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It doesn’t matter how many clubs you’ve trained at or what level of competition you’ve reached in any sport. Some rules are just not written, and breaking them will either leave you buying the beers or becoming very friendly with the clubhouse restrooms!
We all love to be able to drop into a gym if working away or vacationing, and the ability to train with a new group is like a shot in the arm to most of us.
That being said, rather than you finding out the hard way, we’ve put together a few hints to avoid making these mistakes or upsetting fellow athletes.
- Training in unwashed attire.
Yes, it may be your favourite pair of sports socks or your $400 triathlon suit, but if it brings with it its own distinct scent, then it’s probably best left at home or, better yet, left to soak!
As my mom always used to tell me, ‘You’re going to train, not a fashion parade’, and let’s be honest, you aren’t going to retain many training partners if you are the one who cares more about how the clothes they wear look than keeping up with the group.
2. Turning up to a road ride on your TT bike.
This one is for the cyclists out there. Turning up to a group road ride on your TT bike (ESPECIALLY one equipped with gear shifters at the end of the poles, not near the brakes).
Some cycling clubs will not allow you to ride a TT bike in club sessions, but even if they do, you are probably best not to go near your aero bars, or it’s unlikely you will have many friends left at the end of the ride.
Keep the TT bikes for competition and enjoy the group dynamic of being out on the roads. If nothing else, that’s one thing cycling as a sport really embraces well.
3. Wearing white.
Clothing technology has come a long way, and fabrics are much better designed for sports nowadays.
However, wearing a white pair of shorts, cycling shorts, or even a training suit is a pretty bold move in anyone’s book!
If you are set on standing out, it’s worth checking your bowl movements are under control, and to save the embarrassment, it’s also a good idea to have a trusted friend check and make sure they don’t become see-through when wet!
4. Not racing on a steady state day.
If your coach has set you a steady state training day, then chances are it’s for a reason and not your chance to burn the group to the ground by racing the final 200m.
If you are someone who likes to see things as a competition, make sure you lock that inner demon well away for these days and avoid the temptation of going faster and faster as the workout progresses.
This one is a BIG pet peeve of mine, so don’t expect me and others like me to hang around long if you are going to do this.
Trust the process with your training, enjoy the company of others and remember not everything is a race!
5. Leaving your belongings everywhere.
When it comes to training sessions that may require multiple changes of footwear or even full outfit changes, the unwritten rule is don’t sweat in it and then launch it across the gym to be close(ish) to your bag.
As every gym owner out there will attest, there is nothing worse than having to pick up after you if they have a client that they are working with or if they are trying to keep the gym somewhat presentable.
If you are like me, I’m pretty precious about my belongings, so if you are training with a group, remember to be respectful of others and try not to dump your stuff everywhere.
6. Know your audience.
If you are someone who likes to keep training lighthearted and will always be the first to crack a joke or see the comedy in a situation, remember we don’t all see things the same way all the time.
I’ve known many clubs lose members because of the actions of one individual during training sessions, and you really don’t want those individuals running the show.
Keep things light, but also know when to say/do nothing and try to avoid confrontation at all times.
7. Know the consequences.
As I said at the start, not all rules are written, and as with everything in life, actions have consequences.
Some clubs keep things light and will ask you to pay a nominal fine or buy the group the first round after training.
However, other clubs take things more seriously, and you may find yourself being invited not to be a part of the group long-term.
If you are new to the group, find a seasoned veteran and find out the possible punishments beforehand (this will save you some pennies at the bar later, that’s for sure!). If you are more seasoned, well, you are the master of your own destiny, don’t tell us we didn’t tell you when you’re washing the club training kit that week!!
Just because these rules aren’t written down doesn’t mean they aren’t important. You are demonstrating good sportsmanship to your coaches and fellow athlete.
If there are any unwritten rules from your sport, we would love to hear them! Join us in the community, and let’s see what other unwritten rules there are out there. https://darkhorserowing.com/programs/