Updates from Sammamish Rowing Association
11/25/2021
SRA members,
Winter weather has arrived in the Pacific Northwest and with it the need for teams to spend time working out inside.To comply with King County rules governing gyms and indoor training spaces and to protect our community, SRA will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination beginning January 10. This requirement applies to SRA athletes, staff, family members, and guests over the age of 5.
Proof of vaccination will be required to enter the boathouse and to participate in rowing or rowing-related activities of any type in 2022, including all teams, independent rowing, and boat storage. SRA’s registration system will enable you to upload proof of vaccination in the same way you upload a completed swim test. The date of each dose must be legible on your record. You will only need to upload it once and can ignore the reminder for any subsequent registrations.
Registration for 2022 programs will open on December 16. Have your proof of vaccination on hand when you sign up, so you can complete the process right away. You will be able to register without it, but you will not be able to row until your documentation is uploaded to your account.
You must obtain your second vaccine dose at least two weeks before the start of your first SRA session in 2022. If you are not yet vaccinated, keep this timeframe and in mind and schedule your first dose soon. You can find information on getting vaccinated here. If you require a medical exemption to the vaccination requirement, please email me.
King County has been a loyal and generous partner to SRA throughout our club’s history and is striving to keep the greater community safe. Thank you for your understanding and for your compliance with the County’s proof-of-vaccination requirement.
Mark Davis
Executive Director
SRA members,
Winter weather has arrived in the Pacific Northwest and with it the need for teams to spend time working out inside.To comply with King County rules governing gyms and indoor training spaces and to protect our community, SRA will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination beginning January 10. This requirement applies to SRA athletes, staff, family members, and guests over the age of 5.
Proof of vaccination will be required to enter the boathouse and to participate in rowing or rowing-related activities of any type in 2022, including all teams, independent rowing, and boat storage. SRA’s registration system will enable you to upload proof of vaccination in the same way you upload a completed swim test. The date of each dose must be legible on your record. You will only need to upload it once and can ignore the reminder for any subsequent registrations.
Registration for 2022 programs will open on December 16. Have your proof of vaccination on hand when you sign up, so you can complete the process right away. You will be able to register without it, but you will not be able to row until your documentation is uploaded to your account.
You must obtain your second vaccine dose at least two weeks before the start of your first SRA session in 2022. If you are not yet vaccinated, keep this timeframe and in mind and schedule your first dose soon. You can find information on getting vaccinated here. If you require a medical exemption to the vaccination requirement, please email me.
King County has been a loyal and generous partner to SRA throughout our club’s history and is striving to keep the greater community safe. Thank you for your understanding and for your compliance with the County’s proof-of-vaccination requirement.
Mark Davis
Executive Director
3/11/2021
A message from Executive Director Mark Davis:
Below is our most recent Phased Opening Plan for 2021. The attached timeline is subject to change and we will always make decisions prioritizing the safety of our community - SRA and Beyond.
A message from Executive Director Mark Davis:
Below is our most recent Phased Opening Plan for 2021. The attached timeline is subject to change and we will always make decisions prioritizing the safety of our community - SRA and Beyond.
| sra_phased_opening_-_2021-1.pdf |
8/05/2020
A message from Executive Director Mark Davis:
I would like to share with you a number of important decisions SRA recently made regarding fall rowing.
Rowing will continue to be exclusively in singles (other than household doubles). Rowing in singles remains the best way to keep rowers and staff healthy and safe.
Programming will be limited to:
Sessions will run for four weeks at a time, similar to summer programming. Rowers who do not get a spot in the first session will be given registration priority for the next session.
For safety reasons and due largely to the limited number of singles in SRA’s fleet, SRA will not run the following programs this fall:
I know this news is not what most of you had hoped to hear. We at SRA share your disappointment, whether it’s over canceled sessions or not being able to return to team boats. We miss our normal summer programs, our boisterous middle school rowers, and our next class of novices. The boathouse is not the same without them, and we look forward to the day when we can welcome everyone back on our normal schedule.
