The development of a field test of rowing performance potential

For some years it has been recognised that continued international success enjoyed by rowers from countries such as East Germany and Romania has been nourished by rowing specific talent identification programs. In Australia, the lack of specialist physical education teachers in primary schools has prevented the adoption of a similar system. The purpose of this study, was to develop a rowing specific field test capable of identifying young adolescents with outstanding potential for rowing. A major design goal of this test was that it be simple to perform and portable in order that rowing associations and clubs throughout Australia could employ it without large capital outlay on either equipment or training.