behindtheshed
Billy Sheehan (19)
my apologies, after checking the aagps code of conduct you are indeed correct. However the code of conduct does say "unfair or illegal tactics to gain an advantage should never be used". Due to the ambiguous nature of the statement i guess a debate could be made either way. However I agree with LR with regards to the 'gentlemen's agreement', and club rowing, boys who make the effort to go outside of school concurrently with their winter support should be commended.
Indeed! I agree with both of you, LR and John. There's nothing illegal or unfair because every school has its shed and every school decides how they will approach the season; if Scots decides to open their shed for a bit of sculling, well New has it within their power to do the same. If Joeys want something for boys to do on a Sunday morning, so equally does Riverview.
It would be different if boys were asked to make a choice between winter rowing training and a competitive sport; or if trials took place while winter sport was still underway. The boys who really do want to get an edge (individually) are already rowing at club level.
And just in case there is an assumption that it's the top rowers trying to secure a place in their 1st VIII, I know it ain't necessarily so: in many cases boys are doing extra weights, water training and ergs in addition to their rugby, soccer or cross country so that they will scrape in and get their butt in a boat.