For returning rowers, SRA staff is working on plans for fall rowing, and we hope to have an announcement on details in the next few weeks. Putting large numbers of rowers on the water in singles in the dark presents an array of challenges, so we are approaching every step of our planning with even more care than usual.
This spring and summer, SRA successfully put over 250 rowers back on the water and did so almost entirely in singles. Getting that many small boats safely on the water has required a huge feat of logistics and planning. I want to thank our coaches for their ongoing hard work and dedication, our rowers for their cooperation and compliance with safety protocols, and the entire SRA community for its patience and support as we move forward in this new normal.
Sincerely,
Mark | Executive Director
A message from Executive Director Mark Davis:
I would like to share with you a number of important decisions SRA recently made regarding fall rowing.
Rowing will continue to be exclusively in singles (other than household doubles). Rowing in singles remains the best way to keep rowers and staff healthy and safe.
Programming will be limited to:
- Masters who rowed with SRA in the past year, including 2020 novices
- High school rowers who rowed on SRA’s high school team in the past year, including 2020 novices
Sessions will run for four weeks at a time, similar to summer programming. Rowers who do not get a spot in the first session will be given registration priority for the next session.
For safety reasons and due largely to the limited number of singles in SRA’s fleet, SRA will not run the following programs this fall:
- High school novice (this includes middle school rowers going into 9th grade)
- Middle school
- Row for a Day
- Adult Learn to Row programs
I know this news is not what most of you had hoped to hear. We at SRA share your disappointment, whether it’s over canceled sessions or not being able to return to team boats. We miss our normal summer programs, our boisterous middle school rowers, and our next class of novices. The boathouse is not the same without them, and we look forward to the day when we can welcome everyone back on our normal schedule.
For returning rowers, SRA staff is working on plans for fall rowing, and we hope to have an announcement on details in the next few weeks. Putting large numbers of rowers on the water in singles in the dark presents an array of challenges, so we are approaching every step of our planning with even more care than usual.
This spring and summer, SRA successfully put over 250 rowers back on the water and did so almost entirely in singles. Getting that many small boats safely on the water has required a huge feat of logistics and planning. I want to thank our coaches for their ongoing hard work and dedication, our rowers for their cooperation and compliance with safety protocols, and the entire SRA community for its patience and support as we move forward in this new normal.
Sincerely,
Mark | Executive Director
7/01/2020
SRA is in Step 3!
Sammamish Rowing Association is pleased to move into step 3 of our Phased Reopening Plan. . We hope to move to SRA's step 4 once our county moves to phase 3. We can help by continuing to wear masks, socially distancing, and only going out when necessary or for exercise. For a reminder on what Step 3 of Sammamish Rowing Association's Phased Reopening Plan looks like, click the link below. (This step is still limited only to current and experienced members)
SRA is in Step 3!
Sammamish Rowing Association is pleased to move into step 3 of our Phased Reopening Plan. . We hope to move to SRA's step 4 once our county moves to phase 3. We can help by continuing to wear masks, socially distancing, and only going out when necessary or for exercise. For a reminder on what Step 3 of Sammamish Rowing Association's Phased Reopening Plan looks like, click the link below. (This step is still limited only to current and experienced members)
6/08/2020
SRA is moving in Step 2.1!
Sammamish Rowing Association is pleased to move into step 2.1 of our Phased Reopening Plan. Step 2.1 is still compliant with King County being in a modified phase 1 in Washington state's reopening plan. We hope to move to SRA's step 3 once our county moves to phase 2. We can help by continuing to wear masks, socially distancing, and only going out when necessary or for exercise. For a reminder on what Step 2 and 2.1 of Sammamish Rowing Association's Phased Reopening Plan looks like, click the link below.
SRA is moving in Step 2.1!
