Whats the future of the National Capital Area Scholastic Rowing Association?
NCASRA has governed Washington area rowing since 1977. With the number of schools increasing to 46 this year, the organization has more than doubled its membership since 1994. But this year may be the last NCASRA exists in its current form. Some Maryland and District schools are chafing under the league’s rules, which must conform to Virginia High School League standards so that its public schools can participate. Gonzaga, for instance, violated league rules by holding practice in the fall, and NCASRA banned the D.C. private school from its regattas. One result of this tension is the introduction of dual and tri-meets to complement the larger regattas, in anticipation of a possible split along state lines next season. Almost unanimously, coaches said they hope the establishment of smaller events will both shorten the in-season regattas, which often included more than 1,000 rowers last season, and make the local, end-of-year regattas more meaningful.
