Can a crew change a rower or coxswain before racing?

Yes, within limits. Clubs and schools, using authorised personnel, may substitute up to one half of the rowers in a crew (and the coxswain, if the crew has one), provided each replacement is eligible to compete in that event and to represent the club or school.

• The substitution must be communicated in writing at Athlete Services at least one hour before the first heat.
• No substitution can be made in a crew that has already raced in a heat (or compulsory preliminary race) of its event, except for medical reasons, where Rule 61 applies.

Source: Rowing Australia Rules of Racing (2025 Edition, updated January 2026), Rule 60.