March 31, 2004
(Boston-Cambridge) The Head Of The Charles Board of Directors have approved new height restrictions for 2004 Lightweight events. Citing documented health and medical research the Directors ratified complimentary height restrictions. Lightweight Men's events will be restricted to under 5'11" and Lightweight Women's events will be restricted to under 5'6".
Chairman Edward Smith remarked, "...liabilities abound with extreme weight loss." Weigh-in standards will remain the same, Men's team boats will average 160 lbs. with no person max over 165 lbs. and women's 130 lbs. average 135 lbs. max. Singles sculler will be 160 lbs. and 130 lbs. respectively.
Executive Director Fred Schoch said, "Height sticks will be the first criteria along with newly purchased calibrated scales." Chief Referee Pete Peterson said "We hope our decision will lead to more common sense in the competitive lightweight arena."
On the Net: 40th Head Of The Charles® regatta www.hocr.org October 22-24, 2004