30am or within fifteen minutes of lighting down, which ever is later, and all novice crews must be accompanied. In addition, the first outing of a novice eight must be with an experienced cox.
  4. Loud hailers must not be used anywhere on the towpath, and coaching from the bank, and the use of cox boxes, should be kept to a minimum anywhere on the river before 7.30am. Coaching from the bank is not permitted at all above the railway bridge before this time.
  5. No College crew may be on the water before 11am on a Saturday or Sunday, save when participating in a CRA, BR or CUCBC race, unless the Executive Committee has made an announcement to the contrary.
  6. All coxless boats must have a steerer on the bank except for single sculls at any time and experienced pairs and doubles between the hours of 9am and 4pm in Full Term.
  7. Boats going downstream must keep to the non-towpath side of the river until after Ditton Corner when they cross over to the towpath side. At the sign after Grassy Corner, they must cross back to the non-towpath side, and stay on that side until Baitsbite Lock.

    Boats going upstream must keep to the towpath side until the middle of the Gut when they must cross to the non-towpath side, taking the inside of the corner. At the top of the Plough Reach, they must cross back to the towpath side, and stay on that side until they reach the boathouses.

  8. Boats going downstream must give way to boats going upstream, and slower boats must give way to allow faster boats to pass. In addition, whenever a boat easies it must draw in close to the bank to allow other boats to pass unimpeded. Boats must not easy on corners.
  9. Unless required for safety reasons, or acting on the instructions of an umpire during a race, boats may only spin at Jesus Lock, the Penny Ferry, between the two posts at the bottom of Long Reach and by the sign in Baitsbite Reach. When necessary, boats must queue to spin, and should only spin when it is clear that no boat is approaching that is likely to be impeded. Once spun, boats must move off immediately or, if pulling in on the Long Reach or Baitsbite, may only do so above the spinning area. At the Baitsbite Spinning area and in green flag conditions only, two crews may spin in tandem, providing they do not impede other crews and move off promptly.

Rules of the River

The rules in this book apply to all University and College oarsmen and women on the Cam. They must be obeyed at all times of the year except where specified, and failure to do so may result in the offending parties being fined and possibly banned from CUCBC races. No-one may row or cox if they are non-swimmers. Everyone must familiarise themselves with these Rules before taking a crew out, particularly during the Michaelmas term with novices on the river. Use the links below to navigate the sections of this chapter.

General Regulations

  1. That the minimum and maximum fine for infringement of any of the Rules in this book (unless otherwise specified and subject to Rule 2) be ten and fifty pounds respectively.
    1. That blatant and/or wilful rule breaking may be penalised by a fine greater than fifty pounds, at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
    2. That in exceptional circumstances and/or for repeated rule breaking individuals and/or the offending crews may be further penalised by being banned from forthcoming CUCBC events.
    3. That the Boat Club concerned may appeal to the Senior Committee against such a penalty, at least three of whose members should convene within three days to decide the appeal (not including the Chief Umpire, if this person is a Committee member, should a conflict of interest arise during CUCBC races) and shall either endorse the penalty or have it lowered to the usual ten to fifty pounds range.
    4. That during events, at least three members of the Senior Committee shall convene as soon as is practically possible and that until such an appeal is heard the decision of the Chief Umpire shall stand.
  2. That reports of any infringement of CUCBC rules must be submitted to the CUCBC Executive Committee within 48 hours of the incident concerned.

Restrictions on Use of the River

    1. That no boat may be on the water in the dark, save University crews who, when with a coach and using lights in accordance with BR regulations, may row up until half an hour before lighting down and up to half an hour after lighting up.
    2. That the defined "Hours of Darkness" for the CUCBC be as shown on the "Hours of Darkness" page.
    3. That no boat may be on the water without lights during the fifteen minutes AFTER lighting down or BEFORE lighting up.
    1. That, under the penalty of every member of the crew being disqualified from training and all CUCBC races during that term, no college rowing be allowed on the Cam before 11am on a Saturday or Sunday, save for a recognised Cambridge Rowing Association (CRA), BR or CUCBC race.
    2. That University crews shall keep their use of the Cam before 11am on a Saturday or Sunday to a minimum, and inform the CRA prior to all such use.
    1. That no boat be allowed on the water when the CUCBC Flag is Red.
    2. That only University crews with the specific permission of one of their senior coaches and tub pairs may row when the CUCBC Flag is Red/Yellow.
    3. When the flag is yellow, only the following boats are allowed on the water:
      1. University Crews, first boats and tub pairs.
      2. during Lent Term, in addition to the crews allowed by 7.c.i, any other crews in the first and second divisions of the Lent Bumps.
      3. during Easter Term, in addition to the crews allowed by 7.c.i, any other crews in the first and second divisions of the May Bumps.
      In the case of tub pairs Rule 13 applies and, in addition, the person steering must be competent and experienced. Under Yellow Flag conditions, members of crews permitted to boat under these regulations may do so in small boats, provided that they have the express permission of their Club Captain and/or Boatman, and subject to the conditions outlined in Rule 14.
    1. That the CUCBC Executive Committee shall introduce restrictions on the number of boats that may be on the water between Lighting Down and 0830hrs on Mondays to Fridays in Full Michaelmas and Lent Terms as necessary. These restrictions will be enforced by the Early Morning Marshals.
    2. That on the date from which restrictions are introduced until further notice, each College Club will only be permitted to have two boats on the river at any one time in the restricted period.
    3. That this rule will apply to IVs and VIIIs but not to singles, pairs or tub pairs and will only apply during the hours stated above.
    4. That fines for a breach of this rule will accrue to the Club, rather than the crew concerned and that any Club in breach of this rule will be fined £50 for a first offence, £100 for a second offence, a training ban of one week for the whole Club for a third offence and disqualification from all events organised or insured by CUCBC (including the Lent Bumping Races) in that Term for any subsequent offence.
    5. That the normal appeal procedures will apply to penalties incurred as a result of breaching these rules.
  1. In any given term, College rowers may train with a non-college club provided that training on the water is done during college hours (for example, whether that be weekend hours, evening hours, flag, etc.). In addition:
    1. College rowers may substitute into up to four outings with a non-college club outside of college hours in any given term without rendering themselves ineligible for CUCBC competitions. Each such outing (individual, non-college club, date and time) must be declared on the entry form of any crew entering a CUCBC competition which comprises one or more rowers who have rowed outside college hours during that term.
    2. Any College rower who rows outside of college hours more than four times, or who has rowed outside of college hours in an outing which has not been declared on the entry form will render themselves ineligible for CUCBC competitions that term.
    3. College coxswains may cox for non-college clubs at any time without rendering themselves ineligible for CUCBC competitions.
  2. As to novices:
    1. That no novice crew be unaccompanied.
    2. That the first outing of a novice eight must be with an experienced cox, not a novice.
    3. Senior crews must be below Chesterton by novice boating time.
    4. No novice crew may be on the river before 7.30am or within fifteen minutes of lighting down, which ever is later.
  3. As to evening rowing in the Easter Term:
    1. That there be two periods during these evening hours, the earlier will be from 5.30pm until 6.30pm and the later from 7.00pm until 8.00pm and that crews in the first period should be above Chesterton by 7.00pm and crews in the second period should not be below Chesterton before 6.30pm.
    2. That there shall be a weekly alternation such that on one week only Women's eights will row in the earlier, and only Men's eights in the later period, and the next week the Men shall row in the earlier, and the Women in the later period.
    3. That crews may train beyond Baitsbite Lock during either period, but must be below Baitsbite Lock before 5.30pm or 7.00pm as appropriate, such that no crew may be between Chesterton and Baitsbite Lock during the period allocated to the opposite sex.
    4. That only University eights, College first eights, and any other eights in the first two divisions of the CUCBC May Bumps may train below Chesterton Footbridge during these times.
    5. That the exception to Rule 11.d is that IVs made up of normally eligible crew members may use the river during the changeover period for the purposes of going over Baitsbite lock, provided they are clear of the restricted section of river by 7.00pm and do not return to it until after 8.00pm.
    1. That there be only light-pressure paddling between Chesterton footbridge and Jesus Lock except for the progress of the Fairbairn Cup Races, and for bung starts during the two days prior to the Lent and May Bumps.
    2. That crews pay due care and attention to moored craft and to junior & novice crews in this area.
    3. That crews should avoid unnecessary stopping and spinning above Chesterton.
  4. That no tub pairs be allowed below Chesterton footbridge except for a race recognised by the CUCBC, or in the first four weeks of the Michaelmas term, where tub pairs may be allowed as far as the P&E spinning zone.
    1. That Coxless IVs and quadruple sculls require a banksteerer at all times, inside and outside Full Term.
    2. That pairs and doubles may go out without a banksteerer only if the steerer has at least a year's experience of steering small boats, and the permission of the club captain and/or boatman has been given. In addition, during Full Term, pairs and doubles must have a banksteerer outside the hours of 9am to 4pm, or 30 minutes before lighting up if earlier.
    3. That single sculls may go out without a banksteerer at any time.
    4. That no boat be used for a rowing outing on the Cam without its full crew and a coxswain if appropriate, being present in the boat at the commencement of the outing.
    5. That all coaches of small boats (pairs, double and single sculls, but not tub pairs) should carry a throwbag or line and a 'space blanket.' [NB. Rowers intending to go out in small boats as a beginner (i.e. they have had less than ten outings in a small boat) are strongly advised to undergo a capsize drill and swim test as soon as practicable. Such rowers must have a banksteerer at all times, as required by Rule 14.b, when using pairs and/or doubles. They are also strongly advised to have a banksteerer or coach for their first ten outings if they are using a single scull.]
  5. That in the event of the Cam being unsuitable for the purposes of College rowing, College crews shall not train elsewhere until after an Extraordinary CUCBC Meeting, to be called within 48 hours.

Rights of Way

  1. That below Baitsbite Lock and above Chesterton footbridge each boat keep to its right, the downstream boat giving way to the upstream boat.
    1. That boats going downstream below Chesterton keep to the non-towpath side of the river until after rounding Ditton Corner, when they cross over to the towpath side at the sign.
    2. That after rounding Grassy Corner they cross back to the non-towpath side at the sign, and keep to that side as far as Baitsbite Lock.
    1. That boats going upstream below Chesterton keep to the towpath side until they have reached the middle of the Gut, when they cross over to the non-towpath side, taking the inside of Grassy Corner.
    2. That at the top of the Plough Reach, they cross back to the towpath side (taking the inside of Ditton Corner) and keep to that side all the way up to the Boathouses.
    Note that there are notice boards on the banks to mark the crossing places.
  2. That if there be any danger of collision, the boat going downstream give way to the boat coming upstream.
  3. That all boats (whether going upstream or downstream, and whether rowing or paddling) give way to University crews and Trial Eights, subject to rule 20 and general navigation law.
  4. That no boat has any rights of way when on the wrong side of the river.

Easying and Overtaking

  1. That when a boat easies it must draw close into the bank to allow others to go by.
    1. That no boat may easy on any corner if it is possible to go on, unless preparatory to rowing from the bottom of the Long Reach at Ditton.
    2. That no boat may overtake on a corner or when it cannot see that it is safe to do so.
  2. That a slower boat being overtaken must give way (pulling in if stationary, or if moving, pulling closer to the bank if possible) to allow a faster boat to pass.

Spinning

  1. Unless otherwise required for safety reasons, or acting on the instructions of an umpire during a race, boats may only spin at Jesus Lock, the Penny Ferry, between the two posts at the bottom of the Long Reach, and by the sign in Baitsbite Reach.
  2. When necessary, boats must queue to spin, and no boat may spin without ascertaining that there is no other boat coming which might be impeded. At the Baitsbite Spinning area and in green flag conditions only, two crews may spin in tandem, providing they do not impede other crews and move off promptly.
  3. That during the ten days preceding the Lent and May Bumps and the week preceding the University Fours Races, no boat may spin between the Little Bridge and Peters Posts except at its own risk.
  4. Once spun, boats must move off immediately or, if pulling on on the Long Reach or Baitsbite, may only do so above the spinning area.
  5. In Michaelmas term only, novice boats travelling downstream only (i.e. from Jesus lock) may spin between Caius and Christ's boathouses, with priority given to boathouses between the spinning zone.

Rowing Below Baitsbite Lock

  1. That rowing below Baitsbite Lock be restricted to University crews, first boats, and any other boats in the top two divisions of the CUCBC May Bumps only.
  2. Crews or individuals shall not boat or row with their College club between the Fish and Duck marina and the Adelaide, except with the express permission of the relevant University President(s).
  3. That in the Michaelmas and Lent terms no boat may paddle below Baitsbite Lock between 8.30am and 1.00pm or after 4.30pm on any week day.
  4. That there be no racing between boats below Baitsbite, and that any training at race pace be kept between the last downstream Horningsea mooring and the Clayhithe Bridge.

Noise and Early Mornings

  1. All crews must ensure that they do not create unnecessary noise anywhere on the river before 7.30am.
  2. In particular, loud hailers may not be used anywhere on the towpath, and the use of cox-boxes, and coaching from the bank should be kept to a minimum before 7.30am. Coaching from the bank above the railway bridge is not permitted at all before this time. CUCBC may stop coaches from accompanying crews from the boathouses to the Penny Ferry for breaching this rule.
    1. That the rules of the river, and especially Rules 32 and 33 will be enforced by a system of early morning marshals. The system shall operated by the Executive Committee and the College Boat Clubs will be required to provide marshals according to a rota. Crews violating Rules 32 and 33 will be fined and may be banned from the river. Guidelines for early morning marshals can be found here.
    2. That the marshals shall also enforce the early morning traffic restrictions described in Rule 8.

Ely

Under the terms of the CUCBC Constitution, the CUCBC has no regulatory powers over College Clubs when they are using the Ouse at Ely. However, clubs are reminded of the following: A CUBC Rule which was re-affirmed in 2001, bans rowing by College crews on the Adelaide course and on the River between Ely and the Fish and Duck PH without the express permission of the CUBC Men's and Women's Presidents. Any clubs who do receive permission to row at Ely are reminded:

  • The river is not regulated by the Cam Conservators and other licences may be required.
  • Permission to boat is required from the landowner whose land you are boating from.
  • If using a launch, the BR Safety Code provisions regarding launches must be followed.

