Registration FAQs
How Do I Pay For Registration?
You can pay by credit card through Regatta Central. If you would like to pay by check or Zelle (using these options helps BRC avoid paying credit card fees), please click the “Pay by Check” option on the payment page. Zelle payments go to treasurer@brightoncrew.org Checks go to: Brighton Rowing Club PO box 18724 Rochester, NY 14618 There is a discount if you sign up for both Winter & Spring at the same time
What Does the Registration Fee Cover?
The season’s registration fees cover coaching expenses, boathouse rental (boat storage fees), boat maintenance, regatta entry fees, costs to transport the boats to each regatta (fuel, truck rental expenses), insurance, payroll taxes, background check expenses for adults that come in contact with our athletes, and even more. This winter session fees include renting out gym space, CrossFit trainers and BRC coaches. We are a 501c(3) organization and run a tight budget. We are able to keep our costs way down with the incredible group of volunteers that we have fixing our boats and keeping our equipment safe. Some clubs roll all of these expenses into one at the start of the season, while some clubs charge additional fees on top of these and keep their initial registration fees lower. What we have seen after looking at other clubs is that the way we do this at BRC keeps our expenses covered and fair, and assures our athletes’ families that they will not be overpaying.
Are There Additional Costs Beyond the Registration Fee?
Yes, there are some additional fees as listed below. 1. Travel Expenses. We attend regattas that are out of town. There are costs for hotels (for both the athlete and the family). Athletes stay in rooms with one another and parents stay in their own room. We do our best to find good pricing on blocks of rooms. I would budget $200/weekend for your athlete per regatta. We will likely participate in 3 out of town regattas this spring. BRC will invoice you separately for your athlete’s share in their hotel expense. Not all three will have hotel expenses (i.e., shorter trips to Buffalo). 2. Crews that have been invited to attend national events will have extra costs associated with travel. The BRC policy is that the club will cover registration fees and boat travel expenses, but athlete travel expenses are up to the family. 3. Athletes that compete in single sculls at regattas will be invoiced for their registration fee at regattas. Typical fees for this are $40-$60 per race. The club will transport the boat, but the race fees are passed along to the family of the athlete. This is in alignment with our clubs’ vision of promoting teamwork and single sculls are not seen as a team sport (instead, it is seen as an individual sport). 4. Uniforms. If you have not yet purchased your athlete a Uni (unisuit) or team uniform, you should budget $150 for a new Uni and tech shirt. 5. Hospitality. At our regattas, we do supply food and drink for our athletes and their families. For that to work, we do ask for families to volunteer their time at the regattas as well as to sign up for a dish to pass, or an item to bring (sign-up sheets for both volunteer time and food needs are sent in advance).
What if I'm Not Able to Meet the Financial Requirements?
We want to ensure that anyone who wants to row, can row. We strive to offer limited amount of financial support each season to help those individuals and families with the greatest need. To apply for Financial Support, individuals or families must complete the financial support application and provide supporting documents, including a tax return. Please be as clear and thorough on the application as possible. All information you provide is confidential. Complete this form to apply: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5-zb1NLG2XhOKqoPBGdrXEbdiNTvAXed-f0mLteDfkzqr8Q/viewform?usp=sf_link
What is Winter Conditioning?
Winter conditioning is highly encouraged by the coaching staff and is best practice for a crew athlete. Unless the athlete is participating in another winter sport, being part of the winter condition program is expected. In partnership with Brickyard CrossFit, BRC is bringing an updated program to the team this year. It will be providing an 1.5 hour workout, Monday-Thursday (3:30-5pm) at the JCC. Winter Conditioning has helped to change the competitive face of BRC, encourages team continuity and team building, technical development, maintenance of conditioning, coach/rower relations, and simply a fun environment during the cold season when we cannot be on the water. It is strongly encouraged for your athlete to participate in both winter and spring, and you will see our pricing supports participation as such. If overall cost is a concern, please reach out to our treasurer, Dave Clar, to arrange for an installment plan over the course of a few months.