Philosophy and Policies

 Philosophy Statement

 The attributes listed below describe the overall mission and philosophy of Great Salt Lake Rowing (GSLR) and serve as a guide to decisions about the club’s programs, policies and activities.

 GSLR is:

• A community-based club formed to promote rowing at both the recreational and competitive levels.
• Open to anyone who pays membership fees.
• A cohesive organization that accommodates its different types of members – men, women, juniors, experienced, novice – within the context of a single unified program.
• Committed to providing racing opportunities to all interested rowers who seek them.
• Interested in providing social activities as an important, but secondary, aspect of the club.
• Committed to rowing on the Great Salt Lake and therefore accepting of the limitations imposed by Utah State Parks.

 Safety Guidelines

• If possible, go out on the lake with a “buddy” rower.
• A personal floatation device for each person must be on the boat in accordance with Utah State Law.
• Keep to the right and out of the way of other boats. 
• Stay close to the shore whenever possible.
• When going on a long row away from shore leave a note on your car or in the boathouse with your planned course.
• Maintain a high degree of awareness of your position on the lake and the pre presence of other craft.  It is your responsibility to avoid collisions.
• Yield to sailboat traffic at all times – on the water and at the dock.  A sailboat will always win in a collision.
• If you flip, swim the boat to shore or get back in as soon as possible.  Prolonged exposure to cold water is very dangerous.
• It is a good idea to wear light or bright colors so you are visible.

Use of Club Boats

• You must be a club member and be approved by a GSLR “coach” in order to use club boats. 
• You must have signed a current waiver form indicating that you have reviewed and understand the club’s policies, procedures and safety guidelines.
• You must sign out the club boat using the sign-out book maintained in the GSLR boathouse. 
• You are responsible for washing, covering and tying the boat down after each use.  Washing the boat and oars is very important due to the high salinity of the water.  Return the oars to the proper storage area.
• If there is damage to club equipment, please notify Michael Spackman.

GSLR’s Competitive Philosophy

A primary purpose of GSLR is to provide opportunities for members to participate in friendly competition within the club and with other rowing clubs.  Any member is eligible to sign up for any race.  In short, the club’s competitive philosophy can be summed up as having fun doing the best we can with what we’ve got.

GSLR Races

 Great Salt Lake Rowing (GSRL) seeks to exemplify good sportsmanship throughout its program.  Underlying this is an assumption that all GSLR members will treat each other with respect.  This attitude is also reflected in our proper treatment of the equipment we use, as well as in our dealings with Utah State Parks and our racing opponents.