Penalties

The fining system recognises the failure of crews or individuals to assist in the safe and smooth running of rowing activities and applies "without fear or favour" to all clubs, including University crews on the Cam, and to all crews within any club. Part of the reason for variable fines, and increasing scales for repeat offences, is to recognise that no club or crew, however junior or senior, should expect to commit a serious offence without the knowledge that the penalty will be painful either in financial or training terms. Captains of senior clubs must recognise and accept that they have a responsibility to set an example in terms of behaviour, and cannot expect to be immune to penalties. Captains must also make sure their coaches are aware of the importance of obeying the rules. University (including trials) crews using the Jesus Lock to Bottisham section of river must recognise that although allowances are given in the rules to assist their training, they are subject to the same rules and penalties (particularly in relation to safety matters) as anyone else. Policing infringements is difficult. The system relies on emailed and written report forms being sent to the Executive Committee naming two witnesses (in all cases confidentiality is maintained), or individual reports of the Executive Committee members, or other recognised experienced users of the Cam (where reports can be investigated). The following list is designed to be a summary of the penalties which are applied for offences during normal use of the river, and during bumping races. This list does not necessarily cover all instances. Where it does not, discretion lies with the Senior Treasurer and Chairman of CUCBC. All fines are open to appeal, as defined in Rule 2.

Normal Training Periods

The prime object of these penalties is to ensure that individuals and clubs adopt behaviour that will lead to the safe use of the River Cam and consideration for other river users.

Set Fines

  • Boating at an illegal time (i.e. in darkness (Rule 5), wrong hour in summer (Rule 10), illegal crew to Clayhithe (Rule 28), training away from Cam before permission given (Rule 14)). £25 initially, doubling on second offence for that crew (in the term), training ban for third offence, race ban for any further offences. Boating at an illegal time at the weekend (Rule 6): £50 initially, doubling on second offence for that crew (in the term), training ban for third offence, race ban for any further offences.
  • Novice crew failure to go with coach (or experienced cox as required by Rule 9). £50 (safety offence), one week ban (repeat offence).
  • Leaving boathouse without bowball or lifejacket/buoyancy aid. £50 (safety offence).
  • Obstructing river (e.g. obstructing crews when spinning between Little Bridge and Peter's Posts, failing to pull into the bank for crew chats, slower crew - including power water work - not giving way to faster if safe and possible to do so. £25.
  • No current insurance policy. No club crews or individuals allowed to boat until situation rectified and evidence presented to the CUCBC.
  • Firm pressure above Chesterton (except when allowed as defined by Rule 12.a). Crews attempting starts, half- or proper full pressure receive a £25 fine for the first offence, £50 for a second time in one term, and a one week training ban (including any races) for third offence.
  • Failure to provide an Early Morning Marshal (EMM) £25 for first offence, £50 for subsequent offence; Late arrival of EMM £10; Incompetent EMM £20; Failure of EMM to return report, bib and/or clipboard £10.

Variable Penalty Fines

  • Steering incorrectly, in particular taking the wrong side on blind corners even if no accident caused, £25 - £50.
  • Obstructing crews dangerously, or causing an accident (e.g. on a corner, or by being on the wrong side of the river elsewhere). £50 minimum, with up to a variable length training ban or complete ban of the offending crew from river, depending on the seriousness of the offence. (Also remember that there are possible legal and insurance implications if anyone is damaged or hurt by a crew "in the wrong", especially if victim is not in a College/University club. There is nothing to stop any individual hurt, or club with equipment damaged, from taking legal action against the club/person concerned, or placing the matter with the police).
  • Over-zealous "cutting up" of other crews. Notwithstanding a slower crew's obligation to give way, failure to take sufficient avoiding action by the overtaking crew can lead to a dangerous situation (will generally take the form of rowing through other crews' blades by crews trying to do pieces) £25 - £50.
  • Failure to take account of prevailing weather (e.g. fog/wind) in the type of training done. In particular this will apply to "yellow flag" days and to crews who have boated before flags are raised. Only applicable in case of accident, but then £25 upwards to training ban. Deliberately boating after flags raised, £50/one week ban.
  • Abusive or threatening behaviour by anyone in a crew or coaches on the bank, whatever circumstance (i.e. who is in the wrong may influence the penalty, but will not negate it). £25 upwards, and may include temporary or permanent bans on individuals (including coaches) and/or crews.
  • Excessive noise before 07:30. £20 - £50 initially, doubling on second offence for that crew (in the term), training ban for third offence, race ban for any further offences.

Regulations for Racing

The race dates are related to Full Term dates as published in the University Ordinances, and are based on the fixed calendar of events adopted by the CUCBC in 2000. They may under exceptional circumstances be changed, and will be confirmed by the Honorary Secretary of the CUCBC at the start of each year.

General

This section concerns all CUCBC-run races.

    1. That only resident bona fide student members of the University who are also members of the CUCBC be eligible to row or steer in CUCBC races, except as specified in Regulations for Racing, Rule 2. For the purposes of this regulation a bona fide student is defined as one who is in statu pupillari and is therefore:
      1. a matriculated member of a College; and
      2. currently reading for a recognised degree of the University; and
      3. fulfilling the University residence requirements in both time and place.
    2. That other members of the University who are Fellows or Employees or elected or appointed Members of a college may compete for that college only after approval by the Executive Committee and that such approval must be sought within the first two weeks of term. Such rowers or coxes are defined as of 'exceptional status', and the permission stands only for the term in which it is granted. Any person only employed by a college as an academic supervisor is not eligible as an Employee of the college.
    3. That such other 'exceptional status' members of the University will not normally be allowed to compete in their College's 1st boat in the Lent or May Bumps, unless the College has only one boat, or in the top Division of the University Fours. That no more than two such other 'exceptional status' members of a college will be allowed to compete in any boat, and up to a total limit of two for that college in each of the Men's and Women's races. In the May Bumps, the total limit will be four for each of the Men's and Women's races. Exceptional cases (such as Fellows boats) may be permitted at the discretion of the Executive Committee. See Rule 4.c. for details of members of more than one college.
    4. That postgraduate members of the University are eligible to compete for their College in CUCBC races until the end of the term in which they sit their viva voce or other final examination; this would normally be their first viva voce examination, except in cases where resubmission and a second viva voce are required by the University authorities, in which case the CUCBC should be satisfied that there has been no unreasonable delay inserted and in particular that Regulation 1a(iii) is satisfied. For the purposes of deciding eligibility, viva voce examinations completed during any period between University terms are considered as the previous term.
    1. That bona fide degree students at Anglia Ruskin University (rowing as Anglia Ruskin Boat Club, formerly CCAT) be deemed to be equivalent to a College.
    2. That for the purposes of the Lent and May Bumping Races the Clinical Medical and Veterinary Schools may also compete.
    3. Members of the Clinical Medical and Veterinary Schools may compete for their College or for their School until the end of the academic year in which they sit their final exams.
  1. That Women's and Men's races be considered discrete.
    1. That only Men's Crews shall row in Men's races, and only Women's Crews shall row in Women's races, but when the gender of an event is unspecified, mixed crews and crews of either sex may compete.
    2. That a Men's Crew be defined as a crew consisting of oarsmen and no oarswomen, and a Women's Crew be defined as a crew consisting of oarswomen and no oarsmen.
    3. That notwithstanding Rule 3.b above, the coxswain need not be of the same sex as the crew.
    4. That the lowest Men's Crew of a club entered into a set of Bumps be given an exception to Rules 3.a and 3.b and may include up to four oarswomen.
    5. That notwithstanding Rule 3.b above, in CUCBC-run races, trans people should be permitted to participate according to their affirmed gender identity, and that non-binary people should be permitted to participate on the side in which they feel most comfortable.
      1. For the purposes of CUCBC-run races, a trans rower is defined as any rower who does not identify, in whole or in part, with the gender they were assigned at birth regardless of whether any medical or administrative transition steps have been taken.
      2. That under no circumstances can any rower be compelled to disclose any medical history to CUCBC or the committee of any event run under these rules.
      3. That clubs wishing to compete in a non-CUCBC run race must be aware these regulations may differ, and should check eligibility requirements before entering.
    6. That any athlete wishing to race in accordance with Rule 3.e is asked to inform CUCBC in confidence by close of entries. This is intended to protect trans and non-binary rowers from discrimination and appeals on the basis of gender and deter clubs from abusing these rules.
      1. This confidential declaration may be made by a captain of the athlete’s club with consent from the athlete, or directly by the athlete to CUCBC.
      2. Any appeal against an entry on the grounds of ineligibility of a trans athlete must be made by email to CUCBC Executive and Senior Committees. The appeal may only be made on the grounds that the Regulations for Racing have not been adhered to.
      3. Any appeal made to CUCBC regarding the gender of an athlete, where said athlete has made a confidential disclosure to CUCBC, shall be immediately dismissed, and the appealing party informed that no rules have been breached.
    7. Rowers who were assigned female at birth, and do not identify as female, whose college has no men’s crews:
      1. may choose one college where they are not a student to compete with. This choice must be agreed by both the rower and the new adoptive club and both parties must confirm with CUCBC. They are to be regarded as a full member of that college boat club, and not to be limited to the lowest boat irrespective of CUCBC Regulation for Racing 4.b; this decision is made once, does not need to be approved at the Captains meeting, and does not need to be declared every term.
    8. If you are intersex and unable to apply this policy to choose an appropriate rowing team, please contact CUCBC for a confidential discussion.
  2. That the rules concerning composite crews be as follows:
    1. Composite crews shall be allowed for the University Fours only as defined in Rule 56.b.
    2. In all other CUCBC events, with the exception of the Magdalene Silver Pairs and Lowe Double Sculls, the crew, including the coxswain, must be members of the same College; save that in the case where members of a College want to row or steer, but their College Boat Club has no relevant boat in training, then they may, at the discretion of the Executive Committee, be allowed to row or steer for another named Club in their lowest boat. These members will count towards the limit of two "exceptional status" crew members per boat. Having chosen one such Club they must row or steer for this Club only while their College Boat Club continues to have no boat of its own.
      1. Should a person change colleges and thus be a bona fide student member or full College Fellow of two or more colleges, s/he may then row and/or steer for one of them only in a given term; this must be announced at a CUCBC Meeting at the start of every term.
      2. Should a person obtain permission to compete as an ‘exceptional status’ member of a college in a given term, but have also been a bona fide student member or full College Fellow at another college in the past, s/he may then row and/or steer for one of them only in that term; this must be announced at a CUCBC Meeting at the start of every term.
    1. That the crew which competes in the first heat of a CUCBC event (including the Getting on Race) be considered the official crew for the duration of that event. No change in the official crew shall be allowed, except with the permission of the Executive Committee, which will usually be given only in exceptional circumstances such as accident or illness, or subject to Rule 25 in the case of the Lent and May races.
    2. That before the first heat, approval may be sought from the Executive Committee for a substitute in the first heat. If this is granted, the official crew should be provided in writing by the club concerned to the Executive Committee, and is expected to be the crew which has trained together that term. The official crew must be provided in advance of the first heat.
    3. That substitution of rowers or coxes from crews in a higher position on the River to those in either a lower position or those competing in the Getting on Race shall not be permitted.
  3. That under no circumstances may a crew member rowing in or steering a crew in any race under the jurisdiction of the CUCBC leave the boat except involuntarily until the race is over.
  4. That the maximum entrance fee chargeable for any race run by the CUCBC or a College Boat Club be decided by the CUCBC AGM and that these fees be payable to the Boat Club organising the event.
  5. That during all races under the jurisdiction of the CUCBC the following restrictions, in addition to the Conservators byelaws, on use of the towpath apply to all students and any members of the public that are associated with racing crews: It is anticipated that all Clubs will co-operate by restricting the number of bicycles following racing crews to the absolute minimum. Umpires will be instructed to report any infringement of this Rule, which will be strictly enforced.
    1. No horses, bicycles or tricycles, other than those used by the Umpires and those authorised to be used by each Boat Club for each crew competing shall be allowed on the tow-path between Baitsbite Lock and the Railway Bridge, except by special permission of the Executive Committee.
    2. That videoing using a handheld device whilst cycling with a racing crew will not be permitted. Any Club whose authorised cyclists do not abide by this rule shall be liable to be fined.
    3. In all races the Chief Umpire shall have the authority to limit, at his/her own discretion, the number of persons bicycling with each boat, to avoid congestion on the towpath.
    4. The current limit per racing crew is four cyclists, including the Boatman, any College VIPs and the College Boat Club Senior Treasurer.
    5. Any Club with more than its authorised number of bicycles shall be liable to be fined and/or its crews technically bumped/disqualified.
  6. That in the event of racing emergency or bumps, boats are to pull in to the outside of corners as far as possible.
  7. That each boat abide by its own accidents.
  8. That each boat racing provides such Marshals as requested for each day that it races and for any re-rows that may occur.
  9. That every member of the CUCBC be subject to such regulations for boat racing as the CUCBC may from time to time decide.

