The effects of training in the rowing communes

 

Introduction

It is well known in rowing circles that many problems arise from the training process in the rowing communes. The complaints of the oarsmen  regarding specific problems during the training process in rowing communes were examined in this study.

Methods

Fourteen oarsmen from Northern Greece with experience from rowing communes were selected and gave in depth interviews. Nearly all interviews were conducted in the offices of a rowing club. The method of cognitive mapping (Eden et all 1983) was used for the analysis of interviews. In other parts of the research the traditional form of categorization of data into sentence forms was used.

Results

The complaints expressed by the oarsmen in interviews include the following: Athletic failure in major international events, as expressed subjectively by the oarsmen, results from fatigue prior to events, the incorrect timing of competitive goals (selection in the national team versus success in the international events) and  the lack of meritocracy in the selection of oarsmen for the national team. Oarsmen of the national team neglect their studies and their professional future. During their stay in rowing communes the oarsmen are cut off from their social contacts.

Discussion

Results from the data compiled have led the authoes to believe that oarsmen should be informed about the qualification and selection criteria of the coaches. Poor communication means poor management. Some others suggested that the National Team should be led by an impartial foreign coach. Indeed before the Olympic Games in Athens a foreigner at last is the head coach of the National Rowing team. This is a vast improvement because  a foreigner is probably less involved in internal conflicts Rowing communes seem to be a new form of totalitarian institution.  According to Maragkopoulou and Tzanetaki (1987 p. 207) "clear forms of totalitarian institutions exist from the past. However characteristics of totalitarian institutions in housing, working, or entertainment appear more often as time passes by". Total institutions are incompatible with a crucial element of our society - the family. As Goffman (1961:22) points out "those who eat and sleep at work, with a group of fellow workers, can hardly sustain a meaningful domestic existence". There are a few married rowers in the communes, however without children, as it would be practically very difficult for a married oarsman with children to remain in the rowing communes.

Discussion/ Conclusions

All oarsmen agreed that competing for a place in the team is a greater source of stress than the actual competition itself. Oarsmen believe that the participation of Greece in international competitions results from the effort of athletes than that of coaches and administrators. 

 

References

[1]. Eden, C., Jones, S., Sims, D. (1983). Messing about in problems. Pergamon Press, U.K.

[2]. Goffman (1961). Asylums. Penguin Books, London and New York.

[3]. Maragopoulou, A. and Tzanetakis, X. (1987). Objects and space in totatitarian institutions. The Greek Review of Social Research, 67, 206-213.