Competitors

Rules & Guidelines

It is the responsibility of Coaches and Athletes to be familiar with Regatta Rules and Guidelines for Entry and Racing at HOCR.

A PDF Version of the Rule Book w/ Maps will be available later this year

  • 4.5. Points Trophies:

    Two points trophies are awarded annually.

    (A) Metropolitan District Commission: Presented to the Massachusetts high school that posts the most competitive time in Youth Fours or Youth Eights.

    (B) Regatta Point Trophy: Presented to the club, school, college or university that demonstrates overall rowing supremacy by compiling the highest number of points in sweep-oared events.

    8.3. Coxswain’s Clinic:

    All coxswains and scullers are strongly advised to attend the Coxswain’s Clinics.

    9.10. Wet Launching:

    Added the ability to launch from the boathouses with permission (members and invited guests)

    11.6. Start Line Approach:

    Added new penalty type for crews not following instructions, causing a delay of racing; tiers so that minor delays aren’t a big penalty, but persistent infractions are more severe

    Separated passing before the BU bridge to its own rule since on the course, not part of the start line approach

    12.5. Arches:

    During racing, boats must pass through the arches designated in the Bridge Traffic Guide diagram. Going through the right arch (closest to the Cambridge shore) of the BU Railroad Trestle Bridge, the Lars Anderson Bridge (by Harvard’s Weld Boathouse), or through any bridge’s left arch (closest to the Boston shore), will result in a 60-second Arch Violation penalty in addition to any buoy violations incurred by doing so.

    12.9. Passing a Crew From Another Event:

    A crew or sculler who is being overtaken by a boat from the next event must yield the racing line and move to the outside of the racing line while staying on the race course. Causing a safety issue or a collision will result in disqualification of the crew being overtaken from this regatta and potentially barred from future regattas in addition to any other penalties incurred from their actions.

    12.12. Penalty Reporting:

    Assessed penalties will be displayed in the Penalty Column of the results on RegattaCentral. The number indicates the Umpire Station that assessed the penalty, followed by the penalty type and number, where applicable.

    • FB – First buoy 
    • BO – Buoy orange (quantity if greater than 1)
    • BW – Buoy white (quantity if greater than 1)
    • BG – Buoy green (quantity if greater than 1)
    • AR – Arch violation
    • NY – Non-yield violation
    • SV – Disregard for Safety violation
    • SC – Severe Collision violation
    • UC – Unsportsmanlike Conduct violation
    • DR – Delay of Racing (**NEW**, only in Start Area)

  • 1.1. Gender Event-Divisions:

    (A) Men’s Divisions: Male rowers and scullers only.

    (B) Women’s Divisions: Female rowers and scullers only.

    (C) Mixed Divisions: 50% athletes of any gender and 50% athletes assigned female at birth. 

    Coxswains in all divisions may be of any gender. 

    1.2. Boat Categories:

    (A) Singles and doubles are traditional sculling racing shells, without coxswain.

    (B) Coxed quads are traditional sculling racing shells, with coxswain.

    (C) Fours and eights are traditional sweep-oared racing shells, with coxswain. 

    (D) All boats must have fixed riggers and sliding seats, except boats used for PR1 and PR2 athletes which may have a fixed seat. 

    1.3. Club:

    Persons (coxswain included) not currently enrolled in high school, who in any sculling or sweep-oared competition (“para-rowing”, “masters”, or “veteran” competitions excepted) DID NOT:

    (A) In the current or preceding eight calendar years:
    – Finish among the top three places at the World Rowing Championships or Olympic Games;

    (B) In the current or preceding five calendar years:
    – Compete at the World Rowing Championships or Olympic Games; or
    – Finish in first place in a Championship or Lightweight event-division at the Head Of The Charles Regatta;

    (C) In the prior calendar year:
    – Earn a medal in any Championship or Lightweight event-division at the Head Of The Charles Regatta; or
    – Finish among the top three places in an eight at the Canadian University Rowing Championship;

    (D) In the current calendar year:
    – Compete in any Championship event at Henley Women’s Regatta (junior events excepted); or
    – Compete in any Open event OR advance to a quarterfinal, semifinal, or final of an Intermediate or Student event at Henley Royal Regatta (junior events excepted); or
    – Compete in the A or B finals in any national team trials (junior events excepted); or
    – Compete in international competition under the name of their nation’s governing body in national or international competition (e.g., World Rowing Cup, PanAm Games, World Rowing Under 19 Championships, World Rowing Under 23 Championships, World University Games, World University Championships, etc.); or
    – Compete in the Division I first varsity eight event at the NCAA Championships; or
    – Compete in the Division I first varsity eight event (lightweight or open weight) at the IRA Championships; or
    – Finish in first place in a varsity eight event (lightweight or open weight) at the Dad Vail Regatta, EARC Sprints, the National Invitational Rowing Championship (NIRC), the American Collegiate Rowing Championships (ACRA), IRA A finals (all divisions), NCAA A finals (all divisions). 

    The Regatta reserves the right to rule on any competition situation not specifically addressed above and to grant exceptions on the rules above based on competitive standards.

    1.4. Collegiate:

    Entries from institutions representing an accredited/chartered College or University made up of bona fide undergraduates enrolled at and eligible to represent that institution in intercollegiate athletics may compete in Collegiate events or in College-Championship Special Medal event-divisions based on the following criteria. Applicants from outside North America must contact HOCR before applying for Collegiate event divisions.

    (A) Men’s Collegiate events:
    Eligible programs DID NOT:
    – In the current calendar year, compete in the A or B final of the first varsity eight at the EARC Sprints or IRA Championships; or finish among the top three places at the MPSF Championships; OR
    – In the preceding calendar year, finish among the top six places in an eight at the Canadian University Rowing Championships. 

    (B) Women’s Collegiate events:
    Eligible programs are considered Division II or Division III under NCAA rules or are:
    – Non-varsity rowing programs who DID NOT:
    – In the current calendar year, compete in A or B finals of a first varsity eight at Women’s Sprints; OR
    – In the preceding calendar year, finish among the top three places in an eight at the Canadian University Rowing Championships.

    (C) College-Championship Special Medal event-divisions:
    Men’s and Women’s crews that are not eligible for the Collegiate events based on the criteria listed above, but meet the criteria of eligibility for intercollegiate athletics for their institution, may enter the College-Championship Special Medal event-division. 

    In the interest of fair competition, the Regatta reserves the right to rule on a crew’s eligibility and appropriate placement in any Collegiate event-division.

    1.5. Alumni/Alumnae:

    Entries in Alumni/Alumnae event-divisions must meet the following criteria.

    (A) All persons (coxswains included) attended the same academic institution (named at the time of entry application) but who are not currently enrolled at the institution in question. Athletes who competed as part of a club youth program during the school year while enrolled at an academic institution are considered eligible as Alumni/Alumnae of their club youth program.

    (B) No athlete will compete as a student-athlete at any point in the future for the rowing program of their former academic institution or club youth program. 

    The Regatta may request verification of alumni/alumnae status of individuals as defined above. 

    1.6. Youth:

    HOCR uses the USRowing definition of Youth athletes as stated in the USRowing Rules of Rowing. A Youth is a Competitor who in the current calendar year does not attain the age of 19, or who in the current calendar year does not attain the age of 20 and has been continuously enrolled in secondary school as a full-time student seeking a diploma. A Competitor thus ceases to be a Youth after December 31 of the year of their 18th birthday (U19), or upon completion of the 12th grade of secondary school, having been a full-time student within the year of their 19th birthday (U20). Athletes older than U20 are never eligible to compete as Youth.