Lent and May Races

Eligibility and Conditions of Races

    1. That there be regular Eight-Oared Bumping Races held from:
      • Either the 7th Tuesday to the 7th Saturday of the Lent Term or the 8th Tuesday to the 8th Saturday of the Lent Term, depending on which Saturday doesn’t clash with the Women’s Eights Head of the River Race. If there is no clash, the later date is preferred.
      • The 8th Wednesday to the 8th Saturday of the Easter Term.
    2. That the number of Men's and Women's divisions shall be appointed at the first CUCBC Meeting of the term preceding the Races.
  1. That any College Boat Club wishing to put boats on the river for these Races inform the Hon. Secretaries when requested to do so.
  2. That every Men's and Women's College Boat Club have the right to at least one boat each on the river for the Lent and May Races.
  3. That if a boat misses more than one race in the Lent or May Races of one year, the Club concerned forfeit that place on the river and be obliged to `get on' should it wish to compete again in a future year.
  4. That new single boat entrants to the CUCBC Bumping Races be placed at the bottom of the penultimate division, or at a higher position, at the discretion of the Executive Committee.
    1. That no crew be allowed to compete in a Bumping Race on the Cam without a minimum of twelve training outings. Outings after 9am on weekdays may count for 1.5 outings. Only outings of length 60 minutes or longer may count towards the minimum outing requirement.
    2. That no crew be allowed to compete in the Lent Bumps that contains more than 2 novices starting in the Lent Term.
    3. That the Executive Committee should be notified of any crew failing to fulfil this requirement.
    4. That the CUCBC may in extraordinary circumstances give a crew that has failed to do so permission to race.
  5. That every Boat Club return its entries for the Bumps and the Getting-On Races with the correct fees (see Rule 14) to the CUCBC before a deadline (which shall be before the start of these Races) to be set by the Hon. Secretaries. Any boat failing to do so may not take part in these races.
  6. That no current member of the University Squads may row or steer for his/her College in the Lent Bumps without the permission of the Executive Committee and the relevant University Club President. Except in the case of reserves, permission will only be given in exceptional circumstances.
    1. That no person who has gained first Lent or May Colours or a Trial Cap may row or steer below the third division of the CUCBC Lent or May Races or below his/her College third crew, whichever is the lower, without the permission of the Hon. Secretaries. This shall normally be given only in the case of accident or illness.
    2. That no person who has rowed in, steered or been a reserve for any of the University crews may row or steer respectively below his/her College third May Boat without the permission of the Hon. Secretaries, which shall normally be given only in the case of accident or illness.
    3. That anyone infringing 21.a and/or 21.b be forbidden to row or steer in any crew for the remainder of the Races.
    1. That, with the exception of the sandwich boats, no-one may row or steer in more than one division in one day, and that no-one who has rowed or steered in a particular crew in the races may then row or steer in another crew, except with the permission of the Executive Committee, which shall usually be given only in cases of accident or illness.
    2. That anyone may row in one division and steer in another on the same day.
    3. This rule shall span both the Men’s and Women’s races, such that it is not permitted to row twice (once in the Men’s races and once in the Women’s races) or cox twice (once in the Men’s races and once in the Women’s races) in one day, notwithstanding sandwich boats as exempted in rule 22.a.
  7. That there be no restriction on the type of eight used in the CUCBC Lent or May Races, with the exception of front loading eights, which may not be used under any circumstance.
    1. That crews be removed from the start order if their coxswain (or a competent representative from his/her club) in the Lent or May Races fail to sign in at the Coxswains' meeting held by the CUCBC before these Races.
    2. For coxes who have previously coxed the Lent or May Races, a competent representative shall be definied as a senior cox from his/her club who undertakes to brief the coxwain on safe racing during bumps.
    3. For coxes who have not previously coxed the Lent or May Races, a competent representative shall be defined as a senior cox from his/her club who undertakes to brief the coxwain on safe racing during bumps, and where prior permission has been granted by the CUCBC Safety Officer.
  8. Substitutes must be deemed capable by the Executive Committee of competing safely in the division they will be subbing into, and all substitutes must be eligible competitors for the crew they will be subbing into. Permission for substitution shall only be given in the exceptional circumstances allowed by Rule 5 and:
    1. to crews in the first or second division in the case of compulsory and immovable academic commitments;
    2. to crews in the third division in the case of academic commitments, or other sporting commitments;
    3. to crews in lower divisions for those reasons or any other reason,
    4. provided permission for any eligible substitute is sought at least 24 hours before racing.
    5. For the purposes of substitution eligibility, a crew’s division shall be the division it starts the races in. In the case of a crew competing in the Getting-On Race, Rule 25.c. shall apply.

Getting-On Race

    1. That if there be more new entries than vacant places, the bottom eighteen crews (at most) on the river and all new entries then row a timed race (the Getting-On Race)
    2. That the race be held on the Friday preceding the Races, from the upstream side of the A14 Road Bridge to the upstream side of the Railway Bridge, and that the result of this Race determine which boats race in those Bumps.
  1. That the number of crews taken off (subject to Rule 26.a) be sufficient to ensure one available place on the river for every two boats entered for the Getting-On Race.
  2. That no person who has gained first Lent or May Colours or a Trial Cap, or who has rowed in, steered or been a reserve for any of the University crews may row or steer in the Getting-on Race UNLESS the Getting-on Race crew concerned is the Club's second or third crew.
    1. ​​That no-one who has rowed or steered in a successful boat in the Getting-On Race may row or steer respectively in a higher boat during the races which follow, except with the permission of the Executive Committee, which shall usually be given only in cases of accident or illness of someone in a higher boat.
    2. An approved substitute in the Getting-On Race will be treated as if they had been substituted into that crew in a regular Bumps race, and thus still eligible to substitute into other (potentially higher) crews in the races which follow.
    1. That those crews regaining their places on the river from the previous year get on first in the order that they were taken off.
    2. That the order of the remaining crews be decided by ballot.
    1. That should a crew which has been entered not arrive for the start of the CUCBC Getting-On Race, they forfeit the entire entry fee.
    2. That the CUCBC return half the entry fee to College Boat Clubs for crews which, having rowed in the Getting-On Race, are not then included in the Races.

Details of the Race Procedure

    1. That the Races be rowed in divisions of seventeen boats each, excluding the sandwich boat, except the lowest division which may contain eighteen boats.
    2. That the order of the divisions be such that:
      1. The men’s and women’s divisions will alternate.
      2. In the Lent Bumps, the divisions will be ordered such that the W1 division races last in odd years and the M1 division races last in even years.
      3. In the May Bumps, the divisions will be ordered such that the W1 division races last in even years and the M1 division races last in odd years.
      4. In the event of (ii) or (iii) resulting in the bottom two divisions both being men’s divisions or both being women’s divisions, (i) will not apply to those divisions.
  1. That the starting posts be 150 feet apart, and that the last starting post be at Baitsbite Lock
  2. That the finishing posts for the Lent Races be as follows:
    1. Top Finish : The farther post at Chesterton Footbridge.
    2. Bottom Finish : The concrete post at Morleys Holt.
  3. That the finishing posts for the lower divisions of the Lent Races be as follows:
    1. Top Finish : The upstream side of the Railway Bridge
    2. Bottom Finish : The Railings.
  4. That the finishing posts for the May Races be as follows:
    1. Top Finish : The farther post at Chesterton Footbridge.
    2. Bottom Finish : The concrete post at Morley's Holt
    1. That the Bumps course be such that the first nine boats in each division race to the Top Finish and the rest stop at the Bottom Finish.
    2. That the tenth boat only shall have the option of rowing on to the Top Finish.
    3. That a boat shall be deemed to have finished racing when the stern has passed the relevant finishing post.

Before the Start

  1. That no boat proceeding to the start of the Bumps may spin until after First Post Corner, except at Ditton Corner or above the Railway Bridge, except in an emergency. Boats that do spin cannot expect the Chief Umpire to delay the start should they then be late.
  2. That any boat causing delay at the start may, at the discretion of the Chief Umpires, be fined or disqualified from racing.
  3. That in the event of structural damage occurring to a boat on its way down to the start of a CUCBC Lent or May Race, the Chief Umpire be informed immediately:
    1. If the boat can be repaired, the Chief Umpire may at his/her discretion delay the start of any Division by up to fifteen minutes.
    2. If the boat cannot be repaired or if the newly repaired boat cannot make it to its station by the revised division time, the crew starting behind it shall be awarded a technical bump.
  4. That each division of the Races be started by three guns, the first gun to be fired four minutes before the start, the second gun one minute before the start, and the third gun at the start.
    In the event of the one minute gun failing, the next gun to be heard will be a one-minute gun.
  5. That any crew which has not spun by the One-Minute Gun be immediately disqualified, and that it then pull into the bank to avoid obstructing crews racing.

Starting Procedure

  1. That no running starts be allowed.
  2. That in each boat, when the starting gun is fired, the coxswain be holding the regulation chain attached to its post with his/her hand above the water.
  3. That if s/he drops the chain before the gun is fired, and the Chief Umpire deems that the result of the race was affected by this action, the penalty be as follows:
    1. If the offending crew make a bump, the Chief Umpire shall either disallow the bump or give the boat that has been bumped the option to re-row;
    2. if the offending boat row over, or if it make a bump that is disallowed, the boat starting behind it may, with the consent of the Chief Umpire, claim a re-row.

Making a Bump

  1. That a boat be considered fairly bumped when it is touched by any part of the boat behind it before its stern is past the finishing post save that, between the start and the towpath gate on Grassy Corner, a boat will be considered fairly bumped when the bow ball of the chasing boat passes the Cox, whether or not contact has been made. Should the cox fail to concede at this point, the Chief/Deputy Chief Umpire will use his or her authority to declare the boat to have been bumped and may also impose a dangerous coxing penalty. Over the remainder of the course drawing level with a boat will be considered equivalent to a bump, provided the bow balls are level. For the purposes of this Rule, the word 'boat' includes the ship, the crew, and oars if in the rowlock.
  2. That the coxswain of a crew so bumped acknowledge the bump immediately by holding up his/her hand, this crew rowing on for at least three strokes after the acknowledgement. The crew having made the bump shall at once cease rowing, and both boats shall draw into the bank, if possible to the outside of a corner, until all other boats still racing have passed.
  3. That if one boat bump another, the two boats change places on the subsequent day of racing, whatever may have been their positions before starting.
  4. That any boat having made four Bumps may row up after the races on Saturday with its flag hoisted, as may also the boat rowing Head.
    1. That when, because of obstruction by preceding boats, a crew following is considered bumped according to the Rules, the Chief Umpire may award a technical bump or disallow the bump and offer a technical row-over or a re-row to those crews affected.
    2. That obstruction shall be defined as any event which substantially affects the orderly course of rowing, and nothing in this Rule shall limit the powers of the Chief Umpire to offer re-rows in other cases.
  5. That if a boat miss a race, the crew behind it be awarded a technical bump (having rowed past the starting point of the offending crew) and that, if the offending crew fails to appear on the following day, that crew shall be removed from the start order for that set of Bumps and the crews behind it will each move up one place.

Umpires and Disputes

    1. That the Senior Committee appoint a Chief Umpire to take overall control of running the main CUCBC races (University Fours, Lent and May Races). That the Executive Committee and Chief Umpire appoint at least one Deputy Chief Umpire and a sufficient number of Senior and Junior Umpires for each Division of the Lent and May Races and each day of the University Fours.
    2. That boats provide Marshals as requested by the Executive Committee to assist with the running of the races.
    1. That all disputes be referred to the Chief Umpire via the Control Desk within 30 minutes of the start gun of the division. No correspondence concerning appeals will be entered into thereafter.
    2. Only eye-witness evidence from race officials and others at the discretion of the Chief Umpire will be admitted.
    3. That the Chief Umpire shall have final authority over all decisions.
    4. That s/he shall have the power in all doubtful cases of causing the boats concerned to row the race again that evening, or, if it is not the final day of racing, at a designated time the following day.
    5. That there be no re-rows on the final day of racing, save at the Chief Umpires' discretion, which will only be exercised under extreme conditions.
  1. That nobody attend a disputes meeting unless referred to it by the Chief Umpire, who shall also attend the meeting, and that no bumps be disputed after the termination of the disputes meeting.

Fines and Fixed Penalties During Bumps

Inevitably, due to the nature of the Bumps races, all eventualities cannot be covered here and the Chief and Deputy Chief Umpires may, at their discretion, apply alternative penalties to those listed below. Fines generally relate to the safe and fair running of the races, both on the water and on the towpath. The object is not to catch out crews and clubs, but to encourage safe racing. It is up to Captains and Club officials to ensure their members' competence, sporting attitude and respect for the rules of racing. It is the responsibility of the race officials to ensure that the races take place safely, that the rules are applied consistently and without bias, and that disputes are heard and settled fairly within the practical limitations of the Bumps. If both sides succeed, fining will be minimised, and the Bumps will be more enjoyable and satisfying for everyone.

Fixed penalty offences

  • No Marshal supplied by a club: £15 first occasion; £30, £45, £60 subsequent repeat offences.
  • Marshal late for briefing: £5 first occasion; £10, £15, £20 for repeat offences.
  • Incompetent Marshal supplied: £10.
  • Dropping bung before start: £15. (NB: gaining significant advantage after dropping bung is likely to lead to disqualification or a technical bump against that crew).
  • Bank party size (NB: This applies to each crew individually. More than 4 clearly identifiable cycling supporters, i.e. students, coaches, friends, including the boatman, senior treasurer and any College VIPs; does not include Junior/Senior Umpires or unattributable cyclists): £30 first occasion; £45, £60, £75 subsequent repeat offences. Repeat offences may lead to bumps being disallowed.
  • Failure to show bike pass: £25 (i.e. ignoring pass checking Marshals).
  • Ignoring marshalling instructions: £20 (e.g. restrictions on number and place of practice starts, excessive delays on paddle down).
  • Lack of a bowball, or cox without a lifejacket, leads to crew not being allowed to race and awarding of a technical bump to the chasing crew and a fine of £50.

Variable penalty offences

  • Illegal crew member: £10 - £50, including non-notified substitutions. Rowers must be valid members of the College concerned. While top crews must have bona fide student members, in practice the involvement of College Fellows in lower crews has been encouraged. However, the CUCBC Committee must approve all non-bona fide substitutions before racing begins. Identified illegal rowers will not be allowed to compete further, bumps may be disallowed and technical bumps awarded against offending crews. NB: anyone who rowed or coxed in a crew which gained a place in the Getting on Race may not row or cox respectively the Bumps in a higher crew unless as a bona fide substitute (see Rule 28).
  • Dangerous activity around bumps occurring, including the elements of:
    • late acknowledgement (leading crew).
    • failing to easy (chasing crew).
    • failing to clear the river.
    • abusive behaviour of either crew or associated bank parties.
    Each element may attract a separate fine in the range £20 - £75, depending on the seriousness of the offence. Repeat offences by the same crew on separate days will lead to increased fines.
  • Dangerous coxing: £20 - £75, generally applied in the context of failing to avoid stationary (bumped out) crews, but also relevant to marshalling, paddling to start and returning after the race.
  • Obstruction, abuse, violence towards officials (Marshals, Divisional and Senior Umpires), and general obstruction of, or abusive or violent behaviour on the towpath: £20 - £50.

