What happens if the weather turns bad at a regatta?

Under the RowSA Rules of Racing:

• Safety plan: every regatta must have a safety plan, published with the regatta notice, that includes what to do off the water in adverse weather, especially lightning. It must name venue-specific "places of safety" big enough for competitors and expected spectators, clearly signposted. Clubs are responsible for making sure their athletes and supporters follow it.
• Race by race: the umpire decides whether wind or water make a race unsafe or unfair, and whether a race may start, continue or must be stopped. In windy or rough conditions the umpire can use a rolling start.
• Changing the programme:
  • At local and local championship regattas, the President of the Jury may change the programme after consulting the jury and the organising committee chair.
  • At national and national championship regattas, the fairness committee may do so.
  • Postponed races are rescheduled with the President of the Jury.
• Head races: where there are many entries or conditions are adverse, a heat may be run as a time trial (a head race), with crews starting in alternate lanes.

At the SA Schools Championships, unfavourable weather can push racing on until 18:30 on Sunday, so families flying home should allow for this.

Follow officials' instructions on any matter of safety. Rowers, coaches and their clubs are responsible for complying.