Dragon boat is a team sport. 
 
Although it may suck to be benched, everyone on the team matters. Everyone on the team counts for every race - in or out of the boat and in every position in the boat.
 
Every member counts because we show up for practice, we work hard to improve ourselves and we work hard to push our teammates.
 
We all count whether we are sitting on the sidelines, sitting in the boat, or even sitting at home because we are there to support each other and cheer each other on.
 
If I'm sitting on the sideline, as a team member, I know I am still contributing because I am trusting my teammate to do the best that he/she can do.  I am also contributing because I fully support the decisions made because I know they were made for benefit of the team.
 
If I'm on the sidelines, that means I'm giving my teammate an opportunity because afterall, we're all on the same team, working towards the same goal.

So please everyone, recognize that these decisions DO NOT COME EASY.  (This is the worst part about organizing/captaining.)  But these decisions MUST be made.
 
There are no set formulas or hard rules to determine seating positions and race rosters.  Attendance is a BIG BIG component of it but may be not be a final determinant.  Fairness is as well.  And many many others.
 
So if you're benched this weekend, well, sorry, I guess, but suck it up and try to remember what was said in this email about TEAMWORK and TEAM SPIRIT.
 
Thank you for your attention and, in advance, for your cooperation and support.
 
LET'S JUST FRIGGIN' PADDLE!


<Dora, 22Sep2004>