Sammamish Rowing Association is pleased to move into step 2.1 of our Phased Reopening Plan. Step 2.1 is still compliant with King County being in a modified phase 1 in Washington state's reopening plan. We hope to move to SRA's step 3 once our county moves to phase 2. We can help by continuing to wear masks, socially distancing, and only going out when necessary or for exercise. For a reminder on what Step 2 and 2.1 of Sammamish Rowing Association's Phased Reopening Plan looks like, click the link below.
5/20/2020
Sammamish Rowing Association Sammamish Strong – Phased Reopening Plan Spring and Summer 2020
OVERVIEW SRA’s reopening plan is designed to get SRA rowers back on the water while maintaining the health and safety of members and staff. The plan builds up gradually from limited use of singles by masters only to the eventual return to team boats by masters and high school rowers. Likewise, it slowly ramps up access to the boathouse and gradually increases the amount of coaching provided to members. (Middle school rowing will likely remain on hold until fall at the earliest, when we hope to be able to return to Idylwood Park.)
MILESTONES The dates listed in the plan are based on public guidelines and reflect the earliest possible date SRA might achieve each reopening milestone. The health and safety of SRA members will be the primary drivers of every decision we make on reopening. No milestone will come earlier than public guidance allows, and some may come later. Throughout the reopening process, SRA staff will carefully monitor public guidance and conditions at the boathouse and will adapt the plan accordingly.
HEALTH AND SAFETY Throughout each phase of the reopening, rowers will be expected to maintain physical distancing, wear masks except when on the water, adhere to strict cleaning protocols, pass a safety protocol quiz, and take a COVID pledge regarding their personal health.
THE PLAN The information below provides a general overview of SRA’s reopening plan. For more details, refer to the chart below.
STEP 1 (PRIVATE BOAT OWNERS) Step 1 began with the reopening of Marymoor Park on May 11, when private boat owners were allowed access to their boats. Only boats stored outside were accessible; the boathouse remained closed.
STEP 2 (MASTERS WITH SINGLES EXPERIENCE) Step 2 will begin on June 1 at the earliest. SRA will sell a limited number of four-week memberships to masters who have previous experience rowing singles (doubles/pairs for same household). Rowing will be permitted on weekday mornings only, with select launch windows.
Coaches will be on-site and will have a launch at the dock for emergencies but will not be on the water. The small-boat bays and downstairs bathroom will be open.
STEP 2.1 (MASTERS WITH LITTLE OR NO SINGLES EXPERIENCE) Step 2.1 will begin on June 14 at the earliest. Masters with little or no singles experience will be able to purchase four-week memberships similar to those offered in Phase 2. Rowing will be permitted on weekday mornings only, with select launch windows. Coaches will provide a boat- handling orientation and will have one or two safety launches on the water between the slough and the point. The small-boat bays and downstairs bathroom will be open.
STEP 3 (JUNIORS AND MASTERS IN BIGGER BOATS) Step 3 will begin on July 1 at the earliest. Small-boat memberships will continue to be available, and more small boats will be able to launch in a given launch window. Masters and juniors will be allowed in fours and quads, and coaching will be provided. High school novice and adult Learn to Row sessions will be added. The upstairs restrooms may be opened, as well as the erg room for use of storage cubbies only.
STEP 4 (JUNIORS AND MASTERS IN LARGER GROUPS AND BIG BOATS) A date for Step 4 is yet to be determined. In this phase SRA will return to team programs for masters and high school rowers, including the use of eights. Full coaching will be provided. All boathouse facilities, including the erg room and upstairs bathrooms, will be open. Team sizes will be capped at 50, but the cap may be lowered depending on conditions.
STEP 5 (FULL PROGRAM FOR JUNIORS AND MASTERS) A date for Step 5 is yet to be determined. In this phase SRA will restore its full team programs for masters and high school rowers. Masks will no longer be required, but excellent hygiene and physical distancing to the extent possible will be essential to keep the SRA community healthy and safe.
As a reminder, this plan is a working document. SRA will constantly evaluate procedures and programming. We will make adaptations when necessary to make SRA safer and more productive for everyone.