Depending on the seriousness of any of the above offences, individual offenders, in either crews or bank parties, may be banned from further participation in the Bumps, bumps may be disallowed, and crews may be banned from further participation in races. Finally, crews which demonstrate a dangerous lack of competence during the races may be banned from further racing for safety reasons.

University Fours

General

  1. That they be raced from the 3rd Monday to the 4th Friday or 4th Monday to the 5th Friday of the Michaelmas Term at the discretion of the Executive Committee, subject to the number of entries.
    1. That entries be divided into a First Division for College First Boats and a Second Division for Second and Lower Boats.
    2. That no Blue, Goldie or Blondie Colour, Lightweight or University Trial Cap, be allowed to row in the Second Division. This Rule shall not apply to coxswains.
    3. That any four entering with two or more May colours rowing be included in the First Division, whether or not that four be its College's First crew.
    4. That first boats from colleges who have their top boat in the third or lower division in both the Lent and the May bumps, may enter the Second Division for the University Fours, subject to approval from the Executive Committee.
  2. That no person currently trialing for a University boat may row or steer for his/her College in the University Fours without the permission of the Executive Committee and the relevant University Club President. Permission will only be given in exceptional circumstances.
  3. That these be rowed as Timed Races.
  4. That the course be that of the Colquhoun Sculls Race.

Specifications for CUCBC 'Time Races'

  1. That the entrance fee for each boat (to be laid down by the Hon. Secretaries) be paid at the time of entry.
  2. That in all time races under the jurisdiction of the CUCBC there be only two boats in each heat, and that no boat be allowed to draw more than one bye. The second boat shall not touch, nor ordinarily endeavour to pass, the first boat, but may pass at the discretion of the Umpire.
    1. That an exception to Rule 61 be made when exactly three boats enter for any time race and that in this case a third station be provided upstream of the first and with an equal separation. The Umpire will order the crews to minimise the possibility of overtaking, which may only be undertaken at the discretion of the Umpire.
    2. In exception to Rule 66, if the difference between the fastest two boats, or all three, be less than a second, the Umpire shall deem the race a Dead Heat between the fastest two or all three crews, respectively.
    3. In the event that the Umpire deems the third boat to have been impeded by the second, the Umpire may call a re-row over a course not less than from Ditton Corner to the finish with an altered order of crews.
  3. That in all time races under the jurisdiction of the CUCBC the Hon. Secretaries appoint Marshals and Divisional Umpires who shall act under instruction from the Senior Umpires, and that the decisions of the Senior Umpire in all cases shall be final. Any boat suffering equipment failure or breakage by the first signal may, at the discretion of the Umpire, be awarded a re-row.
  4. That no boats wilfully make use of running starts in any race, and that any boat breaking this Rule be liable to disqualification at the discretion of the Umpire.
    1. That the course for all races except the Peter Brandt and Maiden Sculls be that of the Colquhoun Sculls (i.e. from the Little Bridge to a post 78 yards below the Railway Bridge).
    2. That the course for the Peter Brandt and Maiden Sculls races shall be over 500 metres from a post at the bottom of the Reach to a post 78 yards below the Railway Bridge.
    1. That if the difference between two boats at the finish of a race be less than a second, the Umpire shall deem the race a Dead Heat.
    2. That in the event of a Dead Heat in a trial heat, a re-row shall take place over a course not less than from Ditton Corner to the finish, to be agreed upon between the Umpire and the representatives of the two Clubs concerned.
    3. That in the event of a Dead Heat in a final, the trophy be held jointly and that medals be awarded to both crews concerned.

CUCBC Small Boats Races

  1. That the Small Boat Races be rowed as Timed Races (see Rules 60 - 66).
  2. That subject to the number of entries and to Rule 79, the Small Boats Races be held for both men and women.

Note that the start date of these events may be altered to accommodate the number of entries.

Magdalene Silver Pairs

  1. That they be rowed from the 0th Monday to the 0th Wednesday of the Easter Term.
  2. That any member qualified to row in CUCBC-run races be qualified to row, except pairs who have won the Magdalene Pairs twice before in the same pair.
  3. That a crew need not consist of members of one Club.

Forster-Fairbairn Pairs

(Trial Pairs)

  1. That they be rowed from the 0th Monday to the 0th Wednesday of the Easter Term.
  2. That Blues, half-blues, Goldie and Blondie colours, Trial Caps, winners of the Magdalene Pairs, and previous winners of the Forster-Fairbairn Pairs be ineligible to enter.

Lowe Double Sculls

  1. That they be rowed from the 0th Monday to the 0th Wednesday of the Easter Term.
  2. That a crew need not consist of members of one Club.

Fairbairn Junior Sculls

  1. That they be rowed from the 0th Monday to the 0th Wednesday of the Easter Term.
  2. That Blues, half-blues, Goldie and Blondie colours, Trial Caps, previous winners of the Fairbairn Junior Sculls, Delafield Trophy, and the Colquhoun Sculls are ineligible to enter.

Women's Championship Sculls: The Delafield Trophy

  1. That they be rowed from the 0th Monday to the 0th Wednesday of the Easter Term.
  2. That only women be eligible to enter.

Peter Brandt and Maiden Sculls

  1. That they be rowed from the 0th Monday to the 0th Wednesday of the Easter Term.
  2. That only those who have not before competed in a sculling race, and hold neither a Blue, half-blue, Goldie/Blondie colour, nor Trial Cap, be eligible to enter.
  3. That there be separate competitions for men and women subject to the numbers of entries.

CUCBC Trophies

  1. That Bronze Medals be awarded to the following oarsmen and oarswomen:
    1. The Head of the River crews in the May Races.
    2. The Head of the River crews in the Lent Races.
    3. The winning crew of the University Light Fours.
    4. The winner of the Colquhoun Sculls.
    5. The winner of the Delafield Sculls.
    6. The winning crew of the Magdalene Pairs Race.
    7. The winning crews of the University Coxed Fours divisons.
    8. The winner of the Fairbairn Junior Sculls Race if there are four or more entrants, men’s and women’s races being counted separately.
    9. The winning crew in the Forster-Fairbairn Trial Pairs Race if there are four or more entrants, men’s and women’s races being counted separately.
    10. The winners of the Lowe Double Sculls Races.
  2. That all trophies (other than medals) be returned to the Hon. Secretaries by the date of the Getting-On Race for the May Races of the same year.

Michell Cup

  1. That the Michell Cup, presented in 1923 in memory of Dr. R. W. Michell, be awarded by the CUCBC to the Boat Club giving the best performance on the river during the course of the academic year.
  2. That the Cup be awarded at the end of each academic year to the Boat Club scoring the most number of points.
  3. That in order to be eligible to compete for the Cup a College Boat Club must have three or more eights in both the Lent and the May Races.
  4. That 12 points be awarded for each place gained in the Lent and May Races
  5. That the Head of the River crew be awarded 12 points for each night that it rows over.
  6. That the top 2nd and 3rd Men's eights and the top 2nd and 3rd Women's eights be awarded 6 points for each night that they row over.
  7. That 12 points be subtracted for each place lost.
  8. That the total number of points awarded in the Lent and May Races be divided by the number of boats that the Club has in the respective event.
  9. That 12 points be awarded to the Boat Club winning the Light Fours, Men's and Women's 1st division Coxed Fours, Magdalene Pairs, Foster-Fairbairn Pairs*, Lowe Double Sculls, Colquhoun Sculls, Fairbairn Junior Sculls*, Delafield Sculls, Peter Brandt and Maiden Sculls*, Fairbairn Cup (Senior eights), or Clare Novices' Regatta (Cup event), or any event subsequently approved by the CUCBC for competition in the Michell Cup (the points are divided if the winners of the Pair-Oared and Double Sculls events come from different Boat Clubs). That should any of these events be tied with the winners from different Clubs, each Club be awarded the full number of the points.
    * Points will only be awarded for these events if there are four or more entrants in
    each of the men’s and women’s races.
  10. That in the event of a tie between two Clubs, that Club having the larger number of people rowing or coxing in the University Trial Eights Races be awarded the Cup.
  11. That in the event of a further tie, the Club having the larger number of boats on the river (total of Lents and Mays) be the winner.
  12. That should these points still leave a tie, the Cup be awarded to the Club whose highest placed first boat stands higher in the May Races.

Pegasus Cup

The Pegasus Cup was donated to CUCBC by Richard Naisby of Milton Brewery in 2006. The Cup is awarded to the most successful Boat Club competing in the May Bumping Races. To be eligible to compete for the Cup a Club must have at least one men's and one women's boat entered in the May Bumps (excluding the Getting on Race) or, in the case of single sex colleges, at least two boats entered. The Cup is awarded to the Club gaining the most points over the course of the May Bumps. Points are awarded as follows:

  1. One point for every place gained by each of a Club's boats.
  2. One point for each night that a Club retains the Men's or Women's Headship in Division One.
  3. One point deducted for every place lost by each of a Club's boats.
The total number of points gained over the four days of racing is multiplied by 12 and then divided by the number of boats entered by the Club to give the final score.

Return of Trophies

  1. The Lent Bumps Headship trophies must be returned to the CUCBC Senior Treasurer before the date of the Lents Getting-On Race each year.
  2. All Small Boats Regatta trophies (other than medals) must be returned to the CUCBC Senior Treasurer by the end of the Lent Term each year.
  3. The May Bumps Headship trophies must be returned to the CUCBC Senior Treasurer before the date of the Mays Getting-On Race each year.

College-Run Races

The following events are organised by individual College Boat Clubs, subject to CUCBC College Race Management Guidelines. Colleges wishing to hold events must submit details to the Hon. Secretaries at least two weeks prior to the race. The respective organisers reserve the right to alter the rules at any time; for further details apply to the Colleges concerned. In the same way as for the CUCBC-run events, the race dates relate to Full Term dates as published in the University Ordinances, and are based on the fixed calendar of events adopted by the CUCBC in 2000. They may under exceptional circumstances be changed, and will be confirmed by the Hon. Secretaries at the start of each year.

Colquhoun Sculls

Rules submitted by the Lady Margaret Boat Club
A pair of silver sculls having been presented to the Lady Margaret Boat Club by James Colquhoun, formerly of St. John's College, Cambridge, for the purposes of establishing a sculling match, to be rowed annually, and the donor having left it to the option of the members of the said Club whether they alone, or the members of all the Boat Clubs of the University, be subject to such Rules as the said Club may decide upon, should be admitted as competitors, a Committee, chosen by the Club for the consideration of the subject, having consented to lay it open to the University Boat Clubs, have for this purpose drawn up the following Laws, reserving, nevertheless, to the Lady Margaret Boat Club, the power of resuming this grant, and of remodelling, either entirely or partially, any one or all of the Laws hereinafter laid down, and also the power of adding thereto or taking therefrom, according to how circumstances may be deemed to demand."
St. John's College, Cambridge, December 12, 1836

Laws

    1. That this be a time race to be decided by heats.
    2. That the heats and stations be decided by draw, conducted by the Captain of the Lady Margaret Boat Club, or his deputy.
    3. That the competitors start 100 yards apart.
    4. That the competitor drawing the last station shall start from the Little Bridge at Baitsbite.
    5. That the first winning post shall be placed 78 yards below the Railway Bridge.
  1. That these races take place annually from the 0th Monday to the 0th Wednesday of the Easter Term.
  2. That any member of the University qualified to row in CUCBC-run races according to Regulations for Racing, Rule 1 be qualified to compete.
    1. That the entrance fee be determined by the Lady Margaret Boat Club.
    2. That the name of each competitor, together with the entrance fee, and the name of his Club or College, must reach the Captain of the Lady Margaret Boat Club not later than the Saturday before the races.
    3. That members of the Lady Margaret Boat Club be exempt from the entrance fee.
  3. That the Committee of the Lady Margaret Boat Club have the power of appointing all umpires, starters, and judges, presenting the prize to the successful candidate, and determining all and every dispute that may arise among the competitors.
  4. That the winner be allowed to hold the Sculls until the First of November following the race, and that he then return them to the Captain of the Lady Margaret Boat Club.
  5. That two boats only start in one heat, each boat to abide by its own accidents.
  6. That the second boat shall not touch nor ordinarily endeavour to pass the first boat, but may pass at the discretion of the Umpire.
  7. That if the difference between the two boats at the finish of a race be less than one second, the Umpire shall deem the race a dead heat.
  8. That in the event of a dead heat in any trial or final round, the race is to be re-rowed, either immediately, or at a time to be appointed by the Committee of the Lady Margaret Boat Club, this being at the discretion of the Umpire.
  9. That competitors may be coached and steered up to and during the races.

Fairbairn Cup

Rules submitted by the Jesus College Boat Club

General

  1. That the race shall remain under the control of the Jesus College Boat Club.
  2. That the races shall be rowed on the ninth (9th) Thursday and the ninth (9th) Friday of the Michaelmas term. The Novice VIIIs shall row on Thursday, and the Senior College Invitational VIIIs and IVs on Friday.

