RCA is a nonprofit organization recognized by the Government of Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee as the national governing body for the sport of rowing in Canada. RCA represents 15,000 registered members at all levels, novices, juniors, university students, seniors and masters, whether they row for recreation, health and fitness or competition.

RCA is a member of the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Fédération internationale des sociétés d'aviron (FISA), the international federation for rowing.

RCA was originally founded as "The Canadian Association of Amateur Oarsmen" in 1880 by the rowing clubs then in existence - to coordinate and regulate the sport of amateur rowing. In 1974 the name was changed to "The Canadian Amateur Rowing Association - Association Canadienne d'Aviron Amateur", which is still the legally constituted name, although Rowing Canada Aviron is now used as the operating name.

RCA's mandate and commitment to deliver value

RCA is empowered by its member rowing clubs to govern the sport of rowing in Canada and to develop the sport by all means open to it. It is committed to delivering value to its members in the key areas of:

- governing the sport;
- enhancing individual's competencies;
- encouraging competition;
- leading the sport in international competition;
- promoting the sport; and
- providing services to individual members.

For more details, see our member services section.

The mission of RCA

RCA's mission is to provide and manage services and programs for the membership within a fully integrated rowing system model, which furnishes opportunities for every individual to reach his or her potential at all levels of participation.

RCA values

Rowing is one of the oldest sports. Over the years certain values and characteristics have become associated with it, a set of noble principles which apply on and off the water and which RCA upholds:

1. EXCELLENCE - We believe in the right of all people to pursue their personal levels of excellence.

2. ENJOYMENT - We believe in sport being enjoyable.

3. FAIRNESS - We believe in fairness on and off the racecourse, as characterized by equality, integrity and trust.

4. RESPECT - We believe in free and open communication and respect for the views, roles and contribution of all.

5. HUMAN DEVELOPMENT - We believe that the short and long term physical, social, mental and spiritual well being of all should be enhanced through appropriate behavior and practices.

6. LEADERSHIP - We believe that those who participate in rowing have a responsibility to teach and apply the values of RCA, involving others in the rowing experience and inspiring and empowering them to reach their potential.

7. PEACE - We believe in sport as a vehicle to promote understanding and harmony within and among nations.

8. INCLUSIVENESS - We believe that rowing should encourage the participation of all segments of the community.

9. EQUITY - We believe in rowing being open to anyone.

RCA's goals:

1. win gold medals at the Olympic Games

2. increase membership

The second goal reflects a vision of rowing being enjoyed, as a recreational activity that promotes health and fitness, by all age groups and abilities.