Sammamish Rowing Association Sammamish Strong – Phased Reopening Plan Spring and Summer 2020
OVERVIEW SRA’s reopening plan is designed to get SRA rowers back on the water while maintaining the health and safety of members and staff. The plan builds up gradually from limited use of singles by masters only to the eventual return to team boats by masters and high school rowers. Likewise, it slowly ramps up access to the boathouse and gradually increases the amount of coaching provided to members. (Middle school rowing will likely remain on hold until fall at the earliest, when we hope to be able to return to Idylwood Park.)
MILESTONES The dates listed in the plan are based on public guidelines and reflect the earliest possible date SRA might achieve each reopening milestone. The health and safety of SRA members will be the primary drivers of every decision we make on reopening. No milestone will come earlier than public guidance allows, and some may come later. Throughout the reopening process, SRA staff will carefully monitor public guidance and conditions at the boathouse and will adapt the plan accordingly.
HEALTH AND SAFETY Throughout each phase of the reopening, rowers will be expected to maintain physical distancing, wear masks except when on the water, adhere to strict cleaning protocols, pass a safety protocol quiz, and take a COVID pledge regarding their personal health.
THE PLAN The information below provides a general overview of SRA’s reopening plan. For more details, refer to the chart below.
STEP 1 (PRIVATE BOAT OWNERS) Step 1 began with the reopening of Marymoor Park on May 11, when private boat owners were allowed access to their boats. Only boats stored outside were accessible; the boathouse remained closed.
STEP 2 (MASTERS WITH SINGLES EXPERIENCE) Step 2 will begin on June 1 at the earliest. SRA will sell a limited number of four-week memberships to masters who have previous experience rowing singles (doubles/pairs for same household). Rowing will be permitted on weekday mornings only, with select launch windows.
Coaches will be on-site and will have a launch at the dock for emergencies but will not be on the water. The small-boat bays and downstairs bathroom will be open.
STEP 2.1 (MASTERS WITH LITTLE OR NO SINGLES EXPERIENCE) Step 2.1 will begin on June 14 at the earliest. Masters with little or no singles experience will be able to purchase four-week memberships similar to those offered in Phase 2. Rowing will be permitted on weekday mornings only, with select launch windows. Coaches will provide a boat- handling orientation and will have one or two safety launches on the water between the slough and the point. The small-boat bays and downstairs bathroom will be open.
STEP 3 (JUNIORS AND MASTERS IN BIGGER BOATS) Step 3 will begin on July 1 at the earliest. Small-boat memberships will continue to be available, and more small boats will be able to launch in a given launch window. Masters and juniors will be allowed in fours and quads, and coaching will be provided. High school novice and adult Learn to Row sessions will be added. The upstairs restrooms may be opened, as well as the erg room for use of storage cubbies only.
STEP 4 (JUNIORS AND MASTERS IN LARGER GROUPS AND BIG BOATS) A date for Step 4 is yet to be determined. In this phase SRA will return to team programs for masters and high school rowers, including the use of eights. Full coaching will be provided. All boathouse facilities, including the erg room and upstairs bathrooms, will be open. Team sizes will be capped at 50, but the cap may be lowered depending on conditions.
STEP 5 (FULL PROGRAM FOR JUNIORS AND MASTERS) A date for Step 5 is yet to be determined. In this phase SRA will restore its full team programs for masters and high school rowers. Masks will no longer be required, but excellent hygiene and physical distancing to the extent possible will be essential to keep the SRA community healthy and safe.
As a reminder, this plan is a working document. SRA will constantly evaluate procedures and programming. We will make adaptations when necessary to make SRA safer and more productive for everyone.
4/1/2020
Dear SRA Community,
We have continued to monitor the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation to make the best decisions we can for our community. SRA takes the spread of this illness seriously, as the safety and well-being of our members and staff is our highest priority.