Entries and Eligibility Criteria

  1. General:
    1. That the races shall be open to Men's and Women's VIIIs; and Men's and Women's coxed IVs.
    2. That Women's and Men's races are considered discrete in all Divisions, where no oarswoman may row in a Men's crew and no oarsman may row in a Women's crew. Coxswains may be male or female.
    3. That crews may row in any design of boat they choose, subject to the Rules of Racing outlined by the Amateur Rowing Association. There will not be separate categories for shell and clinker-built boats.
    4. It is recommended that each crew member should have completed a minimum of eight (8) practice outings, and the coxswain must have steered the appropriate course in its entirety, prior to race day.
    5. That the coxswain or an appropriate representative of every novice crew wishing to race must have attended the Clare Novices Regatta meeting, where the Fairbairns Secretary shall offer information and advice about the Races.
  2. College Divisions:
    1. That only resident bona fide student members of the Universities of Cambridge or Oxford, who are also members of either the Cambridge University Combined Boat Clubs or Oxford University Rowing Clubs respectively, be eligible to row or steer in the 'College Divisions' of the Fairbairn Cup Races. For the purposes of the regulation a bona fide student is defined as one who is in statu pupillari and is therefore:
      1. a matriculated member of a College; and
      2. currently reading for a recognised degree of the University; and fulfilling the University residence requirements in both time and place.
    2. That bona fide degree students at Anglia Ruskin University (rowing as Anglia Ruskin Boat Club, formerly CCAT) be deemed equivalent to Members of a College.
    3. That for purposes of the Fairbairn Cup Races, the Clinical Medical and Veterinary Schools may also compete, and shall be deemed as equivalent to a College. Members of the Clinical Medical School may compete for their College or for the School until the end of the academic year in which they sit their final exams.
    4. That Postgraduate members of the Universities of Cambridge or Oxford be eligible to compete for their College in the Fairbairn Cup Races until the end of the term in which they sit their first viva voce or other final examination.
    5. That current trialists for Cambridge University Boat Club, Cambridge University Women's Boat Club, Cambridge University Lightweight Rowing Club, or their Oxford equivalents, may not row or steer in 'College divisions' as a member of his/her College VIII or IV. University Trial VIIIs or IVs are permitted to race, but for time only.
    6. That other Members of the Universities of Cambridge or Oxford may compete as a member of the crew in a College Division only with the approval of the Fairbairns Secretary, and that such approval must be sought within the first six (6) weeks of Michaelmas term.
  3. Invitational Divisions: That crews containing members who do not meet the eligibility criteria, as defined in Rule 4, shall be eligible to enter and race in the appropriate Fairbairn Cup 'Invitational Divisions'.
  4. Status:
    1. That, for the purposes of the Fairbairn Cup Races, a 'Novice' crew is one in which no rower has rowed, and no coxswain has coxed prior to October of the current year.
    2. That college 1st Lent and May VIII colours may not row in crews below their 2nd VIII.
  5. Entries:
    1. That no college may enter more than four (4) Men's and four (4) Women's Novice crews. However, the Fairbairns Secretary may grant permission for a larger entry by a single college if, in so doing, the total number of entries does not exceed the maximum number of crews that can be accommodated within the Marshalling Areas. Permission shall not be confirmed until after the closing date for entries.
    2. That the entrance fee be payable to 'Jesus College Boat Club'.
    3. That Jesus College Boat Club shall determine the order of the start, based upon the finishing order of the previous year's races, followed by new entrants alphabetically and by status. In the interests of safety and fairness (Rule 13.a), if a crew is considered to be substantially slower than the crew achieving the previous year's finishing position, they may be started with the new entrants, upon application to the Fairbairns Secretary. If the Fairbairns Secretary deems one crew to be significantly faster than the crew in front, the time gap between the two crews may be increased.
    4. That notice of 'scratching' from a race should be given to the Fairbairns Secretary in writing with a full explanation of the reasons for doing so. Reimbursement of entry fees shall be at the discretion of the Fairbairns Secretary, who reserves the right to refuse reimbursement if notice is given within 7 days of the start of the races.
    5. That boat sharing is permitted, but on the understanding that it is done at the crews' and respective Colleges' own risk. Divisions shall not be delayed to accommodate boat sharing and penalties (Rule 16) will apply if a boat sharing crew is late to arrive in the Start Marshalling Area. Details of any boat sharing requirements should be given with the club's application for entry.

Safety

  1. ARA Code of Practice for Water Safety: That it is the responsibility of each crew to ensure that they comply with the Water Safety Guidelines detailed by the Amateur Rowing Association, with particular regard to heel restraints, bow balls and coxes' life-jackets. A full copy of the ARA Water Safety Code can be found at www.oara-rowing.org. A crew deemed not to meet the required safety standards will not be allowed to race.
  2. Cancellation of Racing: That the final decision to cancel racing, as a result of adverse water or weather conditions, shall be made by the JCBC Fairbairns Secretary after consultation with the organising committee and following advice from the CUCBC Chairman or his/her nominated deputy. In the event of a cancellation, full reimbursement of entry fees cannot be guaranteed, as a result of expenses incurred prior to Race Day. Every attempt will be made to inform affected crews directly or via the CUCBC Contacts list as soon as the decision is made.
  3. Liability: That Jesus College Boat Club does not accept any fault or liability on the behalf crews or their equipment for accidents which are not a direct result of negligence on the part of the event organisers.

The Race

  1. Proceeding to the Start and Start Marshalling:
    1. That all crews must proceed directly to the Start Marshalling Area, having boated from their boat house. Crews may not go for warm-up or practice paddles and any crew found paddling in a downstream direction outside of the Start Marshalling Area prior to the start of a division shall be disqualified, or, at the discretion of the Fairbairns Secretary, allowed to race for time only. For the purposes of the regulation, the Start Marshalling Area is defined as the section of river downstream of Jesus Lock and upstream of the flagpole at Jesus College Boat House. Crews should warm up on land and bring sufficient clothing to stay warm whilst start marshalling.
    2. That the first ten (10) crews within each division shall be within the Start Marshalling Area 30 minutes before the published division start time. The remaining crews shall be within the Start Marshalling Area 20 minutes before the division start time.
    3. That crews boating from boat houses upstream of Jesus College Boat House must also be on the water by these times unless specifically instructed otherwise by a race marshal. Crews must clear the slipways as quickly as possible to facilitate movement of crews within the circulation pattern.
    4. That crews shall follow the circulation pattern within the Start Marshalling Area. A detailed map can be found at www.fairbairns.com.
    5. That crews may get out of their boat within the Start Marshalling Area, only if they have located and manoeuvred themselves into their marshalling position and the suitability of that location allows them to do so. All crew members shall get back into their boat when instructed to do so by a Race Marshal.
    6. That crews must obey the instructions of Race Marshals at all times.
  2. The Start:
    1. That unless otherwise specified or instructed by the Start Marshal, a crew's rolling start shall begin at the flagpole on top of Goldie Boat House, with the call of "Attention, Go" from the Start Marshal.
    2. That all crews must obey the Start Marshal's instructions.
    3. That crews shall be assumed to have reached Race Pace and that race timing shall begin as the bow ball passes the flagpole outside Jesus College Boat House.
  3. Overtaking and Obstructions:
    1. That no crew in any category shall attempt to overtake before the Men's Bumps Top Finish (i.e. the post immediately downstream of Chesterton Footbridge).
    2. That any boat being overtaken shall, in good time, give way to the faster crew; causing minimal obstruction and, where possible, clearing the racing line.
    3. That, in the event of deliberate or avoidable impedance, the offending crew shall be liable to an appropriate penalty at the discretion of the Fairbairns Secretary, having reviewed recommendations by the witnessing race umpire(s). For the purposes of the regulation, a deliberate or avoidable impedance is defined as a failure to give way following three (3) or more warnings from the race umpire(s).
    4. That the coxswain of the overtaking crew shall make known their intentions to overtake well in advance.
    5. That, if obstruction or impedance of any crew occurs, an appropriate time adjustment shall be made in favour of the affected crew at the recommendation of the witnessing race umpire(s).
  4. The Finish:
    1. That the finish for all Senior College and Invitational VIII divisions will be at the Little Bridge downstream of the A14 Motorway Bridge and upstream of Baitsbite Lock. The finish for all Novice VIII divisions will be at the Railings on the Long Reach. The finish for all IVs divisions shall be at the Red Grind Post (i.e. the upstream post opposite the Plough). Photographs of the finishes may be found at www.fairbairns.com.
    2. That each crew shall be deemed to have finished when the bow ball passes the appropriate finish line.
    3. That timing shall be to the nearest second.
    4. That if two crews achieve race times (including time penalties and adjustments for impeded crews) within 1.00 seconds of each other, they shall be deemed to have tied.
    5. That a full list of provisional times (inclusive of any time penalties and adjustments for impeded crews) will be available either at the Jesus College Boat House or at www.fairbairns.com as soon as possible after the day's racing.
  5. Finish Marshalling:
    1. That, having passed the Finish Line, crews shall reduce their speed appropriately but continue rowing until instructed to stop and spin by a race marshal at Bait's Bite Lock.
    2. That crews shall assemble and await permission from a race marshal to row back to their boat house after all crews have finished racing on the course. Coxes must ensure that each crew member has brought sufficient dry clothing to stay warm after the race.
    3. That all crews competing in the last division of the day, or the bank parties thereof, be required to carry lights and that these be fitted to boats rowing back to their boat houses later than 15 minutes before Lighting Up as defined by CUCBC.
    4. That crews from Jesus College Boat Club shall be permitted to return unimpeded to facilitate the marshalling of the following divisions.

Penalties, Disputes and Appeals

  1. Penalties: The following penalties shall be awarded for any disregard of the rules and regulations, supra:
    Offence Penalty
    Repeated failure to obey a marshal's instructions 2 seconds per offence
    Late arrival at Start Marshalling Area 5 seconds
    Late boating from slip-ways within Start Marshalling Area (definition: Rule 11.a) 5 seconds
    Warm-up or practice paddle Race for time only
    Overtaking before Men's Top Finish Disqualification
    Deliberate impedance of a faster crew (definition: Rule 13.c) Race for time only
    Failure to continue rowing after crossing Finish 5 seconds
    Proceeding to row back to boat house without permission from a finish marshal. Race for time only
    Other (affecting running of Races or causing unfair disadvantage to another crew) 2-10 seconds
    Other (affecting Safety of any competitor, official, bank party or spectator) Disqualification
    [NB. Should any offence above be deemed to affect the safety of competitors/others then the penalty shall instead be disqualification.]
  2. Disputes and Appeals:
    1. That, in the event of a dispute or an appeal, a single representative of each affected crew shall be permitted to state their case in front of the Fairbairns Secretary and must do so at the earliest possible moment, within four (4) hours of the published division start time. The Fairbairns Secretary can be found at or in the vicinity of Jesus College Boat House throughout the two days of racing.
    2. That the final decision regarding penalties, time adjustments and disputes shall be made by the Fairbairns Secretary, who may take evidence from the affected parties and any witnessing race marshal or umpire. Advice may also be sought from the current CUCBC Chairman or his/her appointed deputy.

Rule Changes, Additions and Enquiries

  1. That Jesus College Boat Club may alter, at any time, any of the rules and regulations supra, but that all efforts will be made to ensure that reasonable notice shall be given to all Clubs concerned.
  2. That the instructions and guidelines outlined separately in the document 'Coxes Notes' shall be considered as constituting an additional and enforceable part of these rules and regulations, and that crews, including bank parties of novice crews, are expected to have consulted them prior to racing.
  3. That all enquiries regarding these rules and regulations and their application shall be directed to the Fairbairns Secretary, Jesus College Boat Club, at jcbc-fairbairns[at]jesus.cam.ac.uk.
  4. That these rules, and any such other information regarding the organisation and running of the Fairbairn Cup Races may be found at www.fairbairns.com.

Clare Novice Regatta

Summary of rules submitted by the Clare Boat Club Held on the 8th Thursday, 8th Friday and 8th Saturday of the Michaelmas Term. Side-by-side races rowed in eights over an upstream course from the Stump at the end of the Long Reach to Morley's Holt. Entry restricted to those who have never rowed before the first day of that Term.

Emmanuel Sprint Regatta

Rules submitted by the Emmanuel College Boat Club Held on the 7th Saturday of the Michaelmas Term. Side-by-side races open to all classes of boats, rowed over a sprint course from the Stump to the post at the top of the Long Reach.

Robinson Head

Rules submitted by the Robinson College Boat Club Held on the 4th Friday of the Lent Term. A timed (Head) race from the Little Bridge to Peter's Posts, open to all classes of eights.

Newnham Head

Rules submitted by the Newnham College Boat Club Held on the 3rd Saturday of the Lent Term. A timed (Head) race from the Little Bridge above Baitsbite Lock to the Railings, open to all women's eights and men's eights.

Pembroke Regatta

Rules submitted by the Pembroke College Boat Club Held on the 5th Saturday of the Lent Term. Side-by-side races open to all classes of boats, from the Stump at the bottom of the Long Reach to Peter's Posts.

Cardinal Regatta

Rules submitted by the St. Catharine's College Boat Club Held on the 9th Thursday of the Lent Term. Side-by-side racing for mixed fours (two men and two women) over a course from the Stump to the Pink House, with divisions based on rowing experience. Also any other events decided by St. Catharine's College Boat Club.

Second Trinity Challenge Sculls

Rules submitted by the Second Trinity Boat Club Held on the 8th Tuesday of the Lent Term. A timed processional sculling race from the Little Bridge above Baitsbite Lock to Peter's Posts, for two divisions of Senior and Novice scullers respectively. Steering is allowed in both divisions.

CUBC Trial VIIIs

  1. That the Trial VIIIs race(s) be rowed over a course and on a day to be decided by the President.
  2. That Trial Caps be awarded to all members of crews competing in the Trial VIIIs and to members of the Goldie crew.

Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race

Agreement under which the race is rowed:

  1. That the Race be rowed under the ARA Laws of Boat Racing as of 1st January 1958, that is to say that "A boat's proper course is such course as will enable it to reach the winning post in the shortest possible time, provided it allows ample water for every other competing boat to steer its proper course on the side on which such competing boat started, when such competing boat is in a position to enforce its right to such water. Any boat failing to keep to its proper course does so at its peril in the event of a foul occurring", but subject also to the following:
  2. That the Umpire take control at the Toss.
  3. That in the event of bad weather, and the stake-boats being placed in sheltered water, the Umpire instruct the coxswains as to the course to be steered.
  4. That if, before the crews reach the top of the Wall, any serious accident should happen to either boat, which, in the opinion of the Umpire, is not due to the fault of any individual member of the crew, the Umpire have the power to recall and restart the crews.
  5. That if either crew, before reaching the top of the Wall, should in the opinion of the Umpire be so waterlogged through no fault of its own as to be put out of the Race, the Umpire have the power to declare it NO RACE, in which case he shall consult with the Presidents as to when the Race shall be re-rowed.
  6. That if either boat be interfered with by any barge, steamer, or other obstacle to such an extent as, in the opinion of the Umpire, to have a material effect on the Race, the crews shall start again at such a time and place as the Umpire shall decide. If, however, it is impossible to restart at once he shall consult with the Presidents of the two Boat Clubs.
  7. That the Umpire caution the coxswains of the boat out of its proper course if he thinks there is a probability of a foul occurring.
  8. That appeals during the Race to be made by the oarsman or crew concerned holding up his or their hands.
  9. That both boats pass through the centre arches of Hammersmith and Barnes Bridges; the crew failing to comply with this Rule shall be ipso facto disqualified.

