2016
Team Captain Manual
Presented by:
TEAM CAPTAIN MANUAL
1
Thank you for your participation in the Partners In Education Dragon Boat Summer Learning Festival. We
are pleased to have you serving as a team captain and hope that this manual will assist you in preparing your
team to compete!
Dynamic Dragon Boating and Partners In Education will be serving as certified officials to carry out the
procedures of the race: including, steersman training, practice sessions, boarding and loading of boats and
setting the race course. We appreciate the professionalism and experience of Dynamic Dragon Boating and
hope that your team members will abide by the rules of the race.
All teams will be asked to have two practices in the week prior to the race. It is very important that each
member of your team participate in both practices. A schedule will be made available that fits your team
time commitments. More details will be forth coming in the weeks ahead. Don’t forget to name your team!
Proceeds raised by the Partners In Education Dragon Boat Festival benefit the programs of Partners In
Education, a non-profit organization which develops and fosters partnerships between area schools and
northwest Ohio businesses, government agencies, organizations and churches to assist in the educational and
academic success of all students. Community partners make a difference and offer refreshing educational
opportunities. Your participation both in the festival and as a future “Partner” can make a big difference in
improving the educational opportunities for local students.
Partners In Education is proud to have the support and dedication of our event committee, community
sponsors, and participating teams who have worked hard to make this event possible.
Should you have additional questions please contact Partners In Education, Operations Coordinator at
419.242.2122.
Please read manual, sign and date end page and fax back to
Partners In Education at 419.242.2239
2
Host Organization: Partners In Education
Partners In Education, a community based 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, has initiated and developed
programs and services that support and expand the academic success of students in the Toledo Public School
District and the Catholic Diocese of Toledo. In 1993, the Rotary Club of Toledo commissioned the
Corporation for Effective Government study to examine the need for an organization to promote and support
school-community partnerships. The study found that in communities where a funded and staffed
organization existed to support the development of school-community partnerships, those relationships thrive
and make significant impact on student achievement. As a result of the study findings, in 1994 Partners In
Education of Toledo, Inc. was founded.
Partners In Education is dedicated to the purpose and mission of enhancing student success through
community engagement with at-risk youth being a priority. These initiatives actively engage students in the
learning process, from elementary age through high school to ensure that students move toward
postsecondary opportunities.
Festival Presenting Sponsor: BP-Husky Refining
As a global energy provider, BP-Husky Refining and its employees recognize the importance of education.
Given the current focus on increased student achievement in the nation and globally, energy education can
become an exciting way to help students learn about energy while supporting content standards.
BP – Husky Refining also invests in community programs and projects, focusing on those that promote
science, math and environmental education. BP – Husky Refining encourages its employees to participate in
community projects and volunteer activities such as building playgrounds and partnering with schools on
environmental projects.
As the Presenting Sponsor of the Dragon Boat Festival their financial contribution and provision of safety
and medical assistance provides for the smooth running of this unique event. Thank you to BP – Husky for
your continued support!
3
PLEASE COPY THIS ALL OF THIS INFORMATION
FOR ALL OF YOUR TEAM MEMBERS.
RACE DETAILS_______________________________________________________________________
WHERE & WHEN: The Partners In Education Dragon Boat Festival begins at 9:00 a.m.(sharp) on
Saturday, June 18, at International Park in downtown Toledo. The festival is a family oriented day full of
racing, demonstrations, music and food for all!
TEAM FACTS: Each team is comprised of a 25 person roster - 20 paddlers, 1 steersman and 1 drummer
and 3 alternates. Teams may be mixed gender - having at least 8 females paddling at all times, with the
option of a male or female drummer and steersman. If a team does not have at least 8 female paddlers they
will be ineligible to race. This will be checked in the staging and dock areas. At the present time, Partners In
Education does not adhere to the IDBF requirement to have a female team steersman on an all female team.
That said, for the 2016 race it is not mandatory for an all female team to have a female steersman. All
Personal Flotation Devices, paddles, steer oars and drums are provided to the teams.
A team may not compete with fewer than 16 paddlers.
RACE DAY PROTESTS__________________________________________________________________
PROTESTS/DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROCESS:
False starts - the starter will notify the finish line and a penalty (usually 2 seconds) will be given to the team.
This does not usually happen. It is important that teams and steersmen listen closely to the starter's
instructions. The starter can also impose a time penalty if he/she feels teams are deliberately ignoring
instructions to get an advantage.