I’d like to update you on SRA’s policies and procedures in response to this unprecedented situation. We have been following guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County and mirroring the school district operating schedules. As you are likely aware, Lake Washington, Bellevue, and Issaquah school districts have all closed until at least April 24th. Last night Governor Inslee issued a stay at home order for the next two weeks. In the wake of these developments and in consultation with the Board of Directors, I am writing to let you know that SRA will be closed through at least April 24th.
At this time, we will continue to monitor and reevaluate any further closures during that time. While this is not the outcome we were hoping for, it is what we need to do for the health and well-being of our entire community. I understand the impact SRA closing has on our lives. SRA is not simply a building with boats, but a community; a community at the foundation of life-long friendships, that creates discipline and fosters a strong work ethic in our juniors, and that reminds masters to never stop exploring.
Our coaching staff has been busy working to keep each team engaged. Through Slack, Zoom, Instagram, and Facebook our coaches are reminding us that our teams still exist outside the physical border of the boathouse. Our goal is to have a new, members only section on the SRA website by April 1st. There, you will find resources to help you stay connected with our SRA community. We will be sharing videos, coaches’ talks, workouts, and more. If there is content that you’d like to see or a piece of technical advice you’ve always wondered about, please let me know. Our coaching staff believes that we are mentors, and that our job doesn’t end when the bay doors close.
We are all operating in unchartered territory. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep our community safe for everyone. I will be sending out a weekly update to keep our community informed of any possible changes. And as a reminder the board will announce their plan for Spring rowing fees by the end of March. Please help us get SRA up and running as soon as possible by staying home and staying safe.
Best of health to you all,
Mark Davis
Executive Director
3/28/2020
SRA members,
Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, SRA’s priority has been the health and well-being of the SRA family. Well-being takes many forms, including physical, emotional, and, yes, financial.
Recognizing that many members may be facing financial hardship at this time, SRA’s board of directors has agreed to offer prorated refunds for spring fees. The prorate period begins with the boathouse closure on March 12. The end date varies by program as follows:
While the board is committed to providing financial relief to members, it also has a duty to make sure SRA remains viable for the long run. The loss of revenue from member fees will cause significant financial impacts to SRA. Spring refunds alone could total more than $280,000, and at this point we do not know what to expect from summer sessions.
To help our beloved organization weather this storm, I respectfully ask members who are able to do so to consider donating their refund (most helpful option for SRA) or to take their refund in the form of an account credit (reduces revenue for SRA but also lowers negative cashflow). Should you choose to donate your refund, your donation will be 100% tax deductible, and SRA will send you a tax donation receipt to reflect your gift.
To communicate your wishes to SRA regarding your refund, please CLICK HERE to indicate your choice through a secure, confidential form. Staff will begin processing requests on April 3, 2020, so be sure to fill out the form by then. If you do not fill out the form by April 3, SRA will gratefully understand that your decision is to donate your refund.
Be aware that office staff will run each refund individually, so the process may take several days. Please be patient. If you have questions about the refund process or the status of your refund, please email [email protected].
If you would like more information about SRA’s finances, please contact me. In the meanwhile, I would like to assure you that staff has been hard at work recovering tens of thousands of dollars in pre-paid regatta and travel fees, and the board is identifying potential cost reductions as well as researching new sources of funding such as small business loans and non-profit grants.
During these challenging and uncertain times, the board, rowers, parents, and staff of SRA continue to be united by our love of rowing and of SRA. We hope to be reunited in the boathouse, on the water, and even in the parking lot soon. In the meanwhile, I wish all of you continued good health.
Sincerely,
Mark Davis
Executive Director
Dear SRA Community,
We have continued to monitor the rapidly evolving coronavirus situation to make the best decisions we can for our community. SRA takes the spread of this illness seriously, as the safety and well-being of our members and staff is our highest priority.
