INDIVIDUAL CATEGORIES AND RULES

=> Participants’ age category will be determined by their age on 31/12/2027, as per the WR Rules.

=> Men’s and Women’s events are defined in the WR Rules, in Rule 13 and Appendix R1 – Bye-Laws to Rule 13.

=> Lightweight categories and requirements are defined in a specific section below.

Categories

Openweight – no weight restriction

*Men – for men and rowers who are not eligible to compete in a women’s event.

**Open (age) – Competitors of any age from 19 are eligible to compete. The results of those competitors entering the Open category shall be counted only for the Open Category and not for any other age category for which they are eligible by age. They can only be ranked in that other age category if they compete twice, once in each category

Formats & progression system

The following rules apply to the Men’s, Men’s Lightweight, Women’s and Women’s Lightweight categories.

1min => Heats & Finals

(all race groups combined)

1000m => Heats & Finals

From Heats to Finals => World 6 best times of each age category (all race groups combined)

5000m => Heats & Finals

From Heats to Finals => World 30 best times (all race groups combined) of the Men, Men Lightweight, Women and Women Lightweight categories (all age categories combined).

Lightweight categories

=> A competitor in a lightweight men’s event may not weigh more than 75.0 kgs.

= >A competitor in a lightweight women’s event may not weigh more than 61.5 kgs.

Lightweight events requirements

Any competitor who cannot completely meet the weigh-in requirements, or who fails to make weight, will be excluded. It is not possible to switch to the open weight category after the draw. Weigh-in submissions will be verified as quickly as possible by the officials, but it is possible that not all weigh-ins will be verified prior to the start of each race. As such, final race results will not be confirmed until all weigh-in submissions for a particular race have been verified and approved.

As per WR Rules, competitors must weigh-in from 2 to 1 hour before their first race of each lightweight event in which they are competing, each day of the competition.

Note: An athlete who competes in multiple lightweight event (e.g. 1min and 1000m) must weigh in before each race but if less than an hour separates the 2 starts, it is possible to produce only one weigh-in video, ensuring that the appropriate time is chosen to apply to both races. However, the video must be submitted twice, once for each race on the WR Entry Portal.

Weigh-in Process

Strict video evidence of the competitor’s weigh-in must be uploaded to the World Rowing Entry Portal within the required time frame.

Video evidence must show the following in one video:

1/ A labelled test weight in kilograms or equivalent (such as a dumbbell or weighted plate) being placed on the digital scale to be used, with a clear reading of the weight indicated on both the test weight and the digital scale reading visible. The weight cannot be a modifiable weight (i.e. a sandbag, adjustable dumbbell, flour packet, etc.)

2/ The test weight subsequently removed from the digital scale, and the competitor’s full body (including their face) standing on the digital scale in their racing clothes (minimum tshirt/short or rowing unisuit)

3/ The scale reading visible in kilograms, showing the weight to 0.1 kilograms.

4/ The following webpage visible in the video (on a phone, computer, tablet):https://worldrowing.entries.regatta-systems.com/clock (this webpage will act as the timestamp in your weigh-in video. The unique code provided each minute on the webpage will ensure that competitors are honouring the weigh-in window).

INDIVIDUAL INDOOR ADAPTIVE CATEGORIES (PARA)

Categories

World Rowing has revised the Adaptive Categories’ definitions, criteria and requirements to offer a more relevant and fairer structure to all athletes.

All information on Indoor Adaptive Categories and categorization are available HERE.

Adaptive Race Formats & Progression System

1min => Heats & Final

From Heats to Final => World 10 best times of each category

1000m => Heats & Final

From Heats to Final => World 10 best times of each category

RELAY CATEGORIES AND RULES

Categories

>> 1000m & 5000m Open relays: Teams members of any age. Open teams must be composed of 4 rowers (all genders eligible).

>> 1000m & 5000m Women relays: Teams members of any age. Women teams must be composed of 4 rowers eligible to compete in women’s events.

>> 1000m & 5000m Mixed relays: Teams members of any age. Teams must be composed of 50% men and 50% rowers eligible to compete in women’s events.

>> 1000m Mixed U19 relays: All team members must be less than 19 years old in 2027 (maximum 18 years old on the 31/12/27) and teams must be composed of 50% men and 50% rowers eligible to compete in women’s events.

>> 1000m Mixed U23 relays: All team members must be less than 23 years old in 2027 (maximum 22 years old on the 31/12/27) and teams must be composed of 50% men and 50% rowers eligible to compete in women’s events.