    1.7. Under 17:
    Athletes (coxswain included) are considered in the Under 17 (U17) category until December 31 of the year of the athlete’s 16th birthday.

    1.8. Master:

    Masters events are separated into age categories, where no rower may be under 30 years old. Athletes (coxswains excepted) may compete in an age category for which they meet the criteria. The age of a rower in a Masters event is determined as of December 31 of the current calendar year.

    (A) Master: In singles, at least 30 years old. In doubles, fours, and eights, the age average must be at least 30 years.

    (B) Senior Master: In singles, at least 40 years old. In doubles, fours, and eights, the age average must be at least 40 years.

    (C) Grand Master: In singles, at least 50 years old. In doubles, fours, and eights, the age average must be at least 50 years.

    (D) Veteran: In doubles, fours, and eights, the age average must be at least 60 years.

    Veteran I: Singles age division 60 – 64 years old (no handicap).

    Veteran II: Singles age division 65 – 69 years old (no handicap).

    (E) Senior Veteran: In doubles, fours, and eights, the age average must be at least 70 years.

    Senior Veteran I: Singles age division 70 – 74 years old (no handicap).

    Senior Veteran II: Singles age division 75 – 79 years old (no handicap).

    (F) Grand Veteran: In doubles, the age average must be at least 80 years.

    Grand Veteran I: Singles age division 80 – 84 years old (no handicap).

    Grand Veteran II: Singles age division 85 – 89 years old (no handicap).

    Grand Veteran III: Singles age division 90+ (no handicap).

    Participants in the singles races for Veteran I and II, Senior Veteran I and II, and Grand Veteran I, II, and III shall be run together and seeded according to the final finish time in the preceding year’s Regatta. Results will be broken down into 5-year age bands. 

    Participants in the Grand Master doubles, fours, and eights and Veteran doubles, fours, and eights shall be run together and seeded according to raw finish time in the preceding year’s Regatta. Results will be displayed separately.

    1.9. Lightweight:

    Athletes competing in a Lightweight event or Special Medal event-division of a Championship event must meet the following criteria.

    (A) Men: In singles, not over 160 lbs. In doubles, fours, and eights, not over 165 lbs, no averaging. 

    (B) Women: In singles, not over 130 lbs. In doubles, fours, and eights, not over 133 lbs, no averaging. 

    (C) No person enrolled in high school.

    1.10. Championship:

    Athletes competing in a Championship event may not be enrolled in high school. 

    An institution’s second or third entry in the Championship Eight may compete in the Junior Varsity Special Medal event-division. Institutions must have at least one varsity crew of a higher standard already registered in the same Championship Event.

    1.11. Para/Inclusion:

    Athletes (coxswain excepted) competing in a Para event must have a minimum impairment as defined in the World Rowing Para Classification Guidelines found in Appendix R15 of the World Rowing rulebook (see https://worldrowing.com/technical/para-rowing-classification/). Such impairment must be permanent and result in a verifiable activity limitation. 

    Entries in Inclusion events must have an equal number of para and non-para athletes. Special Medal event-divisions in the Inclusion Double event have the following additional requirements: 

    (A) Mixed Inclusion PR1: At least 50% PR1, at least 50% Female.

    (B) Mixed Inclusion PR2: At least 50% PR2, at least 50% Female.

    (C) PR2 Mix 2x: Both athletes eligible for PR2, at least 50% Female.

    (D) PR3 Mix 2x: Both athletes eligible for PR3, at least 50% Female.

    Intellectual impairments will race within PR3, unless otherwise eligible for PR1 or PR2.

  • 2.1. Singles and Doubles Entry Application:

    Entry Applications shall be accepted only from USA residents that are either individual members of USRowing or members of a USRowing-member institution, and from foreign nationals that are in good standing with their nation’s World Rowing-recognized governing body. Single scullers (Youth Singles excepted) may submit only one Entry Application and may not subsequently be renamed or substituted-for after the entry deadline (July 1st). Doubles Entry Applications (Youth and College-Championship Double excepted) must include the names of both scullers (only one application permitted per double) and neither may be renamed or substituted for after the doubles entry deadline, August 1st. Exceptions may be made by the Managing Directors in the event of injury or illness.

    College-Championship Doubles (Special Medal within the Championship Doubles events), Youth Doubles, and Youth Singles: Applications must be made by the institution (August 1 deadline); Institutions may submit no more than one non-guaranteed entry application to the Men’s event-division and no more than one non-guaranteed entry application to the Women’s event-division. Including guaranteed entries, an institution may have no more than three entries in either event-division (i.e. if an institution has three guaranteed entries in an event-division, they may not submit an additional non-guaranteed entry application).

    Athlete Line-up Changes for the Inclusion Double, College-Championship Doubles, Youth Doubles, and Youth Singles: Please reference Rule 2.4.

    Lightweight applicants to the Championship Double must declare their intention to compete as “Lightweight” on the entry application at the time of online Registration.

    2.2. Fours, Coxed Quads, and Eights Entry Application:

    Entry applications shall be accepted only from institutions holding “institutional membership” in their nation’s World Rowing-recognized governing body and/or “institutional membership” in the Head Of The Charles Regatta (by having opted to pay the Regatta’s annual Institutional Membership Fee) and that have properly registered their entry validation signature and racing colors with the Regatta by the submission of a current year’s Institutional Registration Card and payment of the Regatta’s annual Institutional Registration Fee. Registrants must be at least 21 years of age or older to submit an Institutional Registration Card (IRC).

    Only one Institutional Registration Card will be accepted from each school, college, or university rowing organization with the following exception: one for men and one for women, will be accepted from a single institution (school, college, or university) in cases where men’s and women’s programs have been historically separate, or where men’s and women’s programs are organized separately.

    2.3. Alumni/Alumnae Entry Application:

    Organizations submitting entries to the Alumni Four or Eight events must hold “institutional membership” in their nation’s World Rowing-recognized governing body and separate from their high school, undergraduate, or graduate institution. Alumni and graduate school rowing clubs will be considered as separate institutions from their affiliated school, college, or university and will not be permitted to share entries with their affiliated academic institution. 

    2.4. Athlete Lineups:

    The names of competitors in sweep-oared, youth single, youth double, youth coxed quads, Inclusion double, and college-championship double entries need not be revealed until a week prior to Regatta Weekend by which time, crew lineups must be completed online. All coaches are responsible for requiring all named crew members to sign a waiver online and for ensuring that all substitute athletes are listed in their RegattaCentral rosters with completed waivers. Late changes may be made at Registration. It is the responsibility of the institution to ensure that the Head Of The Charles® Regatta is in possession of the correct crew lineup before the close of registration, and that all persons are eligible for the event-division in which they are listed as crew-members (athlete line-ups will be posted online at www.hocr.org). 

    Only bona fide members of an institution shall be eligible to compete in a sweep-oared, youth double, youth coxed quads, or college-championship double entry representing that institution. Because of liability in the event of an accident on the race course, any institution which knowingly allows any of its members to assume a spurious affiliation with another institution in order to enable a particular crew to gain entry to the Regatta, or any institution which knowingly allows its name to be used by any individuals who are not bona fide members of that institution in order to enable a particular crew to gain entry to the Regatta, will be subject to sanctions by the Managing Directors. 

    2.5. Entry Deadlines:

    All Singles Entry Applications must be received with payment by July 1. Doubles, Youth events, and Masters events Entry Applications must be received with payment by August 1. Collegiate, Club, Para, and Championship Sweep event Entry Applications must be received with payment by September 1. Order of receipt prior to the applicable deadline is immaterial. 

