Can a para rowing crew change after the draw?
A · Advanced · Racing · 3 of 4Only rowers with an eligible class and status race internationally. Before the draw, a rower whose class is withdrawn or changed can be replaced by another eligible rower from the same club or federation. After the draw, if a rower's class change makes them ineligible, the crew cannot race again in that event. Rowers may always race in a more functional class.
How it works
- Eligible: class and status needed.
- No class: no international racing.
- Before the draw: replace the rower.
- Replacement: same club or federation.
- After the draw: an ineligible rower's crew is out.
- Racing up: allowed, to a more functional class.
- Racing down: not allowed.
- New rowers: provisional class at first race.
The glossary has the entries and crew changes (para rowing), the right to compete (para rowing), the sport class status (para rowing), the first appearance and observation assessment (para rowing), the not eligible (para rowing) and the crews in para events.
Tricky cases
A PR2 rower is moved to PR3 after the draw. Can the PR2 double race on?
No.
Can a PR3 rower race PR2?
No. Only up, never down.
Can a rower with status N race a World Cup?
Not without international evaluation first.
Who can replace a rower?
An eligible rower from the same club or federation.
Why the rule exists
Results must reflect crews that are classified correctly. The draw is the cut-off so other crews know whom they race.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Before draw | Replacement allowed | R14 11 |
| After draw | Crew out | R14 12 |
| Racing up | Allowed | R15 9 |
From the rule book
World Rowing, Rules of Racing and Related Bye-Laws (March 2025), Rule 24, Appendix R14, regulations 3 and 10 to 12, and Appendix R15, regulations 5 and 9. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: World Rowing Rules of Racing, Appendices R14 and R15.