Photo Courtesy : Sacramento State Aquatic Center
When you think NCAA National Championship you think grand stage, a chance to prove yourself as the best in the nation, a chance to showcase your school’s pride and put your College team on the map.
This year the NCAA Division I, II and III National Woman’s Rowing Championships were held from the 27th to the 29th of May, 2016. The event was hosted by the Pac-12 Conference and the Sacramento State Aquatic Center at Lake Natoma at the Nimbus Flat State Park, CA. The championship teams were composed of 22 teams from schools all over the country.
When you think about competitive sports especially rowing, you wouldn’t think that scales are a pivotal factor in the competition. However, scales are a very important aspect of competitive rowing and ensuring a fair competition.
Quality Scales Unlimited provided two 2’ x 2’ floor scales for the NCAA Championships. Each coxswain (which is the technical term used for the rower) and boat was weighed prior to entering the competition. The scales were placed 20’ apart so they could weigh the entirety of the boat and provide formal documentation. The rower or “Coxswain” was weighed separately from their boat. Here are the requirements stated in the NCAA Rowing Championship Participation Manual:
“Weigh-Ins (Boats and Coxswains) Boat (certifications) and coxswain weigh-ins … All boats must be weighed dry and prior to going on the water for the first time. The boat will be certified at a specific weight and must be brought up to the minimum weight before going out onto the water. The additional weight will be verified by the rowing officials and will need to be shown upon request after coming off the water from practice or competition. The weight of the coxswains shall be determined once each day, no less than one hour and no more than two hours before the scheduled time of the first race in which the weight is relevant. The competitor shall be weighed in dry, in racing uniform, without shoes or other foot gear.” –NCAA 2016 Rowing Championship Participation Manual
We are thankful to the NCAA and Sacramento State Aquatic Center for allowing Quality Scales Unlimited to meet their weighing requirements at the event and provide the superior scale services we are known for.