Friends of Scholastic Crew Inc (FOSC) is a 501 (c) 3 community organization with a mission to foster and further the interest of scholastic rowing in Greater Rochester, NY. This umbrella organization helps support the set-up, organization and management of high school crews. FOSC is structured like a cooperative, providing boathouse space and rowing equipment, and supporting fundraising, communications, membership and program logistics for member-schools. Currently FOSC supports McQuaid Jesuit Crew, with the intent of including several additional high school teams in the future.

Scholastic Crew is a Varsity sport fully supported by school administrations. Students who meet athletic program requirements around academic eligibility and health certification are eligible to participate and earn a Varsity Letter. However, crew is a non-funded school sport that is primarily instituted through the efforts of FOSC and not through the planned development and management of the athletic department.

The governing Board of FOSC provides the vision, oversight, financial aid and manpower to member-school rowing teams. It supports the logistical needs of the crews for practices and regattas, and undertakes annual fundraising & development to establish and maintain the FOSC Boathouse and expensive rowing shells and equipment. Having a pool of resources – boats, oars, launches, ergs, trailers, etc. – significantly opens the door for all students to participate.

Scholastic rowing is a single school event where athletes row for, and represent, their high school. Youth club rowing draws student athletes from more that one high school. Depending on the regatta competition, athletes may row as a club, or must row as a school team. Competitive rowing is a non-funded school varsity sport.

Parents of rowers, alumni-rowers and parents, and interested community individuals are “member constituents” of FOSC and are invited to fully benefit and participate. These members form the basis of FOSC finances, volunteers and board candidates. There are three General Board Meetings annually (Sept, Nov and May) where Directors and Coaches provide information and reports to all members.

Board Structure:

The Board of Directors is comprised of voting and non-voting positions, with Executive Officers, Portfolio Managers and Team Coordinators. Directors are nominated-elected by the “member constituents” and formally confirmed at the November General Meeting. The Executive Board forms the Nominating Committee. Directors serve a one year term, or two-three where deemed necessary for board developmental work, or for purposes of consistency. Board Portfolios are determined by the corporation’s operating bylaws and the longer-term vision and plan of action. The duties and responsibilities for each Executive, Portfolio and Coordinator position are agreed upon by the Board, written as a Job Description, and may be adjusted from time to time as required. Voting Directors determine all the organization’s general, operational and financial policies and procedures and have responsibility for resource management. Directors may be released at the end of their elected term by resigning or by other reasons as outlined in the corporation’s bylaws.

© 2007 Friends of Scholastic Crew, Inc.