  • 3.1. Singles and Doubles Entry Acceptance:

    On the basis of winning a Special Medal or finishing within the top 25% of finishers in an event-divisions in which they competed in the preceding year, competitors in singles are guaranteed entry acceptance into the singles event of their choice, provided all conditions of eligibility, deadlines, fees, etc., are met. Except for variances, which only the Managing Directors may grant, a blind draw in early July shall determine all other entry acceptances as follows: Single scullers who in the preceding year were not accepted, did not apply, or who placed outside the top 25% but within the top 50% (based on entries) in their event-division, will be drawn first, followed by those whose finish was outside the top 50% in their event-division. The singles draw will take place in early July.

    Guaranteed entry acceptance to the Veteran I/II Singles, Senior Veteran I/II Singles, and Grand Veteran I/II Singles event-divisions will be determined on the basis of finishing within the top 25% (based on entries) in the athlete’s respective age class (60 – 64, 65 – 69, 70 – 74, 75 – 79, 80 – 84, 85 – 89).

    Entry acceptance for Doubles shall be conducted following the same procedure as Singles. The finishing percentages apply only to doubles entry applications naming the same two individuals who competed the prior year. Any other combination will be considered a new entry. In the Inclusion Double, Youth Double, and College-Championship Doubles only, guaranteed entries will be applied to the institution rather than to individual athletes. Programs with these entries must register for Institutional Membership. The doubles draw will take place in early August.

    In the Youth Double, Youth Single, and Para Inclusion Double only, guaranteed entry acceptance will be granted to the top half of the event-division.

    Guaranteed entry acceptance to the Senior Veteran Doubles will be determined on the basis of finishing within 25% (based on entries) of the Senior Veteran Double within the Veteran Double event-division.

    Guaranteed entry acceptance to the Lightweight and College-Championship Doubles will be determined on the basis of finishing within 25% (based on entries) in the Lightweight or College-Championship Double (respectively) within the Championship Double event-division.

    3.2. Club Singles Status:

    Accepted Club Singles entrants that continue to meet Club specifications as of July 1 shall be considered to have met them for the current year’s Regatta, but any that lose their Club status between the time of entry application and July 1, must notify the Regatta immediately so as to be eligible for transfer to a less restricted singles event by the entry withdrawal (“scratch”) deadline. 

    3.3. Fours, Coxed Quads, and Eights Entry Acceptance:

    On the basis of winning a Special Medal or finishing within the top half (based on entries) of the sweep-oared event-division in which they competed the preceding year, institutions are guaranteed entry acceptance into those same event-divisions, provided all conditions of eligibility, deadlines, fees, etc., are met. Institutions planning to compete for the College-Championship (CC) or Club (C) Special Medals shall elect to do so when submitting athlete line-ups. Designations may be made on-site at Registration.

    Guaranteed entry acceptance to the Senior Veteran [70+] Fours and Eights will be determined on the basis of finishing within the respective top half of all Senior Veteran [70+] crews registered within the Veteran [60+] Fours and Eights.

    In addition to such “guaranteed” entries, an institution may submit up to four non-guaranteed entry applications in men’s event-divisions and up to four sweep-oared non-guaranteed entry applications in women’s event-divisions with the following restrictions:

    (A) Institutions may submit only one non-guaranteed entry per event-division. 

    (B) Youth Events: Including guaranteed entries, an institution may have no more than two (2) entries.

    (C) Non-Youth Events: including guaranteed entries, an institution may have no more than three (3) entries in a single event-division.

    If an institution has three guaranteed entries (two for Youth events) in a single event-division, they may not submit an additional non-guaranteed entry application in the same event-division.

    Except for Charity Program entries and special circumstance variances, which only the Managing Directors may grant, a blind draw from among the applications in each event-division shall determine the final entry acceptances as follows: applications from institutions that, in the previous year, were not accepted, did not apply, and those that finished outside the top 50% but within the top 75% of finishers, based on entries, will be drawn first; applications from institutions that, in the previous year, finished outside the top 75% of finishers, based on entries, will be drawn second.

    3.4. Transfer of Guaranteed Entries:

    If a medal was earned in a Club event-division, such guarantee may be transferred, at the time of entry application, to the same division (Men’s/Women’s) and boat type (Fours/Eights) in another sweep-oared event but may not exceed entry limitations. Transfer requests must be made to the Regatta Office (regatta@hocr.org) prior to entry submission.

    A guaranteed entry may be transferred from a Masters/Senior Master [30+, 40+] sweep-oared event to a Grand Master [50+], or from a Grand Master [50+] sweep-oared event to a Veteran [60+] sweep-oared event of the same division (Men’s/Women’s) and boat type (Fours/Eights) but may not exceed entry limitations. Transfer Requests must be made to the Regatta Office (regatta@hocr.org) prior to entry submission. 

    3.5. Seeding of Transferred Guaranteed Entries:

    Medal winning crews seeking to transfer to an older age class in which 75% of the crew is intact, will be seeded behind the medal winners of the older age category from the previous year. Non-medal winning crews seeking to transfer their entry to an older age class, will be seeded at random among the lottery winners.

    3.6. Extra Entries:

    As compensation for providing operational assistance to the Regatta, the Managing Directors may grant the acceptance of one extra (but “non-point earning”) entry to each of a limited number of local institutions into the sweep-oared event-division of the institution’s choice, subject to the restrictions of section 3.3. Extra entries may be used by Alumni crews as designated by the head undergraduate coach.

    3.7. Event-Division Sizes:

    The Regatta accepts a maximum of 1,205 sweep-oared, 500 singles, and 220 doubles entries, excluding Charity Program and Extra entries. Once guaranteed entries and event minimum are met, remaining spots within each boat type are allocated to non-guaranteed applications (“the lottery”) proportionally based on the total volume of applications for that event-division.

    The Race Director has final discretion regarding the number of entries accepted.

    3.8. Entry Withdrawal Deadline and Penalties:

    The deadline for withdrawing an entry is the final Friday in September. The date will be posted on the HOCR website and athlete information guide There are no refunds given for withdrawn entries.

    Accepted entries who fail to notify the Regatta in writing of their withdrawal or inability to compete on or before the deadline shall not be eligible to compete in any event in the current year’s Regatta, nor in any event in the following year’s Regatta. The Regatta will replace withdrawn entries by offering entry to the next applicant or crew on the waiting list (based upon the original blind draw) for the same event-division.

    Medical Deferrals – Singles and Doubles that must withdraw entries due to medical reasons have the option to defer the entry to the following year pending confirmation from a medical professional. Medical deferrals/scratches will not receive a refund on entry fees. 

    3.9. Personal Competition Limits:

    With the sole exception of the Directors’ Challenge Races, no person (including coxswains) shall be eligible to compete in more than one event-division (race) at the Regatta and any person that remains entered in a sculling event after the withdrawal deadline shall not be eligible to compete in any sweep-oared event in the current year’s Regatta. 

    Invitational Exhibition Entries: At the Executive Director’s discretion, current USA and/or foreign national team athletes may be invited to participate with one another in Invitational Exhibition entries within the Championship or Lightweight Eight events. These entries will not be eligible to earn guaranteed entries to the following year’s Regatta.

    Athletes who race in an Olympic boat class at the World Rowing Championships or at the Olympic Games in the current calendar year may row in an HOCR Championship event representing their national team, or in an Invitational Exhibition Entry, and in an additional Alumni or Championship event of their choosing. Entries representing a national team must be at least 75% athletes who represented that national team in an Olympic boat class at the aforementioned competitions.

    3.10. Ineligibility Discovery:

    All scullers and all members of crews must be eligible for the event-division in which they are competing. Any crew containing an ineligible competitor and any sculler not eligible will be assumed to be knowingly violating the rules and will be disqualified from this and possibly future Regattas, and the institution may face further sanction.

