Event Nomenclature

 

Rowing events use a systematic nomenclature for the naming of events, so that age, gender, ability and size of boat can all be expressed in a few numbers and letters.

 

The fist letter to be used is “L” or “Lt” for lightweight. If absent then the crew is open weight. This can be followed by either a “J” or “B” to signify junior (under 18 years) or under 23 years respectively. If absent the crew is open age (the letter “0” is sometimes used). Next is either an “M” or “W” to signify if the crew are men or women. Then there is a number to show how many athletes are in the boat (1, 2, 4 or 8). An “X” following the number indicates a sculling boat. Finally either a “+” or “-” to indicate whether the boat is coxed or coxless (or “straight”).

 

Boat Classes for the Olympic Games (14 in total):

 

Men: single scull (M1x), double scull (M2x), quad scull (M4x), eight (M8+), straight pair (M2-), and straight four (M4-)

Lightweight Men: straight four (LM4-) and double scull (LM2x)

Women: single scull (W1x), double scull (W2x), quad scull (W4x), eight (W8+), and straight pair (W2-)

Lightweight Women: double scull (LW2x)

 

 

Junior Men (JM): JM1x, JM2x, JM2-, JM4x, JM4-, JM4+, JM8+

Junior Women (JW): JW1x, JW2x, JW2-, JW4x, JW4-, JW8+