Head of the Ohio

PARTICIPANT LIABILITY

Coaches and participants are reminded that participation in the Regatta involves a moderate risk of injury and/or property damage. While HOTO and Three Rivers Rowing will take all reasonable measures to ensure the safety of participants, officials, and volunteers participation in the Regatta is at one’s own risk and responsibility for claims deriving from personal injury, damage, or loss. While the Regatta provides security for the Heinz area launch site on Friday night, visiting crews are advised to take all reasonable precautions as the Regatta cannot guarantee the safety of equipment.

All participants must sign a USRowing waiver.  We encourage online waiver submission through Regatta Central while registering for the HOTO.  You will find this feature and further instructions under the "My Roster" menu item after logging into your Regatta Central account.

EQUIPMENT SAFETY

All shells must be equipped with a bow ball. Each set of shoes within the shell must be equipped with properly-secured heel tie-downs. A boat in which the body of the coxswain is enclosed or partially enclosed within the hull of the boat shall conform to the following requirements.  1) The opening through which the coxswain enters and exits shall be at least 2.30 feet (70 cm.) long when measured along the longitudinal axis of the boat. For a length of at least 1.64 feet (50 cm.), the opening shall be as wide as the inner hull of the boat itself. 2) The inner surface within which the coxswain’s body rests shall be smooth and free of any obstacles, devices, or other structures that would hinder quick exit.

CONTINGENCY PLAN

If water conditions deteriorate during race day, the officials and the LOC may determine it necessary to shorten the race course by about a half mile. If this occurs the finish line will be moved to the Allegheny Landing area upstream of the PNC baseball stadium. If this occurs announcements will be made multiple times at the docks as well as over the public address system. Such a change will only occur at the beginning of a race (not during a race) and there will be a 30 minute delay in the race schedule to accommodate moving the finish line.

FIRST AID

City of Pittsburgh paramedics will be available and located near the docks at Heinz Field.