Leon Crew was established for the purposes of and is committed to the principles of encouraging participation as a member of Leon Crew for the development of rowing skills, physical fitness, self-motivation and initiative, self-confidence and esteem, a competitive spirit, team work, and the exposure to a positive athletic experience. While winning is important, it is not the primary purpose of Leon Crew. Consistent with this goal, Leon Crew recognizes and emphasizes that each member of the team is important, regardless of inherent athletic talent or rowing ability.
Leon Crew is governed by its Board of Directors which is elected as set forth by its by-laws. While the Board is the governing body, the Board establishes committees that are assigned specific responsibilities. These committees, which consist of parents, guardians, and friends of crew members, are vital to the continued success of Leon Crew. Participation by parents and guardians is strongly encouraged. (See Committee section for a description of the committees and their functions).
Leon Crew's coaching staff has been and will be recruited and employed by Leon Crew Boosters, Inc. The coaching staff is required to provide good leadership, to be a positive role model, to adhere to Leon High School and Leon County School Board policies and procedures, and to establish a quality co-educational rowing program for each Leon Crew member.
Leon Crew is dependent upon active parental support for its success. As a parent or guardian of a Leon Crew member, it is important to participate as a functioning, active member of Leon Crew Boosters, Inc. Any problems, suggestions, or information requests may be communicated to a member of the Board. If a Crew member has a medical problem, it is the parent or guardian's responsibility to inform the coaching staff directly and immediately. Parents and guardians must also adhere to the Principles and Purposes of Leon Crew.
Each member of Leon Crew has the individual responsibility to strive to obtain the goals set forth in these Principles and Purposes. Each member of Leon Crew is charged with the individual responsibility to adhere to and abide by the policies of Leon High School and Leon Crew that include:
- Project the high standards of character, scholarship, sportsmanship, leadership, and competition as exemplified in the best traditions of Leon High School.
- Be accountable to all levels: self, teammates, Leon High School Administration, Coaches, Maclay Gardens, and the law.
- Maintain a grade point average of 2.5. Failure to do so will result in loss of rowing privileges.
- Communicate with the coaches and feel free to candidly discuss problems, offer suggestions, and explore ideas with them.
- Communicate with the crew captains and discuss problems, offer suggestions, and explore ideas.
- Be individually responsible for teamwork, mutual support, and personal commitment.
- Be individually responsible for reading and signing Leon Crew Team Rules and Guidelines and abiding by them at all Leon Crew functions.
- Be individually responsible for fulfilling all financial obligations.
- Meet the specific membership requirements:
- Completion of all forms, most of which require parent or legal guardian signature and one that requires a physician's signature.
- Pass the swim test. This consists of eight non-stop laps in sweatpants plus ten minutes of treading water. All rowers must pass before participating in on-water activities.
- View the US Rowing Association Safety Instructional video.
- Encourage the continued growth and success of Leon Crew.
- Adhere to all rules and regulations of the Leon County School Board and Leon High School.
- Practice will begin no later than 45 minutes after a school day ends.
- Each member is to be respectful of others' property, private or public, which includes the proper disposal of all trash.
- No on-water activities are to occur without a coach's direct supervision. No off-water activity is to occur without a coach, parent, or guardian's presence.
- Practice will conclude so members can leave the designated parking area prior to dark.
Note: We row in the rain! Reasons we do not row: lightening, strong winds, BAD weather, certain school events. Cancellations for these reasons will be made by announcement only. 'Called' practices without notice are school days off and public warning (e.g., hurricane).
The following rules of conduct have been adopted by Leon Crew Boosters, Inc. to apply to all coaches, parents/guardians, and rowers:
- No conduct, which will reflect adversely on Leon Crew, will be tolerated.
- Use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco at Leon Crew practices, sponsored events, or functions will not be tolerated.
- No physical, sexual, or verbal abuse of any coach or crew member will be tolerated at any Leon Crew practice, function, or sponsored event.
- Profanity will not be condoned at Leon Crew practices or functions.
Any coach violating the above Policies and/or Practice Guidelines will be subject to disciplinary actions by the Board, including termination by the Board. Any adults violating the above will be subject to discipline by the Board. Any crew member violating the above will be subject to discipline by the coaching staff and/ or the Board.
