ROWING DISCIPLINE.
Not the least important point in the manage ment of a crew lies in the preservation of strict discipline. While they are in the boat and en gaged in rowing, no man, except the captain or the cox, should speak a word, unless he is appealed to by the coach. A wise captain, too, when he has a coach in whom he trusts, will content himself with saying very little indeed. To be constantly cursing his crew, or to be shouting directions to them from the boat, not only irritates the other men, but increases all the difficulties of a coach. To " answer back " a coach is a capital offence, which ought to lead to immediate removal from the crew. I can only remember one instance of it in all my experience, and that was promptly followed by a humble apology. Silence, prompt obedience, absolute subordination of the individual self to the collective good of the crew, a quick and hearty willingness in endeavouring to carry out orders or instructions, a cheerful temper when things are going awry, and a constant keenness whether in rowing or paddling—these are model qualities which will go far to make a man a valuable oar. Nothing has so bad an effect upon a crew as the display of moroseness or sullenness on the part of one of its members. If that member should chance to be the captain, the baneful effects are increased tenfold. There are times of inat tention and slackness when a coach does well to be angry, and to bring his men sharply back to a knowledge of their duty.
I cannot deal with this subject at any length, for good coaching is a matter of temperament, sympathy, tact, and intelligence—qualities that cannot be taught. The man who has these neces sary qualities, and adds to them a wide experience of rowing, can never go very far wrong in coaching a crew. If a man can once establish between himself and his crew that subtle bond which comes of their conviction that their welfare and success are his chiefest desire, and that everything he says is absolutely right, the rest will be comparatively easy. A few simple hints may, however, be given.
(I) Never nag at your crew, or at an individual. Point out his fault ; explain to him as clearly as you can how he ought to correct it, and then leave him alone for a bit. Never weary your men with an incessant stream of talk. Periods of complete silence on your part are very valuable, to you and to the crew.
(2) If you see signs of improvement in a man whom you have been correcting, never fail to tell him so. A little encouragement of this kind has
more effect than heavy loads of objurgation.
(3) Rebuke any carelessness very sharply, but always keep strong measures, such as taking a crew back to the start, for really serious emergencies.
(4) Show no partiality, and make as little differ ence as you can between man and man. It is useful to begin by coaching old hands with some severity. New hands are encouraged by feeling that even a Blue or a Grand Challenge winner is liable to error, and that a coach is not afraid to tackle these eminent men.
(5) Make a gallant effort never to lose your temper with an individual, though loss of temper with a crew as a whole need not always be avoided. When things go wrong in a crew, impress upon each and every man that he is individually respon sible for the defects. Every man is probably doing something wrong, and in any case a determined and united attempt to row better can do no harm.
(6) Never tell your men that they are rowing " well," or " better," when these statements are contrary to the truth. The men in the boat can generally feel what is happening as well as you can see it from the bank or the launch, and they are apt to lose confidence in a man who talks smooth things when everything is rough.
(7) Never confuse a man by telling him more than one thing at a time while he is rowing. When the crew has easied you can lecture him and them more at length.
(8) Remember Dr. Warre's rule, that general ex hortations, such as "Time," "Beginning," "Smite," " Keep it long," and the like, are to be given at the right moment, not used as mere parrot cries.
(9) Vary the tone of your voice as much as possible.
(to) Vary, if possible, the expressions you use in pointing out and correcting faults.
(I I) Always insist on your crew putting on their wraps when they easy after rowing hard.
(12) Never allow men during summer training to stand, sit, or lie about in the full blaze of the sun.
(is) Teach by example as well as by precept. The coach should be able to take his seat in a gig pair, and to show his men practically the style he wishes them to row in, and how their faults may be corrected.
(i4) Always remember, while paying attention to the form of individuals, that your main object is to secure uniformity in the crew. Never fail, therefore, to correct faults of time instantly.