    Only bona fide members of an institution shall be eligible to compete in an entry representing that institution, and the names of all such competitors must be accurately reported at Regatta Registrations. Following the completion of Registration, any entry discovered (either before or after competition) to include an incorrectly identified or ineligible person, shall be subject to immediate disqualification.

    3.11. Seeding/Starting Order:

    Singles, with the exception of the Youth Single, who properly competed in a singles event in the previous year and whose entries are accepted will start ahead of all newcomers and will be seeded in the order of their final (raw+penalties) times recorded in the previous year. The starting position of all newcomers will be determined by a blind draw during the lottery process. With the exception of the Youth Double, seeding of doubles will follow the same procedure.

    Competitors in the Grand Master, Veteran I, and Veteran II Singles will race together and will be seeded according to the final finish time in the preceding year’s Regatta. Competitors in the Senior Veteran I, Senior Veteran II, Grand Veteran I, and Grand Veteran II Singles will race together and will be seeded according to final finish time in the preceding year’s Regatta, This will apply to both Men’s and Women’s races. Results will be divided by age class and first place medals will be awarded by age class (50 – 59, 60 – 64, 65 – 69, 70 – 74, 75 – 79, 80 -84, 85 – 89, 90+).  

    Doubles and crews in the Veteran doubles/fours/eights and the Senior/Grand Veteran doubles/fours/eights will race together and be seeded according to final finish time in the preceding year’s regatta. Results will be divided into Veteran (60-69), Senior Veteran (70-79), and Grand Veteran (80+) divisions.

    An institution which has an entry accepted into a Youth Single, Youth Double, Youth Coxed Quad, College-Championship Double event-division, or a sweep-oared event-division in which it properly competed in the previous year will start ahead of all new entrants in that event-division and will be seeded accordingly to its finishing position in that event-division in the preceding year. 

    The starting position of newcomers in all events will be determined during the draw. The Regatta reserves the right to make exceptions to the seeding policy.

    The Preliminary Bow Draw will be posted during the lottery and will be finalized after the “scratch” deadline. Returning crews from the waitlist will be seeded according to time, new crews will be added to the end of the field.

    3.12. Elite Competitor Seeding:

    Current elite athletes (top finishers from World Championships or Olympics) in an event for which they did not compete in the previous year will be seeded immediately behind the returning medal winners. Anyone else who did not compete in the event in the previous year will be seeded randomly behind all those who both competed the previous year and received a guaranteed entry.

    3.13. Championship Singles Elite Athlete Entry:

    Current Elite Athletes (top finishers from World Championships or Olympics) in sculling disciplines will be given extra consideration for entry in the Championship Singles events.

    World Rowing guidelines for gender identification will be used in the Championship Singles events. Athletes participating in the Championship Singles events should be prepared to provide verification upon request. 

  • First place medals and special medals will be awarded during scheduled Award Ceremonies. Subsidiary medals will be awarded on a rolling basis. Medals will only be awarded after results are finalized. For crews, one representative may come to pick up medals. For youth and collegiate programs, a coach must retrieve the medals. Any medals not picked up will be sent to crews in the mail after the Regatta. 

    4.1. First Place Medals: 

    Two-and-one-half inch bronze medals, engraved “1st PLACE” shall be awarded to all competitors in entries that post the fastest time in the event-division in which they competed.

    4.2. Special Medals:

    Two-and-one-half inch bronze medals engraved with the special medal category designation shall be awarded to all competitors in eligible entries that post the fastest time in each event-division, having elected to compete for the special medal at the time of entry application (except Under 17 which is calculated automatically). These apply for both Men’s and Women’s events.

    • Engraved “COLLEGE-CHAMPIONSHIP” in the Championship Doubles, Fours, and Eights;
    • Engraved “LIGHTWEIGHT” in the Championship Doubles;
    • Engraved “CLUB” in the Club Four and Club Eights;
    • Engraved “UNDER-17” in the Youth Singles, Youth Doubles, Youth Coxed Quad, and Youth Eight;
    • Engraved “JUNIOR VARSITY” in the Championship Eights;
    • Engraved “PARA INCLUSION” in the Para Inclusion Doubles (all four classification levels from 1.11, participants must select their level by the lineup deadline).

    Additionally, special medals will be awarded to the top finishing athlete:

    • Over age 90 entered in the Men’s and Women’s Senior Veteran or Grand Veteran Singles Events;
    • Over average age 80 entered in the Men’s and Women’s Veteran Double Events.

    Winners of special medals will not be awarded subordinate medals should they qualify. No special medal will be awarded if the first place medal winner also qualifies for a special medal. 

    4.3. Subordinate Medals:

    Subordinate medals are awarded based on the number of entries in an event-division after the scratch deadline.

    • Engraved “2nd PLACE” for at least ten entries;
    • Engraved “3rd PLACE” for at least twenty entries;
    • Engraved “4th PLACE” for at least thirty entries;
    • Engraved “5h PLACE” for at least forty entries. 

    4.4. Championship Singles Cash Prize:

    A cash purse of $35,000 will be paid out to top finishers in the Men’s and Women’s Championship Singles events. The prize will be $10,000 for 1st Place, $5,000 for 2nd Place, and $2,500 for 3rd Place in each event. NCAA regulations will be observed for any collegiate athletes finishing within the top three places in the Championship Singles. 

    4.5. Points Trophies:

    Two points trophies are awarded annually.

    (A) Metropolitan District Commission: Presented to the Massachusetts high school that posts the most competitive time in Youth Fours or Youth Eights.

    (B) Regatta Point Trophy: Presented to the club, school, college or university that demonstrates overall rowing supremacy by compiling the highest number of points in sweep-oared events. 

  • 5.1. Hours and Location:

    Every single sculler, a representative from every double scull, and every institution entering one or more crew events must register on-site in the Attager Tent at the Finish Area Launch Site (FALS). Registration hours will be shared in the Athlete Guide. There is NO registration on Sunday. 

    Any entry that fails to register by the close of Registration may be denied access to its race. Notwithstanding the prescribed penalties for failing to give notice of withdrawal by the scratch deadline, any entry which finds it cannot compete and/or register on time, should notify the Regatta immediately at regatta@hocr.org. 

    5.2. Guidelines:

    Competitors must register at least three (3) hours before their race. Additionally, the following guidelines apply.

    (A) Friday racers must register by the end of day on Thursday unless prior arrangements have been made with the Regatta by contacting regatta@hocr.org.

    (B) Saturday racers through event 22 must register by the end of the day Friday.

    (C) Sunday racers must register by the end of the day Saturday.

    (D) Single scullers and one person from a double (Youth and College-Championship excepted) must bring photo ID to registration. 

    A representative from an institution or team may come to collect packets. This individual will be considered responsible for those competitor packets. Changes to lineups and/or missing waivers will result in delays. 

    5.3. Waivers:

    All athletes must hold at least a basic membership from USRowing (available here). If you have already signed the USRowing waiver this year, that will be used for the HOCR. International athletes will need the free USRowing International Membership (available here). Scullers racing Unaffiliated must bring proof of USRowing Championship level membership. 

    5.4. Rosters:

    Lineups must be completed through RegattaCentral one week before the Regatta (Friday, October 9). Other than the Youth 1x, Youth 2x, Para Inclusion 2x, and College-Championship 2x crews, lineups in 1x and 2x events cannot be changed after the time of entry application. 

