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Dragon Boat Canada


IDBF


Canoe Kayak Canada

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[ian]

Hi Everyone,
i`m looking for your views on what it means, or takes to be on a dragon boat team
i`d like feedback from you be it positve or negative, on your views of being on a team and how you see the level of expected committment both from yourself , your team mates , and your manager or coach if applicable.For example you have all your practice schedule in place,then someone does not show up because "something else came up" How do you feel ? , Do you always inform you team capt when you are not available or do you really care?
Get "stuff" off your chest, yes!  but maybe your thoughts and views may help other teams deal with the day to day life in dragonboat world
Thanks

[mandachan]

I could probably write a book on this topic.

[Illuminate]

This happens in every group setting, not just dragon boat, competitive or recreational team, it doesn't matter.  It's just how people are, they show up more often if they find that it is rewarding for them to be there.  It's up to the team management to create an environment where people find going to practice rewarding, whether it's through team bonding, or competitive reasons.

[Backward Rowing]

Agreed, Illuminate.

Same can be said about drop-in versus league ice hockey, corporate team versus high school team curling or even club-based versus team-based outrigger canoeing.

For example, are you a "team" in which everyone has an assigned role where it is a big deal if someone is moved from seat 2 to seat 9, or are you a "club" which people drop-in whenever it fits their schedule and are seated where they are most comfortable? Another example is this a "fitness exercise" where you just paddle for an hour or so and then it is done, or is it a "training regime" where on power-building phase on x weeks before the competition where you are pulling a bucket with set tasks.

It starts at the core where they set what the crew is about, practices, competitions, etc. This must be stated in extreme clear terms, in writing or culture, or something. This core then gather a crew around those goals by signing onto those ideas. Some things can be changed, but everyone has agreed to those specific goals. End of the season, goals change, people change, and if you have enough left, well, you have another season.

For me, I prefer commitment in writing (ah, the wonders of Doodle and TeamSnap), and knowing they are letting down the team when they don't show. When you're young, with no money and lots of time, you can't do it because you cannot afford the fees or travelling expense. When you're old, with some money and no time, you can't afford to skip your spouse's birthday.

[Waterbunny]

Rule #1 - SHOW UP

I've never been fond of drop-in dragon boating
The team needs to learn to work together as you all know.
Even if its a "fun" rec team, it's more fun when it goes smoothly
It won't be smooth if you aren't used to moving together

When important "life" situations get in the way- it had better be important enough that it can't be changed to another day. I.E. work travels or family illness
IMO a birthday dinner can happen on another day unless its Granny's 100th otherwise plan to go out to dinner on a non practice night