Rowing Queensland Independent Students (RQIS)

Through discussions with Member Clubs, Rowing Queensland has identified a small but growing number of school-aged students who are participating through club programs because they do not have access to a school rowing program. We are also seeing clubs invest in learn-to-row programs and junior development squads, particularly in communities where no school rowing program exists.

While these initiatives are increasing participation, they have also highlighted a gap within the competition structure. A small number of school-aged athletes are currently unable to compete alongside their peers at school-only regattas, including the South Queensland Schools' Championships and the Queensland Schools' Championships, despite meeting the age requirements and actively participating in the sport.

To support participation and provide a clear pathway for these athletes, Rowing Queensland is trialling the Rowing Queensland Independent Student affiliation. This affiliation would enable eligible school-aged athletes, who are not able to represent an affiliated school rowing program, to compete in designated school championship events.

The proposed eligibility requirements and operating protocol are outlined below.

Representative Entity – Rowing Queensland Independent Students (RQIS)

For example a draw would look like this:

• School: Brisbane State High School
• School: Rockhampton Grammar School 
• School: Rowing Queensland Independent Students

 Eligibility:

• An athlete may be classified as a school-aged athlete if they are no older than 20 years of age at 31 December in the year of competition.
• Athletes must be enrolled full-time at a recognised school in Queensland; or

• • participating in a recognised traineeship, apprenticeship, vocational education, alternative education, distance education, or equivalent secondary education pathway recognised within Queensland.
  • Rowing Queensland reserves the right to request evidence of enrolment, participation, or educational status to confirm eligibility.

• Athletes must be at least 12 years old in the year of competition.
• Affiliation to RQ Independent Students must be finalised to Rowing Queensland prior to entry into a regatta. 
• Membership must meet the requirements of the event, ie School Rower, or Junior Competitor
• RQIS affiliation is only valid for entries to Rowing Queensland hosted school events and not valid for non school events, for example Queensland Rowing Championships or school events held at other states or Rowing Australia
• Athletes who attend a school that competes within a recognised school rowing association (for example, the GPS Association or the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association) must provide written confirmation from their school that they are not participating in that school's rowing program. Approval to affiliate with RQIS remains at the discretion of Rowing Queensland.
• Athletes must wear the nominated competition uniform, club uniforms are not permitted. 
• Once athletes from one school exceeds 4 (not including coxwains), a school affiliation must be formed, unless approved by Rowing Queensland
• Athletes competing under RQIS are able to form crews for competition and points awarded accordingly
• Athletes attending a recognised traineeship or apprenticeship shall race in the Open category at school events and have a Queensland Rowing Score applied.

Competition Uniform

Athletes may compete in a navy zootie of their choice, without club or school emblem/branding.  Rowing Queensland recommends Tuck Active   

The trial for this initiative will be for events up to and including the 2026 Queensland Schools' Championship.  At the conclusion of the event, a review will be undertaken with feedback sought from athletes, clubs and schools.

If you have athletes that would be interested in the RQIS, please email membership@rowingqld.com.au

Questions or feedback can be sent to ceo@rowingqld.com.au