Independence Day Regatta | July 4, 5 and 6, 2025

Schuylkill Navy Code of Conduct for Regatta Participants

By participating in a regatta conducted by the Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia, you are agreeing to follow guidelines for appropriate conduct. This is especially important as the Schuylkill Navy adheres to a standard of conduct around diversity and inclusion as set forth in the statement below:

The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia is committed to creating and supporting a safe and welcoming environment for all persons involved or associated with Schuylkill Navy-sponsored events and activities.  The Schuylkill Navy is equally dedicated to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Philadelphia rowing community and beyond. In accordance, the Schuylkill Navy, as both the governing body of rowing on the Schuylkill River and a Regatta Local Organizing Committee (LOC), stands against racist speech, behaviors, and actions that are adjudged to be unsportsmanlike conduct.  The Schuylkill Navy will take appropriate action against any such occurrences of such unsportsmanlike behavior at Schuylkill Navy-conducted events or within organizations affiliated with the Navy. 

In those instances where such inappropriate language, behavior, or actions occur, either on or off the water, measures will be taken commensurate to the transgression.  Restorative actions may take the form of sanctions including the possible suspension of individual, club, or program participation in events contemporaneous with the transgression and/or future Schuylkill Navy events.

As a regatta participant, you are expected to:

1. Behave in a respectful and friendly manner to all people attending the regatta.
2. Treat all regatta attendees fairly, regardless of gender, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or expression.
3. Refrain from any racist or offensive speech or actions which are derogatory, insulting, harassing, or otherwise deemed abusive.

Individuals, programs, and clubs that are found to be party to any actions that violate these outlined expectations will be subject to remediation by the Regatta Conduct Committee. This Committee will determine a course of action which may include, but is not limited to, any of the following depending on the nature and seriousness of the offense: written report to the participant’s program or club administrators (coach, captain, school athletic director, club officers, and other relevant parties), forfeiture of trophies or medals*, recommendation of requisite education and/or service project, and suspension of permission to compete, vend, staff or volunteer in subsequent Schuylkill Navy-conducted regattas.

Any regatta participant who experiences or is the target of racist or offensive speech or actions at any stage of a race is encouraged, at the finish of the race, to immediately notify the regatta referee(s) of the unsportsmanlike conduct.

Any regatta participant who experiences or is the target of racist or offensive speech or actions at any stage of a regatta should document and report the occurrence to the Regatta Experience Committee’s onsite representative(s) at Regatta Headquarters and/or at schuylkillnavyofphiladelphia@gmail.com.

*As the LOC, the Schuylkill Navy may award medals, trophies, and other prizes in compliance with Rule 4-101 (“Amateur Standing”) of the USRA Rules of Rowing.  The Schuylkill Navy, as the LOC, has neither the power or authority to influence the outcome of races (i.e., order of finish) but will not recognize individuals or crews whose behavior or actions do not coincide with the Schuylkill Navy’s philosophy and ethics.