    5.5. Weigh-Ins:

    The Weigh-In tent is located next to the Attager registration tent at FALS. Weighing will be conducted Friday between 12 PM – 5 PM for competitors rowing in singles and doubles, and Saturday between 7:30 AM – 3 PM for any lightweight competitors. Competitors must present a valid photo ID – passport, driver’s license, etc. – prior to stepping on the scale in appropriate racing attire (no exceptions). 

    (A) Coxswains: On their honor to meet the 100 lbs. regatta minimum weight and will not be weighed. 

    (B) Lightweight Rowers: Must be weighed prior to claiming their registration packet. All boat members must be present with their valid photo ID in order for the boat to weigh in. No exceptions. 

    If one or more competitors in a boat requires additional attempts to meet the required maximum weight, only those competitors over the allowable weight must weigh again. 

    5.6. Numbers:

    (A) Each boat is assigned a starting number, which is reflected on the Bow Number Card and on Shirt Number Cards (bibs) given out during on-site Registration.

    (B) The Bow Number Card must be affixed near the bow of the boat in a clip. Additional adhesives may be applied to secure the number card to the boat provided that they do not obscure the numbers or the color striping.

    (C) The Shirt Number Card (bib) must be worn visibly, with no or minimal visual obstruction from layers or hair:
    – On the back of every single sculler;
    – On the back of every bow seat rower (sculling or sweep-oared), and each stern-coxed coxswain;
    – On the stern deck for crews with bow-coxed coxswains.

    (D) An additional Adhesive Number (bib) will be provided for all boats and must be affixed to the stern deck, with the numbers facing the direction of travel.

    (E) Entrants with obscured or missing numbers may not be allowed to start, or may miss being timed. 

  • 6.1. Regatta Weekend:

    Regatta Weekend refers to the race days of the current year’s Regatta (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) plus any time earlier in the week after the course buoys are installed. 

    6.2. Race Officials:

    Race Officials refers to the teams of volunteers and officials responsible for controlling the flow and safety of boats throughout the race course. This includes the teams of Marshals, River Control, Water Safety, and Umpires. Race Officials may assess penalties to crews.

    6.3. Jury:

    The Jury is part of the Umpire team that reviews and applies the penalties assessed by the Umpires at the course stations, and adjudicates appeals received from competitors. The Jury is located at the Cambridge Boat Club. 

    6.4. Interference

    Interference in a head race can take many forms, but in no instance, can the opportunity of winning be restored like in a sprint race. 

    Interference penalties at HOCR are Non-Yield (NY), Disregard for Safety (SV), and Severe Collision (SC).

  • 7.1. Equipment:

    (A) All boats must have an appropriate bow ball affixed firmly or will not be allowed to launch from HOCR docks for practice or racing.

    (B) For boats with traditional foot stretchers, heel ties are mandatory, using a “three finger rule” for the slack between shoe and foot plate. No ties are needed for rigid sole/virtual pivot foot stretchers. Heel ties will be checked every time a boat approaches the race course for practice or competition. Boats not in compliance will not be allowed to launch. 

    (C) Boats used in the PR3 Mixed 4+ shall be subject to the same restrictions as those for coxed fours under the World Rowing Rules of Racing. No additional restrictions shall apply.

    (D) Boats used in PR1 double entries must conform to the World Rowing standard PR1 design with a fixed seat and pontoons. The seat itself and the rigger design are not restricted.

    (E) Boats used in PR2 double entries conform to the World Rowing standard PR2 design with a fixed seat and optional pontoons. The seat itself and the rigger design are not restricted.

    (F) Strapping in PR1 and PR2 boats must conform to the World Rowing rules regarding strapping.

  • 8.1. Description:

    The race course starts at the Boston University Boathouse and goes almost immediately under the combination of a railroad trestle bridge and the BU Bridge. It then proceeds through five (5) triple-arch bridges to the Finish Line approximately three (3) miles upstream.

    While the railroad trestle bridge’s second arch from the right (Cambridge shore) is the mandated racing lane and the center arch of the five remaining bridges is the preferred route over the rest of the course, the right (closest to the Cambridge shore) arch of three of those remaining bridges may be used when a center arch appears too congested. The exceptions being the Lars Anderson Bridge (by Harvard’s Weld Boathouse) and the Eliot Bridge (by Cambridge Boat Club), whose right (closest to the Cambridge shore) arch is out of bounds. Going through the right arch (closest to the Cambridge shore) of the BU Railroad Trestle Bridge, the Lars Anderson Bridge, or the Eliot Bridge or going through any bridge’s left (closest to the Boston shore) arch, will result in a 60-second penalty in addition to any buoy violation penalties incurred doing so. 

    8.2. Boundaries:

    From the coxswain’s view on the race course from the start line, the right hand shore (to starboard) is the Cambridge shore and the left hand shore (to port) is the Boston shore. The race course is bounded by a continuous line of orange buoys to port (Boston side) and an intermittent line of green buoys to starboard (Cambridge side). Where there are no green buoys, the Cambridge shore is the right side boundary of the course.

    8.3. Coxswain’s Clinic:

    All coxswains and scullers are strongly advised to attend the Coxswain’s Clinics.

  • 9.1. Safety:

    Any boat showing a disregard for safety at any time during Regatta Weekend will be given a 60-second penalty or may be disqualified. Safety violations may include but are not limited to: not following the published traffic patterns; not following the instructions from the Marshals and Dock Masters; creating an unsafe situation for their own boat or another boat but not meeting the criteria for a severe collision; etc.

    9.2. Buoys:

    Boats must keep to the right (coxswain’s view) of the orange buoys at all times during Regatta Weekend. In areas where there are no buoys – before the course has been set or above or below the buoyed course – boats should keep to the right side of the river (coxswain’s view). Traffic patterns should be observed during both practice and racing. Please see the “Practice Traffic Pattern Map” and “Race Traffic Pattern Map” diagrams. 

    9.3. Double Buoyed Areas: 

    The Cambridge Boat Club bend, downstream from the Eliot Bridge, and the Weeks Footbridge turn will be double buoyed on the Boston side (orange and white buoy lines). The space between the orange buoys and the white buoys is considered out-of-bounds for hulls of all racing and non-racing boats. Persistent excursion into the out-of-bounds zone for racing OR non-racing boats may be grounds for a 60-second penalty for a disregard for safety.

    9.4. Travel Lane:

    The Travel Lane areas are defined as:

    (A) Boston-side travel from the finish line to just downstream of Weeks Footbridge;

    (B) Cambridge-side travel between the green buoys and shore from Newell Boathouse to the Cambridge Boat Club and Buckingham, Browne & Nichols for return to their docks. 

    Once the buoyed course has been set, at all times during Race Weekend, crews and scullers proceeding downstream in the Travel Lane must proceed firmly, with no stopping to watch races, and with no power strokes, continuing in single file unless there is clear room to pass. Warm up (power strokes) is permitted from just downstream of Weeks Footbridge to the BU Bridge only if it is safe to do so, exercising extreme caution near Riverside Boat Club and Magazine Beach. No stopping is permitted between the BU Bridge and the entrance of the Queuing Zone. The primary warm up area is in the designated Warm Up Loop Area in the basin downstream of the start funnel. Competitors should anticipate a limited on-water warmup. 

    9.5. Non-Racing boats:

    Except when crossing the river, and at the discretion of the Race Officials, any non-racing boat proceeding downstream on race day which enters the race course may be penalized 10 seconds for each orange buoy passed on the wrong side by its hull. Even when the hull of a non-racing boat stays within the travel lane, any non-racing boat which interferes in any way with a racing boat or its oars will be severely penalized and may face possible disqualification. 