Henley Boat Races

The agreement under which the annual boat races are rowed between Oxford University and Cambridge University Men's Lightweight Crews and Women's Lightweight Crews:

  1. The Races shall be rowed on the River Thames at Henley, from the Royal Regatta finish to the mid-point on the Temple Island on a date to be agreed by the Presidents at the time of the Challenge, in conjunction with the Chairman of the Organising Committee.
  2. The Challenge shall be proffered in writing by the President of the previous year's losing University, and shall be made in October preceding the Race.
  3. The conduct of the Race shall be the sole responsibility of the Umpire, who shall be chosen by mutual consent at a meeting of the Organising Committee.
  4. The Umpire shall be responsible for the positioning of the stakeboats which shall not be moved after the Toss for stations has taken place except with the agreement of all parties. (Notwithstanding the fact that the stakeboats may have to be placed after the Toss depending on conditions).
  5. The crews shall be at the Start together five minutes before the time of the Race.
  6. The Umpire shall start each race using the commands in current use by the Amateur Rowing Association, and include calling over the crews and stating the start commands he will use. (F11-12)
  7. If the Umpire or Aligner considers the start false he shall at once recall the crews to their stakeboats by ringing a bell and then by waving a red flag. If a crew refuses to start again or makes or causes two false starts, the Umpire shall disqualify that crew. (F13-14)
  8. A boat's proper course is such as will enable it to reach the winning post in the shortest possible time provided that it allows unobstructed passage for the other crew to steer its proper course on the side on which it started. (F15)
  9. During the Race, each crew shall remain in its own water, not interfere with, nor prevent, the other crew from following its proper course. A crew continuing out of its proper course after due warning may be disqualified by the Umpire. (F15)
  10. The Umpire shall be the sole judge of a boat's proper course. He may call the attention of a crew to its steering only if the crew is about to interfere with or foul the other crew, or if a collision is about to occur, or if disqualification is possible under Rule 9.(F16-17)
  11. When the Umpire warns a crew he shall hold up a white flag vertically, name the crew, and move the flag in the direction in which the boat is to move. When the Umpire stops a Race, he shall ring the bell, hold up a red flag and give the order "Stop". (F18)
  12. Crews shall be responsible for their own steering, and the Umpire shall ensure the crews do not receive any advice or instructions. A crew receiving any extraneous assistance may be disqualified. (F19)
  13. A foul shall be defined as any collision or contact between boats, oars, or persons, unless in the opinion of the Umpire it will not influence the result of the Race. (F20)
  14. Interference shall be defined as conduct by a crew which impedes the progress of the other crew which is in its proper course. A crew shall not be disqualified for interference unless it has been warned in accordance with Rule 10. (F21)
  15. A claim will be made by the coxswain of the crew raising an arm, either at the time of the alleged offence or immediately after the end of the Race, that is to say, as the bows of the boat cross the finish line.
  16. In the event of a serious or deliberate foul the Umpire shall disqualify the offending crew without waiting for a claim. He will do this immediately at the end of the Race. (Note: This means that he will delay his announcement, either in the interests of safety, or to see whether a foul has, in fact, influenced the result of the Race).
  17. The crews shall abide by their accidents, but the Umpire may declare "No Race", and order a restart, or a re-row:
    1. if either crew is interfered with by an outside agency to such an extent as to influence the result of the Race.
    2. if, before reaching the bridge in the Phyllis Court wall, either crew should suffer any serious accident or sinking or water logging. (F23)
  18. A crew has completed the Course when the bows of the boat cross the finish line. If a competitor, other than the coxswain, falls out of the boat the crew will still be placed. If a coxswain falls out of the boat, the crew will be deemed not to have completed the Course. (F27)
  19. The distance by which a crew is declared to have won may be the smallest that can be judged (including consulting photographic records at the finish), and a dead heat should only be given when it is impossible for the finish judges together to see which boat passed the post first. In the event of a dead-heat being declared there will be no re-row and the trophy shared between the crews. (F24, 26)
  20. After the finish the Umpire shall indicate by raising his white flag when both crews have crossed that the Race is in order and no protest has been lodged. If the race is not in order he shall raise his red flag. A crew earlier claiming that the Race had been improperly run must explain its protest to the Umpire again immediately at the finish of the Race. (F25)
  21. Refusal to abide by the decision of the Umpire, which is final and without appeal, or to follow his instructions, shall render a crew liable to disqualification. (G1, G3)
  22. For Men the average weight of a Lightweight crew (excluding coxswain) shall not exceed 70kg. No individual oarsman shall weigh more than 72.5kg. For women the average of a Lightweight crew (excluding coxswain) shall not exceed 57kg. No individual oarswoman shall weigh more than 59kg. (FISA Article 23)
  23. The coxswain for the Men's Lightweight Race shall not weigh less than 55kg, and for all the Women's Races not less than 45kg, and must carry weights in the boat if necessary. It will be the responsibility of that coxswain to provide such weights and they must be carried as near to, but not on, the coxswains person as possible. The coxswains shall be weighed on the day of the race immediately after the Umpire's morning briefing. (FISA Article 17)
  24. "Cox-boxes" and tools shall not count for the minimum weight of a coxswain and may not be used as dead-weight if needed under Rule 23. Life jackets and buoyancy aids are acceptable at the weigh-in being a compulsory part of the coxswain's dress (see Rule 26).
  25. Lightweight crews shall be weighed no earlier than 4 hours nor later than 1 hour before their Race. For weighing the minimum dress shall be underwear. If an oarsman or woman is over the maximum weight then only that person need be re-weighed unless it adversely affects the average of the crew.
  26. Coxswains must wear a life jacket or buoyancy aid in order to comply with the BR Water Safety Code.

Note: Some of the rules are followed by a reference, in italics, to an BR rule or FISA article. These are for reference only; the rule or article referred to may contain additional points not applicable to these rules and vice versa. The rules set out above are the final and only point of regulation for the operation of these races.

Eights Regatta (2021)

Rules of the regatta

The following rules were proposed and passed Nem Con at the Pre-Bumps Captain's meeting on 16th May 2021.

The Regatta will be run subject to Bumps rules and Bumps fines where applicable, with significant changes to accommodate for substitutions and the Regatta format (many thanks to Pembroke for their information regarding Pem Regatta).

For this event only, the rules below will be in force. If there is a contradiction between the below rules and Bumps rules, the below rules should be read as true.

  1. The Regatta will be raced from a standing start between the Stump at the bottom of the Long Reach and Peter's Posts. These will be indicated by flags on the bank.
    1. The length of the course is approximately 1100m. The course may be shortened at the chief umpire's discretion should a houseboat or other such obstacle present itself on the course.
    2. The race fee will be £50, reduced to £25 if, for any reason, a crew only races the GoR.
    3. Full refunds will be provided for crews who scratch before the GoR due to COVID-19 isolation.
    4. The regatta will run from ***21st - 24th June***
  2. A Getting-On race will be run before the regatta to seed crews into appropriate divisions.
    1. The length of the GoR will be the length of the Regatta course.
    2. The GoR will be run on ***20th June***
    3. Crews who opt only to race in GoR, or in the situation the regatta is oversubscribed, will be refunded half the entrance fee.
    4. There is no 12-outing requirement however crews must be able to competently race and steer, under penalty of disqualification at GoR without half-refund.
  3. A Swiss-system tournament is to be used within each division. Each crew will race once a day, unless their opponent scratches.
    1. Races on the first day will be seeded
      1. The subsequent days' race pairings will be based upon the previous day's race results whereby winners will race winners and losers race losers.
      2. Further particulars regarding race pairing will be released after entries close, in order to accommodate as many racing crews as we can.
    2. The division winner is determined by the crew winning all their races.
    3. Prizes will be awarded to winning crews in each Division. The winner of the top senior and top novice division will be the overall winner for senior/novices.
    4. University medals will be awarded to the winners of the 1st Senior Divisions.
  4. There will be 10 divisions, subdivided by gender and novice/senior crews, and we will aim to accommodate as many crews as we can.
    1. Any extra slots in mixed categories will be fairly allocated to Men/Women according to the number of entries.
      1. A Mixed crew is defined as one with a maximum of 4 male rowers.
    2. Should it be the case that crew entrants exceed the maximum number of races able to be run, qualifications will be based upon GoR time.
    3. Each college will have automatic entitlement to a senior and novice crew of each gender entered. All crews must however race the GoR.
  5. Racing
    1. Crews will be started by the call "Attention" and then "Go".
    2. If the Start umpire judges both crews to be straight and ready then, at their discretion, they may choose to call "Attention, Go" without waiting for both coxes to indicate that they are ready, in the interests of not delaying race proceedings.
      1. Crews which are late to the start, or who take an unnecessary amount of time to get ready at the start, will be awarded a false start.
    3. Umpires will be present at the start and at the finish, and a Race Umpire will cycle alongside each pair of racing crews. Crews must obey the instructions of the Umpires.
    4. The race umpire will cycle alongside the bow ball of the winning crew. Bank parties must not obstruct the race umpire.
    5. In the interests of safety, bank parties are restricted to two persons on bicycles. The use of loud hailers is prohibited.
    6. A crew will be disqualified from that race after its second false start in the same race.
    7. Boats will race side-by-side and must keep to their station throughout the race, irrespective of the position of the opposition. If a boat moves to take the opposition's water it will be warned to move back on station by the Race Umpire who will blow their whistle for a short burst (1 time for a first offence, 2 times for a second offence, etc.) and shout the name of the offending crew, or both crews. The crew(s) in question must act on this warning or they will be considered for disqualification at the end of the race, either following the third offence or following a more significant single offence.
    8. Unless unsafe to do so, boats must continue rowing until well past the finish line. The emergency stop signal from the Race Umpire will be continuous whistling, usually followed by sirens from static umpires.
    9. Subject to disqualification, the boat whose bow ball passes the finish line first will be declared the winner. A dead heat may be awarded at the Finish umpire's discretion. This will result in a re-row, which will be incorporated into the next division of races.
    10. The decision by the Finish Umpire is final and appeals to the decision by the Finish Umpire will not be entertained.
    11. Should a race require to be stopped, the race will be re-run with both crews starting from the same position.
  6. Substitutions
    1. In the spirit of sportsmanship in consecutive-day racing, all entrants agree to keeping crew compositions the same wherever possible
    2. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and examination periods, the requirements for subs will be massively relaxed
    3. Standard Bumps restrictions apply (e.g. rowers may only row once daily) with the addition of:
      1. Members of one club may sub into another, providing that the receiving club crew is the lowest crew fielded and no individual from the receiving club is available.
      2. In the event of self-isolation and exams, subs will be granted however an email acknowledgement of substitution must be received from CUCBC
      3. Novices may race more than once daily, only in order to sub into their senior lowest division and fill an eight.
      4. There will be no restrictions on requesting a substitution, irrespective of crew and division.
    4. All substitutions must be approved by CUCBC, with an email to committee@cucbc.org stating division, crew, individuals subbed in, individuals subbed out. The threshold for CUCBC to approve a sub will be extremely low; captains should expect the vast majority of these to be approved.
  7. All crews must adhere to the marshalling plan and the instructions of marshals and umpires.
  8. All clubs must provide marshals, the number of whom will be determined by the number of entrants.
  9. All novice coxes must attend a novice cox briefing. A novice cox is defined as one who has not coxed a regatta previously. Senior coxes may also attend if they wish.
  10. We request that all members who have sufficient racing experience volunteer to umpire this event, otherwise races and/or divisions might have to be reduced due to lack of umpires.
AttachmentSize
June Eights Regatta Rules.pdf64.41 KB

Flag

The Flag is set by the CUCBC Executive Committee to instruct as to which crews may boat given the current river conditions (wind, stream, fog etc.). For the early morning periods, a preemptive flag will be set the night before based upon the weather forecast and will be reviewed the next morning prior to lighting down. Outside of Full Term the flag is not operational.

Cambridge Blue FlagThe flag is currently Cambridge Blue
Changed 2024-03-29 00:05:35

The current Flag status is displayed on the CUCBC Website (at the top) and can also be accessed on a WAP phone (http://m.cucbc.org/). Please note that a 'physical' flag will no longer be flown above Goldie Boathouse.

» Flag Outlook

Flag State Restriction
Green Green There are no restrictions on which crews may boat.
Yellow Yellow

Boating is restricted to University crews, first VIIIs and tub pairs. During Lent Term, any VIIIs in the first or second division of the Lent Bumps may boat. During Easter Term, any VIIIs in the first or second division of the May Bumps may boat.

Members of crews permitted to boat under a Yellow Flag may do so in fours or small boats (i.e. single and double sculls and pairs) with the express permission of the Club Captain and/or Boatman.

Red/Yellow Red/Yellow The river is closed, except to tub pairs between Jesus Lock and Chesterton and University crews with the express permission of their Head Coach.
Red Red The river is closed to all crews.

N.B. Where the Flag permits a given crew to boat (i.e. green or yellow flag), the final decision lies with the cox and coach as to whether that crew is able to handle the conditions and thus whether boating is appropriate.

Where the Yellow Flag is set due to fog, all crews are expected to carry white lights on the bow and stern, even during daylight hours.