Teams will have to respect specific rules on team members’ participation during a relay race. Compliance checks and Race analysis to verify that teams are following the rules will be conducted on their Race Verification video, whose submission is mandatory.

On 1000m and 5000m relay races, each member of the team must row at least two legs during the race.

Indoor Rowing Rule ROI 29 will apply about Interference and Rights of Relay team members for the purposes of transitioning:

1/ During a race no competitor or other person shall interfere with another competitor.

2/ In the case of such interference which affects the outcome of the race the Responsible Umpire shall decide on the action and the resultant sanction to be applied under Rule ROI 24 (Sanctions)

3/ Under this Rule, pushing or assisting a competitor is not permitted and shall be regarded as interference.

4/ However, in a relay event, members of the same relay team shall be permitted to hold the feet of the competitor of their own team while rowing and to touch the rowing machine for the purposes of transitioning between teammates, without being sanctioned => external help is NOT permitted (from coaches, entourage, athletes from other teams, etc.)

5/ The Race Officials shall ensure that no external factors influence the result of a race and shall take appropriate action if they consider such influence has

6/ During racing, if the movement of the rowing machine is likely to damage the technical installations or connections, Race Officials may take such actions as they consider necessary to prevent such damage whilst ensuring that no advantage or disadvantage is caused to the competitor.

Indoor Rowing Rules ROI 23 section 4 specifies that no change of competitors shall be made after a race has started. So, no substitution is permitted between the Heats and the Finals (even for medical reasons) and the team composition shall remain exactly the same.

Formats & progression system for relays

1000m – Teams of 2 => Heats & Final

From Heats to Final => World 10 best times of each category

5000m – Teams of 4 => Heats & Final

From Heats to Final => World 10 best times of each category

RESULT PUBLICATION

Expect the suspense to last until the very end! To keep the competition exciting until all competitors have completed the Heats, results will be unveiled progressively throughout the event, with potential twists and surprises right up to the last race:

1min and 1000m

>> From rank 7 onwards: names, nationalities and scores will be visible.

>> After the Finals: Complete results, including athlete names, nationality, scores, and all performance details, will be published in the official standings.

Adaptive and Relays

>> From rank 11 onwards: names, nationalities and scores will be visible.

>> After the Finals: Complete results, including athlete names, nationality, scores, and all performance details, will be published in the official standings.

5000m

>> From rank 11 onwards: names, nationalities and scores will be visible.

>> After the Finals: Complete results, including athlete names, nationality, scores, and all performance details, will be published in the official standings.

* World Rowing may choose to also release the score, only for the leading athletes at some point on the Heats Day. This approach would help maintain the suspense and integrity of the competition while still allowing significant achievements – such as a World Record – to be communicated promptly. It would also provide opportunities to celebrate outstanding performances and keep athletes, fans, and followers engaged throughout the event, even while detailed standings and results remain restricted until the competition is complete.

RANKINGS AND MEDALS

Rankings

The official WRVICH 2027 rankings will be based on both progression and results.

=> The Open & Age categories rankings (for Men, Lightweight Men, Women and Lightweight Women) will place the finalists ranked by their times in the Finals at the top, followed by all participants in the Heats, ranked according to their times in the Heats.

EXAMPLE – Men’s 1000m 40-44, Jonas and Michael:

So, Jonas is ranked 8th and Michael 2nd in the Heats Men’s 1000m 40-44. Even though Jonas achieved a better time in the Heats than Michael in the final, Michael qualified for the final so therefore ranked higher.

Medals & certificates

– Medals for individual eventswill be awarded to the top 3 finalists in each category (Open/age – M/W/LM/LW – and Adaptive Rowing).

– Medals for relay eventswill be awarded to the top 3 finalists in each relay category.

Digital Certificates will be sent to all participants following the event. Certificates will be sent to the email address identified in the WR Profile.

Minimum Entries and Requirements for receiving medals

If only one athlete/team is entered in an event/category at the entry deadline:

==> Heat is confirmed, as a race opportunity and mandatory to access the Final (for all athletes to experience the system once before the Final)

==> Final is confirmed with no medals (as no ranking in the Age Category can be done).

If two or three entries are entered at the entry deadline, the event is confirmed, and medals will be awarded on the basis of one less than the number of athletes/teams competing in the first round of the event, even if an athlete/team withdraws after the first round and before the final.

Subject to these conditions:

1/ the gold medal shall always be awarded, even if only one athlete/team remain;

2/ if two athletes/teams compete, then only the gold medal will be awarded;

3/ if three athletes/teams compete, then only gold and silver medals will be awarded.

