Oarsmen's Views about the Effects of Training on their Daily Lives. Applying Goffman's Theory in the Rowing Communes.

Research on the social dimension of rowing is underrepresented in the coaching science literature. It is well known in rowing circles that many problems arise from the training process in the rowing communes. The complaints of the oarsmen regarding specific problems during the training process in rowing communes were examined in this study. Fourteen oarsmen from Northern Greece with experience from rowing communes were selected and gave in-depth interviews. The complaints expressed by the oarsmen in interviews include the following: Athletic failure in major international events, as expressed subjectively by the oarsmen, results from fatigue prior to events, the incorrect timing of competitive goals (selection in the national team versus success in the international events) and the lack of meritocracy in the selection of oarsmen for the national team. Oarsmen of the national team neglect their studies and their professional future. During their stay in rowing communes the oarsmen are cut off from their social contacts. All oarsmen agreed that competing for a place in the team is a greater source of stress than the actual competition itself. Oarsmen believe that the presence of Greece in international competitions results from the efforts of athletes rather than those of coaches and administrators.