Flag Guidelines

A yellow flag will be set at 22.00 hours in preparation for the following morning if, based on the Meteorological Office Cambridge forecast:

At the later of lighting down minus 30 minutes or 06.00 hours, the yellow flag will be confirmed for two hours or lowered. There will be no strict criteria for this as the decision will be taken based on personal observation of conditions at the river. However, suggested guidelines are that the flag should continue to be raised if:

A red flag will be raised if conditions are unrowable, such as completely frozen or if the water level has risen 1.5 metres or more or if ice exceeds 1 mm thick more than 2 metres from the bank.

River Levels: Bait's Bite;  Jesus Green.

Early Morning Traffic Restrictions

  1. That the CUCBC Executive Committee shall introduce restrictions on the number of boats that may be on the water between Lighting Down and 0830hrs on Mondays to Fridays and during the first 15 minutes after the allowed boating time on Saturdays and Sundays in Full Michaelmas and Lent Term as necessary.
  2. That from the date on which restrictions are introduced until further notice, at the discretion of the CUCBC Executive Committee, either
    1. Each Club will only be permitted to have two boats (including IVs and VIIIs, but not counting singles, pairs or tub pairs) on the river at any one time in the restricted period on Mondays to Fridays, or
    2. Only first eights and boats in the 1st Lents Division may boat within the first 15 minutes after Lighting Down or after the allowed boating time on Saturdays and Sundays. All other crews may boat 15 minutes after Lighting Down.
  3. That fines for a breach of this rule will accrue to the Club, rather than the crew concerned and that any club in breach of this rule will be fined £50 for a first offence, £100 for a second offence, a training ban of one week for the whole club for a third offence and disqualification of the whole club from all events organised or insured by CUCBC (including College Regattas and Lent Bumps) in that Term for any subsequent offences.
  4. That the normal appeal procedures will apply to penalties incurred as a result of breaching these rules.
  5. During the Lent Term, and in addition to any other restrictions the CUCBC Executive Committee may introduce, fours or eights boating on weekday mornings must not spin before Baitsbite Lock in the 15 minute period after Lighting Down. Boats wanting to spin at the Penny Ferry or on the Long Reach may only do so from 15 minutes after Lighting Down.
  6. During the Lent Term all crews must maintain full slide, full crew rowing until Chesterton footbridge, where they may begin exercises providing they allow room for other crews to overtake. This will apply in the 15 minutes after Lighting Down only.

The existing rules relating to novice boating time (0730hrs) and noise remain in force.

Safety Regulations

  1. That each College Boat Club and each Women's and Men's Captain be required to have a copy of this Handbook for general reference. Further copies are available from the Hon. Secretary of the CUCBC. Any Club not in possession of three copies of this Handbook, a BR RowSafe Booklet/poster and displaying a Ten Golden Rules Poster renders itself liable to a fine.
  2. That all coxes must wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid, as approved by British Rowing, which is to be worn over the top of all other garments.
  3. That each College Boat Club appoint a Safety Officer and that his or her name be notified to the Secretary of the CUCBC and the CUCBC Safety Advisor at the start of each academical year.
  4. That each Club's Safety Officer must submit a written statement to the CUCBC at the start of each academical year confirming the following information:
    1. The appropriate third party insurance cover is in place for the Club. NB. It should be noted NO crew or individual from the Club will be allowed to boat when they return for the start of the Michaelmas Term until and unless confirmation that a valid insurance policy is in place has been received.
    2. Contact information for the Club's Safety Officer and Senior Treasurer.
    3. That the Club has a detailed list of the boats it operates, and that each boat conforms to current BR regulations in respect of bow balls, footplates, heel-restraints, registration and buoyancy. [NB. All boats purchased since 30 April 2003 must have inbuilt buoyancy, as defined by British Rowing. Any boats that do not have inbuilt buoyancy must have it added unless they will NOT be used off Cam, in which case it is advised. Clubs should consult the CUCBC Safety Adviser for guidance on this matter.]
    4. That each rower in the Club has signed an individual statement clearly specifying their ability to swim a minimum of 50m.
    5. That the Club has a recording system in place for the number of outings undertaken by each crew to ensure that all crews meet the CUCBC twelve outing requirement (Regulations for Racing, Rule 18.a).
    6. That the Club has copies of Ten Golden Rules Poster on display in its Boathouse and that the Coaching Principles document has been distributed to all coaches.
    1. That any Club that has failed to submit the written statement referred to above by the end of Week 4 of the Michaelmas Term will be banned from using the river until the CUCBC Safety Adviser has confirmed receipt of the statement from the club concerned.
    2. That any club that has failed to complete and return the BR Annual Safety Audit by the due date will be banned from all CUCBC events (including the Lent and May Bumping Races) until confirmation has been received from BR that the audit has been completed and submitted.
  5. That every boat display its BR alphanumeric registration code on both sides of the boat, as defined in the following BR rule: The Boat ID must be a three letter code, together with a three digit fleet number (including zeros) as determined by the club. (e.g. CUB802). Lettering shall be in capitals, in a regular sans serif (Arial-style) font, with a minimum height 6cm and clearly readable (in a contrasting colour) on both port and starboard bow saxboard or vertical surface. Failure to do this may result in the disqualification of the boat from racing, at the discretion of the Chief Umpire.
  6. That all boats (except tub pairs for coaching purposes) be obliged to carry, securely affixed to the bows, a solid ball of rubber or material of similar consistency with diameter of not less than four centimetres. This protection may be afforded by a specially shaped bow of suitable material.
    1. That the definition of a restricted boat be as in the BR handbook.
    2. That a clinker-built boat be defined as one with not fewer than five strakes a side, none of which shall exceed four and a half inches (outside measurement).
  7. That all College Boat Clubs must have a valid insurance policy to cover bodily injury to third parties and their craft to the level currently recommended by the Environment Agency; all club craft must also be registered as required by the River Cam Conservancy.

Policy on Safety and Courtesy

Safety

The CUCBC regards safety on the river as a matter of prime importance and will do everything possible to maintain safety on that portion of the River Cam used for college rowing.

The CUCBC endorses the water safety policy and practice of British Rowing and requires that those rowing on the Cam adopt the guidance rules in the BR RowSafe guide. These booklets have been issued to all College Boat Clubs and clubs are required to make the rules known to club members. Further copies are available from BR.

Each club must appoint a Safety Officer whose name must be notified to the Secretary of the CUCBC and the CUCBC Safety Advisor. BR requires clubs to complete an annual Water Safety Audit and submit it to the Association. Any club failing to complete and return the Safety Audit to BR (copied to the CUCBC Safety Advisor) by the due date will be banned from all events on the River Cam until confirmation has been received that the Safety Audit has been submitted.

The CUCBC has published a set of Ten Rules, particularly applicable to rowing on the River Cam and has made these widely available.

Courtesy

All members of College Boat Clubs are reminded that rowing is a sport in which high standards of behaviour and courtesy are expected and particularly so within a University setting.

Members are reminded that the River Cam is used for a wide variety of recreational interests and that, particularly in view of the congestion which exists between Baitsbite and Jesus Lock, they should show courtesy to all those using the area.

The CUCBC will not tolerate bad behaviour on either the river itself or on the towpath, either by crews, coaches or supporters. It hopes that good sense will prevail in this respect, but if not, will apply penalties to individuals or clubs that offend.

Guidelines for Coxes and Coaches

In addition to the guidelines set out in this section, all coxes and coaches should be familiar with

You may also find useful the Map of the River. All College coxes should subscribe to the CUCBC Coxes' Mailing List to which important announcements including river closures and changes to the flag status will be sent. Coxing Resources:

Coaching Resources:

Action to be Taken In Case of Collision With Moored Craft

Narrow Boats

Should a sculling or rowing boat come into contact with a moored narrow boat, the following procedure should be used to ensure the minimum risk of damage to either craft:
  1. Immediately easy and back water with the free blade(s).
  2. Back down with the stern most oars/sculls on the opposite side from the side of contact with the narrow boat.
  3. When clear, paddle on with the bowmost oars/sculls, drawing in the sternmost oars/sculls on the side closest to the moored boat.
  4. Should it be necessary to push off from the hull of the moored boat, use oar/scull blade tips against the BLACK painted side of the moored craft’s lower hull ABOVE the waterline.

GRP Cruisers

Should a sculling or rowing boat come into contact with a moored GRP Cruiser, use the same procedure as above but, should it be necessary to push off from the hull of the moored boat:
  1. Push of from the cruiser’s fenders or rubbing strakes or, if this is not possible
  2. Push off ABOVE the waterline so as not to remove antifouling paint below the waterline. [NB: This is a change to previous practice and is to enable the craft’s owner to see any slight scratches and deal with them as part of normal maintenance. Scratches and breaks in a boat’s anti-foul coating BELOW the waterline may remain unnoticed and can lead to much greater problems over time.]

Courtesy

Remember that courtesy costs nothing and, should the boat owner be aboard if and when a collision occurs, an apology should be offered at once. Your priority will be to disengage safely and without causing damage, but an apology will diffuse tension and go along way to creating good relationships between all sectors of the river-using community.

Code of Conduct for Anglers & Rowers

This code is endorsed by the Cambridge University Combined Boat Clubs (CUCBC), the Cambridgeshire Rowing Association (CRA) and the Cambridge Fish Preservation & Angling Society Ltd (CFPAS). It is essential that every Association, Club and Society Member should abide by the spirit of this Code, which is intended to promote the greater safe enjoyment of the river amenity so as not to unduly disrupt or disturb others appreciating the facility.
  1. Courtesy is required between all the parties. Should any dispute arise and it becomes necessary for the parent clubs to intervene, anglers and rowers should exchange names and club membership and refer the dispute details to their respective parent body.
  2. The Angling Society will publish dates of the main rowing events and will endeavour to ensure that no fishing will take place between the Pike & Eel and Baits Bite Lock on the published dates. Pleasure fishing on those dates should be reduced.
  3. The Rowing Association / CUCBC will publish dates of the main fishing matches and will endeavour to ensure that no rowing takes place during the times of the fishing matches which will normally be between 10.30am to 3.30pm unless otherwise stated and 9.00am until 1.00pm for the Junior Angling Tournaments. The Angling Society should advise when major or national matches are taking place and in these cases rowers will be advised of the particular importance to avoid these times.
  4. Rowers are asked to keep outings below Baits Bite Lock to a minimum. They should be especially aware of anglers and should check for any fishing matches. See special note below.
  5. Rowing coaches are asked to ensure that they do not halt crews for instruction purposes immediately adjacent to anglers. Anglers in turn should avoid swims adjacent to recognised starting and finishing posts.
  6. Subject to the river conditions and being clear of obstructions, crews are asked not to turn boats immediately opposite anglers.
  7. All parties to be mindful of the peace and quiet enjoyed by residents on or close to the river.
  8. All parties to show consideration to other water users and to the public using the hailing way.
  9. The hailing way must not be blocked by fishing tackle or rowing equipment. Parking of trailers or vehicles adjacent to the hailing way should be carried out with respect to other river users.
  10. It is important for all river users to understand how narrow the river is in places. At some points it is barely possible for two eights to pass each other safely particularly near moorings. Rowers are asked to make every effort to avoid fishing lines but anglers must be aware of their difficulty and be prepared to move their tackle to avoid damage. Roach poles are of particular concern and anglers should lift these in good time when rowers approach.
BELOW BAITS BITE LOCK:
  1. Permission to row below the lock is restricted to first boats and boats in the top two divisions of the May Bumps only.
  2. In the Michaelmas and Lent terms no CUCBC boat will go down below the lock from 8.30am to 1.00pm or after 4.30pm on any weekday.

Code of Practice for Coaches

Purpose:

The purpose of this Code of Practice is to maximise the capacity on the river and to ensure that every crew has the best opportunity to train.

Guiding Principles:

  1. Traffic on the river remains safe for all users at all times.
  2. It is more important for a crew to row than a coach to talk.
  3. Do not hold up other crews.
  4. Take care and be aware of single scullers, Town crews and other river users.

Above Chesterton (Downstream or Upstream, before 0900hrs and at any time when the river is busy - common sense defines this):

  1. Unless required for safety, no rowing with fewer than 4 rowers at a time in an eight, roll the changes rather than stop/start, and at a minimum of half slide.
  2. Increase boat speed (via increasing number of rowers, or pressure up to half pressure) as needed in front of other crews.

Chesterton to Penny Ferry (Pike and Eel) (Downstream or Upstream):

  1. Keep moving through this stretch of water, but expect to merge with upstream crews spinning at the pub.

Penny Ferry (Pike and Eel) to Ditton, Ditton to Bovis (Motorway) Bridge (Downstream or Upstrteam):

  1. Treat this as the main 'course' for crews.
  2. No rowing other than continuously with full crew, unless not safe to do so, or of doing standing starts.
  3. Standing starts, and their practise, may be done provided that others are not impeded.
  4. No stopping other than at Ditton to spin, to fit in with traffic or to maintain safety; if spinning, do so near the post at the bottom of the Reach, and do not join a line of crew spinning all the way up the Reach - wait your turn at the bottom!
  5. Expect other crews to be rowing at speed, especially upstream, and do your utmost not to obstruct them.
  6. Respect other crews that simply cannot go any faster but do their best to maintain the flow.
  7. Obey relevant rules re overtaking, pulling in to the bank to give way etc. (See Rules of the River).
  8. If coaches wish to talk to crews at Ditton, which is often unecessary, pull into the bank to do so and do not create an obstruction to moving crews; do not stop and talk elsewhere on the river other than below the Little Bridge.

Ditton Corner:

  1. Expect crews to be spinning just upstream of the corner.
  2. Once spun, pull into the bank to talk/rest, or move off promptly. Don't just sit stationary in the river!

Bovis (Motorway) Bridge to Baitsbite Lock:

  1. (Downstream) Expect to find crews spinning below the slight corner so reduce speed to suit.
  2. (Upstream) Expect to find crews assembling near the Little Bridge for upstream pieces. Such crews to move off as soon as possible without long instructions from the bank. A reasonable delay to allow a slower crew to get ahead is acceptable.

Coxing Guidelines

A concise guide to coxing with particular reference to the river Cam.