RACE AND TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

To ensure smooth participation, everyone looking at making an entry must be aware of the race and technical requirements listed below:

What you need to HAVE

– Valid ID or Passport

– Concept2 static rowing machine equipped with a PM3, PM4 or PM5 (with the latest firmware update available on Concept2 Utility)

– Fixing solution to prevent the rowing machine from sliding on the floor, especially for sprint races

– USB cable (A/B, A/C, C/B or C/C depending on laptop/PM connections)

– Laptop with Chrome browser

– Good internet connection

– For Lightweight category only: digital scale, fix and labelled weight (eg. 2 or 5kg training weight)

– Smartphone/camera

– Ideally, an accompanying person for safety (mandatory for all minors)

What you need to KNOW/DO

Official race software

Information is available in the Homerace Manual

Start procedure

The PM will be automatically set once it is successfully connected to the Homerace system and start commands will successively show you SIT READY – ATTENTION – ROW

Video of your race

To add another level of integrity and robustness to the results of the virtual WRICH, all competitors are required to record a video of their race to be referred to in case internet connections are lost, and to cross-check results.

If no video is recorded and/or uploaded, the Jury reserves the right to disqualify the competitor for lack of proof of the result and performance.

Please arrange for a 3rd party, or static camera to video each of your races. This includes the Heats and the Final races. Please upload your video on the WR Entry Portal as soon as possible after completing your race. The World Rowing Communications and Media team will also access these videos to develop stories for media release.

In addition, the Finals will be live streamed. This will act as the Competitor Verification element. If a competitor loses his video connection mid-race, they may be contacted by World Rowing after the event to provide proof of their race. World Rowing reserves the right to adjust results if a score cannot be verified on video.

WARNING: Race video cannot replace the Concept2 monitor being connected to the Homerace system before and during the race. No off-line performance can be taken into account. The video will only be used by Officials to cross check/approve the final result in case an athlete loses internet connection AFTER THE RACE START and is dropped out of the race tracker during the race.

Video Standards

Videos must be a single take and must not be edited in any way, and

Videos must include all of the following:

=> a clear view of the competitor and Concept2 machine throughout the duration of the race as well as the laptop connected to the machine.

=> a close-up of the monitor after the finish (clearly demonstrating completion of the row with accompanying score).

=> proof of date and time using the following webpage visible in the video (on a phone, computer, tablet): https://worldrowing.entries.regatta-systems.com/clock (open it on another tab on your race computer and switch to show it after the race, on the video)

=> A smartphone, laptop, or camera of any description can be used to record the video.

Machine sharing

It is possible for competitors racing in different races/events to share rowing machines at the same location. If this is the case, the competitor racing first will need to wait for their race to fully finish before selecting the yellow ‘disconnect’ button i.e. all ‘boats’ in their race have finished and the connected monitor has been automatically reset by the race system back to the main menu. Only at this point, the next participant’s secret race code can be entered, and the next competitor can prepare to race.

DO NOT ENTER a secret race code for an upcoming race using the same erg/laptop while a race is currently in progress and the erg is actively being used for that race – this applies even if you’re doing so in a separate window.

Recommendation: use the same machine only if you have a sufficient time between race starts, so you have time to race, reset and set again for the next race.

In case of any delay in the schedule, you might not be able to be ready for the next race. In case of emergency, please contact World Rowing as soon as possible at indoor@worldrowing.com, with EMERGENCY MACHINE SHARING in the email subject line and your details, name/last name and phone number in the email.

NO EXCEPTIONS OR DELAYS will be made to accommodate shared machines.

Additional Equipment Use for non-Adaptive categories

As per Rule 13 of the Indoor Rowing Rules, “no attachments may be added or connections made to any machine without the approval of the President of the Jury.”

As practical examples (non-exhaustive), it is prohibited to use adhesive tape or straps not part of the original machine for the purpose of connecting the competitor to the machine.

Nevertheless, positioning shoes under the foot straps is allowed as long as they are not attached and can easily be removed.

World Rowing strongly recommends that the machine is positioned on a flat, stable and level floor.

If necessary, request must be made at indoor@worldrowing.com

Reminder about the FALSE START rule

The first false start in a race will be assigned to all of the competitors in the race. In case of a second false start in the same race, the competitor(s) responsible for the second false start will be excluded from the event.

TEST RACE

No Participant Secret code is required to do a Test Race. Available at any time.

