What are the rules for coxswains, including minimum weight?

• Coxswains are members of the crew, and age categories apply to them (except in Under 23 and Masters). A coxswain's gender is open, so a girls' crew can be steered by a boy and the reverse.
• The minimum weight for a coxswain in racing uniform is 55.0 kg. A coxswain below that may make up the weight with deadweight in a sealed bag, placed in the boat as close as possible to their person. Racing equipment cannot count as deadweight.
• Coxswains are weighed in racing uniform by an authorised person on tested scales, not less than one hour and not more than two hours before their first race, on each day of the competition.
• In a single-club or non-composite crew event, the coxswain must be from the same club as the rest of the crew.

Source: Rowing Australia Rules of Racing (2025 Edition, updated January 2026), Rules 29 and 30.