The Role of the Cox

Apart from the first outings of a novice cox, the cox (and not the coach or anyone else) is in charge of the crew and ultimately responsible for what it does. This includes:
  • Keeping your crew safe at all times obeying the rules of the river.
  • Maintaining complete control in the boat.
  • Coaching the crew and improve the standard of rowing.
  • Running the race: motivating, setting tactics and getting the best out of your crew.
  • Steering a good course.
A good cox is one who discusses issues with their coach, however simple or complicated the question may be. The best way to cox is to be a coach in the boat and inspire confidence. The only way to do this is to listen, reinforce what the coaches say and question. Most coaches are oarsmen and don't think about spending time coaching coxes. If you make the effort you will learn, your coxing will improve and your crew will respect you.

Safety

Safety is unfortunately now a prominent issue, highlighted by recent inept coxing putting people's lives in danger. It is very simple to avoid accidents - keep control and don't bow to pressure from over-aggressive rowers.
  • Safety is the prime concern of the cox. This is true whatever the situation -- a race, the bumps or an outing. If a situation is dangerous, STOP. If this is in a race, it will be re-run.
  • It is your responsibility to know the rules of the river and you are legally bound if the crew is involved in an accident.

Commands

Your commands are for all the crew to hear. They must be clear, concise and useful. The aim is to tell the crew what the situation is, what they are going to do about it and when they are going to do it. Make sure you and the crew understand what your commands mean. Discuss commands on land and ensure that there is no uncertainty. This is especially important before your first outing -- you must know what to say to start rowing, stop and steer. Not only is this very important for safety, it stops you losing respect by not knowing what to say. The way in which you give commands makes a huge difference:
  • Voice Quality: This can be varied if you have a cox-box. For novices this is unlikely so you need to develop a way of shouting so you can be heard. Try to project your voice as opposed to shouting straight into your stroke's body.
  • Rhythm: Helps the crew achieve their own rhythm. It is very important to emphasise the rhythm you want the crew to achieve by the timing of your commands (e.g. command same length as stroke in water).
  • Timing: give your commands at a similar point in the stroke, and appropriate to how and when you want the crew to react. Tell them what they are going to do and ensure that they do it when you say `Go'. This is often at the finish.

Races

Know as much about the crew as possible -- their strengths and weaknesses, where problems will arise and how to overcome them. This is crucial to your role in a race, and can make all the difference between winning and losing.
  • Encourage the crew. You are trying to get them to go through a lot of pain and it makes a big difference if you are giving them goals to achieve and telling them that they're doing well.
  • Tell your crew exactly what is happening the whole time. If you are going to hit the bank tell them. In a race, if you are two lengths up or down on the other boat tell them that -- if you lie they'll hate you afterwards.

Steering

The Cam is not a river that lends itself to convenient rowing due to its narrowness and sharp bends. Familiarise yourself with the map of the river. Especially dangerous corners are:
  • The Road Bridge (Queen Elizabeth Way)
  • Chesterton (Green Dragon)
  • Ditton
  • Grassy
You must keep close to your side of the river and be ready to easy and hold the boat up quickly.You may find it difficult to get round using the rudder alone if you are going slowly. Use `2 and 4', or `Bow and 3' to take the boat round. Do not stray to the other side of the river -- fast crews may be coming up.
  • Pushing away from you on the right string makes you go right, pulling the right makes you go left. Remember that the boat pivots about a point roughly in the middle of the boat, so the stern will swing out as you turn.
  • The rudder acts as a brake. The one sided braking turns the boat. It also makes the boat lean. This slows and unbalances the boat -- try to use it only when the blades are in the water (though this is impossible on some corners).
  • Feel for the delay between steering and it taking effect. Learn to anticipate. Anticipation is the mark of a good cox. Be aware of other crews around you, anticipating what they may do. The cox needs to observe a long distance ahead (cf. good driving).
  • Watch for the wind: clever coxing can anticipate the wind pushing the boat off course. You may often find that you have to steer a compensating course(i.e. pointing away from the bank to keep moving parallel to it).
  • Don't lean your own body weight from side to side when steering (or lean out to see where you're going). You must keep your body weight central and steady in the boat.
The most important rules relevant to coxing are:
  • Keep to the right: except in the Gut and Plough Reach where you keep to the left. Boats going downstream give way to those coming upstream, especially when crossing over.
  • Spinning: Look before you give the command, never just because the coach says so. Never spin where it is dangerous, e.g. corners, when a crew is close behind and never in The Gut
  • Overtaking: As with spinning, look and decide whether it is safe. Always ask to `come by' before overtaking.
  • Easying: Always give way to faster crews; draw into the bank if necessary. The river is very narrow and you will often need to draw your blades right in. This is possible, you won't capsize but you will need to do it very quickly. Make sure your crew is aware of this in advance.
  • Anglers: treat with courtesy -- avoid their lines and don't easy next to them.

Coxing Bumps Races

Available below are the coxes' presentations given to all competing coxes prior to Bumps races.

AttachmentSize
Senior Coxes' Presentaion - those who have coxed Bumps before900.74 KB
Novice Coxes' Presentaion - never coxed Bumps before1.16 MB

Regulations and Information for Captains and Water Safety Officers

All Captains and Water Safety Officers should be familiar with

For Club Captains:

For Safety Officers:

You may also find useful the Map of the River.

CUCBC Constitution

  1. That the name of the body shall be the Cambridge University Combined Boat Clubs.
  2. That the objects of the body shall be:
    1. To promote the safe use of the Cam between Jesus Lock and Bottisham Lock by the University and College Clubs and to encourage courtesy to other river users.
    2. To define and organise races between the College Crews. Such events should be in the best interests of the development of Cambridge College rowing and should take into account the wishes of the College Clubs.
    3. To represent University and College rowing interests and such other matters relating to the Cam and subsequently the Cambridge Rowing Lake as shall be decided at general meetings.
  3. That the CUCBC shall be composed of the Captains of each of the constituent College Men's and Women's Boat Clubs together with the four Presidents and four Vice-Presidents of the University Club, the Honorary Secretary, the Coxswains' Representative, and the two Student Secretaries of the University Boat Club.
  4. That at the beginning of the Michaelmas Term, the Secretary, or another officer of each College Boat Club, shall send to the Secretary of the CUCBC the names of all the officers of his/her club, with postal and e-mail addresses and telephone numbers.

Officers

  1. That the officers of the CUCBC shall be:
    1. Between four and six senior members of the University rowing community. These would typically be members of College, or University fellowship or staff with an active interest in and knowledge of College rowing and Cam-related issues. These officers should serve for a renewable period of three years and should be appointed by the existing senior members. They should elect from among themselves, one person to act as CUCBC Chairman, one as CUCBC Senior Treasurer and one as CUCBC Safety Advisor.
    2. An Honorary Secretary, elected annually by single vote at the Captains at the May Bumps Captains' meeting. Any member of the College Boat Clubs in statu pupillari may stand for election by submitting a manifesto to the present Honorary Secretary not less than 48 hours before the election.
    3. One bona fide in statu pupillari member from the University Boat Club. This would currently be the CUBC Administrative Secretary, but this could be changed by a duly convened meeting of the University Boat Club.
    4. The Coxswains' Representative, elected annually at the May Bumps meetings by the coxswains of the College Boat Clubs. Any member of the College Boat Clubs in statu pupillari may stand for election by submitting a manifesto to the present Honorary Secretary not less than 48 hours before the election.
    1. That there be an Executive Committee comprising of the Chairman, the CUCBC Honorary Secretary, the Coxswains' Representative and the two Student Secretaries of the University Boat Club. This Committee shall have responsibility for organising College rowing on the Cam and shall be led by the CUCBC Honorary Secretary who is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the committee, College rowing on the River Cam and the organisation of races by the CUCBC.
    2. That there be a Senior Committee comprising the senior members of the CUCBC. This Committee shall have responsibility for discussions and recommendations relating to strategic and longer-term issues affecting College and University rowing on the Cam, and interactions with other official bodies (including, but not restricted to, the CRA, British Rowing, Cam Conservancy, CFPAS, local councils, police, University authorities). This Committee should meet on a regular termly basis, in advance of the main Captains' meeting of the term, and otherwise as necessary. The CUCBC Secretary should also normally attend these meetings.
    1. That the Officers of the body shall have the right to co-opt, for individual committee meetings or for a period, such advisors as shall appear desirable to further the objectives of the CUCBC
    2. A Junior Treasurer should be co-opted annually [in the Easter Term] who shall be responsible for the day-to-day administration of the accounts, preparation of the budget (with the Senior Treasurer) and billing the constituent clubs.
    3. One or more Events Secretaries shall be co-opted annually [in the Easter Term] to facilitate the organisation of races by the CUCBC and the constituent clubs.
    4. An internet secretary should be co-opted annually [in the Easter Term] to maintain the CUCBC website and the e-mail lists.

Meetings

  1. That there shall be a general meeting of the CUCBC during the first two weeks of each term to which all members shall be invited. The meeting at the beginning of the Michaelmas term shall be an Annual General Meeting at which the accounts for the previous years shall be presented and approved and the names of the Officers who have been elected or appointed shall be announced and approved.
  2. That other general meetings of the CUCBC may be convened as often as business shall require and the Secretary of the CUCBC shall give at least two days' notice of such meetings. A meeting shall be called if the Chairman is requested, in writing, to call one by at least fifteen College Captains.
  3. That no business shall be conducted unless there be at least fifteen members present excluding the Chairman. Each College Club shall have one vote for each of its Men's and Women's Clubs. The Chairman shall have a vote and a further casting vote at such meetings. That, on a proposal from the Officers, the Chairman may decree that a vote which would substantially affect the rules or regulations shall require a 67% vote of those present to be passed rather than the simple majority which will apply to other votes. The members of the Senior Committee shall only exercise their votes in the event that a matter of general concern to the good of the University is being discussed.
  4. That the Secretary enter an account of all business transacted at meetings of the CUCBC in a Minute book and that at the opening of every meeting the minutes of the previous meeting, either pre-circulated to all members or read at the meeting, shall be approved.
  5. That the committee or any person intending to bring forward a motion at a general meeting shall ensure that a copy of the motion be given to the Secretary at least three days before a meeting and the Secretary shall ensure that all such motions are circulated with notice of the meeting.

Responsibilities

  1. That the CUCBC shall be responsible for the following matters:
    1. Rules of the River
      1. all such rules on this stretch of the Cam as shall apply to University and College rowing boats, within the framework of the British Rowing rules and the Bye-laws laid down by the Conservators of the River Cam.
      2. in making these rules the CUCBC shall be cognisant of the special needs of University Crews (using University Blades) who are preparing for their responsibility to beat Oxford University. Such University crews shall ensure that, notwithstanding their special training needs, they use the Cam with safety as their prime responsibility.
      3. the penalties for failing to adhere to the rules shall be defined by the CUCBC. Such penalties shall be imposed by the CUCBC Officers through the medium of the Executive Committee. Any club so penalised shall have the right of written and verbal appeal to the Senior Committee, at least three of whose members should convene to decide the appeal (not including the Chief Umpire, if this person is a Committee members, should a conflict of interest arise during CUCBC races), whose decisions on such matters shall be final.
    2. Inter-College Competitive events
      1. rules for and eligibility to row in all events organised by the CUCBC.
      2. approval for the organisation of and the overseeing of events organised by College Clubs, including specifically matters of safety and river closure (in consultation with other river users).
      3. arrangements for the financing of the CUCBC organised races and approval for the entry fees for events organised by Colleges.
    3. Representation of University and College rowing interests in any such matters as shall be defined by the members in general meeting, with particular but not exclusive reference to matters concerned with the Cam and subsequently and additionally the Rowing Lake.

Finances

  1. That the CUCBC shall cause to be opened a specific bank account into which subscriptions, entry fees and fines shall be paid and from which the charges relating solely to control and safety of rowing and events on the Cam shall be met. The Senior Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring that appropriate budgets and accounts shall be established and that the accounts be audited in accordance with University requirements.
  2. That the funding of the CUCBC shall be by such Club subscriptions, entry fees for CUCBC events and fines as shall be agreed at the Annual General Meeting for that year.
  3. That the CUCBC Secretary or such other Official as shall be defined, send out accounts for the previous term dues at the beginning of each term.
  4. That Clubs which have outstanding dues or have not paid their current entry fees by the published date shall be ineligible to compete in CUCBC run races.
  5. That the Senior Treasurer shall, through the Committee, advise the CUCBC on the financial state of the organisation when so required and propose any reserves to be retained. Any funds available at the end of the year and reported to the Annual General Meeting to be surplus to reserves shall be allocated as agreed by the Meeting. To this end a proposal shall be circulated to the Committee prior to the Annual General Meeting.

Rule Changes

  1. That amendments and additions to this Constitution (and the Rules of the River and regulations for Racing) may be made by means of a majority decision at a properly convened general meeting of the CUCBC, save that no amendment to any clause in paragraphs 1 to 19 of the Constitution shall be valid without the prior written approval of the Senior Committee, which approval shall not be withheld without good reason.

Alphanumeric Registration Codes

The CUCBC defines the alphanumeric registration codes as being comprised of two or three letters, identifying the club to which the boat belongs, followed by a number such as to form a unique sequence for each boat. The following is a list of the letter codes to be used by each boat club.

Code Club
AD Addenbrooke's
CCA Anglia Ruskin
CAI Caius
CCO Christ's
CLA Clare
CLH Clare Hall
COR Corpus Christi
CHU Churchill
DAW Darwin
DOW Downing
ED St. Edmund's
EMM Emmanuel
FIT Fitzwilliam
GIR Girton
HOM Homerton
HU Hughes Hall
JEC Jesus
KCB King's
LC Lucy Cavendish
LMB Lady Margaret
MGD Magdalene
NEH New Hall
NNM Newnham
PEM Pembroke
PBC Peterhouse
QCC Queens'
ROC Robinson
SCC St. Catharine's
SEL Selwyn
SID Sidney Sussex
TC Theological Colleges
TRH Trinity Hall
FTT First & Third Trinity
VS Vet School
WOC Wolfson
CUB CUBC
CUW CUWBC
CUL CULRC