Step by Step process

1/ Access homerace.nl

2/ Follow the procedure described HERE: HomeRace Test Race procedure

OBJECTIONS & PROTESTS

In accordance with the Rules of racing – Indoor Rowing, the following rules, specific for the 2027 WRVICH, will apply.

——

Rule ROI 33 – Objections

1/ A competitor claiming that their race was not in order and that their ranking in the race has been affected may make an Objection to the Responsible Umpire at indoor@worldrowing.comwithin 10min after the finish of the race, with the subject “OBJECTION to the attention of the PoJ”

2/ Such Objection may only concern the conduct of that competitor’s race.

3/ The Responsible Umpire may accept or reject the competitor’s Objection and shall communicate their decision in writing to the competitors in the race, and to the other Race Officials.

Rule ROI 34 – Protests

A protest to the Board of the Jury may only be made by a competitor:

1/ whose objection has been rejected;
2/ whose ranking in a race has been affected by the acceptance of an objection;
3/ ruled DNS (did not start) or DNF (did not finish);
4/ that has been excluded or disqualified; and
5/ that disputes the published results of their race.

Such a protest must be in writing at indoor@worldrowing.com with the subject “PROTEST to the attention of the PoJ” not later than 30 minutes after the publication of the official results of the relevant race.

The protest must be accompanied by a transfer of EUR 100 using THIS LINK. The amount shall be refunded if the protest is upheld.

The Jury shall then decide if the protest was justified. It will make its decision as soon as possible after the reception of the protest and, in any case, no later than one hour after the last race of the day. The decision and reasoning shall be given in writing.

The Jury may:

1/ Reject the protest;
2/ Uphold the protest and provide such relief as may be necessary to restore each affected competitor’s chances in the race or to correct the published results. The relief available to be provided by the Jury is as follows:

a/ Reprimand a competitor;
b/ Exclude a competitor from the event;
c/ Disqualify a competitor
d/ Relegate a competitor to last place in the race where specifically provided for in these Rules;
e/ Order a re-row in accordance with Rule 65 between some or all competitors in the race at a time specified by the President of the Jury.

In case of a protest arising from an objection concerning the final of an event and if the subsequent decision of the Board of the Jury changes the final result of the event,

1/ The official result shall be changed accordingly;
2/ Where medal placings are affected, then the medals shall be re-awarded as necessary in accordance with the decision.

Subject only to ROI 35, the decision of the Jury on such a protest shall be final and not subject to further appeal.

——

It is the competitor’s responsibility to make sure that all of the technical requirements for participating in the event as described in the competition notice are met. The inability to participate or compete a race due to failing to meet the technical requirements or an internet failure are not ground for an objection or protest.

WORLD RECORDS

Competitors who believe that they may break a world record during either the qualification or final race phase of the WRICH should contact Concept2 in advance of competing to indicate this possibility. In addition to following all of the score verification protocols (as outlined on Concept2’s website), lightweights must be weighed-in no earlier than two hours before their race, under independent supervision, on approved scales. Using personal scales with a family member present will not comply with this requirement. Weigh-in should satisfy the same level of scrutiny as at a venue race. Competitors should contact Concept2 in advance of competition in order to ensure that their planned weigh-in strategy is approved and would be accepted by Concept2. Contact virtualracing@concept2.com for more details on this.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Share & Join the Conversation

Follow us on our official channels for all the latest from the Championships: behind-the-scenes, athlete features, live updates and interactive content.

Get involved

=> Use the official hashtag #2027WRVICH and #WorldRowingVirtualIndoorChamps when posting your preparations, training shots, concept2 row-erg selfies or rallying friends to join the event.

=> Tag us @WorldRowing on Instagram and TikTok, and mention @WorldRowing in your tweets and Facebook posts. We’ll be resharing the best content from around the world.

=> While you’re watching the livestreams or virtual heats, comment using #WRIndoor or #WRVICHLive for Q&A moments, fan shout-outs and real-time highlights.

=> Want to show how you’re joining from home (or your club, studio or virtual setup)? Snap a photo or video of your erg session and drop it with the hashtag. We’ll feature standout entries across our stories and feed.

Why share?

By posting and tagging your activity you’re helping build a global community of rowers, indoor-rowers, clubs and fans. Your content adds voice, energy and visibility to the championships, from your local club to the global stage.

Stay tuned

Keep an eye out for special social campaigns: athlete takeovers, live Instagram/TikTok “behind the scenes”, and interactive polls and quizzes on race day. Make sure notifications are turned on so you don’t miss when we go live or drop exclusive content.