I’d like to update you on SRA’s policies and procedures in response to this unprecedented situation. We have been following guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County and mirroring the school district operating schedules. As you are likely aware, Lake Washington, Bellevue, and Issaquah school districts have all closed until at least April 24th. Last night Governor Inslee issued a stay at home order for the next two weeks. In the wake of these developments and in consultation with the Board of Directors, I am writing to let you know that SRA will be closed through at least April 24th.
At this time, we will continue to monitor and reevaluate any further closures during that time. While this is not the outcome we were hoping for, it is what we need to do for the health and well-being of our entire community. I understand the impact SRA closing has on our lives. SRA is not simply a building with boats, but a community; a community at the foundation of life-long friendships, that creates discipline and fosters a strong work ethic in our juniors, and that reminds masters to never stop exploring.
Our coaching staff has been busy working to keep each team engaged. Through Slack, Zoom, Instagram, and Facebook our coaches are reminding us that our teams still exist outside the physical border of the boathouse. Our goal is to have a new, members only section on the SRA website by April 1st. There, you will find resources to help you stay connected with our SRA community. We will be sharing videos, coaches’ talks, workouts, and more. If there is content that you’d like to see or a piece of technical advice you’ve always wondered about, please let me know. Our coaching staff believes that we are mentors, and that our job doesn’t end when the bay doors close.
We are all operating in unchartered territory. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to keep our community safe for everyone. I will be sending out a weekly update to keep our community informed of any possible changes. And as a reminder the board will announce their plan for Spring rowing fees by the end of March. Please help us get SRA up and running as soon as possible by staying home and staying safe.
Best of health to you all,
Mark Davis
Executive Director
3/28/2020
SRA members,
Throughout the coronavirus outbreak, SRA’s priority has been the health and well-being of the SRA family. Well-being takes many forms, including physical, emotional, and, yes, financial.
Recognizing that many members may be facing financial hardship at this time, SRA’s board of directors has agreed to offer prorated refunds for spring fees. The prorate period begins with the boathouse closure on March 12. The end date varies by program as follows:
- For the high school team, the prorate period runs through the end of the spring season, May 18. Depending on when social restrictions end, we are working on plans to offer a late-spring/early-summer session.
- For masters, whose spring season runs through June 29, the prorate period goes through April 24, the currently planned end date for the shutdown. Should the shutdown extend past April 24, an additional refund will be offered to masters at that time.
- For middle school families, an email regarding the spring middle school program will go out separately.
While the board is committed to providing financial relief to members, it also has a duty to make sure SRA remains viable for the long run. The loss of revenue from member fees will cause significant financial impacts to SRA. Spring refunds alone could total more than $280,000, and at this point we do not know what to expect from summer sessions.
To help our beloved organization weather this storm, I respectfully ask members who are able to do so to consider donating their refund (most helpful option for SRA) or to take their refund in the form of an account credit (reduces revenue for SRA but also lowers negative cashflow). Should you choose to donate your refund, your donation will be 100% tax deductible, and SRA will send you a tax donation receipt to reflect your gift.
To communicate your wishes to SRA regarding your refund, please CLICK HERE to indicate your choice through a secure, confidential form. Staff will begin processing requests on April 3, 2020, so be sure to fill out the form by then. If you do not fill out the form by April 3, SRA will gratefully understand that your decision is to donate your refund.
Be aware that office staff will run each refund individually, so the process may take several days. Please be patient. If you have questions about the refund process or the status of your refund, please email [email protected].
If you would like more information about SRA’s finances, please contact me. In the meanwhile, I would like to assure you that staff has been hard at work recovering tens of thousands of dollars in pre-paid regatta and travel fees, and the board is identifying potential cost reductions as well as researching new sources of funding such as small business loans and non-profit grants.
During these challenging and uncertain times, the board, rowers, parents, and staff of SRA continue to be united by our love of rowing and of SRA. We hope to be reunited in the boathouse, on the water, and even in the parking lot soon. In the meanwhile, I wish all of you continued good health.
Sincerely,
Mark Davis
Executive Director