    9.6. Right of Way:
    Boats racing have the right of way over all other boats. Boats not racing shall not proceed upstream along any part of the course after the start of the first race of the day until the conclusion of the last race of the day except when necessary to launch or land. Practicing on the course between races could result in a 60-second penalty at the discretion of the Jury.

    9.7. Crossing:

    Boats proceeding in line with the direction of the river have the right of way over boats crossing the river. Care should be taken when turning around or crossing the river. Failure to adhere to the traffic pattern will result in a 60-second penalty for a Poor Crossing. 

    9.8 Launching from/Returning to Non-HOCR Docks:

    Crews launching from the Belmont Hill-Winsor Boathouse, Buckingham, Browne and Nichols Boathouse, Cambridge Boat Club, Weld Boathouse, and Riverside Boat Club should await instructions from a Marshal before crossing the race course. 

    Boats launching from the Boston University Boathouse should travel downstream along the Cambridge shore prior to entering the Queuing Zone. Boats returning should travel downstream along the Boston shore to the end of the Queueing Zone and proceed around the Warm Up Loop Area with the flow of traffic then hug the Cambridge shore after passing the MIT boathouse, proceeding to the BU Boathouse. In exceptional circumstances with light traffic, crews may cross between the Queuing Zone and the Warm Up Loop Area. Returning crews should be alert for crews launching from BU coming towards them.

    Boats returning to the Cambridge Boat Club or Buckingham, Browne & Nichols docks must adhere to the return traffic pattern – proceeding to the crossing point at the Newell Boathouse, then at the direction of RIver Control personnel, crossing the race course and returning single file to the docks in the travel lane provided. 

    Boats returning to Riverside Boat Club should travel downstream along the Boston Shore to the crossing point near RBC/SADL and await instructions from a Marshal before crossing the race course. 

    9.9. SADL Launching:

    Boats launching from the Singles and Doubles launch site should await instructions from the SADL Dockmaster prior to crossing. Refer to the SADL Race Traffic Pattern Map for details.

    Boats returning to SADL should travel downstream along the Boston Shore to the crossing point near SADL and await instructions from a Marshal before crossing the race course. 

    9.10. Wet Launching:

    No boats are permitted to wet launch. All crews and scullers must use the docks provided by the HOCR, or with permission, from one of the boathouses along the race course. Violation of this rule may result in disqualification.

    9.11. Finish Line:

    After crossing the finish line, boats should immediately paddle upstream to the end of the line of buoys and wait for instructions from the Marshal. 

    9.12. Sportsmanship:

    Good sportsmanship must prevail at all times. Instances of unsportsmanlike conduct by athletes and/or coaches will be reported and penalties or other consequences may be assigned.

    9.13. Right to Close the Course:

    The Race Committee has the right to close the course and launch sites at any time during Race Weekend due to darkness or safety concerns.

  • 11.1. Competitor Identification:

    Identification of competitors is done both visually and verbally. It is useful for competitors to familiarize themselves with the names of competitors preceding them in the start order.

    (A) Visual: All competitors are issued identifying bow number cards and shirt number cards in their registration packet. Competitors with incorrect or missing identifications may be penalized or disqualified from racing. 

    (B) Verbal: It is the practice of the HOCR to call each competitor to the Start Line by surname (singles) and/or by the name of the institution represented (crews).

    11.2. Equipment Issues:

    Prior to the start of their race, if a competitor loses their bow number or experiences material breakage of an essential component of their equipment, they should notify Marshals in the Basin as soon as possible. Crews must follow any instructions given by the Marshal. 

    11.3. Schedule of Races:

    All races are expected to start on time as posted in the most current schedule posed on www.hocr.org. 

    11.4. Start Time:

    Competitors should arrive in the Basin at least twenty (20) minutes before their race, following the counter-clockwise pattern around the Warm Up Loop Area. Marshals will provide instruction in the Basin and when to enter the chute. 

    All competitors are required to be in the Queueing Zone (Start Line Chute area) no less than five (5) minutes prior to their scheduled race start time. Due to the size of the Regatta, it is not possible to wait for latecomers. 

    Late arriving boats should not cross the line of buoys to enter the Queueing Zone or the chute, rather await instructions from the Marshals or Starter. Any boat that starts out of sequence against the orders of the Starter will be disqualified. 

    11.5. Basin Traffic Pattern:

    All competitors warming up must follow the Basin Traffic Pattern except when otherwise instructed by Marshals. 

    No later than five (5) minutes before the scheduled start time of their race, boats should assemble in the Queueing Zone in numerical order in two rows, with ODD numbers on the Boston side and EVEN numbers on the Cambridge side.

    11.6. Start Line Approach:

    Boats should merge into ONE single file line in numerical order as they enter the Start Chute, allowing an interval of 2-3 lengths of open water (or as instructed by Marshals or the Starter) behind the preceding boat. Boats should maintain an interval of 2-3 lengths as they approach the Start Line, even if that means slowing down or momentarily pausing rowing. Crews or scullers that fail to follow the commands of Marshals or the Starter will be penalized. 

    If in the judgment of the Marshal or Starter, a crew or sculler has disregarded instructions delaying racing for others, a delaying racing (DR) penalty will be assessed.

    1st infraction: 10-second penalty

    2nd infraction: 30-second penalty

    3rd infraction: 60-second penalty

    As the delay is a matter of fact, DR penalties cannot be appealed.

    11.7. Passing before the BU Bridge:

    Passing after the Start Line and before the BU Bridge is allowed with discretion, and at the sole responsibility of the passer to execute and complete the pass safely. Passing boats are advised that passing under the BU Bridge is discouraged due to space limitations. The Cambridge-side arch is out of bounds. Failure to execute a safe pass or otherwise creating an unsafe condition may result in a penalty for Severe Collision or Disregard for Safety (60-second time penalties) assessed to the passing boat. Between the Start Line and exiting the BU Bridge, Non-Yield penalties for a boat being passed do not apply and will not be assessed.

    Any competitor who crowds, forces contact with, or otherwise creates an unsafe condition (including but not limited to a severe collision) with or for another competitor in the chute or before the BU Bridge, may be given a 60-second safety violation penalty.

    11.8. Re-Start:

    Once a boat has crossed the starting line and a Start time has been captured, under no circumstances shall a restart be permitted. 

    11.9. Time Gaps between Event-Divisions:

    The HOCR Starter may instruct competitors to maintain a predetermined variable gap of several minutes between each event-division. Crews must respect the gap. Violations may be penalized.

  • Interference penalties and course violations (buoy and arch penalties) are assessed by the Umpires based on their observations of racing. Repeated or severe infractions may result in disqualification. 

    The Regatta covers every section of the course from start to finish with trained Umpires who monitor racing and assess penalties for safety, fairness, and course violations. No re-rows or time credits to aggrieved crews will be possible. Offenders WILL BE PENALIZED according to the racing rules. 

    Preliminary results will be released immediately following each race, and Official Results will be released once all assessed penalties have been reviewed.

    12.1. Coxswain on Board:

    Fours, eights, and coxed quads must have their coxswain on board during the entire race. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. 

    12.2. Safety of Rowers:

    If one or more rowers are lost from a boat during the race, the affected crew must stop and ensure the safety or rescue of the rower(s). Once the rower(s) is (are) safe, the crew may continue to the finish line. A crew that does not stop and ensure the safety of its members before continuing will be disqualified. 

    12.3. Public Urination:

    Public urination is strictly forbidden at all times. Observed noncompliance will result in disqualification.