Let’s make #2027RVICH the most social, connected indoor‐rowing event ever. See you online and on-the-erg! 💪🚣‍♀️

EMERGENCY CONTACT

In case of any last-minute issue, competitors are asked to send an email as quickly as possible to indoor@worldrowing.com with:

=> Name

=> Category and race time

=> Brief description of the issue

=> Phone number including country code

The competition management team will make its best efforts to call back and propose any possible solution to solve the issue and ensure the participation.

MEDICAL

1/ As per the Commitment document signed at entry, participation in the WRVICH is entirely at the competitor’s own risk.

2/ As the competition is a virtual event it is essential that competitors avoid competing alone. It is your responsibility to have another person available to render assistance if necessary.

3/ All competitors accept on entry that they will be competing in a very strenuous activity and therefore are in good health and have been cleared by a medical doctor to participate in physical activity.

ANTI-DOPING

The use of doping substances or doping methods to enhance performance is fundamentally wrong and is detrimental to the overall spirit of sport. Drug misuse can be harmful to an athlete’s health and to other athletes competing in the sport. It severely damages the integrity, image and value of sport, whether or not the motivation to use drugs is to improve performance.

To achieve integrity and fairness in sport, a commitment to a clean field of play is critical. World Rowing seeks to maintain the integrity of sport in by running a comprehensive anti-doping program that focuses equally on education/prevention and on testing, with consequent sanctioning of those who break the rules.

All athletes must adhere to the Rules and be aware of requirements and consequences in case of rule violation.

Quick access to WR Rules – Rule 86 and Appendix R10 – Bye-laws to the Rule 86

Quick access to WR Anti-doping Centre of resources and ITA’s Webinars

Quick access to the Prohibited List produced by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

Quick access to ITA Information to Athletes

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION FOR THE FINALS

Information required before the race

Once qualified, finalists should log into the World Rowing Entry portal to provide the required finalist information to World Rowing.

Location information – Competitors are obliged to provide the location (address) of where they will race in their final. This will be used for potential in-competition doping control. It is the sole responsibility of the competitor to ensure that their race day location (address) is correct and accurate. This is mandatory for all finalists.

Contact information – Competitors are required to provide a race day phone number, including the country code. Competitors should monitor their phone and email on race-day in the event of contact from World Rowing. The device (smartphone) must NOT be used to provide Internet access/connection to the computer for racing. This is mandatory for all finalists.

Biographical information – Competitors are encouraged to provide biographical details in the World Rowing Entry Portal. These will be accessible by the World Rowing commentary and production teams, and could be used in the live stream, as well as other promotions for the event. This is mandatory for all finalists.

Photos & video – Competitors are encouraged to provide a headshot, or other photo or video of them to accompany their biographical information. These will be accessible by the World Rowing commentary and production teams, and could be used in the live stream, as well as other promotions for the event. This is optional for all finalists.

Emergency phone number – Please provide the phone number for someone who will be nearby to you during your race. Please include the country code.

Target Time – Please provide your target time.

Live stream

Saturday 27 February will be live streamed on World Rowing webpage and on World Rowing’s YouTube Channel, with an expert commentary panel.

Competitors will receive a specific webcam link for EACH race. Simply click on the link on the device you will use for this purpose, allow webcam usage, and you will be streaming. A new link will be provided for each race so make sure you change from a Final to another in case of several qualifications.

All finalists are asked not to use the race computer and the same internet connection for the Live streaming.

If you have no other possibility than using the integrated laptop camera in the same laptop from which you are running the Homerace system, please ensure that the browser page running the Homerace system is ALWAYS visible as the front page on your screen.

Finalists’ live stream video will be used for both video verification and the live stream. As such, it is critical that all Finalists stream their Final race(s) appropriately. This doesn’t exempt you from taking the verification video and providing it to World Rowing upon request.

We highly recommend that you use a fully charged camera/device for live streaming and keep your camera on-charge during use.

Post-race interviews

The 2027 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships, presented by Concept2 is a global event that celebrates the Rowing community. Highlighting stories and reactions from throughout the Indoor Rowing world, World Rowing may introduce a new segment of feel-good interviews with Competitors during the global live broadcast.

After a Final race, competitors may be asked to film or participate in a live video interview with one of WR’s Commentators or Presenters, which could be included in the broadcast. Competitors are kindly encouraged to share their phone numbers for the purpose of arranging interviews. Please ensure this phone number is in your WR Entry portal profile.

For questions, please contact indoor@worldrowing.com

2027 World Rowing Virtual Indoor Championships, presented by Concept2

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