Assessment Tools

Evaluation Resources

These tools help coaches evaluate participant progress and provide structured feedback throughout the Learn to Scull program. Use them to track development, identify areas for improvement, and determine readiness for independent rowing.

Assessment Instructions

Complete this comprehensive assessment for each participant at the end of the program. The assessment evaluates technical skills, safety awareness, and readiness for independent sculling.

Participant 1 Information

Assessment Scale

For each skill, rate the participant using the following scale:

  1. Needs significant improvement - Requires constant guidance and supervision
  2. Developing - Understands concepts but inconsistent in execution
  3. Competent - Can perform skill safely with minimal guidance
  4. Proficient - Demonstrates consistent technique with independence

Boat Handling Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Carries boat safely with proper technique
Launches boat properly from dock
Handles oars properly
Lands boat safely at dock

Technical Rowing Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Demonstrates proper recovery sequencing
Maintains proper blade depth
Demonstrates proper drive sequence
Maintains consistent rhythm
Controls boat feathering and squaring

Safety and Navigation

Skill Rating Comments
Successfully completed flip test
Demonstrates awareness of river traffic pattern
Applies appropriate safety practices
Demonstrates ability to steer effectively

Overall Assessment

Program Completion Status

Participant 2 Information

Assessment Scale

For each skill, rate the participant using the following scale:

  1. Needs significant improvement - Requires constant guidance and supervision
  2. Developing - Understands concepts but inconsistent in execution
  3. Competent - Can perform skill safely with minimal guidance
  4. Proficient - Demonstrates consistent technique with independence

Boat Handling Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Carries boat safely with proper technique
Launches boat properly from dock
Handles oars properly
Lands boat safely at dock

Technical Rowing Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Demonstrates proper recovery sequencing
Maintains proper blade depth
Demonstrates proper drive sequence
Maintains consistent rhythm
Controls boat feathering and squaring

Safety and Navigation

Skill Rating Comments
Successfully completed flip test
Demonstrates awareness of river traffic pattern
Applies appropriate safety practices
Demonstrates ability to steer effectively

Overall Assessment

Program Completion Status

Participant 3 Information

Assessment Scale

For each skill, rate the participant using the following scale:

  1. Needs significant improvement - Requires constant guidance and supervision
  2. Developing - Understands concepts but inconsistent in execution
  3. Competent - Can perform skill safely with minimal guidance
  4. Proficient - Demonstrates consistent technique with independence

Boat Handling Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Carries boat safely with proper technique
Launches boat properly from dock
Handles oars properly
Lands boat safely at dock

Technical Rowing Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Demonstrates proper recovery sequencing
Maintains proper blade depth
Demonstrates proper drive sequence
Maintains consistent rhythm
Controls boat feathering and squaring

Safety and Navigation

Skill Rating Comments
Successfully completed flip test
Demonstrates awareness of river traffic pattern
Applies appropriate safety practices
Demonstrates ability to steer effectively

Overall Assessment

Program Completion Status

Participant 4 Information

Assessment Scale

For each skill, rate the participant using the following scale:

  1. Needs significant improvement - Requires constant guidance and supervision
  2. Developing - Understands concepts but inconsistent in execution
  3. Competent - Can perform skill safely with minimal guidance
  4. Proficient - Demonstrates consistent technique with independence

Boat Handling Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Carries boat safely with proper technique
Launches boat properly from dock
Handles oars properly
Lands boat safely at dock

Technical Rowing Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Demonstrates proper recovery sequencing
Maintains proper blade depth
Demonstrates proper drive sequence
Maintains consistent rhythm
Controls boat feathering and squaring

Safety and Navigation

Skill Rating Comments
Successfully completed flip test
Demonstrates awareness of river traffic pattern
Applies appropriate safety practices
Demonstrates ability to steer effectively

Overall Assessment

Program Completion Status

Participant 5 Information

Assessment Scale

For each skill, rate the participant using the following scale:

  1. Needs significant improvement - Requires constant guidance and supervision
  2. Developing - Understands concepts but inconsistent in execution
  3. Competent - Can perform skill safely with minimal guidance
  4. Proficient - Demonstrates consistent technique with independence

Boat Handling Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Carries boat safely with proper technique
Launches boat properly from dock
Handles oars properly
Lands boat safely at dock

Technical Rowing Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Demonstrates proper recovery sequencing
Maintains proper blade depth
Demonstrates proper drive sequence
Maintains consistent rhythm
Controls boat feathering and squaring

Safety and Navigation

Skill Rating Comments
Successfully completed flip test
Demonstrates awareness of river traffic pattern
Applies appropriate safety practices
Demonstrates ability to steer effectively