    12.4. Buoys: 

    During racing, boats must stay on the Race Course that is between the orange buoys to port (Boston side) and the green buoys to starboard (Cambridge side). Oar blades may go over the buoys, but the hull of the shell must stay inside the buoy line. If a boat takes a buoy(s) on the wrong side of the hull, it will be assessed the following time penalties:

    1st buoy: 5-second penalty

    Additional buoys: 10-second penalty per buoy missed

    A crew that has left the course may only return onto the course when it is safe to do so. Re-entry that causes an unsafe situation or impedes the progress of another crew may be assessed a 60-second Disregard for Safety penalty. 

    Buoy penalties are considered statements of fact based on the Umpire’s observation and may not be appealed. 

    12.5. Arches:

    During racing, boats must pass through the arches designated in the Bridge Traffic Guide diagram. 

    Going through the right arch (closest to the Cambridge shore) of the BU Railroad Trestle Bridge, the Lars Anderson Bridge (by Harvard’s Weld Boathouse), or through any bridge’s left arch (closest to the Boston shore), will result in a 60-second Arch Violation penalty in addition to any buoy violations incurred by doing so. 

    12.6. Disregard for Safety (SV):

    A 60-second disregard for safety penalty may be assessed to a crew for creating an unsafe situation for themselves or another crew(s). This may include minor collisions that do not meet the criteria for a Severe Collision (SC) penalty or other unsafe passing situations, but no contact is required. 

    Any boat showing a blatant disregard for safety will be severely penalized and may be disqualified from the Regatta.

    12.7. Severe Collision (SC):

    A 60-second severe collision penalty may be assessed when one or more of the following occur:

    (A) Damage to a boat; or

    (B) Personal injury; or

    (C) Boat being overtaken is forced either off the race course through contact or into a bridge; or

    (D) A rower is struck by the blades of another boat.

    A severe collision incident can be caused by either a Passer or Passee. All crews must endeavor to avoid collisions with other crews while racing. 

    12.8. Non-Yield (NY):

    A 60-second non-yield penalty may be assessed to a crew being passed (The Passee) if they do not yield the line chosen by a passing crew (The Passer) in a timely manner. The Passer should declare their desired line when they close to within one boat length of open water. The yield should be completed by the time the overtaking boat has closed within ½ boat length of open water, as long as there is adequate room and time to yield. 

    1st infraction: 60-second penalty

    2nd infraction: 120-second penalty

    3rd infraction: disqualification from the Regatta

    The Passer has the right to pass on the side of its choice if and when a safe pass can be accomplished. The Passer must allow sufficient room for both their boat and the boat being overtaken to stay safely within the Race Course. If a pass is attempted, the Passer shall not press the right to overtake to a disregard for safety or a collision. It is the responsibility of the Passer to complete the pass, while understanding the chosen line when initiating the pass may not continue to be the preferred line. 

    Once the Passee has yielded the line indicated by the Passer, their obligation to yield has been satisfied. Both Passer and Passee are responsible for maintaining safety and avoiding a collision throughout the remainder of the pass. Any contact or issues may result in a 60-second disregard for safety or severe collision penalty assessed to either the Passer or the Passee.

    12.9. Passing a Crew From Another Event:

    A crew or sculler who is being overtaken by a boat from the next event must yield the racing line and move to the outside of the racing line while staying on the race course. Causing a safety issue or a collision will result in disqualification of the crew being overtaken from this regatta and potentially barred from future regattas in addition to any other penalties incurred from their actions.

    12.10: Unsportsmanlike Conduct:

    Incidents of unsportsmanlike conduct by a competitor or crew, including the use of personally abusive language shall be reported to the Jury by the witnessing Race Official. The Jury may impose penalties ranging from reprimand to a 60-second time penalty to disqualification depending on the severity of the infraction. 

    12.11. Situations Not Covered:

    The Race Committee reserves the right to rule on any situation not covered in these or other printed rules and to penalize or disqualify any competitor or crew that appears to violate the spirit or letter of the Regatta’s rules.

    Any sculler/crew which has solicited sponsorship or otherwise obtained any kind of sponsorship and wishes to wear company identification, or place company identification (“logo”) on rowing equipment during the race or during any sanctioned Head Of The Charles Regatta activity, must seek approval from the Executive Director. In the event the approval is given, all identification must conform to the current World Rowing standards regarding size of identifications on all uniforms, shells. oars and related equipment. Failure to conform to this policy may lead to disqualification.

    12.12. Penalty Reporting:

    Assessed penalties will be displayed in the Penalty Column of the results on RegattaCentral. The number indicates the Umpire Station that assessed the penalty, followed by the penalty type and number, where applicable.

    • FB – First buoy 
    • BO – Buoy orange (quantity if greater than 1)
    • BW – Buoy white (quantity if greater than 1)
    • BG – Buoy green (quantity if greater than 1)
    • AR – Arch violation
    • NY – Non-yield violation
    • SV – Disregard for Safety violation
    • SC – Severe Collision violation
    • UC – Unsportsmanlike Conduct violation
    • DR – Delay of Racing (**NEW**, only in Start Area)

  • 13.1. Appeals vs. Protests:

    Crews may apply for relief from any ruling of ineligibility or any penalty assessed to them by Race Officials for infractions, but no protest alleging interference by a competing entry shall be heard. 

    Course violations (buoy penalties and arch violations) reported by Umpires and delay of racing penalties in the Start Area reported by Race Officials are considered statements of fact and are not eligible for appeal. 

    Appeals must be made by a race participant who observed the incident. Coaches may be present to support the appeal, but the paperwork must be completed by a member of the crew.

    13.2. Appeals Process: 

    Appeals seeking changes to the Official Results (posted on RegattaCentral and www.hocr.org)  must be received in writing by the Jury Clerk at Cambridge Boat Club before 12 PM on Friday for Friday’s races, before 6:30 PM on Saturday for Saturday’s races, and before 6:00 PM on Sunday for Sunday’s races. Only appeals that could impact medal standing will be heard on Friday. 

    Appeals received after the aforementioned times will not be considered. The Race Committee reserves the right to extend the deadline due to scheduling changes of the Regatta. 

    The Jury’s rulings on appeals are considered final. There is no appeal process beyond the Head Of The Charles Jury. 

    13.3. Eligibility:

    Objections to any entry’s eligibility may be made to the Jury Clerk at the Cambridge Boat Club at any time, but preferably before the race in question. Prior to racing and/or Race Weekend, eligibility concerns should be raised with the Regatta at regatta@hocr.org. 

  • The Charles River is a narrow course with many tight turns. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times and costly penalties have been assigned in the past in cases of bad sportsmanship. The ability to accomplish effective and safe passing is an important aspect of successful racing. However, there are many situations when passing cannot be accomplished safely due to traffic congestion and physical obstacles. The following are the basic responsibilities of scullers and crews in these situations.

    14.1. Responsibility of an Overtaking Boat (The Passer):

    The boat overtaking (The Passer) has the right of way to pass (on the side of its choice) if a safe pass can be accomplished. However, crews and scullers must take note of the following:

    (A) If a pass is attempted and there is not adequate room and time to perform the pass, the Passer is at risk of incurring interference penalties.

    (B) In situations involving three and more boats, there are areas such as bridge arches and narrow, tight turns where passing cannot be accomplished safely. In these situations the Passer must be prudent and delay the act of passing until the pass can be accomplished without incident. The wise sculler or crew knows that more time can be lost by pressing a situation rather than by slowing down and waiting for the right moment to pass.

    (C) Communicate effectively during racing. All shells with bow-loaded coxswains are strongly advised to have their bow seat rower notify the coxswain when there is clear water astern after completing the pass. Timely instruction from the bow seat rower may assist the Passer’s coxswain in avoiding stern-to-bow collision and/or an interference penalty due to cutting in too soon.

    (D) When boats come together and interlock, this does not necessarily result in a penalty situation if there were no specific violations of the racing rules.

