Athlete Selection
Selection
Information relating to performance standards, national trials, selection criteria, available boat classes and the selection process for USSA Rowing international teams.
Overview
Selection Philosophy
Selection is intended to identify athletes and crews with the greatest potential to perform competitively at the World University Games and World University Rowing Championships.
Erg performance forms part of the selection process but is not intended to operate in isolation. Boat speed, seat racing, technical ability and athlete conduct all contribute to the overall assessment of an athlete.
Performance Standards
Current 2km Erg Standards
The current reference performances are based on the fastest submitted 2km erg performances from the concluded 2026 World University Rowing Championships campaign.
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Selection Framework
Weighted Selection Model
Athletes are assessed across multiple performance components. The current model places the greatest emphasis on demonstrated boat speed and on-water performance.
The weighted model should be read together with the formal selection policy once published.
Trial Programme
Boat Classes Available for Trial
Final boat classes will depend on the relevant FISU competition programme, athlete availability and the objectives of each international campaign.
Eight (8+): The 8+ is not currently a priority boat class for the programme. The focus is on developing competitive depth and international-standard performances in the smaller sweep and sculling boat classes. An 8+ may be considered for a future campaign where athlete depth, performance standards and the objectives of that campaign support an entry.
Lightweight events: Lightweight boat classes are not included because lightweight rowing is no longer part of the current FISU World University competition programme. Selection and trial opportunities therefore focus on the boat classes available within the relevant international competition programme.
The long-term objective is to develop sufficient depth across men's and women's sweep and sculling to support representation across the full international racing programme.
Governance
Selection Committee
Details of the appointed selection committee for each international campaign will be published here once formally confirmed.
Selection committee appointments, roles and relevant governance information will appear here.
Governance
Selection Policy
The formal selection policy will define eligibility requirements, trial procedures, selection criteria, athlete obligations, appeals processes and the authority of the selection committee.
The approved selection policy will be published here when available.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does meeting the erg standard guarantee selection?
No. Erg performance forms part of the overall selection process. Boat speed, seat racing, technical skill, coachability and professionalism are also considered.
Can I trial if I am outside the current erg benchmark?
Trial participation and selection eligibility are governed by the relevant trial notice and selection policy. Athletes should use the published benchmark as a performance target.
Are the erg standards permanent?
No. Performance standards are reviewed annually and may be adjusted using the most recent athlete and international performance data.
Will every boat class be selected?
Not necessarily. Entries depend on athlete availability, competitive standard, the relevant FISU event programme and the objectives of the campaign.
Can internationally based South African university athletes trial?
Eligibility may differ between WUG and WURC. Athletes should consult the competition eligibility information and the applicable selection policy.
Where will trial dates be published?
All official erg and on-water trial windows will be published on the Trials page and reflected in the athlete portal.
Am I only allowed to trial in a boat with someone from my university?
No. Athletes may trial with athletes from other universities and are not restricted to university-based crew combinations. Crew combinations may also be determined or adjusted based on athlete compatibility, boat speed, technical compatibility and coaching decisions.
Does the crew I trial in have to be the crew selected for the international competition?
No. Trial combinations are used to assess athlete and crew performance and do not necessarily determine the final selected crew. Final combinations may be adjusted based on overall performance, seat racing, technical compatibility, boat speed and coaching or selection decisions.
Can I trial in more than one boat class?
Where the published trial programme and schedule allow, athletes may be considered across more than one boat class. Final eligibility, trial requirements and crew combinations will be governed by the relevant trial notice and selection policy.
Do I have to pay the cost of an international campaign myself?
Not necessarily. Historically, the majority of university international campaigns have received funding through USSA, supported by funding granted by the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC), with additional contributions from universities in some cases. Funding arrangements differ between campaigns, however, and previous funding does not guarantee that future campaigns will be fully funded. Athletes may therefore be required to make a financial contribution depending on the funding available. The selected team will also participate collectively in fundraising initiatives where appropriate.
When will I know what my financial contribution will be?
The estimated campaign cost and available funding will be communicated as early as reasonably possible. The final athlete contribution will depend on confirmed costs, USSA or external funding, university contributions, sponsorship and fundraising. Athletes will be kept informed as the campaign budget and funding position are confirmed.
What if I am selected but cannot afford the required contribution?
Athletes should communicate any financial concerns as early as possible. Depending on the circumstances and availability of funding, possible options may include university support, sponsorship, team fundraising and application for the USSA Rowing Trustees Loan. Financial assistance or a loan cannot be guaranteed and will be subject to the applicable requirements, approval process and available resources.
Can I still trial if my university is affiliated to USSA but does not have a rowing programme?
Yes. You may put yourself forward for the university rowing pathway even if your university does not currently have a rowing programme, provided that you are a bona fide student of a USSA-affiliated institution and meet the applicable eligibility requirements. You may train and row through an appropriate rowing club outside your university structure. Final eligibility for a particular national or international competition remains subject to the applicable USSA, FISU and selection requirements.
Are international teams only selected for WUG and WURC?
No. While the FISU World University Games and World University Rowing Championships are major targets of the programme, they do not have to be the only international racing opportunities. Where appropriate, competitive and financially viable, crews may be selected to compete at other international regattas as part of their development and preparation. Potential opportunities may include events such as Henley Women's Regatta, Marlow Regatta, Henley Royal Regatta and Ghent International Regatta. Participation will depend on the objectives of the campaign, athlete and crew performance, event eligibility and entry requirements, available funding and the relevant approvals.