AGM Nomination Statement Men's Captain Dave Fassam

Hi all, Please find below links to all nomination statements. We are lucky enough to have two great candidates for Men's Captain and as such candidates will be voted for through secret ballot AT the AGM

Please see here Dave Fassam's Statement for Men's Captain

Dave Fassam Statement - link seems to be causing a problem , please see below

Dave Fassam - Application for Men’s Rowing Captain

My ambition as Men’s Rowing Captain is to rebuild, strengthen and motivate the men’s squad, creating an environment where rowers of all abilities feel welcome, supported and proud to represent the club. I would bring strong organisational skills, a practical and inclusive leadership style, and 25 years of Army experience in training sports squads, developing individuals and building teams. I understand the importance of preparation, discipline, clear communication and leading by example, but equally that people perform best when they feel valued, involved and motivated by a shared purpose.

The men’s squad needs someone to drive us on, motivate and get everyone pulling together (rowing pun intended). Henry has done a great job stepping up but has had a hard time getting rows out and getting squads together. That responsibility lies with many of the squad and not Henry. I have been disappointed for much of the year by the lack of training, the lack of a race crew at regattas and what has led to a general apathy in the squad. I would like that to end and for us to have a really good, strong, technical and hard winters training, in order to really hit the new season hard and competing well. To that end, I am putting myself forward as men’s captain. Maybe I’m a glutton for punishment, but actually, if I want to see the things I’ve mentioned change, then this is me taking action and responsibility. The plan would be to work closely with Bel (ladies captain) and ensure we get crews out on Wednesdays/Saturdays and where needed actually support the ladies getting some Crews out on Mondays and Saturdays as well if we can. The days of Poole turning up to regattas without a Mens crew are behind us, I intend to build momentum and enjoyment in rowing technically correct and hard with the aim of attending all regattas, all one off races such as the 3 rivers and competing with gusto and togetherness, not just as a men’s squad, but as a club.

1. Attracting and supporting new members

I would actively promote the men's squad through existing club networks, social media and local gyms. I have a couple of already drawn up advertising posters to distribute to assist in this.

We already have a group of rowers within the youth set up that will be approaching the age where they will want to transition to the mens training squad. It is imperative that they, and their parents, feel comfortable in doing that, knowing that they are coming into a calm inclusive squad that is all pulling in the same direction. We have recently seen the successful transitions of Kai and Henry as very successful examples of how this can be managed, and breed success with both representing Dorset and winning recently, we need more of this progress and development.

Each new member to the squad (and club) would be welcomed in by me, especially as they start in their foundation sessions, an introduction to the squad and a clear plan of how to get to racing. I would work with coxes and experienced rowers to provide progressive training suited to their ability with regular feedback.

The priority would be to convert initial interest into regular attendance by ensuring new members feel supported, develop confidence and quickly become part of the team.

2. Re-engaging inactive rowers

I would contact inactive male members individually to understand why they stopped attending and what would encourage them to return. Whether the issue is time, fitness, confidence, competing commitments or the environment within the squad, I would offer practical options rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

I would foster an inclusive, welcoming environment where every member feels valued, respected and able to participate. I would follow up after their return to ensure that they are happy and see how things can be improved.

The objective would be to re-engage existing members, improve retention and rebuild squad numbers while ensuring everyone feels they belong and can contribute to th

e team.

3. Organising weekly training

I would establish a forward training schedule covering water sessions, winter conditioning, technical development and preparation for competition. Sessions would have clear objectives and be planned around the coxes skillsets. Elements of my previous training plan that I developed years ago are still being regularly used through the club, where members will recognise terms such as the 'Brownsea Smash'.

I would publish the programme in advance and review attendance and progress regularly. I would work closely with the coxing team and wider club to coordinate resources and share expertise. Each session would also be announced on the squad WhatsApp group so rowers know what to expect from the sessions.

My Army experience has developed my ability to plan training, organise people and resources, maintain standards and adapt when circumstances change. I would apply these skills to deliver structured, purposeful sessions without losing the flexibility that club rowing requires.

4. Communication, attendance and filling boats

Building on the winter training and rowing, I would ensure members are using Sportmember, but as I am now, using the squad WhatsApp group to encourage squad members to mark availability so I can allocate crews. Keeping a record of who has rowed when and positions to ensure fairness of opportunity for all, while also taking into account possible future racing groupings. This would allow crews to be planned early, gaps identified and alternative combinations arranged before a session is lost.

Where numbers are short, I would contact suitable rowers directly and explore practical alternatives. I would also encourage members to communicate changes promptly and recognise that confirming attendance carries a responsibility to their crewmates. I have been working closely with the Ladies Captain already to see if there are women form their squad that would like to train with the men to get the boat out, this has already proven to be successful, with more boats going out recently.

The aim would be to maximise the use of available water time, reduce cancellations and establish a dependable training routine.

5. Working with Adele

I would work with Adele closely as her abilities as a cox to drive a crew and deliver a tough fitness developing session will be invaluable to the men through the winter training programme and beyond. Importantly taking on Adeles thoughts on the progress of the rowers, where improvements can be made and how we can maintain flexibility in all aspects of the mens training.

I would focus on organisation, training coordination, communication and maintaining momentum, while working with Adele to identify where our skills complement each other. We would share information, resolve issues early and present a consistent direction to the squad.

I would also involve coxes, experienced rowers and other club members where their knowledge or support could make a difference. Rebuilding the squad should be a collective effort, with responsibilities shared and members encouraged to contribute.

Our common objective would be to increase participation, improve reliability and develop a positive, united men's squad.

6. Priorities for the 2027 season

I would focus on four key priorities:

• Build an inclusive, one-club culture: Foster a joined-up approach across the club, encouraging collaboration between men's, women's and youth squads. Everyone should feel welcome, valued and able to contribute, with a shared commitment to the club's success.
• Develop every rower, particularly our youth: Provide clear opportunities for rowers of all abilities to improve their technique, fitness and confidence. I would place particular emphasis on supporting the transition of the youth rowers, helping them progress into senior rowing, further developing their potential.
• Maximise racing opportunities: Encourage participation at all regattas and one-off races throughout the season, giving rowers valuable competitive experience, clear goals and opportunities to develop across different crews under different conditions of length of race and type of water.
• Build consistency and measure progress: Maintain structured training and strong attendance. Working with Adele, the coaches and the wider club, I would review participation, development and racing commitments regularly to ensure our plans remain effective and inclusive.

My overall aim would be to build a sustainable, connected club where rowers support one another across age groups and squads, development is encouraged at every level, and we compete regularly while taking pride in representing the same club.