Overall Assessment

Program Completion Status

Participant 6 Information

Assessment Scale

For each skill, rate the participant using the following scale:

  1. Needs significant improvement - Requires constant guidance and supervision
  2. Developing - Understands concepts but inconsistent in execution
  3. Competent - Can perform skill safely with minimal guidance
  4. Proficient - Demonstrates consistent technique with independence

Boat Handling Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Carries boat safely with proper technique
Launches boat properly from dock
Handles oars properly
Lands boat safely at dock

Technical Rowing Skills

Skill Rating Comments
Demonstrates proper recovery sequencing
Maintains proper blade depth
Demonstrates proper drive sequence
Maintains consistent rhythm
Controls boat feathering and squaring

Safety and Navigation

Skill Rating Comments
Successfully completed flip test
Demonstrates awareness of river traffic pattern
Applies appropriate safety practices
Demonstrates ability to steer effectively

Overall Assessment

Program Completion Status

Use this tracker to monitor participant progress after each session. This helps identify areas for focus in subsequent sessions.

Participant 1 Progressive Skill Tracking

Skill Area Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4
Balance & Stability
Recovery Sequence
Blade Control
Drive Phase
Safety Awareness

Legend: ✓ = Proficient | ! = Needs attention | X = Significant issue | - = Not assessed

Participant 1 Session Notes

Session 1 Notes

Session 2 Notes

Session 3 Notes

Session 4 Notes


Participant 2 Progressive Skill Tracking

Skill Area Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4
Balance & Stability
Recovery Sequence
Blade Control
Drive Phase
Safety Awareness

Legend: ✓ = Proficient | ! = Needs attention | X = Significant issue | - = Not assessed

Participant 2 Session Notes

Session 1 Notes

Session 2 Notes

Session 3 Notes

Session 4 Notes


Participant 3 Progressive Skill Tracking

Skill Area Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4
Balance & Stability
Recovery Sequence
Blade Control
Drive Phase
Safety Awareness

Legend: ✓ = Proficient | ! = Needs attention | X = Significant issue | - = Not assessed

Participant 3 Session Notes

Session 1 Notes

Session 2 Notes

Session 3 Notes

Session 4 Notes


Participant 4 Progressive Skill Tracking

Skill Area Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4
Balance & Stability
Recovery Sequence
Blade Control
Drive Phase
Safety Awareness

Legend: ✓ = Proficient | ! = Needs attention | X = Significant issue | - = Not assessed

Participant 4 Session Notes

Session 1 Notes

Session 2 Notes

Session 3 Notes

Session 4 Notes


Participant 5 Progressive Skill Tracking

Skill Area Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4
Balance & Stability
Recovery Sequence
Blade Control
Drive Phase
Safety Awareness

Legend: ✓ = Proficient | ! = Needs attention | X = Significant issue | - = Not assessed

Participant 5 Session Notes

Session 1 Notes

Session 2 Notes

Session 3 Notes

Session 4 Notes


Participant 6 Progressive Skill Tracking

Skill Area Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4
Balance & Stability
Recovery Sequence
Blade Control
Drive Phase
Safety Awareness

Legend: ✓ = Proficient | ! = Needs attention | X = Significant issue | - = Not assessed

Participant 6 Session Notes

Session 1 Notes

Session 2 Notes

Session 3 Notes

Session 4 Notes

Using video for assessment provides objective documentation of participant progress and can be a powerful coaching tool. Follow these guidelines when recording and reviewing assessment videos.

Recording Standards

  • Capture each participant from at least two angles (side and bow/stern view)
  • Record during sessions 1 and 4 at minimum for comparison
  • Ensure proper participant permission is obtained before recording
  • Include 30-60 seconds of continuous rowing for each recording

Analysis Framework

Technical Element What to Look For
Posture
  • Straight back throughout stroke
  • Shoulders relaxed and down
  • Head in neutral position
  • Core engagement during drive
Sequencing
  • Clear separation of recovery phases (hands-body-slide)
  • Sequential power application on drive (legs-back-arms)
  • Appropriate body angle at catch and finish
Blade Work
  • Clean entry and exit
  • Consistent blade depth
  • Proper feathering and squaring timing
  • Effective use of water
Balance/Stability
  • Minimal gunwale touching
  • Level boat through recovery
  • Stability during drive phase
  • Handling of recovery during unbalanced moments

Video Feedback Session Guidelines

  1. Review video privately before sharing with participant
  2. Always start feedback with positive observations
  3. Focus on 2-3 key improvements at most
  4. Use side-by-side comparison with model technique when helpful
  5. Connect observed issues to specific drills for improvement