If there is any type of protest, the team steersman ONLY can speak to the Dynamic Dragon Boating Race
Official at the finish line tent. Decisions made by the Starting Official, Referee and / or the Chief Official are
rarely changed. Dynamic Dragon Boating Officials will try to explain the decision that was made and why it
was made.
PRACTICE____________________________________________________________________________
PRACTICE SESSIONS: All waivers, pledge sheets and money (if applicable) need to be collected before
or on your first practice session. For insurance reasons; No one will be allowed in a boat without a signed
waiver or if they are under 16. The gazebo in the park will be set up as a registration area. Upon arrival,
captains will check in at the gazebo.
Each team is entitled to two practices prior to the festival; doubling up on a given day is not advised or
encouraged. Practices last 75 minutes in length: start times are as follows: 4:45 p.m., 5:45 p.m., 6:45 p.m.,
and 7:45 p.m.
4
To ensure that each team receives their full practice time we ask that as team captain you strongly encourage your team
not to be late to practice and have all your originally signed waivers turned into Partners In Education as each night close
to 25 teams (each with 22 people) need to practice. We appreciate your cooperation.
RACE DAY: Saturday, June 18, 2016
PARKING: On race day please encourage your team to carpool as parking may be somewhat limited. Lucas
County Sheriff’s Officers will be directing traffic. Parking is available across Main Street in the old sports
area lot, the back lot behind the dockside restaurants, the lot south of the volleyball courts, and the lot next to
the Willis B. Boyer.
CAPTAIN’S MEETING: On race day Dynamic Dragon Boating and Partners In Education will hold a
captain's meeting one hour prior to the start of the first race. It is mandatory that all team captains and
steersmen are at this meeting. Safety procedures, basic rules will be reviewed, as well as the start
commands. Teams need to have a minimum of 8 female paddlers in the boat (the drummer/steer do not
count). If a team does not have 8 females, they will be ineligible to race. This will be checked in the staging
and dock areas. At the present time, Partners In Education does not adhere to the IDBF requirement to have a
female team steersman on an all female team. That said, for the 2015 race it is not mandatory for an all
female team to have a female steersman. A team may not compete with fewer than 16 paddlers.
ON SITE REGISTRATION: The captain is responsible for checking in on race day to confirm
participation at the gazebo, before the mandatory captain’s meeting. You will be given your team
registration pack at the gazebo to check in your team participants. The mandatory captain’s meeting is NOT
the captain’s check-in point.
WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU: Paddling on the water means wet clothing and shoes. Encourage your
teammates to bring;
**These two items are the most critical items for your team. Please remind them repeatedly.
 sunscreen
 H20









an extra change of clothing, shoes, socks,
a few towels for the day
folding chairs
hats
sunglasses
blankets
coolers
high energy snacks
It is highly encouraged that you bring a backpack with you to hold keys, cell phones, glasses,
etc. for the team during the races.
PHOTOS: Each team will be asked to pose for a group shot prior to racing. A photo area will be set up on
shore and teams will be called. One framed photo will be made available to the team captain on-site, in the
afternoon. Additional photos including individual paddler and on-water shots will be available for purchase
through IPI Photo.
WEATHER: The Dragon Boat Festival is a rain or shine event! Be prepared for rain, sunshine, heat and /
cold. If we have thunder or lightning, the races may be delayed or postponed until the river is safe. The race
officials (Partners In Education /Dynamic) will determine and call any weather delays.
5
RACE DAY LIFE JACKETS: With multiple teams rotating through 8 boats, the loading area will be
bustling. When you are done with your race and leaving the dock area, we ask that you walk your paddle
and life jackets to the staging area and find a person to hand your jacket off to who is about the same size as
you. Please do not throw your paddles and life jackets on the ground.
MEDICAL SUPPORT: Ambulatory and EMT care will be there located by the American Flag if medical
attention is needed. You will be required to complete a medical safety report for treatment.
POLICE/SECURITY: We are very fortunate to have the Lucas County Sheriff’s Department with us on
land and water. They will be assisting in crowd control, and the safety of our guests. Please make sure that
you adhere to all safety rules and regulations and follow their direction as necessary. They are with us to
make your day safe and enjoyable.
WATER PATROL: We have been approved as a certified water event and are fully insured for your
safety. A crew of water patrol boats will be assisting to make your time on the river safe and enjoyable.