    14.2. Responsibility of an Overtaken Boat (the Overtakee or Passee):

    The boat being overtaken (Overtakee or Passee) must yield and give suitable room to the Passer (on the side chosen by the Passer) if a safe pass can be accomplished. Generally this will be the shortest line that gives an advantage. Failure to yield to the Passer is one of the most serious infractions of competitive conduct. Crews and scullers must:

    (A) Be alert to possible upcoming passing attempts and promptly yield when there is adequate room and time.

    (B) Be prepared to miss a few strokes to allow the Passer to pass safely and without interference.

    (C) Communicate effectively during racing. All shells with bow-loaded coxswains are strongly advised to have their bow seat rower notify the coxswain if a following crew is about to make a pass and on which side the passer is approaching. Timely instruction from the bow seat rower may assist the coxswain in avoiding an interference penalty.

    14.3. Safety:

    Respect for the safety of other competitors and their equipment must be observed at all times. At no time should an oar be used in anger toward another crew or competitor.

    14.4. Race Pace:

    While racing, boats must proceed at a racing pace along the entire course, except where safety considerations dictate otherwise. Any boat whose time is more than ten (10) minutes slower than that of the fastest time in its event-division may be recorded as “DNF” or “did not finish.”

    Crews are expected to be able to finish the course before the cutoff. Not doing so may impact a club’s or competitor’s entries in future years. 

  • 15.1. SADL:

    Rowers of singles and doubles will store their boats and launch from the Singles and Doubles Launch site (SADL) at Magazine Beach, off Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side of the Charles River. Competitors will be directed to an offsite lot. SADL operating hours will be posted on the HOCR website and in the athlete guide prior to Regatta Weekend. 

    Driving to SADL, take I-90 (Mass Pike) East to Exit 131 Brighton/Cambridge (old exit 18). Follow signs to Cambridge. Proceed through several traffic lights and cross the Charles River via the River Street Bridge. Once across the bridge, take a RIGHT onto Memorial Drive so the river is on your right.

    15.2. FALS:

    Boat launching and storage space for fours, quads, and eights will be available at the Finish Area Launch Site (FALS) on Soldiers Field Road on the Boston side of the Charles River, between the Eliot Bridge and Northeastern’s Henderson Boathouse. FALS consists of one large parking lot adjacent to the finish line and three smaller lots closer to the Eliot Bridge. 

    Due to limited space for parking and rigging, trailer parking at FALS will be limited to trailers carrying at least four sweep hulls. Partially loaded and late arriving trailers will be asked to offload at a designated location at FALS and move their trailers to an offsite overflow lot. Trailer parking pre-registration is required. All organizations planning to bring a trailer on-site must register on RegattaCentral by October 1. 

    Trailers will be parked very close together and not necessarily in close proximity to the launching docks. The Regatta will provide rack space near the docks for storage of boats during Regatta Weekend. Use of these racks is strongly encouraged. 

    Driving to FALS, take I-90 (Mass Pike) East to Exit 131 Brighton/Cambridge (old exit 18). Follow signs to Cambridge. Proceed through several traffic lights and cross the Charles River via the River Street Bridge. Once across the bridge, take a LEFT onto Memorial Drive so the river is on your left. Continue for 1.6 miles. When the road forks (near the Cambridge Boat Club), stay to the left, following signs for Watertown/Newton. Proceed through the traffic light, staying in the left or center lane to approach the Eliot Bridge. While crossing the Eliot Bridge, move to the right, and then turn to the right, following signs for Newton. A Regatta Volunteer will meet trailers and direct them to a parking space. 

    If your vehicle is carrying shells to be used only Saturday and you wish to remove the vehicle permanently after Saturday’s racing, please let the Regatta Volunteer know; an attempt will be made to assign an unobstructed space to allow you to leave. Trucks which detach from trailers and leave the parking area may not return until late Sunday afternoon. Vehicles carrying only single or double shells will not be permitted to enter FALS. They will be directed to the Singles and Doubles Launching (SADL) area at Magazine Beach.

    The FALS area will open for trailer parking from 11AM – 4PM on Thursday and 7AM – 6 PM on Friday of Regatta Weekend. Those arriving outside of the designated times will be directed to an off-site lot until opening time. All trailers must approach the area from the Eliot Bridge end of Memorial Drive/Soldiers Field Road. A Regatta Volunteer will meet all trailers and issue the driver a parking permit for a specific area and direct the driver to that area. Courteous cooperation with their direction is expected. NO OTHER VEHICLES ARE PERMITTED TO ENTER THE PARKING AREA. All unauthorized parked vehicles will be towed.

    Please use the utmost caution when traveling on Soldiers Field Road, which is not designed for large vehicles. DO NOT attempt to drive under any overpasses on Soldiers Field Road. A portion of this route closes at 8:00 AM Saturday and Sunday. Trailers arriving after that should contact the Regatta for alternate directions.

    15.3 Security:

    Officers will be on-site Regatta Weekend evenings to provide security, but the Regatta cannot assume responsibility for equipment. The DCR and State Police will also control traffic at each end of Soldiers Field Road when the Regatta is over.

  • Fires, alcohol, unauthorized tents, and/or unauthorized selling of any kind on the banks of the Charles River and adjacent roadways is prohibited by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). Please help us assure the continuance of the Regatta by seeing that everyone from your organization is fully aware of these prohibitions, and by informing your Boston area Alumni leaders as soon as possible.

  • 17.1. First Aid:

    First Aid Stations, Launches with First Aid, and Ambulances staffed by professional EMTs are stationed along the course. All Emergency Services, including State Police, Cambridge Fire Department, and the Ambulance Companies are in radio contact with the Emergency Communication Center.

    17.2. Emergency Response:

    If you see or have an emergency:

    (A) Alert the nearest First Aid Station, Launch Volunteer, Police Officer or Umpire. You can call the Emergency Communications Center directly at 911.

    (B) Describe the emergency. State the location (e.g., Boston or Cambridge side of the river; up or down stream from a specific landmark). State the nature of the incident and number of people involved. 

    (C) Stay calm! Help will be on the way immediately, as there is a radio network at HOCR for emergency situations. If possible, prevent people from interfering with response efforts.

  • Athlete and Coach Code of Conduct

    Purpose

    The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR) is committed to fostering a competitive, respectful, and sportsmanlike environment. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and responsibilities of athletes and coaches participating in the event during racing, practice, or spectating to ensure safety, fairness, and integrity in competition.

    Sportsmanship & Respect

    Athletes and coaches must treat competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators with respect and courtesy. Unsportsmanlike behavior, including offensive language and disrespectful conduct directed at any crew, coach, race official, or volunteer is strictly prohibited.

    Safety & Compliance

    It is the responsibility of coaches and athletes to know the rules, safety regulations, and adhere to any instructions provided by race officials and volunteers. Equipment should meet proper safety standards, and boats must be maintained accordingly. Traffic patterns and rules of racing must be followed at all times.

    Responsibility & Representation

    Athletes and coaches are representatives of their team, club, and the sport of rowing, and must act with honor and accountability. Personal responsibility for behavior and actions on and off the water is expected. Additionally, event property, including docks, staging areas, and facilities, must be respected.

    Violations & Consequences

    Violations of the HOCR Code of Conduct may result in warnings or penalties issued by race officials, disqualification from the event, or suspension or banning from future HOCR competitions.

    By participating in the Head Of The Charles Regatta, all athletes and coaches acknowledge and agree to adhere to this Code of Conduct, promoting a safe, fair, and sportsmanlike competition for all.

160 daysuntil 2026 HEAD OF THE CHARLES REGATTA