BSRA Mission

Mission

The Brisbane Schoolgirls’ Rowing Association (BSRA) provides a competitive rowing experience in a structured and supportive environment that reflects the values of its nine member schools.

We conduct a quality, competitive and team orientated rowing regatta program where students and coaches interact to encourage physical, emotional, ethical and social development within the association and the wider sporting community. We aim for our competition to be fun for all, and to foster the social connection and inclusion that comes from opportunities in sport.

About Us

The BSRA is an incorporated body established to conduct regattas for its nine member schools. The association is affiliated with Rowing Queensland, who support its operation. The BSRA maintains an extensive set of by-laws to ensure the efficient, consistent and fair running of schoolgirl rowing competition, and delegates from each member school meet regularly to plan each season and review how the association operates.

Over the history of the BSRA, a number of strong philosophies have developed:

1
Each girl shall receive equal opportunity to compete for her school, irrespective of age or division.
2
Sculling is promoted up to Year 10 level, with sweep rowing introduced in Years 11 and 12.
3
Schools are encouraged to develop and expand their programs.
4
Rowing must remain in perspective as a school sport, recognising the demands of academic study.

The BSRA regatta season takes place in third term, across July and August. This takes advantage of Brisbane’s excellent winter climate and allows some girls’ schools to share equipment with boys’ schools who row through summer. The competition is open to girls in Years 8 to 12.

The BSRA reviewed Year 7 participation at the conclusion of the 2015 season and determined that it would remain outside the BSRA competition. Each school may offer rowing programs at Year 7 level at its own discretion, and many member schools run a Learn to Row program at this level in preparation for Year 8 entry into the competition.

Regattas

Each member school hosts a regatta in the lead-up to the Head of the River. See the season calendar for dates.

The annual Head of the River regatta, held towards the end of August, is the culmination of the rowing season. Every crew is striving to produce its best performance at this regatta.

In 1997, nearly 800 girls in more than 200 boats competed at the Head of the River, with spectators exceeding 6,000. Nearly thirty years on, schoolgirl rowing continues to grow in Queensland, and the BSRA has evolved into a progressive and professional administrative body that promotes the sport and facilitates a strong competition.

Competition Trophies

Medals are presented to each first, second and third placegetter, their coxswain and their coach. Three major trophies are presented at the conclusion of the Head of the River:

The BSRA Cup
Open First VIII

Presented to the winner of the Open First VIII race.

Donated by the Grummitt Family.
The Aggregate Cup
Champion School

Awarded to the champion school, the school with the best overall performance. Points are allocated to every crew that races in the first four divisions.

A crew that races and finishes last has still benefited its school more than not competing at all.

The Percentage Trophy
Points per head

Presented to the school with the most points per head of school population. The aggregate points total is divided by the number of Year 8 to 12 female students at the school.

It is designed to encourage smaller schools that may not have the depth to challenge for the Aggregate Cup.

There are currently no trophies presented at the Indoor Rowing Championships.