Australian Umpires at Chengdu International Universities Regatta in China

For the second time, Australian umpires have been invited to officiate in China at the Xinjin International Universities Rowing Regatta.  Phil Fraser and Greg Smith were asked to return for their second regatta in the Sichuan Provence, while Brett Ralph and Bill Webster formed the rest of the international Official team in 2018.  The team of Australian umpires were heavily involved in the delivery of this exciting regatta and liaised directly with the organising committee and local umpires and volunteers.

The regatta organisers asked that the Australian FISA umpires assist in the running of this 9^th annual Rowing Regatta which also incorporates dragon boat racing and for the first time this year, an indoor rowing competition.

Racing was held on the purpose built rowing course which had seen some recent renovation and improvements to allow the 1000m races to be held using 6 lanes of the fully buoyed course.  International Universities competed with local universities in 2 races.  Final placings were decided using the combined times from the 2 races.

International Universities included:

Harvard University, Imperial College London, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oxford University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Sydney University and Yale University.

Local Universities included:

Macau University, Peking University, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Air Force Medical University, Tonji University, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Physical Education College of Zhangzhou University, Chengdu Sport Institute and Chengdu University.

The same universities also took part in an indoor rowing competition for the first time in 2018.  All competitors raced on Concept 2 Ergometers over 500m (this was shortened from the planned 1,000m due to the hot conditions on the day).

Very positive feedback on the work of the umpires was received from athletes and organisers and word is that they will be invited to take part in future regattas in Xinjin.  The involvement of our umpires in this international event shows the depth of experience and recognises their reputation as world class regatta officials.