Please follow the rules on the dragon boat festival that are attached, so that we can prevent capsized boats,
collisions and other water safety hazards. Please share a copy of these procedures with your team members!
MONEY: You will need some money for the day. There will be food vendors on site selling everything
from BBQ, French fries and fresh lemonade to smoothies and ice-cream! We will provide your team with
one team photo, but you and others can purchase additional photos directly from the vendor.
FOOD: There will be a variety of food vendors at the festival that we ask that you support. However, you
are able to bring your own food, snacks, and drinks. There is no cooking allowed under a tent.
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES: Summer Learning - Games and activities will take place from
approximately 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the Summer Learning Village - Children’s area located by the main
walkway to the race course.
HOW TO TRAIN FOR PADDLING:
Start your training: Build your muscles in your arms, legs and back. While you paddle 500 meters (or about a
quarter of a mile) the stroke of the paddle is vigorous. These muscles can be worked by using simple
exercises such as walking, leg lifts from the floor or a chair and lifting small amounts of weight over the
head and around in circles. Sit-ups and simple crunches will increase the strength of your stomach and back
muscles. For endurance purposes start out lightly, and increase your time of exercise in the weeks ahead.
The paddle used in the Dragon Boat Race weighs approximately 2 pounds and will be placed in the water
and stroked to the instruction of the drummer and steersman. As we said, the race will last no more than 4
minutes, but it is work.
**Drink plenty of fluids prior to the event and throughout race day! Try to drink before you get thirsty to
avoid dehydration. Fuel your body with carbohydrates, the best source of energy! Pastas, rice and fruit are
heavy carbs. When training, take a few days off before the race so you are well rested and ready to paddle.
6
Tentative Dragon Boat Festival schedule of events:
7:15 a.m.
Set-Up (tables, chairs, signs, etc)
7:15 – 8:45 Team Captain Registration and Check-In
9:00
MANDATORY MEETING FOR ALL CAPTAINS AND STEERSMEN
 Opening Ceremony
 Singing of National Anthems
9:15
First Eight Teams Called to Holding Area
9:45
RACES BEGIN
10:00
Food Vending Open
10:00
Summer Learning Village Opens Until 3:00 pm
3:00
Team Spirit Awards Are Distributed At Team Tent Sites
3:00
Summer Learning Village Closes
5:00
Final Awards Presentation - Gazebo
5:15
Tear Down and Clean Up Begins
* All times are approximate – listen for announcement on loud speaker
Presented by:
7
PARTNERS IN EDUCATION
2016 DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL
Rules and Regulations
NOTE: IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE TEAM CAPTAIN TO ENSURE THAT THE
FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS PASSED ON TO THE INDIVIDUAL TEAM MEMBERS.
TEAM CAPTAINS:
Please submit the following forms:

Team Roster – Team Member Registration Forms – Participant Waiver of Liability Release
(Original Signatures) – ALL DUE BY JUNE 8, 2015.
ANY CHANGES TO THE ROSTER MUST BE MADE BY JUNE 12, 2015 AND MUST BE
ACCOMPANIED BY NEW WAIVERS. For insurance purposes Waivers of Liability cannot be faxed
or emailed.
The following will be given to the team captain to be shared with all participants:


Captains Manual, Water Safety Manual
Practice Session Information (When released by Practice Coordinator)
1. There are NO REFUNDS of registration fees.
2. All persons practicing in or racing in a dragon boat (or other craft that may be provided for the purpose
of practice) must have a completed waiver on file. To be a participant, a person must be at least 16 years
of age as of June 13, 2015 (or first day of participation during race week). Participants aged 16 to 18, as
of June 13, 2015, must have waivers signed by their parent(s) or guardian(s), accepting the risks
associated with their participation in the festival (including preparation and practice as well as actual
competition) and waiving any rights they may have to any cause of action against any person,
corporation or organization in any way associated with the festival.
3. The mandatory captain’s meeting on race day (near the gazebo) is not confirmation of team check
in. Understand that all captains need to check in at the gazebo (prior to the mandatory captain’s
meeting) to receive captain’s registration packet and return to team tent to check in participants.
4. There are two team categories: All-Female and Mixed. All mixed teams must have at least 8 females
paddling at all times. (Count does not include steersman/drummer). This will be checked in the staging
and dock areas.
I have read this manual and the list of important dates and ensure that all team members receive a copy of
this manual.
__________________________________________________
Captain Name
_______________
Date
8